Why We Like Lithium Batteries for Solar

What can one do when you see so many opinions, options and prices on Lithium batteries for RVs and off-grid. It is a bit confusing and can leave us more jumbled than when we started researching. However, one thing for sure is that Lithium (and the future variants) are for sure the way to go when looking at powering your RV lifestyle. Yes they are more expensive over Lead Acids- but for good reason. What can get a bit more dicey is understanding the value of investing in better Lithium batteries. The question becomes “geeze” are they essentially the same or is a better battery worth it?

The answer surprisingly will come more from the perspective of what is most important to you as the consumer. For us very simply is that if cost is a top priority then, sure lower cost options are fine to help get the base introduction into Lithium for your setup. So if you are looking for a simple solar system and battery set that is better than a Lead Acid battery approach it could be a good path forward. However, going in eyes-wide-open would then mean to accept the fact that there could be issues with the potential lower quality and lack of certain safety measures like- temperature cut-offs.

On the other hand, if outcomes are what you are looking for then those requirements will drive the solution components used. Outcomes that are more predictable and provide peace of mind. Premium Lithium batteries like Victron and Battleborn are more expensive for a reason! Their goal is not to be the low cost provider with the most economical parts. Rather they strive to be just the opposite and build their battery solutions with resiliency in mind. Manufactures are in the business to make money and margins are super important (price minus cost of goods sold). All of them have similar financial goals they are responsible for, like to their shareholders and income to pay the bills. Lower price requires lower cost the build, but they need to sell more- it’s just a business model that is super common. Think of low cost Lithium as the fast-food of batteries.

The old adage of “you get what you pay for” just might apply here until the dust settles on the Lithium battery wars. Until that time comes, Off Grid Solar Specialists will remain true believers in providing the best outcomes with the best solutions. We 100% believe that it is worth the extra cost to not only provide the best equipment but also the peace of mind that the batteries under the bed are the safest ones available. Very simply our always-on approach will be to build systems that are (in order of priority): unrelentingly safe, exceed the desired outcomes and provide a good value. We will never install sub-par equipment- ever. Our customer’s personal safety it too important.

So the in the end when looking at a Lithium battery choice of premium v. budget it just boils down to the customers priority.