Virtually all heavy-duty generators have both recoil and electric starts. The former is a little tedious as the gen-set may not start at the first attempt. That’s why most users stick with the electric start.
It is very convenient. You only start your generator by pressing a button. What does the magic is the battery of the generator. Without a battery, electric start won’t work. This is why your choice of battery is very important.
More so, a lot of standby generators do not come with a battery. You’ll have to buy the battery. There are too many brands and models of batteries around and they vary in quality.
We have reviewed some of the best batteries for standby generators below. We selected them for review after testing many batteries. One factor that we considered most is durability. Remember, your standby generator is meant to back up your gird supply. It only gets to work when there’s a power outage.
You may not have an outage for several months. So, you need a battery that can stay strong and active for several months in an idle state. We have heard people complain that after leaving their generator without being used for several months, it didn’t start when they tried to start it.
The battery is usually the cause most of the time. Many of them get weak if not used often. Fortunately, the batteries reviewed here will not cause such problems.
Our Picks of 10 Best Batteries For Standby Generators:
1. Generac 5819 Model 26R Wet Cell Battery
It is often a good idea to buy batteries made by brands that also build generators. These brands understand the qualities required in a generator battery.
Generac also makes great standby generators. That’s why you should trust their batteries. And indeed, this battery didn’t disappoint us. It lived up to our expectations.
It gives 12 volts and its size is 26R. The battery is very light. It is one of the lightest batteries around. The battery is meant for generators with an output of 60kw and below. It is black in color and its terminals don’t corrode.
The dimension of the battery is 2 by 2 by 2 inches. You’ll love its portability. It hit the market in 2013, and it is still in production now. Having an Amazon rating of 4.5 stars confirms its quality.
Features
- The battery is black.
- The size is 26R.
- Its voltage is 12 volts.
- The dimension of the battery is 2 by 2 by 2 inches.
- It was first manufactured in 2013.
- It is meant for 60-kw-generators.
- The battery is strong and durable.
- Its terminals are resistant to corrosion.
- Having an Amazon rating of 4.5 stars is awesome.
2. Interstate Batteries 12V 55AH SLA/AGM Deep Cycle Battery
This lead-acid battery can be recharged easily. It can work for up to 20 hours before getting weak. Its voltage is 12 volts. The battery does not require any maintenance.
The battery is 9 inches long, 5.43 inches wide, and 8.27 inches tall. The product weighs 39.3 pounds. Although it may appear light, it is heavy and should be put in a strong bag or carrier.
Its handles can be removed for proper storage. Overall, the battery is strong and durable, and it has a high Amazon rating.
Features
- This is a 12-volt battery.
- It weighs 39.3 pounds.
- You can easily remove its handles.
- It is maintenance-free.
- The battery can be used to power electrical appliances for 20 straight hours or more.
- It is strong and durable.
- You can recharge it easily.
- Its Amazon rating is 4.3 stars.
3. 200W Peak Power Station, Flashfish CPAP Battery
This is a portable rechargeable battery with a wattage of 150 watts. It weighs only 4.5 pounds and that makes it easy for you to carry it around. In fact, it is ideal for camping in the wilderness.
It takes only 4.5 hours to charge it from zero to 100%. You can charge it in three ways. You can charge it through a wall outlet, solar panel, and car socket. However, don’t charge and use it at the same time.
Another reason we selected it is because of its several safety features. It is protected from overcurrent, high voltage, low voltage, short circuits, and overheating.
The battery is quite easy to use. Also, some of its users confirmed its durability. That’s why it has an Amazon rating of 4.4 stars.
Features
- The rechargeable battery weighs 4.5 pounds.
- It charges in less than 5 hours.
- It is protected from overcurrent, high voltage, low voltage, short circuits, and overheating.
- The wattage of the battery is 150 watts.
- Users confirmed its durability.
- You can charge it in three ways.
- It is very portable.
- An Amazon rating of 4.4 stars is amazing.
4. Weize 12V 18AH Battery
This 12-volt battery is rechargeable. It weighs 10.56 pounds. The battery has a wattage of 216 watts and an amperage of 18 amps. Apart from a generator, you can use it for several other purposes.
