Imagine you have spent the batter part of the day in the woods, navigating tough terrains and taking the best photo shots of your life. You are pumped – and can’t wait to share your merry moments with the world.
Then suddenly, out of nowhere – your trusted fun buddy decides to betray you. That dreaded ‘your battery is running low’ notification pops up. As if that’s enough, the most unnerving blow hits you hard – your battery ‘refuses’ to run the inverter.
You can’t charge your gadget. End of world! At this point, no amount of cursing or supplications to Santa can’t help you. Truth is, it happens. To avoid that campers need to arm themselves with the best batteries for inverter use.
3 Best Batteries for Inverter Use
1. 12-volt 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
If you own an RV, chances are that you will spend large chunks of time off-grid. And you don’t want those embarrassing moments when you can make quick coffee or watch your favorite TV program because your RV battery has issues.
Renogy 12-V, 100Ah deep cycle AGM inverter battery is one of the best batteries for inverter use out there. It will help you not only restart your RV engine but also deliver several other functions.
What makes it a beautifully reliable option? This battery can deliver sufficient power to power electric vehicles, lawn and garden tools, consumer electronics, and emergency lighting, among many others. If you are looking for a battery that can serve as an efficient power backup or for your daily use(charging, etc), this once serves those purposes well.
It is good if your RV has solar-enabled roofing or panels. The battery is spill-proof, maintenance free and leak-proof. An additional plus point with this battery is that it is capable of preventing the risk of overcharge – especially if you have connected the batteries in a series.
See also: Reliable power inverters for trucks and RVs
However, Renogy 12-volt 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery is very heavy. Be prepared to handle its weight.
Strengths
- Can serve multiple purposes
- Ideal for daily use or for power backup
- Perfect for handling and storing solar energy
- Spill-proof, maintenance-free, leak-proof
- Built-in feature preventing damage or over-discharging of the battery when connected in series.
Limitations
- Very heavy- be prepared to handle its weight.
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2. ML100-12 12V 100AH SLA – Mighty Max Battery
This mighty max ML100 12V 100 Ah is one of the greatest options when it comes to the best batteries for inverter use.
The battery uses a futuristic heavy-duty calcium-alloy grid so it’s really exceptional performance-wise over a wide range of temperatures.
Plus, this Sealed Lead Acid(SLA) monster will be at your service for the longest time thanks to the durable construction- it’s manufactured with premium quality components all round while the absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology helps prevent Sulfation.
The battery has a low self-discharge and is capable to provide high currents to run power-hungry devices such as microwave ovens and freezers via a powerful enough inverter, 24 hours a day. Its valve-regulated engineering makes it spill-free.
In addition, the batter is lighter than most of its competitors and hence perfectly portable. The design is also unique and allows you to install the inverter at odd angles in your camper van.
Like other AGM batteries from Mighty Max, the electrolyte is suspended between fibreglass plates to protect you along with your accessories from harm.
Long story short, you cannot go wrong with this gem.
Strengths
- Spill-proof because of the ATM technology.
- Up to 5x faster charge than batteries using rival technologies.
- Impressive vibration and shock resistance due to the revolutionary construction.
- Stands up superbly to cold temperatures.
- Less vulnerable to sulfation.
- Maintenance-free battery.
- High power-to-weight ratio (specific power).
- Very responsive to load.
- Better cycle life than with flooded systems
- Can be installed in any position.
- Deep discharge recovery.
- Higher discharge rate.
Limitations
- Mounting accessories are not included.
3. Luminous RC 18000 150Ah Tall Tubular Battery
Luminous RC’s energy efficiency makes it one of the best battery inverters for use.
They are made up of an alloy component that protects the lead against corrosion. This component is designed to provide a void-free, homogenous grain structure that ensures top-notch performance. Besides, its quick charging feature and a longer backup reduce overall energy loss.
The structure of the battery casing – is created using a High-Pressure Die Casting machine. Thus, it not only gives it a stronger outlook but also helps maintain the void-free grain structure.
To ensure that the battery runs for a long time, Luminous RC comes with a corrosion-free spine alloy. It is the purity of this component that makes it low maintenance. The tubular plate, on the other hand, ensures that power is evenly distributed for high performance.
Strengths
- Can store power for a long time
- Low power losses
- Can stay for longer life (4-5 years)
- Minimized voltage fluctuations
- Low maintenance
- Delivers consistent power supply
Limitations
- The battery structure makes it pretty heavy.
4. Suaoki Portable Power Station 150Wh
If you love camping, you can’t go wrong with this portable power station. Yes, it isn’t a battery but the slim, lightweight device is a perfect AC solution for people that love hiking, camping or boating – even when you are off-grid.
You will not just be charging your smartphone – the device comes with a bright flashlight for camping, multiple US ports and an AC outlet. So you can charge your laptop, phones and tablets.
Another plus with this device is that you can recharge it with solar power. However, you have to purchase the solar panels separately.
See also: Top-rated solar power inverters
Strengths
- AC power outlet, many USB ports
- Can be recharged using solar power
- Can be put in multiple use
Limitation
- Too big if you are going hiking.
Understand the difference – Auto batteries vs inverter batteries
Yes, they are all batteries, but they work differently. Inverter batteries offer the AC current needed to power your appliances when you are off-grid. Inverters are designed to offer small amounts of power for a long period of time.
They have a lower number of plates that are thinner than those of auto batteries. That way, it means the volume of the electrolyte will be more, increasing the amount of time needed for the chemical reaction to produce current.
The electrolyte volume of the inverter batteries is more so that the chemical reaction takes more time to produce current. Auto batteries, on the other hand are designed to offer a large amount of power needed to start the engine.
It consists of more plates that are packed closely to increase the surface area for chemical reactions. That way, it can produce a large amount of power in a short time.
Once the engine starts running he alternator takes care of the rest and also recharges the battery to its full capacity.
What are the different types of battery inverters out there?
The life and performance of your inverter highly depends on the type of battery you are using. Inverter batteries come in different shapes and designs and can be classified into:
- Maintenance-free batteries – Unlike lead-acid batteries, these batteries are sealed. That means they don’t require regular electrolyte top up or checks. They cost more than their lead-acid counterparts. However, they don’t last as long.
- Tubular batteries – They are a highly efficient and popular option for use on most inverters. The design is complex, efficient topnotch, low maintenance, and lasts longer. They also cost more.
Not every battery is the best battery for inverter use. If you purchase an auto-battery for your inverter, chances are you will end up frustrated and will probably reduce the life of your inverter.
If you own a RV for example, you will need a battery that not only powers your baby but also power all the appliances and electronics in the motorhome.
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References and Citations:
1. YourHome: Australia’s Guide to Environmentally Sustainable Homes- Energy/Batteries https://www.yourhome.gov.au/energy/batteries
