GEL batteries and lithium batteries: how to choose?
Choosing the right solar panel is very important. There are many factors to be aware of before making a purchase. The storage battery is one of the most important elements in an off grid solar system and is used as a backup power storage station during rainy/cloudy days or at night. First, you need to understand what you want from your battery.
Sohigh Solar has prepared a short reference on the most popular battery types to help you pick the right one.
Gel battery
Gel batteries consist of a silica gel network and gel sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. The electrolyte remains in a colloidal state and is filled between the membrane and the positive and negative electrodes. The gel surrounds the sulfuric acid electrolyte and does not flow out. This makes the gel battery highly resistant to vibrations.
In addition, the gel battery has a long service life and is safer to use. Their advantage is that we can also include a deep discharge cycle. This makes them suitable for all emergency applications and testing solar projects.
In addition, low discharge ampere mode is one of the features of GEL batteries. They can be fully discharged and do not require any special maintenance. They charge slowly because the batteries are not adapted to high charge and discharge currents.
Lithium Battery
Nowadays, due to the slight decrease in price in the last five years, the application of lithium batteries
has also increased. According to Statista, the lithium battery market will grow at a GACR of 14.6% in 2026.
There are three main types of lithium batteries: ternary batteries, manganate batteries and iron phosphate batteries. This last type can provide an ideal solution for the renewable energy industry. Low maintenance, stable chemistry, active condition monitoring and light weight increase ease of installation and transportation.
Comparative analysis of GEL and lithium batteries
To summarize this analysis, we gathered all the data into the table above:
- Lithium batteries are suitable for a wider temperature range.
- Normal storage or charging temperature should be 0°C. Otherwise, charging will fail for both types of batteries.
- The weight of a GEL battery is equivalent to two lithium batteries.
- Both gel battery and lithium battery are safe for application and transportation. GEL batteries have a stable chemical effect inside. Lithium Battery - Use the best BMS (Battery Management System) to protect the battery.
- Gel batteries are 50% cheaper than lithium batteries.
Our Suggestion
Sohigh Solar suggests to choose the battery according to your purpose and the most suitable price. Gel batteries are the best option for testing or less expensive solar projects. Lithium batteries are suitable for long-term installations and help avoid frequent replacement.
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