It is maintenance-free. You’ll love its portability too. The dimension of the battery is 7.13 by 6.57 by 3.03 inches and it is said to be durable. The battery comes with a 1-year warranty.
We usually advise buyers to study warranty terms and conditions. Finally, it has an Amazon rating of 4.6 stars.
Features
- The battery is rechargeable.
- Its voltage is 12 volts.
- A weight of 10.56 pounds is fair.
- Its wattage is 216 watts.
- It has an amperage of 18 amps.
- The product comes with a 1-year warranty.
- You can use it for multiple purposes.
- Its Amazon rating is 4.6 stars.
5. ML18-12 12V 18 AH SLA Battery
The is another rechargeable battery. It offers 12 volts and it weighs 11.9 pounds. Its amperage is 18 amps. The dimension of the battery is 7.13 by 6.57 by 3.03 inches and it is said to be durable.
The battery comes with a 1-year warranty, and it has an Amazon rating of 4.6 stars. The battery is durable, portable, and it is multi-purpose. It is maintenance-free.
Features
- The battery is versatile.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty.
- And it is rechargeable.
- Its voltage is 12 volts.
- Users have given it an Amazon rating of 4.6 stars.
- It is black in color.
- It has an amperage of 18 amps.
- Having a weight of 11.9 pounds isn’t bad.
6. ExpertPower EXP12180 12V 18Ah Lead-Acid Battery
Apart from powering a generator, you can use this battery to power many other appliances. Its voltage is 12 volts and it is quite portable.
It has a dimension of 7.13 by 3.03 by 6.57 inches. The battery weighs 11.4 pounds. The lead-acid battery has an amperage of 18 amps.
It is resistant to shock, chemicals, heat, and vibration. The product is user-friendly, durable, and rugged. An Amazon rating of 4.5 stars crowns it all.
Features
- The battery is black in color.
- Its voltage is 12.
- And its amperage is 18 amps.
- You can use it to power numerous appliances.
- It weighs 11.4 pounds.
- The battery has a dimension of 7.13 by 3.03 by 6.57 inches.
- It is resistant to shock, chemicals, heat, and vibration.
- The product is rugged and durable.
- Its Amazon rating is 4.5 stars.
7. Interstate Batteries Generac Generator Replacement Battery
This is another battery from Interstate. It dishes out 12 volts as well. You can easily recharge it. The battery has a wattage of 36 watts and it weighs 5.62 pounds.
You can use this battery to power electronics, speakers, solar collectors, wheelchairs, scooters, medical devices, lighting equipment, and other devices.
The battery has a dimension of 5.94 by 2.56 by 3.70 inches. It is maintenance-free and non-spillable. Most of all, it has a fantastic Amazon rating.
Features
- The battery offers 12 volts.
- Its wattage is 36 watts.
- And it has a weight of 5.62 pounds.
- You can use it to power numerous appliances.
- It is maintenance-free.
- The battery has a dimension of 94 by 2.56 by 3.70 inches.
- It is durable.
- Users have given it an Amazon rating of 4.6 stars.
8. ExpertPower 12v9ah Generator Battery
This is another 12-volt battery with lead-acid. Although we listed it here because it can power your generator, it can also power other appliances.
The product weighs only 6.04 pounds and it gives out 9 amps. The device has a dimension of 5.9 by 3.3 by 4.2 inches.
It is maintenance-free. Buyers of this product will enjoy its 1-year warranty. Don’t forget to check the terms of the warranty. The battery is strong and durable. Finally, its Amazon rating is commendable.
Features
- The battery weighs 6.04 pounds.
- It has a dimension of 5.9 by 3.3 by 4.2 inches.
- The voltage is 12.
- And its amperage is 9 amps.
- It is maintenance-free.
- You’ll like its 1-year warranty.
- The battery is rugged and durable.
- It has an Amazon rating of 4.4 stars.
9. 12V 15Ah Champion Generator 9000 7000 Battery
This rechargeable 12-volt battery can also be used for electric scooters, alarms, fire alarms, and many more devices. It weighs only 12.5 pounds. Its amperage is 15 amps.
In addition, we found its 2-year warranty irresistible. It is also maintenance-free. It comes with high-quality components.
It is strong and durable. If all the features mentioned above do not convince you, its Amazon rating of 4.7 stars should tip the scale.
