Best Deep Cycle Battery for Solar Panels for Off-grid Living
The best deep cycle battery for solar is different from the usual car batteries because they are designed to offer stable power over some time until the battery significantly discharges. Solar power systems are useless without solar batteries because solar panels can produce energy but lack a way of powering your devices or solar energy storage for overnight use. These solar panel batteries work by storing energy generated during the day and saving energy in DC energy and need a power inverter to convert the DC energy into AC energy.
However, purchasing the best solar batteries is complicated for most solar systems because many options are available with different types, voltage, amp-hours, and prices. If you want to install a solar power system or change your solar battery storage, we have listed some of the best batteries for solar power systems with their pros and cons and a detailed buying guide to guide you through making an informed decision.
1. Ampere Time 12V 300Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
- Automotive Grade Lithium Battery : Ampere Time lithium iron batteries have...
- 1-3 Lightweight : Ampere Time LiFePO4 Battery weighs only 69 lbs for one module,...
- 95% Efficiency : Ampere Time LiFePO4 battery’s flat discharge curve holds...
- 100% Protection : Ampere Time LiFePO4 battery has built-in BMS (Battery...
Ampere Time deep cycle battery is a suitable solution for most solar homes, campers, and motor homes with a 100% discharge depth, meaning you can use the battery until it's completely drained. The backup power also features a discharge cycle count of over 4000 cycles, and after this, there will be a capacity drop, but it will still be enough for your solar energy storage needs. Additionally, it has a battery lifespan of over 12 years and comes with IP65 level waterproof features making it suitable for outdoor usage.
Ampere Time is the best solar battery because it uses lithium batteries made from automotive-grade LiFePO4 cells, with each cell carrying a UL Testing Certificate. The Ampere Time LiFePO4 deep cycle battery packs an extended 10-year service warranty, making it suitable for marine, RV, overland, and off-grid applications.
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2. Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Solar Battery
- Up to a Decade of Use - Enjoy superb return on your investment with this heavy...
- Built for Rugged Adventures - Our fast-charging LiFePO4 100Ah 12V batteries are...
- Designed for Versatility - This eco-conscious and lightweight Battle Born...
- Internal Protection - With a built-in Battery Management System (BMS), Battle...
- Quality You Can Trust – Our cutting-edge facilities are headquartered in Reno,...
BattleBorn deep cycle solar battery has to be among the top choices because it comes from a company known for making green energy batteries. These BattleBorn lithium-ion batteries are the best batteries for solar systems because they use non-toxic materials that are 100% safe and also renewable energy. The solar battery has discharge cycles of up to 5000 cycles and can accommodate up to 90% discharge.
The Battleborn solar battery also has a built-in Battery Management System (BMS). Therefore, it features automatic cell balance and protection from common battery failures like low/high voltage protection and short circuit and cold charge protection. Additionally, this is the right solar battery for anyone looking for fast-charging batteries because they charge up to five times faster than the standard lead-acid batteries.
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3. Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- 【Warranty】2-year material and workmanship warranty guarantee.
- 【Maintenance Free & Safe to Use】No acid leakage, no water refilling, and no...
- 【Better Performance at Extreme Temp】The improved electrolyte formula ensures...
- 【Longer Shelf Life】No need to recharge the battery frequently when not in...
- 【Outstanding Discharge Performance】Proprietary quinary alloy plates and...
Renogy Deep Cycle AGM battery is designed specifically for solar panels, making it suitable for an off-grip application. The solar battery requires no maintenance thanks to a leak-proof and spill-proof design, and it is also a high-performance battery suitable for daily use but can also be used as backup power. The Renogy solar battery holds change well, and it does not over-discharge when solar is unavailable. With the optimized capabilities, you are guaranteed the batteries are maintained and fully charged for ready use.
The Renogy Deep Cycle AGM battery can also be used for lawn equipment, electric vehicles, golf carts, garden tools, and electronics, to mention a few. The solar battery also has durable construction as it is made of a high-grade corrosion-resistant material which guarantees longevity, saving money because you don't need frequent replacements. However, these solar system batteries are heavier than most deep cycle batteries, so it might not be easy to install them.
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4. VMAXTANKS 12-Volt 125Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery
- 12 Volt 125Ah Group 31 AGM Deep Cycle Heavy Duty Battery
- Military grade custom made plates
- Float service life span of 8 to 10 years
- Designed for 99% recombination capabilities; no dangerous fumes or gases.
Vmaxtanks AGM batteries have large solar power storage, which is sufficient for one consumer for running the whole house, including a refrigerator or water pump. This is the best deep cycle battery for solar panels in an off-grid solar system for its maintenance-free battery and the wind turbines and smart chargers. Thanks to the AGM technology they utilize, they retain charge and charge faster, helping you to jump-start things when you need to.
Vmaxtanks deep cycle AGM battery is ideal for indoor usage as it has no free-roaming fluids and minimal venting. The battery also holds up well because of the custom-made military-grade plates and specs, and with a lifespan of about four to eight years, you are guaranteed superior performance.
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5. Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Solar Wind Deep Cycle VRLA Battery
- UB121000 SLA is a 12V 100AH Group 30H Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Maintenance...
- The spill-proof SLA/AGM battery features high discharge rate, wide operating...
