The panels in a solar system collect energy from the sun. Then sends the converted power to the inverter, from which you can use electricity in your home, office, or industrial area.
With the rise of solar power as a popular and affordable way to power up your house or business, it is essential to know what kind of batteries you need.
Batteries are the heart of any solar system. They store the power generated during the day and release it at night.
If you want to take full advantage, you have to look for the best deep cycle batteries for solar systems.
The different types of deep cycle batteries available can be confusing and hard to navigate, which is why I created this list for you! Here’s a breakdown of my favorite deep cycle battery options for solar.
Everything About Solar Batteries | Different Types of Solar Batteries
A solar battery retains the power produced by your energy system’s solar panels. In addition, they may have inverters that include an integrated power conversion and performance monitor.
There are a few types of batteries out there that can be used in solar. Like:
Lead Acid
Lead-acid batteries have been used as dependable energy production for off-grid regions for many years. This is because they are often deep-cycle and low-cost.
Lead-acid batteries are known for their high power and discharge current, although low energy capacity. They require ample time to charge – up to 14 hours fully.
There are two types of lead-acid batteries typically used for solar panels: flooded batteries and valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries.
The flooded lead battery is a reliable option, but it must be watered and adequately ventilated to perform.
The VRLA is available in two varieties: gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM). Both have valves for off-gassing management.
These are suited for both cold and warm weather.
Although VRLA batteries provide enough installation flexibility, their temperature sensitivity may be a hurdle to consumers looking for a sustainable replacement for their grid supply.
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-ion batteries have grown in popularity as a power source for solar systems worldwide. The advancement of this type of battery is heavily influenced by its use in the electric vehicle industry.
Its prismatic shape enables airflow and is advantageous for usage in solar systems.
Lithium-ion batteries have such a distinct voltage range and charging response.
Even though lithium-ion batteries have a lower self-discharge rate than lead-acid batteries, they are typically more expensive.
This type of solar battery is often low-maintenance, has high specific energy, and has a long lifespan.
Lithium-ion batteries can provide more cycles than lead-acid batteries, making them ideal for providing supplementary services to the grid.
Lithium-ion’s excellent charge and discharge rates make it a desirable choice for a solar system because they save energy.
When not in use, these cells also lose less energy, which is beneficial in solar setups where power is only used occasionally.
Chloride of Sodium Nickel
The sodium nickel chloride battery, also known as the ZEBRA cell, has high recyclability and produces no emissions.
It does not require any ventilation or upkeep. Because of its high energy density, it is an excellent backup choice for grid supply.
Cadmium Nickel
Nickel-cadmium batteries are known for low maintenance and resistance to a wide temperature range.
They are available in various sizes and performance levels and have a pretty long shelf life.
However, because of its fast discharge rates and reduced energy density, this type of solar battery is a poor choice for long-term off-grid power.
It also necessitates specific disposal, as do lead-acid batteries, due to the environmental risk posed by its toxicity.
2 Things to Consider in Solar Batteries
While deciding which solar battery to purchase, you’ll need to consider several vital aspects for a more accurate conclusion. Consider the following:
Depth of Discharge (DoD)
The DoD of a solar battery is the useable portion of its capacity, and a DoD of at least 40% is suggested for optimal battery utilization.
Lead batteries typically have a DoD of 50%, whereas nickel-cadmium batteries have 15%. Exceeding this threshold before recharging reduces a battery’s lifespan.
In contrast, sodium nickel chloride and lithium-ion solar batteries have an 80% DoD, indicating a higher useable capacity.
Capacity
The capacity of a solar battery describes its ability to store electrical energy. Because of their heavier weight, lithium batteries have a more remarkable ability than all other types of lead-acid batteries.
To power a 5.1kW, you’ll need roughly 8 lead-acid batteries. However, 2 lithium-ion solar batteries are sufficient.
Because lithium batteries have a higher energy density. They can be deployed in difficult-to-reach spots because they can pack higher capacity through less space.
What are the Best Deep Cycle Batteries for Solar
As previously discussed, numerous types of batteries on the market can be deeply discharged, making them perfect for solar systems. Here are a handful of the most efficient deep cycle solar batteries:
1. Universal Power Group 100Ah Solar Wind AGM SLA DEEP Cycle VRLA Battery (Best for the Inexpensiveness)
This battery from Universal Power Group is an excellent choice for your solar system. They have a longer battery life, lightweight and inexpensive.
The capacity of this AGM battery is 100Ah, and the voltage is 12V. The idle voltage is 13.6V-13.8V, while the charging voltage is 14.5V-14.9V.
Therefore, this battery has the potential to be broadly used in solar panels.
It is also a battery that may be used in various automobiles. It requires no maintenance, is spill-proof, and is highly resistant to vibration and shocks.
