Dilemma in choosing batteries

[Patmos777]

I'm new to solar system. I plan to to use a 300 W panel through a 30A MPPT charge controller. My aim is to run a few emergency 12 V lights ( no inverter). My thought is to get a 100AH battery. I see that price between lithium and Gel are almost double. Having read many articles on batteries ( efficiency, discharge %). My first thought was to get a Gel 100Ah battery now , then may be after 2 years get a good Lithium 100Ah. I run into a dilemma of whether I should go for a 54 Ah Lithium now , then in a few months add a second of the same type in parallel.
I may not not be correct in my assumption but is it that a 50AH lithium will give more juice than a 50 Ah Gel and be closer to a 100Ah Gel ?
Thanking you all....

 

[BarracudaBob]

Go LiFePo4, LPF, and the capacity is based on your use/load. There are a lot of inexpensive 12V LPF batteries out there. You can parallel them. @Will Prowse just did a video on an inexpensive one. When in doubt don't buy one, get two!

Now my personal opinion is I always want to see what is going on inside a battery. Bluetooth is usually the best for a stand alone battery. If you have a bunch then it gets more complicated with RS485 communications.

The reason being is if you have an issue you will never know for sure what it is.

 

[Patmos777]

Go LiFePo4, LPF, and the capacity is based on your use/load. There are a lot of inexpensive 12V LPF batteries out there. You can parallel them. @Will Prowse just did a video on an inexpensive one. When in doubt don't buy one, get two!

Now my personal opinion is I always want to see what is going on inside a battery. Bluetooth is usually the best for a stand alone battery. If you have a bunch then it gets more complicated with RS485 communications.

The reason being is if you have an issue you will never know for sure what it is.

But I reside on a lonely island Mauritius. We must take what is offered . The Lithium 100Ah cost $430, the 54 Ah $ 190 and the Gel 100Ah $210. It's not just cost but for how long will I use it....

 

[Mattb4]

But I reside on a lonely island Mauritius. We must take what is offered . The Lithium 100Ah cost $430, the 54 Ah $ 190 and the Gel 100Ah $210. It's not just cost but for how long will I use it....

A 100ah LiFePO4 is equivalent to 2-100ah Gel batteries thus your prices are a wash. The LiFePO4 will likely have 2000 to 4000cycles. The Gel maybe 800.

Rather easy choice if temperature (freezing weather) is not a factor.