BattleBorn Batteries - Review

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The article provides a detailed review of BattleBorn batteries, a popular choice for solar energy systems, RVs, and boats. It compares lithium batteries to lead-acid batteries, highlighting the former's longer lifespan, better performance, and lower maintenance requirements. The Battle Born battery is praised for its high quality, impressive 10-year warranty, and ability to withstand numerous charge cycles.

Pros of the Battle Born battery include its high performance, long lifespan, and warranty. However, its higher price and larger size compared to some alternatives are noted as potential drawbacks. Alternatives to the Battle Born battery, such as the Lion Energy UT 1300, Renogy 12V 100Ah, and AIMS 12V 100Ah, are also discussed, each offering its own set of features and pricing. Overall, the article concludes that the Battle Born 12V 100Ah battery is worth the investment due to its quality, performance, and warranty, but suggests considering alternatives based on specific needs and budget.

Introduction

Battle Born lithium batteries are a well known, highly rated American manufacturer of lithium ion (LiFePO4) batteries for solar energy systems, boats, RV’s and more.  Their 12V 100Ah model is one of the most popular batteries on the market today. If you are considering purchasing one of these Battle Born batteries, our team of solar power experts have put together this complete review to help you weigh your options. 

Battle Born Batteries - Product Review

Before we get started, we’d like to give a little bit of background about lithium batteries and what makes them great for solar energy systems.  After that, we’ll dive deep into the specifics, pros, and cons of the Battle Born batteries 12V 100Ah battery and explore some of the alternatives to the product. 

Lithium Deep Cycle Batteries for Solar 101

Within the wide world of off grid solar energy, there are two main types of batteries used to store electricity:  Lead acid and lithium batteries. Lead acid batteries of various technologies (flooded and sealed) were the longtime standard in electricity storage, used in solar, golf carts, and marine applications. Over the course of the past decade or so, lithium batteries have quickly grown to be a favorite amongst DIY solar power enthusiasts and we will explore the reasons why below.

Lead Acid Batteries vs. Lithium Ion Batteries 

• Lithium batteries last longer than lead acid batteries.  Most lead acid batteries are warrantied for 3 to 4 years of use.  Lithium Ion batteries are generally rated between 6 and 10 years. If you are planning to use your battery more than a few times each year, lithium batteries are also rated with much higher cycle life.  
• Lithium batteries perform better. In addition to being much heavier and less efficient, most lead acid batteries can only use about half of their capacity without damaging the system.  Lithium ion batteries are rated to discharge a larger percentage of their capacity, closer to 80% for most models.
• Lithium batteries do not require any maintenance.  With a lead acid battery, there are fluid levels to monitor and refill, taking up time, money and energy.  Lithium ion batteries are usually built with a battery management system (BMS) that prevents any maintenance necessary for continued operation.
• Lithium batteries cost less over time. Although they are usually about twice as expensive, lithium batteries last longer and perform better.  Therefore, the estimated cost per cycle of a lithium battery is significantly less than most lead acid batteries.  

What’s Included in the Battle Born Batteries 12V 100Ah Battery?

The Battle Born Batteries 12V 100Ah Battery utilizes lithium ion technology to store solar energy.  The product specs, as specified by their website are as follows:

• 100 Amp Hour, 12 Volt Battery
• LiFePO4 Chemistry
• 3000- 5000 Cycles*
• 100 Amp Continuous Current
• 200 Amp Surge Current (30 Seconds)
• 1/2 second surge for higher loads
• Drop in Replacement for Lead Acid Batteries
• Acceptable Voltages 14.4 – 14.6 for bulk charging
• 10 Year Warranty
• Designed and Assembled in the USA
• 12.75 x 6.875 x 9  (L x W xH)
• 31 lbs
• Bolt set included:
• 5/16″ x  1″
• 5/16″ x 1-1/4″

How Much are Battle Born Batteries? 

Compared to batteries with similarly advertised capacities and capabilities, the Battle Born 12V 100Ah Battery comes in as the slightly more expensive option.  At $949 upfront, this model is expensive, but may be worth it when considering its capabilities. Below, we will explore the pros and cons of this Battle Born Battery.

Pros of the Battle Born 12V 100Ah Battery

Battle Born lithium batteries are generally high quality products, as they are produced by an American company that cares about their customers’ experiences.  This model is no exception, as there are a lot of great aspects of this unit.

Battle Born Warranty

For starters, anyone who purchases the BattleBorn 12V 100Ah battery can be confident in their purchase knowing that the company has the product backed by an impressive 10 year warranty.  In a world where cheap batteries can be replaced in as little as 3 years, the 10 year warranty of this unit is among the highest available on the market today. 

Lots of Full Life Cycles

Under such a good warranty, the owner of this Battle Born battery can expect a large number of cycles to charge and discharge the solar electricity.  The 12V 100Ah battery is rated at 75%-80% of capacity remaining after 3,000-5,000 cycles. This is also among the highest life expectancies of batteries this size.  If you were to run a cycle everyday for ten years, that would be approximately 4,000 cycles, which means this battery would still be running with plenty of storage capacity after a full decade!

Extremely High Performing

When tested, the Battle Born 12V 100Ah Battery is a true 100 amp battery that is rated to hold 1,200 watt hours.  This makes just one of these the perfect size to power most small solar setups. It also has one of the largest ranges for charging and discharging temperatures, meaning that the Battle Born lithium battery can be used in varying capacity in (almost) any climate. The smart battery management system, low-temperature efficiency, and ability to safely connect multiple batteries in a series all make this product extremely high performing.  

Cons of the Battle Born Batteries 12V 100Ah Battery

Although this battery is extremely high performing, there are a few small aspects that may dissuade some customers from going with a Battle Born 12V 100Ah.  

Heavier, Larger Unit than Most

Battle Born batteries are made with high quality materials which are great for performance and longevity, but cost the units points in size and weight.  At 31 pounds and just under 800 cubic inches, the 12V 100 Ah battery may be slightly too large to fit in applications where space is scarce, like a van, or where weight is precious, like for a boat’s trolling motor.  Still, these lithium batteries will weigh less than lead acid alternatives. 

The Battle Born 12V 100 Ah Battery:  Is It Worth It?

Overall, we believe yes, the Battle Born 12V 100Ah Battery is worth it.  If you have the capital to invest in a battery that costs about $1,000, then by all means, we can recommend the Battle Born 12V 100 Ah battery.  Despite that fact that it may be a bit bulky, its long life, high performance, and warranty make it a high quality lithium ion battery for solar applications.   

Conclusion

Ultimately, we are living in an age where high powered technologies are emerging to make solar power storage more affordable and effective than ever.  The Battle Born 12V 100Ah is a high quality battery that is appropriately priced for the product that you receive. With that said, there are a few alternatives that would also make for great lithium batteries for your solar energy system. Also read our review Deep Cycle Batteries with Solar Systems.