The Best Deep Cycle Batteries to Use with Your Solar Power System – Reviews and Ratings
Updated: August 8, 2023
The Best Deep Cycle Batteries to Use with Your Solar Power System -Reviews and Ratings
A high-quality deep cycle solar battery can be one of the most important purchases you make for your solar power system, especially if you are planning to go completely off-grid.
Without one or more reliable deep cycle batteries, you will not be able to store the clean electricity your solar panels are able to generate. While you can run solar panels without a solar battery bank, this would mean you would have no way accessing solar electricity after the sun goes down. Of course, this would also mean you would not have a backup power source during blackouts and grid failures.
While this may seem like an easy task, the truth is finding a reliable deep cycle battery that is compatible with a solar power system is not as straightforward as you may assume. For starters, deep cycle batteries can be extremely expensive, so finding an affordable option can be difficult. On top of that, some battery manufacturers over-promise on what their products can deliver, so it can be difficult to find a deep cycle battery that will actually work as advertised.
How Can We Help?
To take some of the confusion out of the buying process, we have decided to review some of the best deep cycle solar batteries on the market today. Not only are these batteries fully compatible with a solar power system, they have been tested for both durability and performance.
In addition to reviewing some of the best options out there, we will also go over some relevant information about batteries and how you can choose the correct option for your particular needs. From there, we will point you in the direction of some high-quality solar kits you can use to build a viable solar power system.
Whether you need a reliable, high-capacity battery, so you can run a comfortable off-grid setup, or you just want a deep cycle battery you can incorporate into your grid-tied system for added flexibility, you have come to the right place!
Reviews of the Best Deep Cycle Solar Batteries
Lion Energy have a strong reputation for offering high-quality portable power products and solar-compatible battery packs, so it is no surprise that their UT 1300 battery has found its way to the top spot on our list of the best deep cycle batteries.
The UT 1300 is one of the top batteries in their latest line of solar battery banks. While it excels in just about every category, what really stands out to us about this battery is its reliability. Not only does Lion Energy back it with a lifetime warranty and a 3,500 cycle guarantee, it is designed to operate without the need for any sort of maintenance.
For those that are new to solar electricity, the simplicity of the UT 1300 will also be a highlight. Aside from providing customers with safe and reliable renewable power products, one of Lion Energy’s main goals is to make sure that everything they sell is accessible and easy to use, regardless of the buyer’s experience level. This is why the battery was designed to follow a plug-and-play model. The battery can replace your existing solar battery and fit seamlessly into your solar power system, or, if you are starting from scratch, you can build your system around it.
In terms of performance, Lion Energy replaced their old lead acid battery style with a much safer lithium – iron phosphate battery. This lithium-ion technology means the battery will continue to perform for years to come and will outlast any lead-acid battery you would connect to your solar system.
The improved charge retention and shelf life is really helpful for those that are looking for a reliable energy power source, or those that are running an off-grid system. The charge retention is so good that you can even leave the battery unattended for over 3 months, without having to top it up. In fact, it holds a charge so well that the UT 1300 can effectively hold some of its charge for nearly two years.
We also liked that the battery features an effective battery management system, which means it is safe from overcharging and overheating issues.
Key Features:
- Versatility, the UT 1300 is compatible with any solar power system and can be used as everything from an RV power source to a solar power bank for an off-grid cabin. It is also stackable, for those that need increased capacity
- Water resistant rating of IP65, so it is safe to use outdoors
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Impressive capacity: 12.8V/105Ah/1,344Wh
The Renogy Smart LiFeP04 is an iron phosphate battery that enables auto-balance with parallel connections, which means it offers plenty of flexibility for those that are running solar power systems.
The ability to stack the battery and expand the overall storage capacity is a really helpful feature, especially for those looking to run a fully off-grid system.
In terms of performance, the battery’s state-of-the-art lithium-ion cell system ensures a long cycle life and exceptional discharge. Those that are looking for a storage solution for a portable solar power system will appreciate the lightweight design and straightforward setup.
When paired with one of Renogy’s affordable charge controllers, the battery can be part of a highly efficient storage system. Buyers will also appreciate the RJ45 communication ports, which enable data transmission and allow you to get accurate information regarding the battery’s charge status.
The Smart LiFeP04 is one of the safest solar batteries on the market, as it includes an integrated battery management system, which ensures safe charging and discharging.
Key Features:
- Backed by a 5-year prorated warranty
- Guaranteed lifespan of at least 4,000 cycles
- Can safely operate at a wide range of external temperatures
- Compatible with all types of solar power systems
Solar Kits You Can Use with a Deep Cycle Battery
The battery is only one of the components you will need if you are looking to build a complete solar power system. In order to run a viable system, you will need to purchase efficient solar panels and an appropriate charge controller. If you are planning to run a hybrid system, you will also need a solar inverter (see inverter prices).
For those that are just getting started with solar energy, all of this can be somewhat overwhelming. Knowing what you need and how to put it all together can seem complicated at first. This is why we recommend purchasing a complete kit, as it will take away plenty of the confusion by offering everything in one convenient package.
Best of all, bundled solar kits tend to be more affordable than buying each component separately.
We recommend taking a look at our collection of Renogy Solar Kits. We carry a wide range of high-performance Renogy kits you can use for your own solar power system. Given that Renogy is known for offering high-quality products at affordable prices, these kits are a great place to start.
For those that are looking for more portable options, we recommend taking a look at our RV, Van, and Boat Solar Panel Kit Collection. Each of these kits was chosen because they are lightweight, easy to assemble, and offer the appropriate level of power needed for off-grid, remote locations.
Conclusion
While choosing a battery can be somewhat intimidating, especially if you are new to residential solar power systems, knowing what you need is actually far less complicated than you would think.
By choosing one of the two deep cycle solar batteries we reviewed above, you will be able to safely store solar electricity. The ability to store electricity that you can use on-demand will give your solar power system a whole new level of versatility. Even if you run a grid-tied system, you will benefit from the ability to access power during blackouts and use your own solar electricity when the local utility company is charging higher rates.
Then, of course, if you are running a fully off-grid system, a reliable battery will ensure you are able to access power, even at night and on cloudy days.
If you have any questions about using a deep cycle battery with your solar power system, or you just have any general questions about solar products, feel free to contact us at any time!
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