When inverters were first introduced in the market, every one of us were relaxed as we had only a fan or two running during power cuts. Since the last few years, inverter performance and battery capabilities have significantly increased as we have become more demanding with our power backup usage. The reliability of an inverter can be assessed by whether it can provide adequate backup for your appliances chosen at an economical cost.

(Image Source- Luminous)

Whether you are planning to upgrade your old inverter or planning to buy a new one, choosing the best inverter battery will be of critical importance for any performance gains.

Here is a handy guide that will help you in picking the best inverter battery to serve you well in the long run.

1. Tubular v/s Flat-Plate Batteries

If you are facing issues related to space, then a flat-plate battery is a better choice because of its small form. They can easily fit into any space. However, these batteries come with a small service life because of their inherent construction. On the other hand, tubular batteries come with higher service life, but they need more recharge after a long power cut when compared to a flat-plate battery. Tubular batteries are suited for long power cut situations, and flat-plate batteries are ideal for short and frequent power cut situations.

2. Maintenance

Any battery that you purchase is going to require some amount of maintenance at periodic intervals. Tubular batteries need less maintenance than flat-plate batteries because of their design and construction. Tubular batteries hold a lot of distilled water, which makes them less prone to drying out quickly.

3. Weight

It is a pre-requisite to measure the weight of a battery before buying it. A battery that is heavier will use higher quality electrolyte plates, which will, in turn, give it a longer lifespan.

4. Wet Cell Batteries v/s Sealed Led Acid Batteries

A wet cell battery is less expensive, but needs more maintenance. On the other hand, SLA batteries have a shorter lifespan and require significantly less maintenance, but they cost a lot more. Sealed led acid batteries are expensive; they usually offer a better return on investment than wet-cell batteries.

a) Gel Battery

A gel battery can be defined as one that is valve-regulated, maintenance-free, lead-acid battery. These batteries are extremely robust and versatile. They produce fewer fumes and can be used in places that don’t need much ventilation. They offer the following benefits:

• They are spill-proof
• An ideal choice for deep-cycle applications
• They do not corrode easily
• These batteries are safe to use as there is less risk of sulphuric acid burns
• Zero maintenance

b) Tubular Battery

ubular batteries are stronger. They last longer, store large amounts of energy and have a greater run time, and that is why they are called deep cycle batteries. They come with the following benefits:

• Highly reliable compared to a flat-plate battery
• A tubular battery has a longer service life for long power backup needs
• They require less maintenance; hence, no need to top-up with distilled water frequently

c) Flat-Plate Battery

A flat-plate inverter battery is like a lead-acid battery, and is the perfect choice for instant high-current applications due to the large surface area of the plates. In comparison to tubular batteries, they are recharged faster. These are some benefits offered by a flat-plate battery:

• A flat-plate battery is affordable when compared to a tubular battery
• Offers good electrical performance

While an inverter regulates the electric charge from the battery, the battery is responsible for holding the backup charge. Trusted brands like Luminous offer the most reliable power backup solutions and are extremely cost-effective in the long run. Always remember to buy a battery according to your load to get the desired backup in case of a power cut.