Understanding the Price Difference Between Tubular 150Ah and Lithium Battery

Understanding the Price Difference B/W Tubular 150Ah and Li Batt.

Tubular batteries are lead-acid batteries commonly used in India for home inverters, Solar Inverters, Solar PCU and UPS systems. They are relatively less expensive but have a shorter lifespan, require more maintenance, and are very heavy to carry compared to lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries are a newer type of battery that is becoming more popular due to their longer lifespan, no maintenance requirements, and higher energy density.

The price difference between tubular and lithium batteries varies depending on the size and capacity of the battery. However, as a general rule of thumb, lithium batteries are about 20-30% more expensive than tubular batteries.https://suvastika.com/lithium-battery-compared-to-tubular-battery/

Lithium batteries have a higher energy density than tubular batteries, especially since they are C1-rated. Tubular lead acid batteries have a lower density and are C20 capacity batteries, clearly distinguishing that lead acid batteries are made for smaller discharge applications or running smaller loads. Lithium batteries are designed for higher discharge loads to run higher loads.https://suvastika.com/lithium-battery-option-in-inverter-ups-solar-pcu/
Tubular batteries seem less expensive when we talk of price without comparing the advantages and disadvantages, but they are very expensive compared to Lithium batteries. We will discuss the same in this article. So let us assume we have to run the load of 500 Watt on the 12V Inverter/UPS, and the 150 Ah Lithium battery will give the backup time on the Inverter/UPS. On the Tubular Lead Acid 150AH battery, we will get approximately 2.50 hours of backup on a 400-watt load. For the lithium battery, we need 80Ah to get the same backup on a 400Watt load. Now we can compare the price of a Lithium battery 80 AH or 12.8V Lithium battery with the 12V 150 Ah pricing in the market.
The Tubular battery is C20, and Lithium is C1, creating a major difference in backup time.
If we compare the pricing of these two batteries in India, we realize the price is 20 to 30% higher in the case of lithium batteries, with 80Ah of 12.8 Volts. Still, the advantages of lithium batteries will not be comparable to those of tubular batteries.

Suppose you want to run the constant load from 100 to 300 watts. In that case, you can select a Tubular battery of 150Ah battery as it will provide more backup compared to the Lithium battery and give you a life of 5 years provided you top up the battery with proper distilled water in time. But if you are going to run 400 Watt load and above load, then the Lithium battery is the only solution you have as this will give more backup time and life can be maintained compared to the Tubular battery, which will give less backup time and the life will also be reduced as the Tubular battery is designed on C20 capacity and Lithium 80Ah battery is designed for C1 capacity.

Cost of Charging: This is another important factor where the Tubular Lead Acid battery lags behind the Lithium battery. Once shared, it stops taking any charging current as the Tubular battery keeps taking trickle charging current, which makes it consume more power from the source and a high cost for the consumer.

This is the Comparison Chart of backup time, which we have taken from the Inverter by testing the bulb Load on the Tubular Lead Acid and Lithium batteries.

comparison chart of backup time

Understanding the Price Difference B/W Tubular 150Ah and Li Batt.

Tubular Battery

Lithium battery

Here is a table comparing the typical prices of tubular and lithium batteries in India:

It is important to note that the cost of lithium batteries has been declining in recent years, and they are expected to become even more affordable.

Which type of battery is right for you?

The best type of battery for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. A tubular one may be a good option if you want a low-cost battery with a shorter lifespan. However, if you are looking for a battery with a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements, lithium may be a better choice.

Here is a table comparing the pros and cons of tubular and lithium batteries:

Ultimately, deciding which type of battery to choose is up to you. Consider these parameters before deciding your needs and usage.