Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off a dead battery?

Yes — we recycle dead batteries free of charge. Just bring it in. We accept all lead-based batteries: automotive, marine, RV, mobility scooters, and more. See our battery recycling page for details.

What does the "24/72" warranty mean?

Our 24/72 warranty means 24 months free replacement and 72 months prorated. If your battery fails within 24 months, we replace it at no cost. Between 24 and 72 months, you pay a prorated portion based on remaining warranty life.

Do you install solar panels?

We don't do rooftop panel installation, but we can help you with everything else — hardware, components, system design, and walking through the steps to do it yourself. We stock panels, charge controllers, inverters, and all the wiring components.

Is solar worth it? What are the pros and cons?

It depends on your situation. We've put together a detailed comparison guide at Lithium vs. Lead that covers the trade-offs. For off-grid applications, solar + lithium is almost always the right call.

Do you help with on-grid (utility-tied) solar?

For grid-tied systems, we recommend connecting with the professionals at Solar Energy Design. Our focus is off-grid, portable, RV, and battery storage systems.

Why should I choose lithium over lead?

Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries have significant advantages over traditional lead-acid:

• –Weight: roughly 1/3 the weight of equivalent lead-acid
• –Efficiency: usable capacity is ~95% vs ~50% for lead
• –Bluetooth BMS: monitor cells, state of charge, and health in real-time from your phone
• –Zero maintenance: no watering, no equalization charges
• –Longevity: 3,000–6,000+ cycles vs ~300–500 for lead

How long will a lithium battery last?

LiFePO4 batteries typically last 3,000–6,000 charge cycles to 80% of original capacity. For most users charging once a day, that's 8–16 years of service life. Compare that to 3–5 years for a typical lead-acid under similar use.

How do I reset the BMS?

See our BMS Manuals page for step-by-step guides for both the JK BMS and Xiaoxiang BMS units. If you're still stuck, give us a call — we're happy to walk you through it.

What is a BMS and do I need one for a lithium battery?

A BMS (Battery Management System) protects lithium cells from overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and overtemperature. All of our lithium batteries include an integrated BMS. Many of our packs use Bluetooth-enabled BMS units so you can monitor cell voltage, state of charge, and temperature from your phone in real time.

How many solar panels do I need to charge a 100Ah lithium battery?

A 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 battery holds about 1.28 kWh usable. To recharge it in one day with 4 peak sun hours, you need roughly 320–400W of solar after accounting for controller and wiring losses. One or two 200–300W panels typically works well for this size bank. See our solar panel inventory for current stock and pricing.

What is the difference between a PWM and MPPT charge controller?

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controllers are simpler and cheaper but limit your panel voltage to match the battery voltage, wasting potential power. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers convert excess panel voltage into additional charge current — typically 20–30% more efficient. We recommend MPPT for any system above 100W. We stock Victron and EPEVER MPPT controllers — see our MPPT controller page.

Can I use AGM batteries with solar panels?

Yes — AGM batteries work well with solar. They're sealed, maintenance-free, and accept charge well from MPPT controllers. They're a solid choice for smaller systems or budget-conscious builds. For larger or more demanding off-grid setups, lithium LiFePO4 offers longer life and more usable capacity per dollar over the long run.

What size inverter do I need for an RV or camper?

Size your inverter for the largest load you'll run, plus surge headroom. A coffee maker draws 900–1200W, a microwave 800–1500W, and most RV AC units 1000–2000W. A 2000W inverter handles most RV loads. Key: always size for surge watts (typically 2× running watts for motor loads), not just running watts. We carry Renogy, Magnum, and EPEVER inverters — see our inverter page.

Should I wire my solar panels in series or parallel?

It depends on your charge controller. Series wiring adds voltages (higher Voc, same current) — better for MPPT controllers and long wire runs. Parallel wiring adds current (same voltage, higher amps) — works for PWM controllers and small 12V systems. For most off-grid RV and cabin setups with MPPT controllers, series or series-parallel is preferred. Stop in and we can help you design the right string configuration.

Where do I start building a DIY off-grid solar system?

Start by measuring your actual power load before buying anything. Our Getting Started with Solar guide walks you through five steps: define your goal, measure real energy use, size your battery bank, size solar input, then build a safe parts list. We also offer in-person solar classes and free one-on-one design consultations at the shop.