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Battery types: what the names mean

Flooded, AGM, gel and lithium describe different battery constructions and chemistries.

Start with the family

Lead-acid batteries include flooded designs and sealed valve-regulated designs such as AGM and gel. AGM holds electrolyte in a glass mat; gel immobilises it in a gel. “Tubular” describes a plate construction, not a separate chemical family.

Where lithium fits

Lithium-ion is another family. LiFePO₄ means lithium iron phosphate, a chemistry commonly used for stationary storage. A battery management system supervises cell conditions; it does not remove the need for suitable installation and protection.

Compare the whole requirement

Ask about usable energy, supported charging settings, warranty conditions and inverter compatibility. The lowest purchase price and the largest Ah label do not, by themselves, identify the most suitable battery.

Further reading: Primary technical reference ↗

Apply this to your system

This guide explains concepts. Equipment selection and installation need an assessment of the actual system and the relevant manufacturer instructions.

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