Battery Chemistry Comparison Calculator Canada
Find out which battery is actually cheapest for your Canadian off-grid system over 25 years. Compares LFP, AGM, Gel, and Flooded Lead-Acid on cost per kWh delivered — including cold weather derating, DoD lifespan impact, and full replacement schedule.
✓ Cycle life data from NREL & battery manufacturer specs · Updated March 2026⚙️ Your Usage Profile
⚡ Depth of Discharge (DoD)
🔋 Battery Costs — Quick Presets or Enter Your Own
Click a preset to auto-fill typical Canadian prices, then adjust if you have a quote.
📊 Results
Cost per kWh Delivered (LCOS) — Lower is Better
LCOS = Levelized Cost of Storage. Calculated as total lifetime cost (purchase × replacements + maintenance) ÷ total kWh delivered over the analysis period.
Full Chemistry Comparison
| Metric | LFP | AGM | Flooded LA | Gel |
|---|
Battery Replacement Schedule over 25 Years
Each coloured block = one battery bank lifespan. Each marker = a replacement purchase.
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This calculator computes the Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) for each battery chemistry — the true cost per kilowatt-hour delivered over your analysis period, accounting for upfront cost, cycle life, replacements, and annual maintenance. It's the only metric that lets you compare batteries fairly across their full lifetime.
What Is LCOS?
LCOS stands for Levelized Cost of Storage and is calculated as: Total Lifetime Cost ÷ Total kWh Delivered. A battery that costs twice as much but lasts four times as long and delivers twice the usable capacity has a lower LCOS — meaning it's genuinely cheaper per unit of energy stored and retrieved. LCOS is the standard metric used by energy researchers and commercial storage developers worldwide.
Why DoD Matters So Much
Depth of discharge is the single biggest variable affecting lead-acid battery lifespan. An AGM battery rated for 700 cycles at 50% DoD might only deliver 300 cycles at 80% DoD — a 57% reduction in lifespan from a 30% increase in daily discharge depth. LFP is far more tolerant, maintaining close to its rated cycle count even at 80–100% DoD. The DoD slider in this calculator applies chemistry-specific derating curves based on published manufacturer data.
Cold Weather Derating for Canadian Off-Grid Systems
All batteries lose effective capacity in cold temperatures. LFP batteries can lose 15–25% of their rated capacity at -20°C but recover fully when warmed — and unlike lead-acid, they aren't permanently damaged by cold discharge. Flooded lead-acid batteries can freeze if discharged below 50% in extreme cold, causing permanent damage. The winter temperature setting in this calculator applies realistic capacity derating factors based on published battery specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LFP always the best choice for Canadian off-grid systems?
For full-time off-grid systems cycled daily, yes — LFP almost always wins on LCOS over a 10–25 year period. For seasonal cabins used only a few months per year with low cycle count, the math can favour AGM because you won't exhaust its cycle life before it chemically degrades (typically 8–10 years regardless of cycle count). If your cabin sits unused for 6+ months per year, AGM may be the more economical choice.
What does "cycle life" mean and how is it tested?
Cycle life is the number of complete charge-discharge cycles a battery can complete before its capacity degrades to 80% of its original rated capacity (the standard end-of-life threshold). Manufacturers test at controlled temperatures (typically 25°C) and at a specific DoD. Real-world cycle life in Canadian conditions will vary based on temperature, actual DoD, charging quality, and maintenance practices.
Why does AGM cost more than flooded lead-acid but have fewer cycles?
AGM batteries use a sealed absorbed glass mat design that eliminates the need for water topping and reduces off-gassing — making them safer and more convenient for enclosed spaces. However, this design makes them more sensitive to overcharging and deep discharging than flooded lead-acid, resulting in slightly fewer cycles at equivalent DoD. The price premium reflects the maintenance-free convenience, not superior lifespan.
How accurate are the cycle life figures in this calculator?
Cycle life defaults are based on typical manufacturer specifications and NREL battery performance data, adjusted for the DoD you select. Actual cycle life varies significantly by brand quality, charging system quality, temperature management, and maintenance. Premium LFP batteries (BYD, CATL, Pylontech) consistently outperform budget alternatives. The figures here are reasonable planning estimates — always verify with your specific battery's datasheet.
Should I include installation cost in the battery cost per kWh?
Yes — the $/kWh figures in this calculator are intended to represent installed cost including basic wiring and mounting. If you have labour quotes, use the all-in cost per kWh for the most accurate LCOS comparison. Labour costs are typically similar across chemistries, so this doesn't dramatically change the relative ranking — but it does affect your absolute LCOS figure.
What about second-life EV batteries for off-grid use?
Second-life EV batteries (typically LFP or NMC chemistry from retired electric vehicles) are an emerging option in Canada at $150–$300/kWh — significantly cheaper than new LFP. However, remaining cycle life is uncertain, warranties are limited, and integration requires more technical expertise. This calculator doesn't model second-life batteries, but if you have a specific capacity and cycle life estimate from a supplier, you can approximate it by entering custom LFP values.
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Data Sources & References
Cycle life data, DoD derating curves, and cold weather performance figures are drawn from the following authoritative sources.
🔋 Battery Performance & Cycle Life
- NREL — Grid-Scale Battery Storage: Frequently Asked Questions — LCOS methodology and chemistry benchmarks
- NREL — Lithium-Ion Battery Second Life: Regulatory, Safety, and Liability Considerations — Cycle life degradation data
- Battery University — Summary Table of Lithium-Based Batteries — Comparative chemistry specifications
- Battery University — Lead-Based Batteries — AGM, flooded, and gel cycle life and DoD sensitivity
❄️ Cold Weather Performance
- Natural Resources Canada — Cold Weather and Electric Vehicle Range — Lithium battery cold weather capacity derating
- Manufacturer datasheets: Victron Energy, BYD, Battle Born Batteries, Trojan Battery — cold temperature performance curves
💰 Canadian Battery Pricing
- Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) — Storage system cost benchmarks for Canada
- Wholesale pricing data from BatteryHookup, Voltx Canada, and certified solar installer quotes (Q1 2026)
Cycle life figures are typical values based on published manufacturer specifications and NREL data at specified DoD. Actual cycle life varies by brand, charge controller quality, temperature management, and maintenance practices. Canadian battery pricing reflects Q1 2026 market averages — actual quotes may vary by region and supplier. Cold weather derating factors are estimates based on published specifications; actual performance depends on battery storage conditions. This calculator is for planning and educational purposes only. Always verify specifications with your specific battery datasheet and consult a certified installer before purchasing.