Lead Acid

Direct answer: Lead-acid solar batteries (AGM, flooded, and gel) still fit some off-grid and legacy inverter/charger designs that expect flooded or AGM charge profiles. This is a thin leaf — Crown 12V Group 31 AGM is the active SKU; for modern deep-cycle home storage compare LiFePO4 on Lithium. Call 877-878-4060 before mixing chemistries — DIY and pro installers since 1999.

Lead-acid solar batteries (AGM, flooded, and gel) remain a proven chemistry for many off-grid and backup designs. This leaf is the lead-acid chemistry browse under Solar Batteries.

In stock now (thin leaf): one ACTIVE AGM — Crown Battery 110Ah 12V Group 31 AGM (12CRV110). Flooded and gel deep-cycle SKUs on this leaf are largely archived while inventory refreshes. For modern LiFePO4 packs, shop Lithium. Call 877-878-4060 to confirm stock and charging profile.

When lead-acid still makes sense

  • Existing inverter/charger — already programmed for AGM or flooded profiles and you want to keep the same bus.
  • Budget amp-hours — when you need nameplate Ah capacity and accept more weight, maintenance, and shallower usable DoD than LFP.
  • Flooded maintenance willingness — watering, equalizing, and terminal care are part of owning FLA successfully.
  • AGM / gel sealed installs — less watering than flooded; still need correct absorb/float settings and ventilation per the manufacturer.

Lead-acid vs LiFePO4 (practical)

  • This page (lead-acid) — AGM / flooded / gel for designs that still call for it; typically more nameplate Ah for the same usable energy and stricter charge care.
  • Lithium (LiFePO4) — deeper usable DoD, long cycle life, BMS-equipped packs for hybrid and off-grid daily cycling.
  • All solar batteries — parent hub spanning lithium, lead-acid, and ecosystem-specific packs.

Charging and care basics

  • Absorb then float — finish bulk/absorb at the manufacturer absorb voltage, then hold float; do not leave banks chronically undercharged.
  • Avoid over-discharge — plan usable DoD conservatively (often ~50% for lead-acid vs deeper daily cycling on many LFP packs).
  • Flooded extras — check water levels, equalize when the manufacturer schedule calls for it, keep terminals clean.
  • Match the charger — set AGM vs flooded vs gel profiles on the inverter/charger or charge controller; do not mix lead-acid with lithium on the same bus.

What to buy with a lead-acid bank

  • Hybrid inverters — many support configurable lead-acid charge profiles; for 48V DC-coupled LFP upgrades see the in-stock Solis 16kW Hybrid.
  • Charge controllers — MPPT/PWM with AGM/flooded/gel battery types (educational / restock page).
  • Monitoring & control — shunt-based monitors and displays for voltage and estimated SoC.
  • Cable & wiring — battery interconnects sized to continuous and surge current.
  • Solar panels — array sized with the charger current limits and absorb time.

Shop related gear

FAQ

AGM vs flooded vs gel — which do I need?

Flooded (FLA) usually needs watering and equalization and is common in classic off-grid banks. AGM is sealed, spill-resistant, and uses an AGM charge profile — our current in-stock Crown 12V Group 31 is AGM. Gel is another sealed type with its own lower absorb limits — do not charge gel on a flooded/AGM-only profile. Match chemistry to the charger setting and the manufacturer datasheet.

Can I mix lead-acid with lithium on the same bus?

No. Do not parallel or series-mix lead-acid with LiFePO4 on one DC bus. Chemistries, charge voltages, and BMS behavior differ. Pick one chemistry (or use manufacturer-approved multi-chemistry architectures only when explicitly specified). Call 877-878-4060 before changing chemistry on an existing inverter.

Why is stock thin on this leaf?

Assortment currently centers on one ACTIVE Crown AGM; many Victron AGM/gel SKUs are archived. Browse Lithium for in-stock LiFePO4, or call 877-878-4060 for lead-acid restock and alternatives.

Do I still need a charge controller with a hybrid?

Often the hybrid handles PV MPPT and battery charging. Add a standalone charge controller for a second array or a classic controller + inverter/charger stack. Confirm AGM vs flooded vs gel battery type in the charger menu.

Can altE help me size a lead-acid bank?

Yes. Share critical loads (watts), hours of autonomy, bus voltage, and inverter/charger model. Call 877-878-4060 — DIY and pro installers since 1999.

Questions about AGM vs flooded, charging profiles, or whether to move to LiFePO4? Call an altE specialist at 877-878-4060 — DIY and pro installers since 1999.

Lead-acid solar batteries (AGM, flooded & gel) — Crown 12V AGM in stock on a thin leaf; compare LiFePO4 on Lithium and browse all chemistries on Solar Batteries.

Need help choosing lead-acid storage?

Lead Acid

Flooded lead acid (FLA) batteries have the longest track record in solar electric use, and are still used in the majority of stand-alone alternative energy systems. They have the longest life and the lowest cost per amp-hour of any option. On the other hand, in order to enjoy these advantages they require regular maintenance in the form of watering, equalizing charges and keeping the top and terminals clean. Some examples of flooded lead-acid batteries used in solar and wind electric systems are 6 Volt golf-cart batteries, 6 Volt L-16's and 2 Volt industrial cells for large systems.

Please Note: Lead-acid battery prices have been fluctuating frequently due to the changing cost of lead. We do our best to reflect current prices on the site; however they are subject to change.