A solar expert has taken to social media to share important advice for Nigerians using tubular batteries in their solar inverter systems. In a detailed video, she listed 10 reasons why lithium batteries are a superior choice, pointing out the drawbacks of tubular batteries that may lead to higher costs and frequent replacements.
Why Tubular Batteries Fall Short
According to the expert, who goes by the handle @lillysolar24 on TikTok, tubular batteries come with several disadvantages. She began by stating that using tubular batteries in 2026 could result in financial losses, as many of these batteries fail within months after purchase, requiring replacement.
She explained that tubular batteries have a 50 percent depth of discharge, meaning users cannot safely use more than half of the battery's capacity without reducing its cycle life and overall lifespan. Additionally, if multiple tubular batteries are connected in series and one develops a fault, it can negatively affect the others.
Another issue highlighted is voltage drop, particularly when high-load appliances such as air conditioners or pumping machines are used. This can lead to unstable power supply and potential damage to equipment.
High Maintenance and Bulkiness
The solar expert emphasized the high maintenance costs associated with tubular batteries. Users often need to call installers to top up water, clean terminals, and perform other routine tasks. She also noted the bulkiness of these batteries, pointing out that for large installations like a 100kW system, a significant number of tubular batteries would be required, taking up considerable space.
Furthermore, tubular batteries have a low charging speed, or C rate. Even with sufficient solar panels, high current cannot be used for charging because it may cause overheating and premature failure. The efficiency of tubular batteries is also low, resulting in energy wastage during the charging process.
Advantages of Lithium Batteries
In contrast, @lillysolar24 highlighted the benefits of lithium batteries. They offer a longer lifespan, typically ranging from 5 to 20 years depending on usage, compared to tubular batteries which last only 2 to 5 years. Lithium batteries are also more robust and require less maintenance.
She concluded that over time, users spend more on replacing tubular batteries, making lithium batteries a more cost-effective and reliable choice. Her advice to Nigerians in 2026 is to opt for lithium batteries for their solar systems.
Related Experiences
In a similar story, a young Nigerian man shared his experience with a solar inverter system using tubular batteries. He reported that while the system works well during the day, its performance drops significantly after sunset, leading to instability. Another Nigerian complained online that his tubular battery gets fully charged in 30 minutes but lasts only about 1 hour and 20 minutes under a 340-watt load, despite using a 2kVA hybrid inverter, two 550W solar panels, and a 260Ah tubular battery.
