Solar off grid systems need energy storage so that there is an uninterrupted supply of energy during night. The selection of battery changes depending on its capacity, efficiency, life span of the battery and cost. Here are the 10 solar off grid batteries together with their manufacturers, their prices, advantages and disadvantages and the place to buy them.
Key Types of Batteries for Solar Off-Grid Systems:
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: High energy density and long lifespan, but expensive upfront.
- Lead-Acid Batteries: Affordable and reliable, but shorter lifespan and require maintenance.
- Saltwater Batteries: Eco-friendly and non-toxic, but still emerging in the market.
| Battery | Price (USD) | Company | Advantages | Disadvantages | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 2 | ~$10,000 | Tesla | High capacity, integrated inverter, long lifespan (10+ years), app integration | Expensive, limited availability | Tesla’s official website, dealers |
| LG Chem RESU | ~$8,000 | LG Electronics | Compact, efficient, good lifespan (10 years), compatible with various inverters | High upfront cost | Amazon, solar installers |
| Battle Born LiFePO4 | ~$949 (100Ah) | Battle Born | Lightweight, durable, 10-year warranty, high discharge rate | High initial investment for larger systems | Amazon, Battle Born website |
| Renogy Deep Cycle AGM | ~$200 (100Ah) | Renogy | Affordable, maintenance-free, good for small systems | Shorter lifespan (~5 years), lower depth of discharge | Amazon, Renogy website |
| Discover 48V Lithium | ~$12,000 | Discover Battery | High efficiency, scalable, maintenance-free | Very expensive upfront | Solar installers |
| Blue Nova Lithium | ~$6,000 | Blue Nova Energy | Long lifespan (up to 20 years), high depth of discharge | High price, limited market penetration | Specialized retailers |
| SimpliPhi PHI 3.8 | ~$3,000 | SimpliPhi Power | Non-toxic, modular design, long cycle life (~10,000 cycles) | Higher initial cost | Amazon, Solar installers |
| Trojan T-105 | ~$200 per unit | Trojan Battery | Cost-effective, reliable for off-grid, deep cycle | Requires regular maintenance, shorter lifespan (~5 years) | Amazon, local dealers |
| Relion RB48V | ~$8,500 | Relion | High performance, long lifespan, advanced BMS (Battery Management System) | High upfront cost | Relion website, solar retailers |
| Aquion Energy Aspen | ~$1,000 per stack | Aquion Energy | Eco-friendly, non-toxic, maintenance-free, safe | Bulkier, less energy-dense | Amazon, Distributors |
Overview of Each Battery
Tesla Powerwall 2
- Advantages: Excellent performance, all-in-one system with inverter and app integration, weatherproof design.
- Disadvantages: Expensive, often a waiting period for orders.
- Where to Buy: Tesla directly or authorized solar installers.
- Relevant Study: Performance Review of Tesla Powerwall in Off-Grid Solar Systems
LG Chem RESU
- Advantages: Compact size, strong brand reputation, and compatibility with major inverters.
- Disadvantages: Higher cost per kWh compared to lead-acid batteries.
- Where to Buy: Available from solar providers and online platforms.
- Relevant Study: Evaluating LG Chem RESU in Residential Solar Setups
Battle Born LiFePO4
- Advantages: Exceptional durability, lightweight, and strong customer service.
- Disadvantages: Initial cost is steep for scaling large systems.
- Where to Buy: Direct from Battle Born or third-party sellers.
- Relevant Study: Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries: Performance Analysis
Renogy Deep Cycle AGM
- Advantages: Budget-friendly, ideal for small-scale setups, no maintenance required.
- Disadvantages: Short lifespan compared to lithium options, less efficient.
- Where to Buy: Easily found online or through Renogy’s network.
- Relevant Study: Comparison of AGM and Lithium Batteries in Solar Systems
Discover 48V Lithium
- Advantages: Premium performance with robust safety and reliability for large systems.
- Disadvantages: Prohibitive cost for small or budget-conscious projects.
- Where to Buy: Discover Battery distributors and solar companies.
- Relevant Study: Innovations in Lithium Battery Technology
Blue Nova Lithium
- Advantages: High discharge and recharge efficiency, long operational lifespan.
- Disadvantages: Relatively expensive, with limited accessibility in some regions.
- Where to Buy: Specialized renewable energy retailers.
- Relevant Study: Market Analysis of Blue Nova Batteries
SimpliPhi PHI 3.8
- Advantages: Eco-friendly design, highly reliable with a long warranty.
- Disadvantages: Higher price point for first-time users.
- Where to Buy: Certified installers or Amazon.
- Relevant Study: Eco-Friendly Battery Alternatives for Solar
Trojan T-105
- Advantages: Widely used in off-grid setups, affordable, and replaceable.
- Disadvantages: Requires regular watering and maintenance.
- Where to Buy: Widely available through hardware stores and online.
- Relevant Study: Deep Cycle Battery Usage and Maintenance
Relion RB48V
- Advantages: Outstanding efficiency, long lifespan, and safety features.
- Disadvantages: High cost limits its use to premium projects.
- Where to Buy: Relion’s official distributors.
- Relevant Study: Relion Lithium Batteries in Advanced Systems
Aquion Energy Aspen
- Advantages: Non-toxic and environmentally friendly, suitable for sustainability-focused setups.
- Disadvantages: Bulky and heavier compared to lithium options.
- Where to Buy: Select dealers or platforms like Amazon.
- Relevant Study: Exploring Non-Toxic Battery Solutions for Off-Grid
FAQs: Best Batteries for Solar Off-Grid Systems
1. Which battery lasts the longest?
Lithium-ion batteries, such as Tesla Powerwall or SimpliPhi PHI, typically last 10–15 years or more.
2. Are lithium batteries better than lead-acid?
Yes, lithium batteries are more efficient, have a longer lifespan, and require less maintenance.
3. Can I use any battery for solar systems?
No, use deep-cycle batteries designed for consistent charging and discharging, like lithium or AGM.
4. How much do solar batteries cost?
Prices range from ~$200 for lead-acid batteries to ~$12,000 for advanced lithium systems like Discover 48V.
