Solar Gel Batteries
Deep-cycle gel batteries and LiFePO4 lithium batteries for solar energy systems and caravans: 60, 100, and 210 Ah options.
Products (4)
- JelPower Solar Gel Battery, 12 V, 60 Ah – Request a quote (out of stock)
- Lexron 100 Ah Solar Gel Battery K – Request a quote (out of stock)
- Lexron 210 Ah Solar Gel Battery – $416.40
- Lexron Lithium Battery, Caravan Battery, 100 AH LiFePO4 – Request a quote (out of stock)
What is a solar battery?
Solar batteries are deep-cycle batteries used in solar energy systems to store the energy produced during the day so that it can be used at night and on cloudy days. While automotive batteries are designed to deliver a short burst of high current, solar batteries are built to deliver steady energy over a long period and to be charged repeatedly. The category includes gel batteries and LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries.
Gel batteries and lithium batteries
- Gel batteries: The electrolyte is in gel form; maintenance-free, low risk of leakage, and resistant to deep discharge.
- LiFePO4 lithium batteries: Lighter, with a greater usable proportion of their capacity and more charge-discharge cycles; protected by a built-in battery management system.
The Ah (ampere-hour) value in the product name indicates the amount of energy the battery can store; multiplying it by the battery voltage gives the approximate watt-hour capacity.
How is battery capacity determined?
First calculate your daily energy consumption in watt-hours. Select a capacity with some extra margin, taking into account that the battery should not be fully discharged and allowing for days without sun. If more than one battery is to be used, batteries of the same type, capacity, and age must be chosen; mixing different batteries leads to uneven charging. The charge controller and inverter must be set correctly for the battery type.
Use and maintenance
Batteries should be kept in a ventilated location protected from extreme heat and cold; high temperatures shorten battery life. Avoiding frequent full discharges extends the life of gel batteries. Terminals should be kept clean and tight, and cables and fuses of the correct cross-section should be used at connections. Batteries that will not be used for an extended period should be charged at regular intervals.
Frequently asked questions
Can a car battery be used in a solar energy system?
It can be used, but its lifespan will be short because it is not designed for deep discharge.
Why are lithium batteries more expensive?
They cost more because they offer a longer lifespan, greater usable capacity, and lower weight.
Can a gel battery and a lithium battery be used together?
Batteries of different chemistries should not be used together in the same bank.
How long does a battery last?
It depends on usage patterns, depth of discharge, and temperature.
Which battery is suitable for a caravan?
If weight and usable capacity matter, lithium batteries have the advantage.
Why is the charge controller setting important?
A charge voltage that does not match the battery type can damage the battery.