The purpose of this thesis is to conduct a cost and performance comparison between available automotive and solar batteries. A comparison between life cycle-cost of the solar battery and automotive battery in a solar home system is made. The control strategies used in solar home systems are examined. Taking into account the economics, a methodology for sizing batteries and solar panels, and choosing the appropriate battery type and controller technology is put forth. Comparison of life of the battery in a solar home system was too difficult to predict from the limited testing done. However, it was demonstrated the the size of the battery in comparison to the solar panel and control strategy used in a system plays a significant role in bringing the the battery to a full state of charge. This in turn plays an important role in prolonging the life of the battery. It is shown that at high states of charge the battery charge efficiency goes down significantly. A method is described in order to size and choose a flooded lead-acid battery and appropriate controller technology.