Best battery for generator Overview
A generator is a useful tool for many people to have as part of their home or business. These generators are often used to power up security lighting at night, provide electricity during emergencies, and even just be used as a backup during power outages.
There are many types of generators available on the market. One of the more important decisions a person needs to make is the battery to use in connection with their generator.
Advantages and disadvantages of five different types of batteries that may be used with generators.
Lead Acid Battery– this type of battery has been around for decades and provides an excellent form of storage for emergency or standby power applications. Several different designs are available from the flooded, gel, AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat), and many other types. These types of batteries never need to be moved and can remain in a fully charged state for months or years at a time. The main drawback with these batteries is that they are extremely heavy and bulky, so moving them from the generator site to storage over long distances may prove very difficult. Also, since these types of batteries need to be kept in a not charged state until needed, they must remain connected to a good quality battery charger while stored to keep them from self-discharging and getting damaged.
Lithium-Ion Battery– Lithium-ion batteries are the newest entrants into the standby power market and offer any battery technology’s highest power to weight ratio. These batteries are extremely light in weight, are about 1/2 the size of a lead-acid battery, yet 20-30% higher capacity for their size when comparing energy storage capability. Lithium-ion batteries offer many features that make them an ideal choice for standby generators, including built-in safety protections, high cycle life, high resistance to abuse, and can be discharged up to 100% without damaging the batteries. The main drawback of these batteries is the price, as they are about twice as much as a lead-acid battery with similar performance characteristics.
AGM Batteries– This type of battery has been around for decades and provides an excellent form of storage for emergency or standby power applications. Several different designs are available from the flooded, gel, AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat), and many other types. These types of batteries never need to be moved and can remain in a fully charged state for months or years at a time. The main drawback with these batteries is that they are extremely heavy and bulky, so moving them from the generator site to storage over long distances may prove very difficult. Also, since these types of batteries need to be kept in a not charged state until needed, they must remain connected to a good quality battery charger while stored to keep them from self-discharging and getting damaged.
Gel Batteries– this type of battery offers many features similar to flooded lead-acid batteries. The main difference is that they are sealed and cannot be refilled once they have been discharged. These types of batteries can typically be found in smaller sizes, making them a good choice for standby generators powering limited loads such as security lighting in the yard. However, they are extremely heavy compared to other types of batteries and may prove difficult to transfer from site to site.
Lithium Polymer Battery– Lithium polymer is the newest entrant into the standby power market and offers any battery technology’s highest power to weight ratio. These batteries are extremely light in weight, are about 1/2 the size of a lead-acid battery, yet 20-30% higher capacity for their size when comparing energy storage capability.
Lithium-ion batteries offer many features that make them an ideal choice for standby generators, including built-in safety protections, high cycle life, high resistance to abuse, and can be discharged up to 100% without damaging the batteries. The main drawback of these batteries is the price, as they are about twice as much as a lead-acid battery with similar performance characteristics.
Below are some of the best battery for generator
1. Mighty Max Battery ML18-12 – 12V 18AH Rechargeable Battery Review
Key features
It’s a brand of the Mighty Max Battery
The Battery cell composition is Sealed Lead Acid
It’s a rechargeable battery
It has a capacity of 12 Volts
Its dimensions are 7.17 by 3.03 by 6.57 inches respectively
This is an (SLA) Sealed Lead Acid rechargeable battery that is maintenance-free and UL certified. The battery can be mounted in any position to resist any kind of shocks or vibration. The battery can last for a long time performing at high levels and low temperatures. It is an AGM/SLA spill-proof battery with high discharge rates characteristics. It can also operate at a wide range of temperatures, it has a deep discharge recovery and a long service life. Something important about the battery is that it comes with a thirty-day refund policy and a one-year warranty.
Pros
It is rechargeable
It comes with a one year warranty and a 30-day refund policy
It can resist vibrations and shocks and therefore can be mounted at any position
Cons
Its longevity is questionable
2. 12V 15Ah Champion Generator 9000 7000 Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable Review
When you finally need to charge your generator, the Champion 12V 15Ah Rechargeable Battery is just perfect. It perfectly fits into any standard equipment, including industrial generators. You can rely on its durability and capacity to charge a large generator and other devices as it is equipped with 15 Amp.
When you are looking for a high-quality battery, you can hardly find anything better than this one.
