Why Choose Lithium Batteries For Solar Panels?
When building an off-grid power system you want a battery that is robust and capable. Lithium batteries have twice the run time of your average SLA lead acid battery, are able to perform in harsh environments and weigh half as much!
Pairing a lithium battery with solar panels will provide the most bang for your buck. These deep-cycle lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are the perfect match.
High Energy Density
Lithium batteries offer a remarkable balance of power, weight, and size for energy storage solutions. Their higher energy density means they can store more energy in a smaller package than lead-acid batteries of the same capacity, making them ideal for applications where space and weight are critical.
The best lithium battery for solar panels has an impressive energy density that is more than double the typical lead-acid alternative. This allows homeowners to use a larger portion of their energy storage system’s capacity without having to recharge it as frequently.
Different battery chemistries can have varying energy densities, reflecting the internal materials they contain. Today’s lithium ion batteries have a charge density of around 200-300 Wh/kg. This includes 4 kg of material build-up (2 kg of cathode, 1kg of anode, 0.6kg of current collectors and separators and 0.3kg of electrolyte).
For example, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries like the Tesla Powerwall 2 can reach up to 7kWh/kg. Other lithium ion batteries, such as the Generac PWRcell and LG RESU Prime have an energy density of around 350Wh/kg.
The battery industry is working towards even lithium batteries for solar panels greater energy densities. Solid state technology has the potential to reach up to 1,250Wh/kg, which would be a truly incredible accomplishment and could potentially revolutionize renewable energy systems.
Long Lifespan
The lifespan of solar batteries can play a big role in the overall cost of an off-grid solar power system. Batteries that are subjected to frequent charging and discharging tend to wear down more quickly than those that don’t. Fortunately, lithium batteries typically have a much longer cycle life than lead-acid batteries. This makes them a great choice for long-term off-grid use, as they won’t need to be replaced as frequently.
Lithium batteries also have a much higher round-trip efficiency than other types of batteries. This means that they can store and release energy with very little loss, making them a great option for off-grid solar power systems.
Battery lifespan can also be impacted by how it’s used. For example, if a lithium battery is regularly discharged to more than 80% of its capacity, it will require more frequent recharges and can lose some of its longevity. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended depth of discharge (DoD) and avoid over-draining your battery to keep it lasting as long as possible.
Additionally, the environment where a solar battery is stored can affect its lifespan. Keeping it in a temperature-controlled environment can help extend its lifespan. This is important because high temperatures can impact the battery’s performance and lead to shorter lifespans.
Fast Charging
Our BigBattery lithium batteries banish overcharge anxiety by automatically monitoring the battery’s state of charge. With this, you can rest easy knowing your solar energy system isn’t overcharging the batteries at night. Lithium batteries also boast 99% charge efficiency, compared to lead acid’s 85%.
Our lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are a perfect match for off-grid solar energy systems, especially in remote Wall – Mounted Lithium Battery areas. They’re built to withstand harsh conditions and have twice the power at half the weight of traditional AGM or lead acid batteries. They’re also tolerant of lower ambient temperatures and do not off-gas.
While there are many options for home energy storage, lithium batteries are quickly becoming the most popular choice for grid-tie solar and off-grid solar. These batteries can be installed alone, or paired with solar panels to store excess energy for use at night and during power outages.
When these batteries reach the end of their useful lives, they can be recycled to produce new energy storage cells for your solar energy system. This helps conserve energy by returning critical minerals back into the economy and reducing the amount of electricity needed to produce the batteries. This helps fight climate change by lowering carbon dioxide emissions. If you’re interested in learning more, check out EPA’s recycling and disposal information.
Safety
We’ve all heard about lithium battery fires. But what’s the real story behind those incidents? It turns out, it’s pretty rare for solar batteries to start fires or explode. If they do, it’s typically a result of serious manufacturing defects and a battery has reached a temperature that’s beyond its operating range.
Lithium batteries can be used alone to provide backup power in case of a grid outage, or they can be combined with a solar energy system to avoid paying peak electricity rates and receive credits from your utility company through net energy metering. Either way, the batteries’ ability to deliver quick bursts of power makes them an excellent choice for solar systems.
What’s more, most high-quality lithium batteries are designed to withstand a large number of charge-discharge cycles without any significant loss in capacity. They’re also safe and nontoxic. Some manufacturers such as KiloVault even offer a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) model that’s able to withstand low ambient temperatures, further reducing capacity-related issues in cold climates.
The key to ensuring the safety of your battery is to choose a reputable brand that has rigorous quality control and has conducted tests with other solar kit components, such as the charge controller, to ensure everything works together correctly. Also, be sure to install your batteries in a room that’s properly ventilated and keep it clear of flammable materials like newspapers or fabric.
