The Best Solar Batteries – Recommended Solar Electricity Storage
Updated July 5, 2023
The Best Solar Batteries – Our Recommendations for Solar Electricity Storage
If you want to get the most out of your solar power system, you will need an efficient and reliable battery. A high-quality solar battery will give you the ability to use your solar electricity at your convenience.
Without an appropriate solar battery, you will not be able to store the solar electricity your solar panels work so hard to generate. Whether you are looking for a reliable battery you can use to create an emergency power backup, or you just want the flexibility of being able to switch to solar electricity, even when the sun is not shining, you are going to need a solar battery.
How Can We Help?
Since solar batteries are such a critical component of any solar power system, we are going to highlight some of the best batteries on the market today. Not only will we review some of our top picks, we are going to explain some of the key features you should look out for when you are searching for a new solar battery.
By highlighting some of the best solar batteries out there, as well as explaining factors you should keep an eye out for, we will help you build the perfect battery bank for your particular solar power system.
How to Choose the Best Solar Battery
As with every component of a solar power system, there are certain specifications you should look out for when evaluating your solar battery options. For starters, you will want to know how long each battery will last and how much power it can actually store.
The following are some of the most important factors you should take into consideration when you are looking for a new battery:
Capacity and Power:
Capacity is the amount of electricity that a battery is capable of storing and it is usually measure in watt hours (Wh). While capacity tells you how much the battery can hold, it does not tell you how much electricity it can deliver at one time. For this information, you need to take a look at the battery’s power rating, which is usually measured in kilowatts (kW).
A battery with a high capacity and low power rating would deliver a low amount of electricity over a long period of time, while a low-capacity solar battery with a high power rating could power more demanding electronic devices, but for a much shorter period.
To find the perfect battery for your solar power system, you need to take capacity and power into consideration and find an option that delivers exactly what you need.
Cycle Life:
A solar battery will decrease in storage capacity the more you use it. As the battery ages, it will struggle to hold the same charge it did when it was first purchased.
Most solar battery manufacturers will list the cycle life of their batteries, which will give you a rough idea of how long the battery will actually last for. Choose a battery from a manufacturer that actually guarantees a reasonable number of cycles.
Warranty, Durability, and Waterproof Rating:
Unlike some other types of batteries, solar batteries need to have a rugged design. This is because solar power systems are located outdoors, so even their battery banks can be left exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
This is particularly true if you are planning to purchase a solar power system for your RV, camper van, or boat. To avoid issues in the future, choose a battery that was designed for durability and was built by a reputable manufacturer. Each of the batteries we reviewed below was selected because they find the perfect balance between performance and durability.
Ease of Installation:
The best batteries are designed in a way that they can be installed by anyone, even those with very little experience. You should not need to hire an electrician just to connect your battery to your solar power system.
Affordability:
Unless you are working with an unlimited budget, you will need to take price into consideration when choosing a battery. With solar batteries, price is not always a direct indicator of quality, so it is worth taking a look at affordable batteries from reputable brands.
Renogy is known for offering high-quality solar products at reasonable prices. Their solar batteries are available in a variety of sizes and they are perfect for any solar power system that is being assembled on a budget. Take a look at our Full Collection of Renogy Deep Cycle Solar Batteries.
The Four Best Solar Batteries
Now that you know what you should look out for, we can go over some of our top picks.
The Lion Energy Safari 1300 comes backed with a lifetime warranty and a 3,500-cycle guarantee. Unlike a traditional lead acid battery, this lithium-ion battery is designed for safety and ease of use.
The built-in energy management system and lightweight design make it the perfect option for any residential solar power system. It has an impressive shelf life of nearly two years, which is perfect for those looking for a reliable backup power bank. It is also rated for both cold and warm weather conditions.
The two collapsible carrying handles are really convenient, especially for those that are looking for a highly portable battery that they can take with them on RV and camping trips. The water resistance rating of IP65 also helps make this the perfect battery for anyone that is looking for a battery they can pair with their RV or boat setup.
Those planning on expanding the storage potential of their solar power system in the future will appreciate the fact that this battery can be used in a series. You can actually increase the voltage from 12V to 48V by connecting multiple batteries together in a series.
Feel free to shop our Full Collection of Lion Energy Solar Batteries if you are looking different size.
Rated Capacity: 12.8V/105Ah/1,344Wh
Weight: 23 lbs
With a cycle rating of 4,000 to 8,000 cycles, this is a battery that you can rely on for many years to come. It features a smart battery management system with an automatic low temperature cut-off, so you can leave it out in even the coldest climates. The replaceable battery management system also offers overcharge and discharge protection, as well as over-current and short circuit protections.
It comes backed with a 7-year manufacturer’s warranty and features a detachable cover. While it is a little bit too heavy for most RV and boat solar power systems, it is a great high-capacity option for those looking to add a battery bank to their residential setup.
Rated Capacity: 14.6V/206Ah/2,636Wh
Weight: 47.6 lbs
This budget-friendly battery is the perfect option for those that are looking for a reliable, high performing option. The maintenance-free design and long shelf life allow users to use the battery as a reliable energy power source.
With a wide range of safe operating temperatures and convenient carry handles, this is a great option, especially for those that are new to solar power.
Search our full collection of Renogy Deep Cycle Solar Batteries to find an affordable solar battery that meets your exact requirements.
Rated Capacity: 12V/200Ah
Weight: 127.9 lbs
Silicate-salt batteries were originally developed for military applications, so it is no surprise that this battery has a rugged and durable design. Whether you are in a cold or hot climate, this affordable solar battery can withstand a wide range of temperatures, without any noticeable loss of power.
Where these batteries really stand out is its ability to fully charge in an impressively short period of time. In fact, the battery can be recharged to 90% capacity within just 60 minutes, which is why it is such a popular option for those running large-scale solar arrays. Its maintenance-free and corrosion-resistant design means you can simply connect this battery to your solar power system and leave it to do its job.
Another thing we liked about this battery is how easy it is to install. It works exceptionally well as a basic solar battery than can be connected in just minutes. As with the other batteries on our list, it also requires very little in terms of maintenance.
Rated Capacity: 12V/100Ah
Weight: 61.7 lbs
Did you find this guide helpful? Then consider checking our next blog - How Long Does it Take to Charge a Deep Cycle Battery.
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