The product dimensions are 12.17 x 6.61 x 8.30 inches, which is standard for this category. This battery weighs only 60 pounds. It allows you to install this battery quickly and easily. Furthermore, these cells can be installed in any orientation.
This battery is less expensive than other 100AH 12V deep cycle solar batteries on the market. This UPG battery will save you money while providing years of trouble-free service.
Remember that using the battery below 65°C can surely add a few more cycles to the battery’s life.
Pros
- 100Ah of battery capacity
- The battery can be deeply discharged
- It’s a maintenance-free battery
- Spill-proof
- Vibration and shockproof battery
- The battery is average in size and weight
- Cost friendly
2. Renogy B075RFXHYK 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery (Best for Low Internal Resistance)
Renogy Battery is well-known for its high discharge rate. The plate grids of this battery are explicitly employed in combination with the special quinary alloy plates. Renogy Deep Cycle Battery has a meager internal resistance due to this. That is around 5.0m.
Thus, this battery can be deeply depleted up to 10x its rated capacity.
Because of its reduced internal resistance, this battery is ideal for appliances that require more power to start up.
It’s a 12-volt, 100-ampere-hour battery. It has a cyclic charging voltage of 14.5V-14.8V and a floating charging voltage of 13.5V-13.8V.
At 25°C, the self-discharge rate of the Renogy Deep Cycle Battery is roughly 3%. That indicates that keeping this battery unused for several years at the specified temperature will save approximately 80% of its total limit.
This battery has proprietary valve-regulated technology. As a result, there is no risk of acidic leakage, and it requires no maintenance.
This battery was constructed with high-purity materials. It allows this battery to have a longer life span.
Because of the spill-proof characteristic, almost all AGM batteries can be used sideways for the user’s convenience. However, even though this battery is leak-free, Renogy recommends installing it upright only.
Not terrific. However, it may appear to be a disadvantage if you want to get this battery and plan to place it sideways in your devices.
However, the manufacturer allows you to place it sideways only if you have a compelling cause to do so.
The Renogy Battery has a more extensive working temperature range as well. It works appropriately at -15°C – 40°C while charging and -15°C – 50°C when discharged.
This battery has a weight of 63.9 pounds. The dimensions are 13.1 x 6.9 x 8.6 inches, making it slightly larger and heavier than modern 100Ah 12V deep cycle batteries.
Renogy battery is the most expensive of my recommended 12v 100Ah sector. However, despite its high price, it has received a very positive response from customers. Therefore, paying a little more money will be worth it.
Pros
- Battery capacity is 100Ah
- The battery can be deeply discharged. The self-discharge rate is only 3%
- This battery can produce high power of its lower internal resistance
- The exclusive valve regulation technology is incorporated
- Leak-free battery
Cons
- The battery is comparatively costly
3. Interstate Batteries 110Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery for Solar (Best for the Advanced VRLA Technology)
Interstate Batteries are another great option to use in solar.
These batteries have a shallow discharge rate, which is perfect for solar and other applications.
The company has used advanced VRLA technology in these 110Ah deep cycle batteries. As a result, these batteries are maintenance-free. You don’t have to pay extra time to take care for these batteries to work correctly.
Another benefit of using this technology is that it can save the battery from possible overcharge or overpressure. No wonder this feature will add a reasonable amount of time to your battery’s lifespan.
The batteries are spill-proof. So, there is no possibility of any leakage. Again, though, I won’t recommend you place it sideways in solar or upside down. Install it in the normal position, and you’ll get a very long and reliable backup.
The dimension of this battery is 12.99 inches (L) x 6. 81 inches (W) x 8. 35 inches. So you see, this is not a huge-size battery. Moreover, the weight of this battery is 67.6 pounds, which I would say, in this segment, isn’t that heavier.
Go through the weights of the top deep cycle batteries for solar. You’ll realize the weight of this battery is quite average comparatively. But definitely, it’s easy to carry and install. So what else do you need!
Pros
- Battery capacity is 110Ah
- This battery is maintenance-free
- There are overcharge and overpressure protection incorporated
- Leak-free battery
- Average dimension and weight, easy to install
4. LOSSIGY B08S7799BD 200AH Deep Cycle Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery (Best Lithium-ion Deep Cycle Battery)
Engineered for more than just preserving power effortlessly, LOSSIGY batteries are here to provide long-term peace of mind with their incredible endurance. They make it simple to utilize them in your home, at work, or for outdoor situations where trust and safety are essential.
As previously said, depth of discharge is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a solar battery. You’re probably aware that AGM batteries have a good depth of discharge.
Along with AGM batteries, lithium-ion batteries have a high discharge rate, making them an excellent choice for solar systems.
