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Batteries
Shop lithium (LiFePO4) deep cycle batteries, battery backup systems, and modular energy storage from trusted manufacturers. Wholesale pricing for professional solar installers and contractors.
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NorthStar BLUE+ VRLA-AGM Pure Lead Carbon Battery 183Ah 12V Front TerminalSKU: NSB190FT-BLUEPLUS
Solar Battery Buying Guide for Installers
The right battery depends on the application — whole-home backup, off-grid autonomy, or time-of-use bill optimization. Chemistry, cycle life, usable capacity, and system voltage all affect long-term value. Use this guide to match the battery to the project.
LiFePO4 vs. NMC Lithium Batteries
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) is the dominant chemistry for stationary solar storage. It offers 3,000–7,000+ charge cycles, can be discharged to 100 % depth of discharge without accelerated degradation, and is inherently resistant to thermal runaway. NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) lithium batteries pack more energy into a smaller footprint, making them a fit for space-constrained retrofits, but typically deliver only 1,000–2,000 cycles and require tighter state-of-charge management. For most residential and commercial solar-plus-storage projects, LiFePO4 provides the lowest cost per kilowatt-hour over the system lifetime.
Sizing: kWh, Ah & Depth of Discharge
Start with the customer's daily energy consumption, then factor in depth of discharge (DoD) and round-trip efficiency. A typical U.S. home uses about 30 kWh per day; covering essential loads for backup requires 10–20 kWh of usable storage, while full energy independence may call for 50+ kWh. For off-grid systems, plan for 100–200 % of daily solar production in battery capacity to handle cloudy stretches. When comparing spec sheets, convert Ah ratings to kWh (Ah x system voltage / 1,000) so you are comparing apples to apples across 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V product lines.
Battery Backup System Architecture
DC-coupled systems pair batteries directly with a hybrid inverter and avoid the extra AC-to-DC conversion step, preserving 4–6 % more energy than AC-coupled setups. AC-coupled systems are easier to retrofit onto existing solar installations because the battery and its inverter operate independently of the existing string or microinverter system. For whole-home backup, confirm the inverter supports grid-forming (120/240 V split-phase) and that the battery's continuous power rating (kW) can handle startup surges from HVAC and well pumps.
What to Check Before You Order
Verify the battery carries UL 9540A certification, the standard for energy storage system safety required by most AHJs. Compare warranties on both calendar years and cycle count — quality LiFePO4 products offer 10-year / 6,000-cycle coverage. Check the operating temperature range, especially for unconditioned garages or outdoor enclosures. Finally, confirm compatibility with your chosen inverter; most manufacturers publish tested battery-inverter pairing lists that simplify permitting and commissioning.
Need help choosing?
Our team can help you select the right batteries for your project.