Features
- This portable battery is rechargeable.
- Its voltage is 12.
- An amperage of 15 amps is fine.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty.
- The battery weighs 12.5 pounds.
- It comes with high-quality components.
- It is strong and durable.
- An amazon rating of 4.7 stars is amazing.
- The battery is maintenance-free.
10. PowerStar Replacement Battery for Standby Generator
This black 12-volt battery comes with nut and bolt terminals. It weighs only 9 pounds. The device can be used for many purposes. It has an amperage of 9 amps.
The product has a dimension of 5.91 by 3.39 by 4.21 inches. It is maintenance-free and spill-proof. Most importantly, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
And we found out from some users that it is a free replacement warranty. That is highly impressive. Finally, it has an Amazon rating of 4.6 stars.
Features
- The battery gives 12 volts.
- And its amperage is 9 amps.
- It is spill-proof.
- Users love its 2-year warranty.
- The battery weighs 9 pounds.
- The product has a dimension of 5.91 by 3.39 by 4.21 inches.
- It comes with nut and bolt terminals.
- The battery is maintenance-free.
- And its Amazon rating is 4.6 stars.
What Size of Battery Do I Need for a Generac Generator?
No matter the size and capacity of your generator, the size of its battery remains 12 volts. So, you need the same 12-volt battery that is found in a car. Even if the generator is not a Generac, it will still work with a 12-volt battery. The size is standard.
What Kind of Battery Do I Need For a 22kW Generac?
As explained above, you need a 12-volt battery for all generators, but the type of the battery may be different. According to Generac, its generators work best with a 26R wet cell battery. And the generators often come with that particular battery. In case the battery that comes with your Generac generator packs up, you can easily purchase another 26R wet cell battery from a dealer or distributor.
Can I Start My Generator with a Car Battery?
Sure, it can work. Car batteries have 12 volts and generators work with 12 volts, so you can start your generator with your car battery. In case your generator battery suddenly gets weak and becomes unable to start the generator, you can quickly make use of your car battery to start the generator, and you can find a way to recharge the generator battery later.
How Long Does A Standby Generator Battery Last?
The lifespan of a generator battery depends on the quality of the battery and its usage. When you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, you’ll be able to extend its lifespan. What kills batteries faster is inactivity. That’s why we’ll advise you to start and warm your generator once a month.
Let it work for at least 5 minutes. Don’t just leave it because there’s no outage. Generally, batteries can last between 2 and 5 years.
How Do You Maintain A Battery From A Generator?
Here are some useful tips that will help you maintain your battery:
1. Whether there’s an outage or not, you should start your generator at least once a month to keep the battery charged. If not, the battery will discharge and may even get damaged.
2. Always check the level of its electrolyte, and if it is low, ensure you add distilled water.
3. Keep the surface of the battery clean all the time.
4. Don’t start your generator longer than 10 seconds. You could damage the battery that way.
5. And if it does not start at the first attempt, make sure you wait for at least 2 minutes before making another attempt.
How To Select A Battery For A Standby Generator?
1. Select Any of The Batteries Reviewed Above
We have reviewed some of the best batteries here. We selected them after testing numerous batteries. Instead of searching all over the internet, why not take advantage of this report and purchase one of the batteries. We recommend them all.
2. Find Out If it Can Be Returned
Many batteries cannot be returned. Even if the battery packs up after a few weeks, you’ll be stuck with such a battery. So, before purchasing a battery, you must be sure that it can be returned.
3. Take Advantage of The Return Window
A battery is not a product that you’ll buy and keep. You must start using your battery immediately after it is delivered to you. This will also help you to discover its problem (if any) early and return it within the return window.
4. Purchase From Amazon
We’ll advise you to purchase your battery from Amazon because the platform offers highly competitive prices for all its products. We have been patronizing them for several years and we’ve never been disappointed in the prices Amazon offers.
5. Check Warranty Terms
If your battery comes with a warranty, you may want to study the warranty terms and conditions. You should know what the warranty covers and what it does not cover.
Final Word
The batteries reviewed above are the latest batteries for standby generators. We have tested them and we love their performance. The reviews are based on what we found out. So, you can count on our words. They are all highly recommended.
