The Photonic Universe 100Ah 12V Gel Battery is a Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) deep cycle battery filled with a special gel-type electrolyte. It's non-spillable, completely sealed, and maintenance-free, making it a safe and low-fuss leisure battery for motorhomes, caravans, campervans, and boats, with excellent solar charge acceptance for solar and wind charging setups.
Nominal Voltage
12V
Capacity
100Ah (10h) / 108Ah (20h)
Max Charge Current
20A
Self-Discharge
<1% per month
Operating Range
-10°C to +50°C
Weight
30.3 kg
What Makes Gel Different from AGM: Gel batteries use a thickened gel electrolyte rather than a glass-fibre mat. This gives them an even wider working temperature range (functioning well down to -10°C) and a lower self-discharge rate than typical AGM batteries, at the tradeoff of a lower maximum charge current.
Charging Current Limit: This battery's maximum charging current is 20A — noticeably lower than an equivalent AGM battery. Check your solar charge controller or mains charger output doesn't exceed this limit, and confirm it has a gel-compatible charge profile.
Sealed Gel Construction
Completely sealed and maintenance-free, with no electrolyte top-ups required, and less internal corrosion and degradation than a standard wet-cell battery.
Wide Working Temperature Range
Performs well in cold conditions down to -10°C, making it a strong option for boats and vehicles used through UK winters.
Very Low Self-Discharge
At under 1% per month, this battery holds its charge exceptionally well during storage, ahead of typical AGM self-discharge rates.
Strong Deep-Discharge Recovery
Recovers well after being deeply discharged, suiting leisure use where the battery is run down overnight and recharged the following day.
Flexible Mounting Position
Doesn't need to stay strictly upright, and offers good resistance to shock and vibration — useful in the confined battery lockers typical of caravans and boats.
Long Service Life
Typically lasts more than 5 years, and up to 10 years with good care — longer than the typical service life of an equivalent AGM battery.
| Electrical Specifications |
| Nominal Voltage |
12V |
| Nominal Capacity |
100Ah (10-hour rate) / 108Ah (20-hour rate) |
| Maximum Charging Current |
20A |
| Self-Discharge Rate |
<1% per month |
| Cycle Lifetime (at 30% D.O.D.) |
1200–1300 cycles |
| Pressure Control |
Safety valve installed |
| Physical & Build Specifications |
| Battery Technology |
Gel (VRLA), sealed lead-acid |
| Terminal Type |
F13 (bolts and washers included) |
| Operating Temperature |
-10°C to +50°C |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) |
331 x 173 x 217 mm |
| Weight |
30.3 kg |
| Typical Service Life |
More than 5 years typical, up to 10 years with good care |
| Included in Box |
Battery, user manual, terminal bolts and washers |
| Warranty |
1 year |
What's the difference between a Gel battery and an AGM battery?
Both are sealed, maintenance-free lead-acid designs, but Gel batteries use a thickened electrolyte gel rather than a glass-fibre mat. This gives Gel batteries a wider working temperature range and lower self-discharge rate, though typically at a lower maximum charging current than an equivalent AGM battery.
Is this battery suitable for a solar charging setup?
Yes — this battery has excellent solar charge acceptance. Just make sure your solar charge controller's output current doesn't exceed the battery's 20A maximum charging current, and that the controller has a Gel-specific charge profile if available.
Does this battery cope well with cold weather?
Yes — Gel batteries have a wider working temperature range than typical AGM batteries and perform well in cold conditions down to -10°C, making this a good option for winter use in a boat or motorhome.
Does this battery need to be kept upright?
No — the Gel design means the battery's position doesn't have to be upright at all times, giving more flexibility when fitting it into a tight battery locker.
How long will this battery last?
Typical service life is more than 5 years, and with good care — avoiding deep over-discharge and staying within the rated temperature range — it can last up to 10 years. Cycle life is rated at 1200–1300 cycles at 30% depth of discharge.
