Recently, there have been some advances in the battery technology, especially from the solar power point of view. Batteries have lengthier lifespans, can hold more charge, and come in compact sizes.
That’s why, solar systems are paired more often with batteries these days than they were a few years ago.
And it makes more sense for Pakistan, especially areas where power outage (load shedding) is more common. So, if you want to install a hybrid solar system or off-grid system and want know which one is the best battery for solar in Pakistan, stay with me for a couple of minutes.
In this article, I will talk about:
- Factors to consider while selecting energy storage systems (batteries) for solar
- Best battery for solar in Pakistan
- Solar battery price in Pakistan
- Best lead-acid battery for solar in Pakistan
- Best lithium ion battery for solar in Pakistan
First, let’s talk about some factors that make one battery better than others.
Choosing the Best Battery for Solar in Pakistan: Some Factors to Consider
First, I will briefly recap some of the factors that you can keep in mind while choosing the battery backup system for your solar system. This will help you decide between the batteries mentioned in the next section.
If you want more details about the factors mentioned below, read our guide on how to choose the best energy storage system.
Capacity of the Battery
The capacity of a solar battery is the amount of energy it can store. It is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or ampere-hours (Ah). For example, a battery with a capacity of 10 kWh can store enough energy to power a 10 kW appliance for one hour—and a battery with 100 Ah can supply 100 amperes for one hour.
In Pakistan, the standard unit of measurement for batteries is Ah. In our cars, we usually use 40-50Ah batteries.
Related Read: How to Size a Battery Bank for Your Solar System?
Battery Efficiency
The efficiency of a solar battery is the percentage of energy that is stored when the battery is charged. It is expressed as a percentage. For example, a battery with an efficiency of 80% will store 80% of the energy that is used to charge it. The rest will be lost, either in the process or consumed by the operating system of the battery.
Depth of discharge (DoD)
The DoD is the percentage of the battery’s capacity that can be safely discharged. It is expressed as a percentage. For example, a battery with a DoD of 80% can be discharged to 80% of its capacity before recharging.
If you discharge it further, you may compromise its lifespan and performance. Lead-acid batteries commonly found in our homes and vehicles have a DoD between 50 to 65%. The DoD of lithium-ion batteries is higher, and can go as high as 95%.
Voltage of the Battery
Batteries can come in a variety of voltages, measured in volts (V). A higher-voltage battery can store more energy than a lower-voltage battery. However, the higher the voltage, the thicker the wires need to be to carry the current, and the more expensive the battery will be.
Batteries can come in 12V, 24V, and 48V voltage values. A 24V 100Ah and a 12V 200Ah battery will both have the same capacity. Lead-acid batteries usually come in 12V. So, if your inverter requires 24V, it means you will connect two batteries in series to make it 24V. Usually, 3kW hybrid inverters require 24V batteries, while 5kW and onwards 48V inverters, meaning that you will have to pair the inverter with 4 12V lead-acid batteries or one lithium ion battery of 48V.
Battery Type
There are three main types of solar batteries: lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and flow batteries. Lead-acid batteries are the most common type but are also the least efficient. In lead-acid, there are further two types. Simple lead-acid are affordable but they have shorter lifespans. Tubular are comparatively better.
Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient, in fact the best solar batteries out there, but they are also more expensive.
Flow batteries are the least common type but also the most efficient. However, they are not readily available in Pakistan.
Lifespan of the Battery
A solar battery’s lifespan depends upon the chemistry type it uses and the manufacturer. Lithium batteries have longer lifespans, sometimes more than 10 years. Lead-acid batteries last for 3-5 years. Some may make it to 7 years with exceptional care and maintenance.
Safety Rating
The safety rating of a solar battery is the level of safety it has. It is expressed as a number. For example, a battery with a safety rating of 1 is the safest type of battery. It won’t explode and will be non-toxic.
Price of the Solar Battery
Finally, the cost. It can vary depending on the type of battery, the capacity, and the warranty. It is simple—a battery with good features will cost more. Generally, lithium batteries are the most expensive, but they often prove economical in the long run. For instance, a li-on battery can cost yo Rs. 500,000 but they will last for around year. Per year, it would become 50,000. Conversely, that would be the cost you would bear for 10 years if you go with lead-acid batteries.
As of January 2024, a 200Ah simple lead-acid battery cost around 36,000 to 44,000. The prices of tubular batteries start from 45,000 and can go on as high as Rs. 75,000, depending upon the brand and capacity.
