Batteries for Inverters and UPS: How to Buy at a Good Price
First, what will you connect it to?
You don't buy a backup battery “in general”. You buy it for a particular inverter, UPS or solar system. The system voltage (12, 24 or 48 V) depends on that, and the capacity and discharge current you need depend on your load. A battery that only keeps lights, fans and a Wi-Fi router going is a very different size from one that must also run a fridge.
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Battery type: what to choose
- AGM and gel are familiar lead-acid batteries. They are cheaper to start with, but they don't like deep discharges and usually last for fewer cycles.
- LiFePO4 costs more, but allows deep discharge, lasts for more cycles and is lighter. For daily cycling it often works out cheaper in the long run.
- Tubular (deep-cycle) lead-acid is built for deep cycles and does this better than an ordinary starter battery.
A normal car starter battery is a poor choice for an inverter. It is not made for regular deep discharges.
What to check besides capacity
Ah at 12 V and Ah at 48 V are different amounts of energy. So compare in kWh: multiply the voltage by the amp-hours. For lithium batteries, check the BMS: the maximum discharge current, and whether it can talk to the inverter (CAN or RS485). Not every inverter can “communicate” with every battery, so ask about compatibility with your model.
What to put in your request
- Battery type: LiFePO4, AGM, gel.
- Capacity and voltage, for example 200 Ah and 12 V.
- What it is for: inverter, fridge, solar setup; the inverter model.
- Number of batteries.
- BMS: current, communication with the inverter.
- Brand and model, if you have already chosen.
- Warranty, delivery city, budget.
Example: “I need a 12 V, 200 Ah LiFePO4 battery with a built-in 100 A BMS for an inverter that runs a fridge, lights and fans during power cuts. 2 pieces, warranty of 5 years or more, delivery to Kuala Lumpur, budget up to RM 2,900.”
How to compare offers
Don't compare the price per battery. Compare the price per usable kWh and the number of cycles the maker claims. Ask how long the warranty lasts and under what conditions it is honoured. Check what's included: cables, fuses, mounting. For big batteries, ask about weight and delivery cost.
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If you haven't decided on the whole system yet, look at UPS units, portable power stations or solar panels and solar system equipment.
