Deep Cycle Batteries

Solar batteries are the heart of every off-grid solar power system. While the solar panels generate the electricity, they do it intermittently; it's the solar batteries that provide the consistency needed for comfortable off-grid living around the clock. Solar batteries are also called "deep cycle batteries" for their ability to handle long, frequent, deep charge/discharge cycles. Deep cycle batteries can be used in other renewable energy applications like wind and hydro power systems as well.

In an off-grid system, everything comes and goes from the battery bank, so your solar batteries will be working hard. You can help protect deep cycle batteries by regulating their charge with a charge controller and keeping tabs on them with a battery monitor. All batteries' capacity to store and deliver energy wears down over time, but there are significant differences between the different types of solar batteries, how deeply they can cycle, and how long they can be expected to last - see below for a comparison.