Sometimes you just need to go somewhere far away from home to forget about all your problems. But to do that, you need the best batteries for solar off-grid.
With our simple review guide, you will find exactly the model you need to power all your electrical appliances and enjoy your time off.
If you’ve done some research before but can’t make up your mind about a model, let our guide do the rest of the job.
With that out of the way, let’s jump right into it.
Best Batteries for Solar Off-Grid
1. Expertpower 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery – Best Overall
Highlighted Features
- Built-in BMS
- Rechargeable battery
- Overcharge protection
- 1280 watts
Getting a solar battery sounds tedious and complex, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This battery from Expertpower has everything you need, which makes it easier to choose one.
This is a lithium-ion battery, which is one of the best options for starting your new lifestyle.
Why is that?
It holds up pretty well, meaning you don’t need to replace it constantly. On average, it lasts up to 10 years.
It weighs about 22 pounds. This is below the average weight for a battery, which is excellent if you don’t want to carry too much weight.
Pros
- Lasts about 10 years
- Reduces high temperatures
- Optimal performance
- Super lightweight
Cons
- Has a hard time holding a charge
2. Renology 12V 100Ah pure gel – Best for Low Self-discharge
Highlighted Features
- 3% Self-discharge
- Overcharge protection
- Gel battery
- Long-lasting performance
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get a solar battery for home. In fact, a simple battery like this model from Renologoy is all you need to get the job done.
Don’t worry about maintenance. It features a protective system that prevents acid leakage from destroying your battery. And it can last up to 12 years.
Worried about self-discharge? This battery has a monthly self-discharge of 3%, which is way lower than the competition.
Pros
- Durable design
- Prevents acid leakage
- It can be stored for months and hold a charge
- Safe to use
Cons
- Not suitable for anything higher than 200W
3. Vmaxtanx 12V 125Ah Deep Cycle – Best for Performance
Highlighted Features
- Overcharge protection
- No dangerous gases
- Fast recharge rate
- Long-lasting performance
We know that not everybody has thousands of dollars sitting in the bank. In that case, we recommend this battery from Vmaxtanx. It is inexpensive, holds up well, and gets the job done.
This model has everything you need, from a system that prevents harmful gasses to a reliable system that protects your battery.
Finally, this battery is rated at 125 amperages, just a little bit above the previous model. But still good enough to power your new lifestyle.
Pros
- Charges pretty fast
- Safe to use
- Inexpensive
- Delivers what it promises
Cons
- Size might be too big for some applications
4. Jackery portable power station – Best for Travel
Highlighted Features
- Lightweight design
- Lithium battery
- 518 watt-hour
- Overcharge protection
Jackery is one of the best battery companies. If you’re having a hard time setting up your new lifestyle, this one is for you.
We could say that this battery has it all for saving money. It has a comfortable handle to carry it around, powers your mini-fridge, A/C, and TV, and is durable.
Overall, this is a reliable and safe option if you live somewhere with constant power outages.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Sturdy design
- Has a handle
- Thermal protection
Cons
- Output plugs are hard to source
5. Ampere time 12V Lithium Iron – Best for Durability
Highlighted Features
- Lithium battery
- Built-in BMS
- Long-lasting performance
- 12 Volts
Some batteries can be pretty expensive, but they usually live up to their price tag by offering the best of both worlds: efficiency and reliability. That’s why we love this model from Ampere.
This is a lithium-ion battery, which is your best bet if you’re looking for a reliable, efficient, and powerful battery.
This model is designed to hold up well over time. Why is that? Well, this is all thanks to its design.
There’s no need to worry about acid leakage since it doesn’t have any. This also means that you can mount it anywhere and never worry about harmful pollutants.
Pros
- Provides up to 4000 cycles
- Super durable
- Can handle up to 640W
- Holds up well to overcharge
Cons
- Not suitable in freezing temps
6. Expert Power 12V Deep Cycle Battery – Best for Holding a Charge
Highlighted Features
- Lightweight design
- User-friendly build
- 233 Amps
- Beginner-friendly installation
An affordable battery is all you need to stay away from society and save up money. While this model from Expert Power is not perfect, it is good enough to get the job done.
