Batteries

Wet Cell, GEL, and AGM batteries are all Lead Acid Batteries, so the technology is the same. Do remember that you must be able to charge your (lead acid) batteries fully at least once every ten days, so just buying a big battery causes you to have a big charging system, or the batteries will surely fail.

• Wet Cell Batteries need maintenance and attention, i.e. the never-ending periodic adding of distilled water and keeping the cables clean. They are a good choice economically and they're less expensive than AGM or GEL batteries.
• Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries are valve-regulated sealed batteries. They are not maintenance free. AGMs do not need the periodic addition of water. Without the fine mist of sulfuric acid, connector cables stay cleaner. Because they are sealed, AGM batteries are not hazardous shipments and they will not freeze even when deeply discharged. AGM batteries cost about a third more than their wet cell counterparts.
• Gel Cell Batteries Also valve regulated sealed batteries. The sulfuric acid is mixed with silica sand to make a "mud". There are a number of characteristics I don't like about these. They are not kind to a hard charge and you can "cook" them easily. If you heat them up the "mud" dries out and cracks, just like all mud, and leaves voids next to the grids, thus killing off some of the capacity. These batteries do have folks that love them and swear by them, but they are a small group who know how to maintain them. For most folks, I would recommend buying AGM instead.
• Lithium Batteries are different chemistry than other battery solutions; Some salespeople will tell you that they can be discharged to 0% without damage, but what they fail to mention is… that’s when the lights go out! Plus, if you’re charging from solar when the sun comes up your charge controller won’t turn on because it runs off battery voltage, of which you have none.
  • Today we have three types of lithium batteries on the market: Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) sometimes called Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) and Lithiun Titanate, (LTO) dense batteries that can also handle a wide range of temperatures, charging and discharging down to -22 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 131 degrees Fahrenheit, at elivations up to 10,000 feet
  • Our biggest concern with Li-Ion batteries comes from thermal runaway, it's a dangerous chain reaction, triggered by a source of heat, like overcharging or a house fire, which can lead to a powerful, explosive occurrence. Plus, you can’t put the fire out with water! The Power Wall is this type of lithium battery.
  • We recommend the LiFePO4 battery technology. LiFePO4 is a different chemistry than Li-Ion batteries. it is much safer with significantly longer cycle life, lower cost, lower-toxicity and more stability. Fortress Power, Victron, Trojan Trillium, RELiON and Simpliphi are all made with this type of chemistry.
  • If you're buying solar batteries ask us about Our Local Pick-up Options. Available almost everywhere in the 48 States. A small pick up fee may apply. or If pick-up it is not convenient we also have commercial flat-rate Truck Shipping.

Call us About Batteries 888-826-0939 we can really help.