REVIEW: SOK Battery - Best lithium solar batteries on the market? []

Top 3 Product Recommendations

1. SOK 200Ah 12V LiFePO4 Battery

$1,029.00

• Extremely low cost compared to similar batteries
• High-quality BMS
• Durable build, strong features

Buy here

2. Lion UT 1300 Lithium Battery

$899.00

• Lifetime warranty, great customer service
• Affordable option 
• Very small size & weight

Buy here

3. Rich Solar 100AH
LifePO4 Battery

$569.00

• Built-in smart battery management system
• High amp capacity
• Stable output voltage

Buy here

SOK batteries debuted in early 2020 and have quickly become one of the most popular choices for DIY solar storage. After thoroughly analyzing the SOK battery quality and talking with industry influencers, we are excited to share our findings in this complete SOK battery review.  

A Quick History of SOK Batteries

Before we get started, we want to address the fact that SOK Batteries seem to have appeared out of thin air in North America. In 2020, these Chinese-made devices began filling warehouses in the United States with shipping options to both the US and Canada.

After initial reviews, SOK batteries earn praise as a low-cost option for reliable electricity storage. SOK notes that its LiFePO4 batteries are appropriate for many applications, including:

• Solar energy systems
• Boats
• Radio communications 
• Electric vehicles 

Click Here To See the SOK 100Ah & 200Ah Batteries

SOK Battery Product Lines & Features 

So far, SOK has released two different models, a 100 Amp-hour battery and a 200 Amp-hour battery.  Each model is a lithium-ion storage bank protected in a strong metal casing.

For both capacity models, here are the SOK Battery Standard Features:

• Built-in Smart Battery Management System
• 4000-8000 life cycles 
• Maintenance-free life span
• Detachable cover, replaceable BMS, and cells
• Capable for parallel or series connection for 24V, 36V, or 48V 
• High & Low-temperature disconnects
• 7-Year Standard Warranty 
• Charge Voltage: 14.6V
• Nominal Voltage: 12.8V
• Max Charge Current: 50 A
• Max Discharge Current: 100 A

With consistent technology, the SOK batteries currently available only differ in price, size, weight, and storage capacity. Check out the differences below.

100ah SOK Battery Specs:

• Dimensions: 11.42 x 7.87 x 7.87 Inches

• Weight: 26 lbs.

• Nominal Capacity: 100 Ah, 1280 Wh

200ah SOK Battery Specs:

• Dimensions: 11.42 x 7.87 x 11.02 Inches

• Weight: 47.6 lbs.

• Nominal Capacity: 206 Ah, 2636 Wh

Pros of SOK Batteries

Okay, enough technical talk. Here are a few of the undeniably best features of SOK Batteries, making them some of the most exciting new products in solar storage.

Price

Currently, you can purchase the 100ah SOK Battery for $569. Some quick math will tell you that this is roughly $5.69 per amp-hour or $0.45 per watt-hour. Compare them to other batteries of similar size and quality, and you see that SOK manufactures devices with some of the lowest upfront prices.

Saving money is a strong selling point for SOK Batteries. In terms of bang for your buck, it doesn’t get much better than this, which is especially true when considering the 200 Ah model, currently being sold for $1,029. At this level, the rough price is $5.14 per amp-hour and $0.39 per watt-hour. 

Advanced Battery Management System 

SOK batteries have an advanced battery management system (BMS) installed directly in the casing. The built-in smart system protects itself against potential damage by balancing the storage cells and automatically adjusting rates of electricity flow.

SOK’s advanced BMS systems help protect against:

• Overcharging the battery

• Overly discharging the battery

• Low-temperature charging (down to 32°F) 

• High-temperature charging (up to 149°F)

• And short circuits

Durable, High-Quality Build

Aside from their internal electrical protection, SOK batteries are also well-guarded physically from the outside world. SOK’s unique metal boxes are durable and rated to IP50, keeping dust and debris outside the system. On top of the metal container is a durable handle alongside well-sealed sockets designed for years of use.

Combined, the protective features of SOK batteries allow for storage usage temperatures from -22°F to 140°F. While you can only charge them at temperatures above freezing, the ability to store and use them below 32°F is crucial for winter applications. When in storage, SOK batteries lose approximately 3% of their charge each month. 