With over 1,000 reviews, this battery is one of the most reliable models available. It is super durable, powers your appliances, and is safe to use.
Besides, consumers have expressed that this battery holds its charge. So even if you store it somewhere for months, you shouldn’t come back to a discharged battery.
Pros
- Holds its charge for a long time
- Lightweight
- Compact design
- Affordable battery
Cons
- Not suitable for trolling motors
7. Universal Power Group 12V Solar Battery – Best for Fast Charging
Highlighted Features
- Sturdy design
- Low self-discharge
- Perfect for power outages
- Easy to install
And last but not least, we have this compact but reliable battery 2020 from Universal Power Group.
The durability of this battery speaks for itself. For example, this is a spill-proof battery, meaning you shouldn’t worry about liquid damaging the unit.
This is a small and compact battery. It barely takes up any space, which makes it easier to install.
Even if you don’t plan on going to some remote place, this is still a great backup if you live somewhere with constant power outages.
Pros
- Easy to use and store
- Durable
- Fast charging
- Super lightweight design
Cons
- Has a hard time holding a charge
What is a Solar Battery?
If you’ve had enough of electrical bills and plan on going somewhere far away from civilization, you’d need a solar battery to make it work.
A solar battery is a small but helpful source of power. With this battery, you can power things like your fridge, TVs, PCs, and so on.
Different Types of Solar Batteries
Feeling overwhelmed by all the types of solar batteries? Here’s a short comparison to choose the best batteries for solar off-grid:
Lead-Acid
Lead-acid batteries charge pretty fast, and they are also maintenance-free.
They have been around for a long time, but they still have a place in today’s age.
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-ion batteries are maintenance-free and have a higher storage capacity.
This means that lithium-ion batteries are reliable and durable. For example, the life expectancy for most lithium-ion batteries is about 10 years.
Flow
If there’s anything that flow batteries are good at is being safe and durable. For example, flow batteries can easily live up to 25 years, which is insane considering that most batteries last about 10 years.
Gel Batteries
Unlike most batteries, gel batteries do not need maintenance. They also work well under high and cold temperatures.
AGM
AMG batteries are well known for holding up to high temperatures. Moreover, they discharge slowly, making them a great choice if you do not want to worry about charging your battery constantly.
What to Consider Before Buying a Solar Battery
Before spending any money on batteries for off-grid, please consider the following:
Size
Make sure to get a battery that doesn’t take up much space. Avoid large and big batteries that take up too much space.
Installation
Hit up a certified professional for the installation. Installing one can be tricky, so avoid shady people.
Cost
The average prices for solar batteries are dropping. This means that there are endless options to choose from. For example, you can find a decent battery for nearly $80.
This is good enough to power a few electrical appliances.
For larger applications, $500 to $1,000 batteries should be on your list.
Charging
Your solar battery should be good enough to hold a charge even after you store it for months. So, make sure that it has a self-discharge rate of 6%.
Warranty
Always pay close attention to the warranty. Unfortunately, problems with solar batteries are not unheard of. That said, any battery should have a 1-2 year warranty.
Lifespan
Most solar batteries can last up to 8-10 years. This is the standard and what you should aim for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If there’s anything you’d like to know about solar batteries, check this section out:
How long do they last?
Batteries tend to last anywhere from 8-10 years.
Which solar batteries last the longest?
The Renogy 12V 100AH rechargeable battery lasts about 12 years, whereas the competition lasts about 8-10 years.
How many batteries do I need for off-grid solar?
To choose a battery bank, figure out your daily consumption. Next, decide how many days of reserve you need and multiply those days by the watt-hours you got from the first result.
Now convert your watt-hours to amps hours. Finally, divide your watt-hours by 12 and then multiply the result by 2.
Best Batteries for Solar Off-Grid: A Recap
The best batteries for solar off-grid should last 8-10 years. Don’t waste any money on any cheap knock-off that needs to be replaced after a few months.
And more importantly, get one of the models we’ve covered so far. THEY’RE AWESOME.
While they have their fair share of pros and cons, and there’s no perfect model anyway, you will have a blast with these. There’s no doubt.
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