Lithium batteries have become increasingly popular for RV and off-grid solar energy storage applications. Two of the top brands in this market are Renogy and Battle Born Batteries. But which one is better?
This article provides an in-depth comparison of Renogy and Battle Born lithium batteries, looking at key factors like performance, price, warranty, and more.
| Specs | Renogy LiFePO4 | Battle Born LiFePO4 |
| Depth of Discharge | 80% | 100% |
| Operating Temperature Range | 32°F to 113°F | -4°F to 140°F |
| Cycle Life | 2000+ cycles (to 80% DOD) | 2000+ cycles (to 100% DOD) |
| Warranty | 5 years | 10 years |
| Price per 100Ah Capacity | $799 | $949 |
| Reputation | Mixed | Excellent |
Renogy is a manufacturer of solar power products including solar panels, mounts, controllers, inverters and lithium batteries. The company was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Ontario, California. Renogy produces lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries ranging from 50Ah to 400Ah capacity.
Battle Born Batteries is a Nevada-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in deep cycle lithium ion batteries for RV, marine, and off-grid applications. Their LiFePO4 batteries range from 50Ah to 3000Ah. Battle Born is known for their high quality batteries made in the USA.
Both Renogy and Battle Born offer deep cycle lithium batteries well-suited for solar energy storage, RV house batteries, and off-grid power needs. The key differences come down to performance specs, price, warranty, and overall reputation.
Renogy and Battle Born lithium batteries use similar LiFePO4 chemistry. This battery chemistry is known for safety, long cycle life, efficiency, and high discharge/recharge capabilities. However, there are some notable differences in their technical specs:
In summary, Battle Born lithium batteries outperform Renogy batteries in depth of discharge, temperature tolerance, efficiency, power density, voltage range, and overall battery life. They offer more usable capacity and withstand harsh conditions better.
Battle Born batteries are premium products and carry a higher price tag than Renogy batteries for equivalent capacities. Comparing 100Ah models (12V) on each brand’s website shows a pricing difference of:
For such a capacity, you’ll pay around 18% more for a Battle Born battery. The price gap narrows a bit at higher capacities. For example, at 300Ah:
The Battle Born 300Ah is 11% more expensive. Cost per watt-hour is lower for the higher capacity batteries.
Keep in mind that Battle Born batteries will likely last considerably longer than Renogy thanks to superior cycling. The extra upfront cost pays off in the long run. But Renogy makes a compelling budget-friendly option.
The warranty can give an indication of how confident a company is in the lifespan of their products. In the lithium battery market, Battle Born batteries come with a 10 year warranty versus 5 years for Renogy batteries.
The Battle Born warranty covers 100% parts and labor for defects for the full 10 years. Renogy’s 5 year warranty covers defects for 1 year, and then pro-rated coverage based on usage over years 2-5.
The longer, more comprehensive warranty on Battle Born batteries inspires confidence in their performance over the long haul. It’s a big advantage over the lighter Renogy warranty.
Watch this video about Renogy!
In terms of customer reputation and reviews, Battle Born batteries edge out Renogy. Battle Born earns excellent reviews across the board for their performance and longevity in RV, solar, and off-grid applications. Users praise the quality and reliability of these American-made batteries.
Renogy receives more mixed reviews, with some users reporting issues reaching advertised battery life cycles and capacity in real-world use. There are also some complaints about Renogy’s customer service.
Overall, Battle Born batteries are highly regarded for outstanding quality and earn the trust of buyers for powering critical systems. Renogy is considered a budget brand that makes decent performing but less long-lasting batteries.
Based on user reviews and reputation, Battle Born LiFePO4 deep cycle batteries are generally considered the most reliable lithium batteries, especially for RV, marine, and solar energy storage applications. Their stringent quality control, performance specs, and long 10-year warranty result in lithium batteries that last.
Battle Born Batteries are designed and assembled in the USA in their Nevada factory. Raw lithium cells are sourced from approved suppliers, but the batteries themselves are American-made.
For most RV, marine, and solar energy storage uses, LiFePO4 chemistry batteries such as those from Battle Born and Renogy are the best type of Li-ion battery. They offer high efficiency, safe operation, long 5,000+ cycle lifetimes, and good power density. The trade-off is they have lower capacity by volume than other chemistries.
While Battle Born batteries are premium-priced products, most users find them worth the extra investment. The meticulous construction, grade-A cells, rigorous QC testing, and 10-year warranty result in batteries that last years longer than budget brands. Their long service life, quality electrical performance, and reputation for reliability make the higher Battle Born prices justified for many buyers.
Also Read: Active Vs. Passive DI Box: How To Choose The Right One
For most RV and off-grid solar energy storage scenarios, Battle Born’s higher upfront cost pays off over time thanks to superior electrical performance, extreme long life, and comprehensive warranty coverage. Their batteries are worth the premium price for buyers who value longevity and reliability over cost savings.
However, for solar users on tighter budgets or with smaller capacity needs, Renogy LiFePO4 batteries can still be a viable lower-priced option. There are some performance trade-offs and questionable longevity, but Renogy batteries offer adequate quality for more cost-conscious buyers.
In the end, your power demands, electrical specs, operating environment, and budget ultimately determine whether stretching for Battle Born’s premium lithium batteries makes sense over more affordable Renogy alternatives. Carefully weigh your needs against total cost of ownership to pick the best battery brand for your solar, RV, or off-grid lithium battery bank.
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