Best inverter battery for YOUR home (USA)

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Inverters are used to connect batteries with the appliances in our homes. For example, with an inverter and your car battery, you can power a fridge. You might be wondering what battery works best with your inverter so that you can power your home when needed. Let’s discuss this in more detail.

There are kinds of inverter batteries, running on different technology and having different capacities. The most widely available home inverter batteries are 150Ah, 100Ah, and 200Ah rated. When buying an inverter battery, you have to choose from tubular or short-tubular, long tubular, gel, or flat plate batteries. 

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Each type has a different price and its distinct features. The cost of batteries depends on the technology used to manufacture them. You should choose the best inverter battery for home based on how you will use it and the environmental condition of your location. 

What is a battery powering an inverter?

The first step in selecting an inverter battery for the home is to estimate the power requirement. Therefore, before buying an inverter battery, think about how many electronic appliances, fans, and lights you want to keep on when there is a power cut. Then you have to calculate how much power all these will consume. After this, you should purchase a suitable battery that can handle the load of your required power demand. Batteries are measured in Ah units or Ampere Hours and this indicates a battery’s capacity. An electrician is the best person to calculate the inverter capacity that you need.

Types of batteries that work with an inverter

After estimating the power requirement, the next step is to understand the battery types and select a suitable battery for your home. Your need will determine the type you should go for and how much it will cost you. Read on to know more about the different types of inverter batteries:

Short-tubular battery or Tubular battery

This is a lead-acid battery and the best inverter battery for home if you rarely face power interruptions. The plus point of a tubular battery is that it is hardy and almost needs no maintenance. The plate electrodes of this battery are tubular. Their excellent electrical and thermal properties make them more dependable than other types. Not only do they have a higher life span, but also a higher charge cycle. Hence, a tubular battery can be a little expensive owing to its features. 

Tall-tubular battery

This battery has bigger plate electrodes that are also tubular and are easily identifiable. In addition to that, it has a better capacity to endure overcharging when compared with other types. And in comparison to a short-tubular battery, a tall-tubular battery has about 30 to 35% more Acid volume per Ampere hour.

Flat-plate battery

This lead-acid battery is ideal for your home if you face power cuts frequently but of short duration. Flat-plate batteries are smaller and have fast-charging features. These batteries are also very budget-friendly. 

Gel battery

Gel inverter batteries emit the least amount of gasses. Furthermore, their gel crisscross structure makes them prevent leakages. Additionally, a gel battery provides the power supply consistently and is very safe. 

Choosing the best battery based on power interruption frequency

It is vital that you select the ideal one for your needs, or you may end up buying an expensive battery that will not fulfill your demand. To help you, we have mentioned which is the best inverter battery for your home, based on the number of power cuts you face.

One power cut in 2 to 4 months

If you face a very low frequency of power cuts, you should buy a gel battery. There are two reasons for this:

  • The self-discharge rate of a gel battery is 3 to 5% monthly, which is very less in comparison to other flooded batteries.
  • You do not have to remember to check the water level because a gel battery does not need a water fill-up. 

A 150Ah gel battery should be sufficient for you. But remember to check if your home inverter has the option of charging a gel battery. In comparison to other batteries, it needs a slightly higher voltage while charging. In case you charge a gel battery with a normal inverter, you will be unable to use the battery to its fullest capacity. This is because the battery will remain semi-charged. 

Two to three weekly power cuts per month

For a medium or lower level of frequency, you should either opt for a short tubular or flat plate battery. For a light load, use a tubular battery, but it is best to use a flat plate battery. Because any inverter will work with a flat plate battery, and it is very reasonably priced. A 150Ah flat plate battery should be sufficient for you.

Both short and tall-tubular batteries can handle a heavy load. But avoid buying a tall-tubular battery if you do not live off-grid and face power cuts regularly. Short tubular batteries are best for low and medium-frequency power cuts. Also, it is economical and has better thermal properties than flat plate batteries. Ideally, your inverter should have a charging option for tubular batteries. Inverters not made for tubular batteries will take longer to charge. Go for a 120 or 150 Ah short tubular battery.

Living off-grid/ high frequency of power cuts

Undoubtedly, a tall tubular battery is the best inverter battery for home if you live off-grid and face high power cuts. Because their battery life, which is five to eight years, is apt for you. The daily charging and discharging affect the battery life. Tall tubular batteries need a high charging current. Thus, your inverter must be able to charge such a battery. You should buy a 100Ah, 150Ah, or 200 Ah tall-tubular battery.

Best solar inverter battery manufacturers in the USA

Tesla Power USA is the leading manufacturer of inverter batteries for homes in the USA. But solar inverters are a rage now. And if you have a solar inverter, here’s a list of the top manufacturers who can provide you with the best inverter battery for home:

  • Tesla Powerwall
  • Sun Xtender
  • AIMS
  • sonnenCore
  • Adara Power
  • BBI (Battery Builders Inc.)
  • Generac PWRcell
  • U.S. Battery
  • Simpliphi Power
  • LG Energy Solution RESU Prime
  • Hup Solar
  • Enersys
  • Panasonic EverVolt
  • Power-sonic
  • Electriq Power
  • Enphase Energy

Batteries are still evolving. At the moment a lot of homes use natural gas to heat water and the rooms. If batteries become better, we might change to this system. At the moment they are mainly used for power interruptions. In this post, we have discussed some battery inverters.

Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_inverter

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