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Deep Cycle Solar Batteries

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Budget-friendly deep cycle batteries for solar systems. Designed for repeated discharge and recharge cycles.

Quick answer: deep cycle is best for budget setups but has shorter lifespan than lithium. Deep cycle batteries are designed to be discharged and recharged repeatedly, making them suitable for solar systems. While not as efficient as lithium, they offer a lower upfront cost for budget-conscious installations.

Types of Deep Cycle Batteries

Common deep cycle battery types:

  • Flooded Lead-Acid: Cheapest, requires maintenance (water top-up)
  • AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat): Maintenance-free, spill-proof
  • Gel: Best for hot climates, maintenance-free
  • Lithium: Premium option, 3x longer lifespan

Deep Cycle vs Regular Batteries

Regular car batteries are designed for short bursts of high current (starting). Deep cycle batteries are designed for sustained power delivery over hours. Never use a car battery for solar - it will fail quickly.

Regular car batteries are designed for short bursts of high current (starting). Deep cycle batteries are designed for sustained power delivery over hours. Never use a car battery for solar - it will fail quickly.

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All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated. Shipping costs may apply depending on your location.

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Deep Cycle Solar Batteries FAQs

A deep cycle battery is designed to be discharged to 50-80% of its capacity repeatedly without damage. Unlike car batteries (designed for short bursts), deep cycle batteries provide steady power over hours, making them ideal for solar systems.
Flooded lead-acid: 3-5 years. AGM: 4-6 years. Gel: 5-7 years. Lithium deep cycle: 10-15 years. Lifespan depends on depth of discharge, temperature, and maintenance.
For most South African homes, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are the best choice. They offer 10-15 year lifespan, 80-100% depth of discharge, and require no maintenance. Popular brands include Hubble, Pylontech, and Dyness.
Lithium batteries last 10-15 years (4,000-6,000 cycles). Lead-acid batteries last 3-5 years (500-1,200 cycles). Gel batteries last 5-7 years (1,000-1,500 cycles). The lifespan depends on usage, depth of discharge, and maintenance.
Yes, most lithium battery systems are modular and expandable. Pylontech, Hubble, and Dyness systems can stack multiple units in parallel. Make sure your inverter supports the expanded capacity.

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