The Champion 38471 15Ah Rechargeable Battery comes with a 1 x 15 Amp Hour 12 Volt battery. The main benefit is to reduce the number of times you need to buy replacement batteries. It also allows power up many devices like the sump pump, refrigerator, lights, and garage door opener.
The battery is compatible with Champion Power Equipment 73421, 95762 generators, and the DuroStar DS 4000S (part number 38471).
Key features:
-15 Amp Hour 12 Volt Rechargeable Battery
-Recharge in 4-5 hours -Long Life
Pros:
-increased power for running devices
-longer run time of appliances and equipment
-rechargeable and recyclable battery
Cons: -requires more charging than a regular automotive battery
Conclusion:
The Champion 38471 15Ah Rechargeable Battery provides increased amounts of power for running appliances and equipment.
This battery is also rechargeable and recyclable, which makes it a great alternative to regular automotive batteries.
I highly recommend this product if you are looking for increased power time, long life, or if you want an environmentally friendly option.
3. ML9-12NB – 12 Volt 9 Ah Rechargeable SLA Battery Review
The ML9-12NB battery is a high-quality rechargeable battery with a capacity of 9Ah. This battery will fit most Generac, Schumacher, Champion, and Power Patrol series portable generators. This battery happens to be a high performer.
Features:
Rechargeable
This battery is rechargeable and can be recharged using the included AC adapter. Plug this battery into the AC outlet and let it charge overnight. When fully charged, the battery will automatically mount on the generator when plugged in.
Spill-Proof
This battery is spill-proof and will not leak if accidentally dropped. It features sealed terminals that prevent moisture from entering the battery.
Heavy-duty construction
Built to withstand extreme conditions, these batteries feature a thick aluminum case that protects the internal components. These batteries are also protected against short circuits, overcharge and over-discharge.
High compatibility
This battery is compatible with most Generator models, including Generac 0G9449, Power Patrol SLA1069, Schumacher 5799000007, and Champion 3500/4000 Gas Generator, among others.
Pros
Comes with AC Adapter
Fully Compatible with most generators
Spill-proof
Rechargeable battery
Thick Aluminum Case
Cons:
Unsuitable for heavy-duty usage
4. Mighty Max Battery 12V 9AH Battery Replacement for Generac XG8000E Portable Generators
The ML9-12 SLA battery is a high-quality, 12-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of up to 9Ah. The Generac XG8000 Series has been designed for ease of use and maintenance, making it ideal for home or business applications.
Features:
Spill-proof
This 12V 9AH SLA battery is spill-proof and can be used outdoors without any worry of leakage. It features sealed terminals that prevent moisture from entering the battery and causing corrosion.
High performance
Mighty Max’s 12V 9AH SLAs are built to last and feature heavy-duty construction with a maximum discharge rate of 1C. They are also protected against short circuits, overcharge, and over-discharge.
Mounting position
These batteries can be mounted o any position on the generator. They have a mounting hole pattern that allows them to be installed at different angles as needed.
Easy installation
No tools are required! Just remove the old battery and install the new one—no need to drill holes into the generator casing.
Pros
Compatible with all models of Generac’s XG8000E portable power generators
Spill-Proof
Heavy Duty Construction
Cab be mounted in any position
Cons
Not suitable for outdoor use
5. ML18-12 12V 18 AH SLA Battery Review
This powerful battery powers numerous items through heavy-duty calcium allow grid. The technology for this battery was designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. This item has a rechargeable battery. It comes with the nut, bolt, battery, and screws. A harness or mounting accessories does not come along with this battery. This battery has a thirty-day refund policy. This battery can be used for UPS systems, garage doors, and electric fences.
Features:
12 Volt Voltage
Sealed Lead Acid Battery Cell Composition
Can Be Mounted In Any Position
11.77 Pounds
There are both pros and cons to this product. It is a great charger for many household items. Another pro is how fast the battery works and it is really strong. One downside is how it may not last as long as you may like. Other than that this battery gets the job done.
Conclusion
In most standby generator applications, flooded lead-acid batteries are the best choice for several reasons. They offer the highest power to weight ratio, have been proven time and again in long-term waste heat standby applications, and can take more abuse than any other type of battery. The only drawback with these batteries is that they need to be maintained regularly to ensure that they have the proper electrolyte levels. This, however, is a relatively simple task and can easily be handled by any generator tech on or off-site during regular maintenance visits.
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