The hidden cost of cheap batteries
Lead-acid batteries look attractive on the price tag. In Philippine conditions — ambient temperatures regularly above 32°C — they degrade fast. Every 8–10°C above 25°C roughly halves a lead-acid battery's service life.
The cycle-life math
| Chemistry | Cycles @ 80% DoD | Typical lifespan (PH climate) |
|---|---|---|
| Flooded lead-acid | 300–500 | 2–3 years |
| AGM lead-acid | 500–800 | 3–4 years |
| LiFePO4 (SuperSafe) | 8,000+ | 12–15 years |
Cost per cycle is the only number that matters. LiFePO4 wins by an order of magnitude.
Safety built in
The SuperSafe 16.38kWh battery is IP65-rated and includes an integrated aerosol fire-suppression module — critical for indoor installations in tightly built Filipino homes.
Bottom line
A lead-acid bank replaced three times over 12 years costs more than one LiFePO4 unit — and delivers worse performance the whole time.