The best off-grid battery is the battery that successfully performs in a specific situation. Batteries are required in off-grid systems as the intent is to be fully self-sustaining. You generate power during the day and store it in the batteries ready for use anytime day or night.

Without batteries, you’re building a solar power system. Only with batteries are you truly going off-grid.

Types of Batteries Suitable for Off-grid Use

Selecting the best off-grid battery is all about choosing the right tool for the job.

There are two main type of battery for solar use, lithium and Lead Acid, both have their strengths and weaknesses. Lead Acid batteries can be flooded (higher maintenance at lower cost) or AGM (lower maintenance at higher cost)

  • Lithium batteries perform efficiently and very well across the board but cost a lot and can stop working below zero degrees Celsius. When requiring a fast charge or using a generator they come into their own, saving fuel, time and money. Lithium batteries are more expensive than flooded and AGM, but require less maintenance.
  • AGM batteries are good at high short term, high power applications and have a good price point. 
  • Flooded lead acid batteries are a good budget option and can allow large storage facility for backup situations at a reasonable cost. 

These are some reasons to help you decide the type of battery you should consider for your project, however it is not the be all and end all.

Want Help Installing an Off-grid Solar Power System?

We offer a nationwide off-grid installation service. Discuss your off-grid power requirements with Sunstore today!

Request a Quote

Each application is different from the overall power required each day, the frequency of charging, capacity of batteries required, is weight a factor, budget considerations, is a generator being used etc?.. Below is a chart to help decide.

 

Lithium 

AGM 

Flooded or Sealed

cost

xxxx

xx

x

efficiency

xxx

xx

x

recharge rate

xxx

xxx

x

recharge time

xxxxx

xxx

x

weight and size (usable power density)

xxxx

xx

x

performance in cold conditions

x

x

x

below zero operation

o

xx

x

life expectancy

xxx

xx

xx 

cycle rate

xxxxx

xxx

xx 

To summarise. There is no best off-grid battery overall. All the attributes must be considered to create the best battery for solar off-grid applications.

In most cases these points may apply:

In homes and off-grid systems where generators are used to recharge regularly

Lithium batteries are worth the extra investment here. With batteries of this size the cost is not far from a high quality AGM battery. With huge generator run time savings it will pay back very quickly.

Less regularly used systems where solar has the capacity to recharge the battery

AGM would be a good option here as they have a superior recharge rate and recharge time. Less regularly used systems could include holiday lets, weekend homes and non-permanent residences.

Sheds, cabins, outbuildings, mobile offices and stables

AGM batteries are a good fit here as they can charge quickly and require no maintenance.

Large backup systems where power is stored for backup or power outage scenarios

Either AGM or Flooded are a good choice in this situation as either can hold a charge for longer between being charged and drained.

If you would like help deciding which is the best off-grid battery for your needs, please contact us and we can take care of everything for you.

Request a Quote

Fill in the form below for a free no-obligation quote. Our off-grid installation service is available nationwide and starts from £360.

Please note, this is for OFF-GRID enquiries only. Off-grid systems differ to grid connected systems in cost and design. If you have a grid connection please click here for our On-grid installation service.

    Your Name (required):

    Your Email (required):

    Your Address (required):

    Describe Your System (required):

    The following optional details will allow us to provide you with a more accurate quote.

     

    Solar panel mounting (optional):

    List items to be powered (optional):

    Usage (optional):

    Any existing grid connection (optional):

    Upload an image or drawing (optional):

    Off-grid Battery FAQs

    Why do I need batteries in my off-grid solar power system?

    You need batteries in your off-grid solar power system to store the energy you generate.

    Solar panels generate the energy from the sun and pass it to the charge controller, sunwhich feeds it to the batteries. The system then feeds the property or vehicle from the batteries. Without them, if you don’t use the energy generated by your solar panels, it will go to waste.

    Yes, you really can live comfortably off-grid. The term off-grid doesn’t mean living with no modern amenities. It means living without an electrical grid connection. If you use one of our solar energy systems, you can generate enough free energy for your needs and store it in the batteries.

    It will remain stored until required, when it can be replenished during daylight. As long as the system you choose is sufficient for your needs, you should be able to live in perfect comfort!

    The number of batteries you need for your off-grid solar power system depends on the size and generational potential of that system.

    We tend to recommend calculating the maximum daily generational capacity of your solar panels and then adding 10-20% depending on the situation. This should provide enough storage capacity for the energy without making you spend too much.

    We can help you calculate exactly how many batteries you might need if you like!

    You prevent overcharging batteries by using a charge controller. We include one in our solar panel kits as it’s an essential ingredient.

    A charge controller feeds generated energy to the batteries and regulates everything so batteries receive the right level of charge and are never overcharged or fully discharged.

    There is no ‘best’ type of off-grid solar battery. Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses and one type will often be more suited to one type of installation over another.

    Flooded batteries are higher maintenance but cheaper. Sealed are slightly more expensive, GEL and AGM are newer and lower maintenance but higher cost.

    The subject of batteries is huge and we would be happy to discuss your needs further when you call.

    Batteries are in the centre of any solar energy system. The solar panels connect to a charge controller that connects to the battery bank input. An inverter is connected to the battery bank output that connects to the house or vehicle.

    The charge controller maintains the voltage fed to the batteries. The inverter transforms stored DC current to AC current usable by appliances. It also prevents current flowing back to the batteries.

    Call Us Today for Advice

    Available from Monday to Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm our helpful Sales and Technical team are here to help you choose the perfect product for your application

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email