Sonnenschein Batteries

Sonnenschein: the inventor of GEL Dryfit

Sonnenschein is a German brand founded in 1910 that in 1957 invented GEL Dryfit technology — the first maintenance-free lead-acid battery using a silica-thickened gelled electrolyte. The technology revolutionised the industry by enabling sealed VRLA batteries that cannot leak and can operate in any orientation. Today the brand belongs to Exide Technologies, with manufacturing kept in Büdingen (Germany).

Sonnenschein is the worldwide reference whenever reliability is non-negotiable: power utilities, mobile networks, hospital backup, railway control, low-cost satellites and critical infrastructure rely on Sonnenschein as standard.

Sonnenschein range

Why GEL versus AGM?

GEL Dryfit offers the longest float life in the segment (up to 20 years on A400) and tolerates deep discharges better than AGM. The gelled electrolyte makes it position-insensitive and immune to extreme vibration. The trade-off: GEL handles less peak cranking current than AGM, so it is reserved for service (not cranking): stationary, deep-cycle solar, light traction, telecom and UPS.

Sonnenschein by application

• Solar / PV — A600 Solar is the European standard in stand-alone PV and self-consumption.
• UPS — A500 for buffer in small/medium data centres, telecom, hospital alarms.
• Electric wheelchairs — GF-V Cyclic 12V 50/70 Ah for user mobility.
• Mobility scooters — GF-V with controlled deep discharges.
• Stationary — A400 long-life OPzV for telecom and utilities.

Top-selling Sonnenschein codes

• Sonnenschein A412/100 A — A400 GEL Dryfit 12V 100Ah, long-life stationary.
• Sonnenschein A512/85 A — A500 GEL 12V 85Ah, UPS/telecom.
• Sonnenschein A602/200 — A600 GEL 6V 200Ah, solar/off-grid module.
• Sonnenschein GF12 050Y — Cyclic GEL 12V 50Ah, wheelchair and mobility scooter.
• Sonnenschein PS12-7L — Powerfit S 12V 7Ah, alarms, small UPS.

Sonnenschein vs AGM (Exide / VARTA)

For car cranking, Sonnenschein is NOT the choice — use an AGM Start-Stop (Exide EK, VARTA Silver Dynamic AGM). For service (stationary, solar, light traction, UPS, telecom, mobility), Sonnenschein GEL Dryfit is the world reference. The difference vs an equivalent AGM is service life (up to 2-3× longer in float) and tolerance to sustained deep discharges.

Frequently asked questions

Can Sonnenschein crank my car?

That is not its market. Sonnenschein is the reference in service (stationary, solar, telecom, UPS, light traction, mobility). For automotive cranking use an AGM or EFB Start-Stop.

How long does a Sonnenschein GEL last?

Up to 20 years in float (A400 stationary) and 1,500-2,000 cycles at 50% DoD on A600 Solar — the longest service life in sealed lead-acid.

What is GEL Dryfit?

VRLA lead-acid with silica-gelled electrolyte. Sealed, maintenance-free, leak-free, position-insensitive.

Sonnenschein or Exide?

Same group. Sonnenschein is the premium GEL specialist brand; Exide spans SLI, AGM, EFB, GEL. For critical GEL service → Sonnenschein.

Sonnenschein A600 vs deep-cycle AGM?

A600 offers more cycles at 50% DoD than any equivalent AGM, better tolerance to extreme discharges and longer life in hot climates. AGM wins on cranking, GEL wins on durability.

How long does shipping take?

Standard delivery 1 to 5 working days to your country. We process orders within 24h.

Sonnenschein catalogue curated by our technical team. 12,161 Trustpilot reviews · 4.5/5. 24-48 h delivery in mainland Spain and Portugal (orders before 6:00 pm); 14-day returns with free collection on the Iberian mainland.