- Rechargeable battery that can be mounted in any position, resists shock and...
- UPG #45978 UB121000
Universal Power Group is the best deep cycle battery for people looking for a durable and reliable solar battery for their solar panel system. It uses both AGM technology and a gel battery which makes it extremely efficient and more durable. Thanks to the sealed lead acid battery type, the solar battery can be mounted anywhere in whatever position, even facing upside down.
Also, this solar battery is unique because it has been designed to work with both solar and wind energy systems contributing to renewable energy. It also comes in different voltages, including 12V, 24V, and 48V, making it usable with users with unique setup requirements. The biggest downside of the Universal Power Group solar battery is the short 12-month warranty which is very short.
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What to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Deep Cycle Batteries for Solar
1. Type of Batteries
Before choosing your ideal battery, you need to know the four types of batteries and know the difference between them.
a). Flooded lead-acid batteries
The flooded lead-acid battery is among the popularly used batteries for an off-grid solar system, and they are also known as wet cell batteries. They are highly considered because they are reliable, have a low upfront cost, and are quite safe but keep in mind that they take up a lot of space and are susceptible to corrosion.
b). AGM Batteries
AGM battery which stands for Absorbent Glass Mat, is a lead-acid battery where the electrolytes usually absorb into a glass mat. The AGM sealed lead acid battery is suitable because it has lower resistance than flood lead batteries, are better at handling temperatures, don't discharge slowly like other battery types, hold static charges for a while, require less maintenance, are not inclined to heat up, are non-hazardous and are quite lightweight. However, these sealed lead-acid batteries are very expensive.
c). Gel Batteries
A gel battery uses fumed silica to thicken electrolytes making the cells more durable, and because of their nature, they don't leak when damage occurs. Some benefits include suitable temperatures, durability, great life cycles, narrow charging profiles, and resist shock and vibration. However, they are not mostly preferred because they have more disadvantages and don't have the best amp-hour capacity.
d). Lithium-Ion Batteries (LiFePO4)
Lithium batteries are always among the best batteries for solar energy systems because they have great lifespans, barely require maintenance, great capacity, stable and safe, and don't lose so much capacity compared to other reliable solar batteries. Even though a lithium-ion battery is top of the best solar batteries to use, this type of the best deep cycle battery for solar is the most expensive.
2. Charging Time
The charging time is how much time and sun the best deep cycle battery for solar will take to charge, and some batteries charge faster than other batteries. To maximize how much energy your solar energy system will generate, you will need to get a fast-charging battery because the lower the charge time, the faster you can use the battery. The best combination for your solar deep cycle batteries would be the most suitable battery plus an excellent solar battery charger, and this will guarantee a user high charging speeds.
Gel batteries are the best batteries if you care about the rate your deep cycle solar batteries will charge. Lithium-ion batteries are also a suitable choice since they need at least three hours to charge fully. In contrast, other types of solar batteries, like flooded lead-acid batteries, take a lot of time, even up to a full day, to fully charge.
3. Battery Life
The battery life signifies the amount of time your battery will be helpful before it starts losing its ability to hold the charge. Solar batteries' lifespan can be measured in terms of days, hours, and years, but this depends on the size, brand, or type. Notably, you should be ready to spend more for a higher life cycle, and long-lasting batteries often cost more than less durable batteries.
Each brand usually lists the estimated amount of time the batteries will be useful, and therefore, it's important to check this before making your final purchase decision.
4. Battery Size/ Capacity
The battery capacity and power rating are among the first things you should check because it is crucial to know how long your battery will last before you need to recharge again. Capacity refers to the amount of electricity the best deep cycle battery for solar will store, while the power rating is how much electricity your battery will provide. Both are important because a deep cycle battery with a low power rating but a high capacity will power a few appliances for a long period. A low capacity but with a high rating will power almost all your appliances for a short period.
Even if the battery's physical size matters to some point in terms of space for installation, it's not as important as the energy storage capacity, which is measured in Amp-Hour (Ah). Generally, the higher your deep cycle batteries' capacity and power rating, the better for you because you can power up several devices in your home for a long period.
5. Budget of Solar Batteries
When it comes to pricing the best deep cycle battery for solar panels, you get what you pay for, and therefore, the more expensive a solar battery is, the better it will perform and last. For example, a lithium-ion solar battery will cost more than an AGM sealed lead acid battery or lead-acid batteries. Still, the lithium solar batteries are easier to install, perform better, and require less maintenance. Before you make your final purchase, consider all the factors and how many solar batteries you need, then compare them to the deep cycle AGM battery choice price.
6. Warranty
The warranty is important because they are expensive; over time, your solar batteries usually lose their ability to hold their charge. Some batteries lose up to 30% and even more depending on the use. Therefore, the longer the manufacturer's warranty is, the better it is for you. The most reasonable warranty for solar batteries is usually around 20-30 years, with expensive brands packing longer warranties than the cheap solar batteries.
7. Ease of Installation
How easy the battery system will be to install is important, especially if you don't have prior knowledge of solar systems. Lithium batteries are the best if you are looking for easy to install, require minimum space, and are maintenance-free. The best off-grid solar batteries work with the minimum installation process and no need for an electrician because nobody wants multiple batteries that are difficult to install.