Lifecycle Rating & Warranty

Each SOK Battery lasts for approximately 4,000-8,000 life cycles, according to the product manufacturer. Although this is a wide range, daily discharges of a SOK battery last for anywhere from 10-20 years.

With over a decade of daily energy storage, SOK batteries are a great investment for an off-grid DIY solar power system. Plus, a seven-year standard warranty helps guarantee the initial risk of purchasing a battery for several hundred dollars.  

Cons of SOK Batteries

Clearly, SOK batteries show a lot of promise for solar energy storage. In fact, there are only a  few negatives you should consider before ultimately choosing whether or not they are right for your system.  

Brand New Product Line

While SOK Batteries have impressed many off-grid power experts (including ourselves) in their premier, you could still consider them a new brand and product. Out of the gate, it is hard to recommend a battery that has not stood the test of time.

With this said, SOK seems confident in its models as each battery comes with a seven-year warranty. Even though the manufacturer is based in China, returns to the North American facilities make it easy to replace defective units.  

Limited Availability

Due to their popularity and price point, SOK batteries quickly began to fly off of virtual shelves in late 2020. In 2022, some consumers may find it hard to track down a SOK Battery (especially the 200 Ah model) in stock and available for purchase. Once you find one, products may be slow to ship if they are currently on backorder. 

Click Here To See the SOK 100Ah & 200Ah Batteries

SOK Battery Key Takeaways & Comparisons 

Now, let’s look at how the new SOK batteries stack up against other popular 12V brands. Many 100 Ah batteries are available today, but the 200 AH SOK model is in a league of its own.

The Lion UT1300 - $899

First, the Lion UT1300 offers a bit more storage capacity but for an increased price. It's lighter than the 100 Ah SOK battery but offers similar protection and expected life cycles.

Here are the key differences between the 100Ah SOK Battery vs the Lion UT1300:

• Price: $569 vs $899

• Capacity: 100 Ah  vs 105 Ah

• Charging Cycles: 4,000 - 8,000 vs 3,500+

• Warranty: 7 Years vs Lifetime

• Weight: 26 lbs. vs 20 lbs.

The BattleBorn 100ah Battery - $899

The 100Ah SOK battery has drawn many comparisons to one of the most popular brands of today, the BattleBorn Battery. BattleBorn is a well-known brand that manufactures quality products purchased and used by an increasingly brand-loyal community. Although they are more expensive than SOK batteries, Battleborn batteries come with a 10-year warranty and a history of great customer service.

Here are the key features of the 100Ah SOK Battery vs the BattleBorn 100ah Battery:

• Price: $569 vs $899

• Capacity: 100 Ah  vs 100 Ah

• Charging Cycles: 4,000 - 8,000 vs 3000-5000

• Warranty: 7 Years vs 10 Year

• Weight: 26 lbs. vs 31 lbs.

The 200Ah AIMS Lithium Battery - $1,499

Finally, those waiting for the 200Ah SOK battery may want to consider this similar storage bank from AIMS, an American company. The AIMS 200Ah lithium battery comes with Bluetooth tracking, among other premium features. As you may expect, this AIMS battery is more expensive than its SOK equivalent, although it too comes with a longer standard warranty period.

Here is a quick look at the 200Ah SOK Battery vs the 200Ah AIMS Lithium Battery:

• Price: $1,029 vs $1,498
• Capacity: 200 Ah  vs 200 Ah
• Charging Cycles: 4,000 - 8,000 vs >4,000
• Warranty: 7 Years vs 10 Year
• Weight: 47.6 lbs. vs 56.5 lbs.

Final Words

Ultimately, there are many great lithium solar batteries on the market. SOK batteries are one of the best. Despite being a new brand, our complete SOK battery review leads us to believe that they are among the best new devices on the market today.

If you are looking for a long-lasting lithium battery at a reasonable price, SOK’s 100 Ah or 200 Ah model may be perfect for you. Not convinced? Feel free to check out our buying guide for the best 12V lithium-ion batteries.

Click Here To See the SOK 100Ah & 200Ah Batteries