The Benefits of a Solar Lithium Battery
Choosing the best battery for your solar system is a big decision. There are a lot of factors to consider, including usable capacity (kWh), depth of discharge and maintenance.
Lithium batteries, such as the ones Canbat offers, have a higher energy density and are very durable. They can also withstand extreme temperatures and are low-maintenance, meaning they require less attention than other battery types.
1. Longer Lifespan
In the solar battery industry, lifespan is usually measured in cycles. Each cycle is a complete drain and recharge of the battery. With each cycle, the battery gets closer to degradation and ultimately becoming unusable.
Depending on the type of solar battery you choose, its lifespan can differ. Lithium batteries, such as Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate, commonly known as LFP, last longer than lead-acid alternatives. They can handle a higher depth of discharge, allowing you to export more power from them before they need to be recharged.
Other types of solar batteries, such as flow batteries, can offer even greater lifespans. These batteries use liquid electrolytes to store and deliver energy, and can be run at a higher depth of discharge than traditional solar batteries without suffering any negative effects on their lifespan. Battery longevity is also greatly affected by its environment. Ideally, your solar battery should be stored in a climate-controlled area to keep its temperature stable. Extreme heat will accelerate chemical reactions, shortening the lifespan of your battery.
2. Lower Maintenance
With a longer lifespan and less maintenance required, solar lithium batteries are a great option for off-grid and renewable energy systems. They can withstand deeper cycling, typically lasting longer than the previous standard battery type for these applications – lead acid and nickel-cadmium. They are able to operate over a wider range of ambient temperatures, with some models from KiloVault capable of operating in sub-freezing temperatures.
The quality of your solar lithium battery also plays a major role in its lifespan. Choosing a reputable manufacturer with expert customer service will ensure you get the best performance from your investment and a high value for your money.
Another important consideration is the depth of discharge (DoD). Solar lithium batteries can handle up to a 100% DoD, allowing them to deliver more power than other types of solar battery. However, if you regularly use your battery to its full capacity, this will shorten its lifespan. It is therefore important to set Solar Lithium Battery the float, bulk and absorption charging voltages according to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations. This will ensure the longest possible lifespan for your solar lithium battery.
3. Better Energy Capacity
A solar lithium battery can hold more energy than lead acid batteries and charge faster. This means that you’ll need to charge your solar batteries less frequently which will result in more power being available when you need it.
The newest type of lithium battery for solar is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), which was developed by Tesla in 2015. This technology has replaced the traditional lead-acid batteries and now makes up 89% of all new renewable energy storage systems installed in 2015.
LiFePO4 solar batteries have a deeper cycling capacity that allows them to use more of their nameplate amp-hours or watt-hours, which provides an unmatched cost per kWh cycle. They are also maintenance free, which means that you won’t have to worry about watering them or cleaning corroded terminals. This is a huge benefit for active facilities that don’t want to waste time waiting for equipment to recharge between uses. This is why LiFePO4 solar batteries have become the new standard for solar-plus-storage systems.
4. Lower Price
Solar lithium batteries are typically more expensive than lead-acid alternatives, but they come with benefits Solar Lithium Battery like a longer lifespan and no needed maintenance. This makes them a great option for full-time off-grid homes that want a worry-free energy storage system.
Lithium-ion battery technologies have become cheaper and more efficient over the past three decades, dropping in price even faster than solar panels have. The cost declines for both technologies were attributed to advancements in chemistry, materials science and manufacturing.
When choosing a solar lithium battery, look for a brand that has experience with solar power systems and has a reputation for outstanding customer service. You should also ask about a warranty to ensure your battery is covered against damage from accidents or natural disasters. The best brands will offer a comprehensive warranty that includes free replacements and repairs for the entire life of your solar energy storage system.
5. Better Safety
Many people are concerned about lithium batteries starting fires or emitting gases, but the truth is that they are much safer than lead acid solar batteries. While flooded lead acid batteries are highly flammable, lithium batteries are not.
Solar lithium batteries are also more safe than flooded lead acid batteries because they do not have to be kept in vented enclosures or battery boxes. However, proper installation and maintenance is still required, as with any electrical equipment.
Lithium batteries have a higher round-trip efficiency than flooded lead acid batteries and require no maintenance, making them an excellent choice for your solar power system. They are able to take on deep cycles and can tolerate 80% to 100% depth of discharge (DoD) while retaining a high efficiency rating.
Lithium iron phosphate (or lithium FePO4) batteries are the best option for solar energy storage because they offer better safety, longer lifespans and higher cycle rates than traditional lead-acid batteries. They are also more durable and can withstand extreme temperatures without being damaged. They also feature a built-in battery management system (BMS) that protects your lithium battery from overcharging, over discharging and other potential dangers.