Guides
Battery guides that go beyond amp-hours — chemistry comparison, usable capacity math, and wiring configurations for solar and off-grid systems.
Why this page exists
Battery capacity is consistently misunderstood because amp-hour ratings are measured at full depth of discharge — a condition that damages lead-acid chemistries and shortens their life dramatically. A 100Ah AGM battery has roughly 50Ah of usable capacity if you want it to last. A 100Ah LiFePO4 battery has 80–95Ah of usable capacity and will last 2,000–4,000 cycles to that depth vs 200–400 for AGM.
The upfront cost difference is significant. The lifetime cost picture is often the reverse. This page puts the numbers in one place so you can make an honest comparison.
Deep-cycle batteries worth searching on eBay
LiFePO4, AGM, and marine deep-cycle batteries for solar, RV, boat, and off-grid use. We earn a small commission on qualifying sales; your price is unchanged. Full disclosure.
LiFePO4 Battery 100Ah
The most popular size for van, RV, and small off-grid setups. Look for a built-in BMS (battery management system) — it's required for safe operation and should be non-negotiable. Verify the max continuous discharge current meets your inverter's needs.
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AGM Deep-Cycle Battery
Absorbed glass mat lead-acid. Sealed, spill-proof, can be mounted in any orientation. Lower upfront cost than LiFePO4 but limit discharge to 50% for longevity. True deep-cycle AGM (not dual-purpose) has thicker plates for sustained discharge.
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12V Deep-Cycle Battery
Standard voltage for most van, RV, and small cabin systems. When searching, filter by amp-hour rating (50Ah, 100Ah, 200Ah) and chemistry. "Deep cycle" alone includes both AGM and flooded lead-acid — check the spec sheet to confirm which you're getting.
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Solar Battery Bank
Pre-matched batteries intended for solar storage — often sold with compatible charge settings listed. Useful for finding batteries whose manufacturers publish recommended charge profiles. Mix-and-match from different sellers risks mismatched capacity and internal resistance.
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Marine Deep-Cycle Battery
Marine-rated deep-cycle batteries are built for vibration resistance and often come in Group 24, 27, or 31 form factors that fit standard marine battery boxes. Dual-purpose marine batteries (start + cycle) are not ideal for solar storage — look for dedicated deep-cycle models.
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