Meta Description: How do lithium-ion solar batteries compare with lead-acid and other lithium cells? Are the benefits myths or realities? Get to know more from this article.
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Agreed; you will pay more for lithium-ion solar batteries than lead acid or other lithium batteries but it’s an investment worth the money. The advantages of lithium-ion batteries for storing excess solar energy far outweigh the cost. Let’s look at six of these benefits.
Other battery types may be big in size but low in energy storage, not lithium-ion solar batteries. The thickness and dimensions of this battery type are such that you won’t need as much space as you would do for lead-acid or other battery types.
Lithium-ion solar batteries are plug-and-play, unlike lead-acid batteries that require periodic maintenance. This benefit is significant for companies because it means they won’t have to hire and train additional workers to maintain their solar batteries.
A battery’s DoD is the percentage of its energy capacity that has been used. For instance, if a battery has a 100kWh energy capacity and 30kWh has been used, its DoD is 30%. For most battery types, regularly using up the energy capacity will easily shorten their lifespan.
However, lithium-ion solar batteries can be discharged or used to a great extent without damaging them. That means that if your lithium-ion battery is 100kWh, you can use up to 90% of it more often without damaging it. Also, even when the battery is discharging, the voltage remains constant, unlike lead acid where you experience low voltage with decreasing charge.
Besides getting longer cycle life and other benefits, one other big plus to most lithium-ion batteries is the safety features built into them. The Lux-X-LG01 lithium-ion battery series by Felicity is an excellent demonstration of this safety consciousness. It comes with an in-built fire extinguishing gel and an aerosol that has passed extreme fire suppression challenges. What it means is that you do not have to fear that your solar package will catch fire from the battery like other battery options.
One of the reasons lithium-ion batteries are the best for solar power is their fast and safe charging. Most will reach their 100% charge points in four hours or less, depending on the capacity of the solar panel used in charging them. Also, lithium-ion batteries have built-in overcharge protectors that ensure excess charging does not damage them. As such, companies and individuals can enjoy longer power time with these batteries than their other contemporaries.
Lithium-ion solar batteries are easy to install and for improved ones like the Felicity’s Lux X series, you can move them around your home or office spaces effortlessly. If you must move your lead acid from one point to another, in most cases, you would need a technician to help carry out the installation again.
Lithium-ion solar batteries are way more beneficial than their price tags. The good news is that improved types with affordable prices are available, especially with FelicityESS. Check with us today, and get the best Lithium-ion battery for your business or private needs.
Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries (also known as LiFePO4 or LFP) are a sub-type of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. LiFePO4 offers vast improvements over other battery chemistries, with added safety, a longer lifespan, and a wider optimal temperature range.
These features have led to the widespread use of LiFePO4 batteries in solar generators, backup energy systems, and electric vehicles (EVs). This rise in popularity has led to a drastic price decrease in products that utilize LFPs.
Learn the numerous benefits of LiFePO4 and why it’s outpacing other batteries in various applications.
LFPs have a longer lifespan than any other battery. A deep-cycle lead acid battery may go through 100-200 cycles before its performance declines and drops to 70–80% capacity. On average, lead-acid batteries have a cycle count of around 500, while lithium-ion batteries may last 1,000 cycles.
In comparison, the LFP battery in the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station from EcoFlow has a cycle life of 3,000+ before performance drops to 80% of its original capacity. They will still function well after this period but at a slightly lower capacity.
LiFePO4 is a safer technology when compared to Li-ion and other battery types. Specifically, they don’t have the issues of toxic fumes and off-gassing associated with Lithium-ion and lead-acid. LFPs have improved the technology to avoid these dangerous issues, using a non-flammable electrolyte as part of the battery’s chemistry.
Li-ion batteries may experience thermal runaway, overheating, and combustion. Lead acid batteries may produce toxic fumes, such as hydrogen sulfide. These issues are hazardous to safety and health.
LiFePO4 batteries do not emit gas like lead-acid batteries do. You can safely store and operate LFPs in sheds, garages, or inside your home.
LiFePO4 batteries also don’t use toxic chemicals or heavy metals in their chemistry, which allows for safer handling and disposal. Lead-acid batteries can leak harmful liquids without proper care.
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The safety features of LiFePO4 batteries mean you can safely install products like the EcoFlow Power Kits inside a tiny home or RV. In the past, solar and backup batteries had to be stored outdoors in well-ventilated spaces to prevent any safety issues from harming the users. Not so with off-grid power solutions that run on LFPs.
LiFePO4 batteries have an operating temperature range between -4°F and 140°F (-20°C to 60°C). The temperature range allows them to perform well even in climates or conditions with extreme cold or heat.
However, keeping your LFP battery within its optimal operating temperature range will ensure higher efficiency and longevity. For example, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station recommends a storage and discharge temperature between 14°F and 113°F (-10°C to 45°C). Its optimal operating temperature range is 68°F-86°F (20°C-30°C).
Operating any battery outside its recommended temperature range can negatively impact its performance and lifespan. High temperatures can accelerate the battery’s aging, reduce capacity, and increase the risk of thermal runaway. Low temperatures, on the other hand, can reduce the battery’s efficiency and capacity.
LFPs have a higher energy density compared to some other battery types. Energy density refers to the amount of energy a battery can store per unit of volume or weight. LiFePO4 batteries have an energy density of around 130-140 Wh/kg — 4 times higher than the typical lead-acid battery density of 30–40 Wh/kg.
The high energy density means portable power stations using LiFePO4 are lighter and more portable. For example, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 weighs less than 8 lbs (3.6 kg) with 256 Wh of battery storage capacity.
Some Li-ion batteries have a slightly higher energy density than LiFePO4 but also have safety issues and shorter lifespans.
As mentioned earlier, LiFePO4 batteries have a much longer lifespan than comparable Li-ion and lead-acid batteries. It means they require replacement far less often, leading to fewer batteries in landfills.
Even when they eventually wear out, investments in lithium battery recycling have diminished their negative environmental impact. Recycling allows for the reuse of internal components. Furthermore, LFP batteries do not contain heavy metals and toxic materials (such as lead and cadmium) used in other battery types.
The absence of cobalt in LiFeP04 means they can be much more ethically sourced than traditional lithium-ion batteries — which must be manufactured using nickel and cobalt. Over 70% of the world’s cobalt comes from mines in the Democratic of Congo.
Labor conditions in DRC’s mines are so inhumane, often using child labor, that cobalt is sometimes referred to as the “blood diamond of batteries.”
The high efficiency of LiFePO4 batteries also lends to their eco-friendliness. They require less energy to charge and discharge, reducing their environmental impact.
With power solutions compatible with solar panels, it’s possible to make LFPs even more environmentally friendly by using clean, renewable solar energy to recharge the battery.
LiFePO4 batteries are low-maintenance compared to other battery types. Lead-acid batteries require you to check the electrolyte levels and refill them with distilled water. They’re also finicky when it comes to charging levels and storage conditions.
LFP batteries don’t require any electrolyte or water level maintenance. You should certainly keep an eye on vitals like charge and discharge levels, voltage, and related stats, but you shouldn’t have to spend too much time taking care of your battery.
With EcoFlow’s LiFePO4-powered solutions, you can monitor and control your battery usage from anywhere with the EcoFlow app.
With so many benefits, it’s clear why LiFePO4 batteries have become the norm in many industries. They’re becoming standard in electric vehicles, backup power solutions, and off-grid solar applications.
EcoFlow is one of the leading manufacturers of home backup and off-grid solar products that utilize LiFePO4 batteries. For safe, innovative solar generators, whole home power systems, and solar panels, shop EcoFlow today.
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