Lithium Batteries Buying Guide

Looking to buy lithium batteries? Our detailed guide covers everything from types to key features, ensuring you make the best choice for your energy solutions.

Buying Guide

Lithium Batteries Buying Guide, A to Z

Use this guide to choose a lithium battery that matches your inverter, meets your backup hours goal, and fits your budget. Follow the A to Z checklist, then shop by category or brand.

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Keyword: lithium batteries buying guide Sizing: kWh and backup hours Comms: CAN and RS485

Quick start, what to collect first

  • Essential loads list, plus watts per item.
  • Night backup hours goal.
  • Inverter model, voltage class, and power rating.
  • Install space and mounting type.
  • Growth plan, one battery now or more later.
If an inverter already runs on site, confirm battery communication and supported brands first.

Complete your order

Switchgear and Protection Cables and Connectors Fuses and Holders Combiner Boxes
Plan correct cable size, lugs, fusing, and isolation on the battery side.

Shop battery types

Start with voltage and inverter support. Then compare kWh, current limits, size, warranty, and price.

Lithium-ion Battery HinaEss Battery Deye Lithium-ion Battery Lithium Batteries

Shop by brand

Use these links to browse lithium battery ranges by brand.

HinaEss PowerGem Deye Batteries Dyness Shoto Battery Lemoen Battery Esener
Send your inverter model, backup hours goal, and essential loads list for a sizing and compatibility check.

Battery sizing basics

Step 1, set your backup hours goal

  • List essential loads only, lights, WiFi, fridge, TV, plugs.
  • Add watts for each item.
  • Pick backup hours, for example 4, 6, or 10 hours.

Step 2, estimate battery size in kWh

Battery kWh needed = (Load kW × Hours) ÷ (DoD × 0.90)
  • DoD means usable battery percent. Many LFP systems run 80% to 90% DoD.
  • 0.90 adds a basic allowance for inverter and battery losses.

Step 3, check battery kWh from voltage and Ah

Battery kWh = (Voltage × Ah) ÷ 1000
  • Example: 51.2V × 100Ah = 5.12 kWh.
  • Usable energy depends on DoD settings, temperature, and BMS limits.
Use the Solar Calculator for a fast estimate, then confirm with your load list.

Inverter compatibility essentials

Voltage class must match

  • Low voltage systems run on 24V or 48V class.
  • High voltage batteries run on an HV range with a control box or BMS stack.
  • Never mix HV and low voltage equipment.

Communication must match

  • Many hybrid inverters need CAN or RS485 communication.
  • Correct communication gives proper charge control and safety limits.
  • Wrong protocol leads to faults, low performance, or no charge.

Current limits must match your loads

  • Higher loads need higher discharge current capability.
  • Fast charging needs higher charge current capability.
  • Parallel batteries increase total current and total kWh.
A battery with low current limits often trips on kettle, pump, or microwave loads.

A to Z checklist

A, Assess essential loads

  • Write the loads you refuse to lose, plus watts per item.
  • Keep the list lean, your budget follows the list.

B, Backup hours target

  • Pick a realistic number for night use.
  • Split goals into phases if budget is tight.

C, Chemistry choice

  • LFP suits home backup and cycling.
  • Match chemistry to warranty terms and use pattern.

D, DoD settings

  • DoD affects usable kWh per cycle.
  • Follow brand settings to protect warranty.

E, Efficiency allowance

  • Use an allowance for system losses.
  • Oversize slightly if you want a buffer.

F, Future expansion

  • Plan for a second battery from day one.
  • Choose a range that supports parallel growth.

G, Grid and generator inputs

  • Confirm charge sources and limits on the inverter.
  • Set charge schedules to avoid peak tariffs.

H, High voltage vs low voltage

  • Low voltage fits most homes.
  • High voltage fits larger systems and stacks.

I, Inverter supported battery list

  • Check the inverter battery list and protocol.
  • Pick a model listed for your inverter firmware.

J, Joules and surge loads

  • Motors start hard, pumps and fridges surge.
  • Size inverter and battery current for surges.

K, kWh sizing

  • Use kWh, not guesswork.
  • Match kWh to load kW and hours.

L, Load management

  • Move geysers and stoves off backup circuits.
  • Use a critical loads DB for control.

M, Mounting and space

  • Measure wall, rack, or cabinet space.
  • Keep airflow and service access clear.

N, Noise and location

  • Batteries run silent, inverters run with fans.
  • Pick a cool, dry, protected location.

O, Overcurrent protection

  • Add correct fuses or DC breakers on battery lines.
  • Add DC isolators for safe service work.

P, Parallel rules

  • Use the same model range in parallel.
  • Use equal cable lengths where required by the brand.

Q, Quality and warranty

  • Compare warranty years and cycle rating.
  • Compare support and parts availability.

R, RS485 and CAN communication

  • Use the correct cable and port.
  • Select the correct protocol setting in the inverter menu.

S, Safety basics

  • Keep DC cables neat, short, and protected.
  • Use correct torque on terminals and recheck later.

T, Temperature and ventilation

  • Heat reduces performance and life.
  • Cold reduces charge acceptance.

U, UPS vs backup mode

  • Choose fast changeover if you protect electronics.
  • Confirm inverter transfer time specs.

V, Voltage sag under load

  • Low quality cables cause voltage drop.
  • Use correct cable size for the current and distance.

W, Watt-hours vs watts

  • Watts measure load size right now.
  • Watt-hours and kWh measure energy over time.

X, Extra hardware list

  • DC breaker or fuse, DC isolator, lugs, heatshrink, trunking.
  • Earth bonding as per installation standard.

Y, Yearly use pattern

  • Daily cycling needs stronger warranty terms.
  • Backup-only systems focus on standby safety and surge ability.

Z, Zero surprises check

  • Confirm voltage class, protocol, current limits, space, protection.
  • Confirm installer plan and compliance documents.
Send inverter model, city, backup hours goal, and essential loads list for a sizing and compatibility check.

Common buying mistakes

  • Buying kWh first, then checking inverter support later.
  • Picking a battery with current limits too low for loads.
  • Mixing different battery models in parallel without approval.
  • Ignoring cabinet space, ventilation, and cable routing.
  • Skipping protection, isolation, and correct fusing.

Lithium batteries FAQ

How many kWh battery do I need?

Add essential load watts, set backup hours, then estimate kWh using DoD and system losses.

What does DoD mean?

DoD means depth of discharge. Higher DoD gives more usable energy. Settings affect cycle life and warranty terms.

How do I confirm inverter compatibility?

Match voltage class first. Then confirm CAN or RS485 protocol support on the inverter side.

What are CAN and RS485?

CAN and RS485 are communication methods. The inverter reads battery data for safe charge control and BMS protection.

How do I estimate backup hours?

Divide usable battery kWh by load kW. Usable kWh depends on DoD settings and system losses.

Adding more batteries later

Add more batteries if the model supports parallel growth and the inverter supports total current. Keep the same model range.

Do lithium batteries need maintenance?

Keep connections tight. Keep the area clean. Avoid heat. Check cables and protection during routine checks.

What details should I send for a sizing check?

Send city, essential loads list, backup hours goal, inverter model, and growth plan.

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