A battery stores solar power for use at night or during power cuts. It adds real cost, so the first question is whether you need one at all, and the second is how to compare the ones on offer.
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| CapacityUnits it can store | 150 Ah at C10, 12 V (1.8 kWh) | 150 Ah at C10, 12 V (1.8 kWh) | 100 Ah, 12.8 V (1.28 kWh) | 12 V × 100 Ah (1.2 kWh nominal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChemistryDecides upkeep and lifespan: lithium (LFP) needs no water, lead-acid does | Lead-acid, tall tubular | Lead-acid, tall tubular | LFP (lithium iron phosphate) | Flooded lead-acid, flat plate |
| Rated cyclesFull charges before it wears down | 1,500 at 80% depth of discharge | 1,500 at 80% depth of discharge | 3,000 | Not listed |
| WarrantyYears covered | 72 months | 60 months | 60 months | Not listed |
| Filled weight | 60 kg | 58 kg | Not listed | Not listed |
| Dimensions | 50.2 × 19.1 × 44 cm | 50.2 × 19.1 × 44 cm | Not listed | Not listed |
| Water top-up | every 8 to 10 months | every 8 to 10 months | Not listed | Not listed |
| Max charge current | Not listed | Not listed | 50 A | Not listed |
| Max discharge current | Not listed | Not listed | 100 A | Not listed |
| Voltage range | Not listed | Not listed | 10 to 14.4 V | Not listed |
| Protection | Not listed | Not listed | IP20, indoor use | Not listed |
Every product we have checked
- Exide FKS0-KIRAN100 Solar Battery: A 12 V, 100 Ah flat plate lead-acid battery in Exide’s Kiran range. Nominal energy is 1.2 kWh; usable energy is lower and depends on the permitted depth of discharge. Confirm inverter compatibility, ventilation and maintenance.
- Luminous Helios 12.8 V 100 Ah lithium (LFP) battery: A maintenance-free LFP lithium battery rated for 3,000 cycles, far lighter than tubular batteries.
- Luminous LPTT12150H 150 Ah solar tubular battery: A 150 Ah C10-rated tall tubular lead-acid battery with a 72-month warranty, for solar backup in homes and shops.
- Luminous LPTT12150L 150 Ah solar tubular battery: The lower-priced 150 Ah version of Luminous's solar tubular battery, with a 60-month warranty.
Related: inverter battery backup calculator and home load calculator.
Do you need a battery?
With net metering, the grid already works like a free battery: daytime surplus earns credit that you draw back at night. A battery mainly pays off when you face frequent power cuts, when your state credits exported units at a low rate, or when you run important loads that must never stop. What each unit stored really costs is worked out in our solar battery guide.
What to compare
Usable capacity
Capacity is measured in kWh, the same unit as your bill. Compare the usable capacity, not just the label, because most batteries should not be fully drained.
Chemistry
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries handle Indian heat well and last many more charge cycles than lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid is cheaper upfront but needs replacing far sooner and more upkeep.
Rated cycles
A cycle is one full charge and discharge. The number of rated cycles tells you more about lifetime than the warranty years alone, especially if you cycle the battery every day.
Warranty
Check both the years covered and any limit on total energy delivered, and what capacity the battery must still hold at the end of the warranty.
Which battery fits
- Backup for cuts: size for your essential loads (lights, fans, fridge, router) for the hours a cut usually lasts.
- Night use of solar: size for your evening and night units, but only if exported units earn little.
- Business: compare the cost of backup with the cost of downtime and any diesel generator it replaces.
Checklist before you buy
- Usable capacity in kWh for your essential loads
- LFP or lead-acid, and the rated cycles
- Compatibility with your hybrid inverter
- Warranty years, energy limit and end-of-warranty capacity
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a battery with rooftop solar?
Not always. With net metering the grid stores your daytime surplus. A battery mainly makes sense for frequent power cuts or where exports earn little.
Which battery type is best for India?
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) handles heat well and lasts far more cycles than lead-acid, which is cheaper upfront but wears out sooner.
Can I add a battery later?
Yes, if your inverter is a hybrid. An on-grid inverter usually has to be replaced to add a battery.