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7 Best Solar Batteries in Pakistan with Prices
In this section, we have discussed 7 batteries, 4 of which are lithium and 3 lead-acid. Note one thing, however. The definition of “best battery for solar” can vary from homeowner to homeowner. I mean, we all know that batteries with lithium-ion chemistry are the best batteries, but they are the most expensive. So, until you are looking for absolute best, choose the one that sits well your needs and budget.
Also, not every system needs that. So, while choosing ‘your’ best solar battery, you will have to strike a balance between the type of quality, your needs, and affordability.
With that said, let’s discuss some top solar batteries available to solar shoppers in Pakistan.
We will begin with lithium-ion batteries – find your perfect solar battery from the list below.
Price of Narada Lithium Battery
Narada Lithium Battery is a 48V LFP battery module with 100Ah rated capacity. Since it is 48V, it is equivalent to 4 12V batteries of 100Ah. Known for its exceptional energy density, this battery from Nerada is considered suitable for higher usage applications, such as telecom base stations and renewable energy applications, such as solar.
It offers high energy density, a long, useful life, and a modular design for easy expansion. This LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery is environmentally friendly and can be discharged to 0% charge. It is compact in size and has a higher voltage, so would not occupy more space.
As for as the price of this solar battery is concerned, at the moment, it costs around Rs. 500,000.
Features of Nerada Solar Battery
- High energy density
- Lightweight—42Kg
- Long useful life—more than 10 years lifespan.
- Modular design
- 100% Depth of Discharge—while it can be discharged 100%, we recommend not discharging it more than 60% for a longer cycle life. If you discharge it to 60%, it will give you 6000 cycles over the course of the battery’s lifespan. Discharging it 100% will give you 2000 cycles.
- LiFePO4 technology
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Full discharge current of 100Ah
- Fast charge capability
- The price can be around PKR 500,000.
Apart from the one mentioned here, you can find a range of Narada Lithium batteries suitable for your system and budget on their website.
Disclaimer: Given the fluctuation in the currency exchange rate, the prices are prone to increase or decrease. In Sep-Oct 2023, the prices of solar panels fell by around 15-30%, and this may affect the prices of solar batteries. This is why I use ‘around’ throughout the article before mentioning the price—for instance, a 500,000-worth battery may cost you PKR 520,000 or 480,000 when it is adjusted for the devalued or appreciated PKR against the dollar.
Lantrun 100Ah 48V Lithium Battery
Lantrun 100Ah 48V Lithium Battery is another high-quality lithium battery designed for various applications in Pakistan. With a capacity of 100Ah and a voltage of 48V, it offers a long lifespan of up to 5000 cycles. When you charge a battery and then discharge it, it becomes one cycle. So, 5000 cycles is quite an excellent lifespan. To put in a perspective, if you charge and discharge it once a day, it will live for approximately 14 years.
Lanturn battery also features a modular design for easy expansion, is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and has a discharge capacity of 50Ah. It’s ideally suited for telecom base stations and renewable energy applications like hybrid solar power. It is equally suitable for pairing with an off-grid solar system.
The price of this battery is around PKR 495,000.
Features
- High capacity (100Ah)
- Voltage of 48V—4 times more powerful than a 12V battery.
- Long lifespan (up to 5000 cycles), roughly 13 years if operated at 24 degrees Celsius.
- Modular design
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Discharge capacity of 50Ah
- Ideal for telecom and solar energy systems.
- 2 years warranty
UP 5000 C 48V Lithium Battery
UP 5000 C 48V Lithium Battery is another popular lithium battery available in Pakistan. It boasts a substantial capacity of 4.8KWh and a voltage of 48V, with a long lifespan of over 6000 cycles at 90% discharge. 4.8kWh at 48V is the same as 100Ah at 48V. This battery is compatible with most hybrid inverters, has a modular design for easy expansion. Also, it offers a discharge capacity of 100Ah.
It’s a perfect solution for residential storage facilities with up to 90% usable capacity.
The price is around PKR 565,000.
Features
- High capacity (4.8KWh)
- Voltage of 48V
- Long lifespan (over 6000 cycles at 90% discharge), more than 15+ years
- Modular design
- 90% Depth of discharge
- Compatible with most hybrid and on-grid inverters
- High discharge capacity of 100Ah
- Ideal for residential solar power storage
PylonTech Lithium Battery
This is the last lithoum-ion battery on this list. PylonTech Lithium Battery, specifically the US3000C model, is a 48V LFP battery with a total capacity of 3.5kWh (around 73Ah at 48V) and a usable energy of 3.2kWh. This battery is popular in Pakistan for solar applications. The reasons are plenty: it has a modular design, a long lifespan of over 6000 cycles at 95% discharge, and compatibility with most hybrid inverters.