When shopping for deep cycle batteries for solar, you may require several batteries to function together. LOSSIGY 200Ah batteries come in handy in this situation. Up to four batteries can be linked in series, and up to ten batteries can be connected parallelly.
Because it is such a fantastic lithium battery, it can be installed safely in any position in solar systems.
This LOSSIGY lithium iron phosphate battery will provide you with years of service as they have a life lifetime of 4000-7000 cycles. A purchase can provide your solar system with roughly ten years of trouble-free service.
They can also be preserved for an extended time. In that instance, batteries should be stored at temperatures ranging from -12°C to 50°C.
When consumers hunt for the best deep cycle batteries for solar, they usually look for AGM batteries. However, compared to other AGM batteries, these lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density, more steady performance, and higher power.
The battery’s lithium chemistry reduces the weight of a standard lead-acid battery by more than half while giving a massive improvement in performance capacity.
Another reason people use deep cycle AGM batteries for solar because they require no maintenance. In this regard, the LOSSIGY lithium-ion batteries came to your aid. But, unfortunately, they are far too low-maintenance.
LOSSIGY lithium-ion batteries are free of heavy metals and rare metals. As a result, it is also environmentally friendly.
During the charge-discharge, the inbuilt battery management system (BMS) safeguards the battery from various circumstances. The method may ultimately protect the battery’s interior structure.
The battery’s temperature remains constant while charging, ranging from 0°C to 45°C. Therefore, these LOSSIGY batteries will not overheat, burn, or explode under high temperatures or overload.
Furthermore, LOSSIGY’s batteries include automatic switch-off technology for higher and lower temperatures. So, in addition to their BMS system, this cutting-edge technology will help your batteries survive even longer.
LOSSIGY also has excellent customer service. LOSSIGY has a specialized research and development team of experts who can assist you with any solution. As a result, if you have any problems with their items, they will be there to help you.
The dimensions of the LOSSIGY battery are 19.05 x 6.69 x 9.45 inches, which is slightly larger than the dimensions of other ordinary solar batteries. However, there will not be a problem during installation.
The LOSSIGY battery weighs only 48 pounds, significantly less than the weight of conventional AGM deep cycle batteries for solar.
Pros
- 200Ah of lithium-ion battery
- Massive battery life of 4000-7000 cycles
- Batteries can be deeply discharged.
- Batteries have a higher density of power and steady performance.
- The battery management system is incorporated for the safeguards of the battery. It protects from overcharging and possible burns.
- An automatic switch-on-off system is there to save the battery from overcharging.
- Great customer service
- Batteries can be connected both in parallel and in series.
- Lightweight
Cons
- Comparative a little bigger than conventional deep cycle batteries
5. VMAX B00NLQQE1E SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle 125Ah batteries (Best for the Float Life Span)
When it comes to deep cycle batteries for solar, AGM batteries are the undisputed leaders. And VMAX is well-known for producing high-quality 125Ah AGM deep cycle batteries.
The batteries are spill-resistant. As a result, there will be no leakage when using this product. It will also have no negative impact on your solar system.
The battery has an 8 to 10-year float life. So, if you don’t need to use the battery for an extended amount of time, you don’t need to be concerned about its longevity. Even if it is left unused for a few years, it will continue to serve you in the same way.
This battery was made without the use of any hazardous gases or vapors. As a result, they are eco-friendly.
This battery is 12.9×6.8×8.7 inches and weighs 75 pounds, just like other deep-cycle solar batteries.
Pros
- 125Ah capacity of the battery
- The battery can be deeply discharged
- Spill resistance technology
- 8 to 10 years of float life of the battery
- Eco friendly
Frequently Asked Questions
How to take care of a solar battery?
Battery terminals should be cleaned regularly with a cell terminal cleaner brush and a mix of baking soda and filtered water.
After that, clean the connections with water, double-check all links, and cover the metal parts with a commercial sealer or high-temperature grease.
What causes solar batteries to drain quickly?
If you notice a solar battery discharging so quickly, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the battery is defective.
When a device is connected to the battery, it pulls current from it, causing it to drain. Battery discharge can be defined as the process by which a battery’s charge is depleted.
The faster the battery empties, the higher the current consumed by the load.
Final Thoughts | Deep Cycle Batteries are the Ideals from Every Aspect
Solar power systems are generally composed of solar cells and panels, mounting equipment, and an overall performance monitoring system.
Because most residences are connected to the grid, these systems are more commonly used for backup amongst homeowners.
Many people, however, are looking for an alternative to their utility source. One popular reason for people converting to solar is to avoid rising electricity prices.
You can choose from many types of solar batteries to use for your system. It depends on installing an instant power backup like UPS or a strong, high-powered one.
However, you can select any of the products I have discussed above. They are all worth buying as they are specially made for solar systems.
They are the best deep cycle batteries for solar, undoubtedly.