Do you even need a battery?
An on-grid system without batteries is the cheapest, but it switches off during load shedding. If you want backup at night or during outages, you need a hybrid or off-grid system with batteries. Decide how many hours of backup you need and which appliances must run: fans and lights need far less than an AC or a water motor.
Tubular (lead-acid) batteries
- Lower upfront price, widely available and repairable locally.
- Heavier and bigger; needs a ventilated place.
- Needs care: distilled water top-ups (for flooded types) and clean terminals.
- Shorter life if discharged deeply and often.
Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries
- Higher upfront price, but usually lasts more charge cycles.
- Lighter and compact; almost no routine maintenance.
- Can be used deeper each day without as much damage.
- Needs a matching inverter and correct settings; a good built-in BMS matters.
Buying tips
- Prices change often with the market: compare current quotes, and treat any price you read online as approximate.
- Ask for a written warranty that states the capacity (Ah or kWh) and cycles.
- Check that the battery and inverter are compatible before buying.
- Avoid unknown packs with no warranty: rebuilt or used cells are common.
- Install in a dry, shaded place with fuses and proper cable sizes.