What is a gel battery?

Gel batteries are a type of lead-acid battery that, in certain cases, can be a solid choice as an energy backup system or paired with solar panels. In this article, we’ll discuss some differentiating factors between gel batteries and other energy storage options and the best use-cases for this technology. What are gel batteries? How do they work?

Can a gel battery be used on a solar system?

Gel batteries, like AGM batteries, can be particularly useful for small, off-grid solar systems. For example, a remote cabin with low energy demand and a small system on the roof may be the perfect candidate for a gel or AGM battery bank.

Are gel batteries safe?

Because they are “sealed,” gel batteries don’t need their water levels checked and monitored like standard lead-acid options, nor do they expel gas. These factors generally make gel batteries safer than traditional lead-acid options, as they’re more of a “set it and forget it” product.

Which batteries are best for solar panels?

However, for most residential solar panel installations, you’ll want to explore lithium-ion batteries like the Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem RESU to keep up with the high energy input from a solar panel system and the high energy demands of a household. Gel batteries, like AGM batteries, can be particularly useful for small, off-grid solar systems.

Which batteries are best for a remote cabin?

For example, a remote cabin with low energy demand and a small system on the roof may be the perfect candidate for a gel or AGM battery bank. No maintenance is needed, and the relatively low upfront cost of lead-acid batteries makes gel batteries ideal for these smaller, off-grid setups.

Are AGM batteries better than gel batteries?

A major difference between the two technologies is their charge rates – AGM batteries are better at handling higher charge and discharge rates than their gel counterparts. In general, gel batteries are still a solid option for projects that involve very slow, deep discharge.