It also comes with a 10-year warranty and has a high discharge capacity of 74Ah. The price is around PKR 400,000. Best solar battery in Pakistan, I would say.
Features
- High capacity—3.6kWh
- Modular design
- Long lifespan
- Deep discharge capability (DOD 95%)—we recommend discharging it to not more than 80%.
- Compatible with most inverters
- 10-year warranty from the company; suppliers in Pakistan may offer a warranty lower than that.
- High discharge capacity of 74Ah
You May Like to Read: How Much Power Does a Solar Panel Produce?
Now, let’s move on to the best lead-acid batteri for solar in Pakistan.
Osaka Tubular Batteries
Osaka Tubular Batteries are deep-cycle tubular lead acid batteries designed specifically for solar energy and UPS applications. The TA-1800 model, a 12V battery with a capacity of 185Ah, features a tubular plate for the positive and a thick negative plate for high depth of discharge, enhancing battery life and performance.
It operates within specific voltage ranges and is suitable for all compatible UPS & solar system applications. The price Osaka Tuular battery is around PKR 55,000 per piece.
Features of Osaka Tubular Battery
- Deep cycle design—and available in a company-charged condition.
- Tubular plate for positive
- Thick negative plate—making it receptive to high charge.
- Specific voltage ranges
- Suitable for UPS & solar systems
- Longer lifespan—gives over 1500 cycles at 60% depth of discharge. It can last for more than 5 years.
- Capacity of 185Ah
- Weight: 55KG
- Safe—there are special vent plugs designed for controlled acid flumes.
Daewoo Deep Cycle Batteries
Daewoo Deep Cycle Batteries are specially designed for UPS and solar systems in Pakistan. The DIB-200 model, a 12V Unsealed Deep Cycle Lead Acid Battery with a capacity of 175Ah, offers a deep discharge rate for extended backup time. These batteries are known for their long life, backed by a 1-year free replacement warranty, and are suitable for use in homes, offices, and industries.
They have thicker plates and utilize state-of-the-art Korean technology. The price of Daewoo Deep Cycle batteries is around PKR 54,000.
Features
- Deep cycle design—so you can discharge it to its maximum capacity without affecting its lifespan.
- Long-lasting backup
- 1-year free replacement warranty
- Thicker plates for extended life
- Korean technology
- Capacity of 175Ah
- Low maintenance—you do not have to check the water and acid levels too often.
AGS Battery GX 200
AGS Battery GX 200 is a simple lead-acid battery designed primarily for heavy applications, like trucks and buses in the transport sector and UPS and solar systems in the energy sector. It has a capacity of 175Ah and operates at a voltage of 12V.
With 27 plates in each of its 6 cells, this battery offers a long lifespan and high reliability. It has a dry battery weight of 31.2 kg and is well-suited for UPS/solar systems in homes, offices, and industries. The price of AGS is around PKR 44,000. This is the price I last checked – as of January 2024, the price would be lower.
I am saying this because in the first week of January, I bought two Pheonix UGS 210Ah batteries for a client at Rs. 37,000 per piece. Earlier, these batteries cost roughly 46,000. AGS, Pheonix, Osaka, and Exide fall in the same category and there should not be much difference in the prices. Also, those batteries were 210Ah and this is 175Ah.
Features
- Capacity of 175Ah
- Voltage of 12V
- 27 plates in each cell
- Long lifespan and high reliability
- Dry battery weight of 31.2 kg
- Ideal for UPS/Solar Systems in various settings
Best Battery for Solar in Pakistan: A Recap
This is obvious—you would have your eyes on any of the lithium batteries above. And why not? They are the best than their lead-acid cousins, both performance-wise and lifespan-wise. But they are also one of the most expensive batteries to pair your solar system with.
At Ecospark, I recommend striking a balance between the budget and the performance. If you can pay more upfront (in the beginning), go for any of the lithium batteries. But if you have budget constraints, lead-acid batteries are not bad either.
In 2020, I had installed a set of 5 lead-acid tubular batteries for a friend-cum-client in E-11, Islamabad, at an office. And it’s been more than 3 years, and they are working perfectly. You just need to take care of them, do not discharge them to their lowest, and you will be fine.
Wishing you best. Happy generating and storing solar power! 🙂
