Should You Go with a 12V or 24V Battery System?

Welcome back to another episode of Todd’s Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by Big Beard Battery! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most common questions asked by RVers and off-grid enthusiasts: Should I go with a 12V or 24V battery system?

To help tackle this topic, Todd is joined by special guest Thad from Your Jesus Journey, who recently installed his own solar system and faced the same challenge.

Why Most Start with 12V

Many RVs come wired for 12V systems by default. Lights, fans, and many appliances are designed for 12V, so it feels like the easiest and most comfortable choice—especially for DIYers. It also keeps things simple if you're only planning to run a small inverter or power a few appliances.

The Case for 24V

Here’s where things get interesting. While a 12V system works for smaller setups, stepping up to 24V has some serious advantages:

• Efficiency: A 24V battery draws less current than 12V when powering the same load, meaning less stress on your system.

• Smaller Wires: Less current means you can use smaller gauge wires, saving space and reducing voltage drop (though the actual weight savings is minimal).

• Bigger Power Potential: With a 24V system and the same solar controller, you can push double the wattage through—up to 2,400W compared to just 1,200W on 12V.

• Ideal for Larger Systems: Running two ACs and a microwave? 24V is your best bet. It delivers more power with less strain on your battery bank.

What’s the Right System for You?

Todd breaks it down simply:

• Go 12V if you have smaller loads or are sticking to one inverter.

• Go 24V if you're building a bigger system or want to future-proof for more demand.

He also recommends, if going lithium, using a single "smart" battery with one BMS (battery management system) instead of combining multiple batteries. It’s less complicated, more reliable, and easier to manage.

Bottom Line: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your setup and your future plans. But understanding the difference between 12V and 24V will help you build a more efficient and reliable system from the start.

👉 Want to build your dream power setup? Visit BigBeardBattery.com to learn more and get started today.