Are LiFePO4 Batteries Good for Solar? – Type and Usage

Solar systems have become one of the best ways to get clean energy and reduce energy expenses. However, you won’t get these benefits without choosing the right battery.

A power generating system, or photovoltaic solar off-grid power generation system, converts solar energy to electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery. That means the system will not make much sense or be useful if you don’t have the right battery.

Not every battery can be used on these systems. Specifically designed batteries are used to store the energy to ensure load power consumption during the night or when the rainy days start.

Thus, you want a batter that will last throughout the night once charged. Anything that cannot give such a performance should be avoided.

Lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are among the most recommended options for such systems today. In this guide, we will be discussing their advantages over other batteries.

Which Type of Battery is Best for Solar?

There are many types of batteries used on solar systems today. Some are incredibly efficient, while others may not very good for your needs.

Here are the most common types and some of their advantages:

Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries

You may have come across flooded lead-acid batteries in many solar power systems. They have been used for the last 150 years and remain one of the most popular options in off-grip setups.

One of the main advantages of these batteries is that they are 99% recyclable and are very easy to dispose of. They are good for those who need the most affordable option.

They can handle daily charge cycling well but emit gas as a byproduct. Thus, they require proper ventilation and maintenance. You may not find them ideal if you don’t have the time and patience for such requirements.

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Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries

Sealed lead-acid batteries (SLA) are an upgrade of the FLA options. They are perfect for users who cannot deal with regular check-ups.

SLA batteries are spill-proof and non-hazardous, which makes them ideal for home use. They are also a self-contained system that does not require regular refilling. You will find them quite ideal for properties that are only partially occupied.

Another advantage is that they are great at handling temperatures. They will not self-discharge too fast, even when you leave them for a long time.

lithium batteries

Lithium batteries are the newest technology in the battery market. They were introduced in the 70s and have since become very popular in many applications.

Many people and experts recommend using lithium-based batteries because they promise the best features in this market. They are designed to deliver the highest level of performance, no matter where they are used.

For solar systems, lithium batteries will give you more power and longer hours of performance after every charge. Although they are more expensive than the two options above, they offer more benefits in justification. Their benefits include:

Durability. A longer lifespan is one of the biggest advantages of using lithium batteries. Depending on the specific battery type, they can last for more than 1000 charge cycles.

No maintenance. Once you install a lithium battery in your home, you can forget about maintenance. They are built to perform under minimal maintenance requirements.

More efficient. Lithium batteries are the leading technology for efficiency in power usage.

More capacity. These batteries are designed to hold more capacity with deeper discharges and are more beneficial.

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Safe. Lithium batteries don’t release gasses. You don’t need to use them under ventilated conditions.

As you can see, lithium batteries are the best option for your solar power system. They have the capacity, performance, and power to deliver the most incredible performance to meet your specific user needs.

Why Use LiFePO4 Batteries in Stand-alone Solar System?

There are many different types of lithium batteries. LiFePO4 is among the most recent technologies, which is an improvement of all the others. They are the best and most recommended for solar systems because of the following reasons:

Better Storage Capacity

When it comes to choosing the right battery for your solar system, storage capacity is one of the most important features to consider. That means the total amount of energy the battery can store when charged.

LiFePO4 batteries have a chemistry that stands out from lead acid and other lithium batteries, and it is much stronger and more efficient in terms of capacity and other features.

The Safety

Safety is another factor to keep in mind when looking for the perfect battery for your solar system. LiFePO4 batteries are considered the safest of all battery technologies and hence suitable for home use.

These batteries don’t need regular maintenance, and they don’t release gasses. They are designed from the safest material on the market, which is why they are recommended for all-around usage.

Long-lasting

You want your solar power system to serve you for a long time without demanding battery replacement. Thus, choosing the most durable battery should be a priority.

LiFePO4 batteries can last for ten years or even longer, depending on the usage. You can forget about battery issues or the need for repairs across this period while enjoying excellent power performance.

Deeper Discharge

Most batteries are damaged by how they are charged and discharged. Most manufacturers will recommend charging or discharging to a certain percentage only.

LiFePO4 batteries don’t require such focus, and they safely offer flexible charging and deeper discharge cycles. You can leave the battery charging all day and use it until 0%, and it will still stand.

Can I use LiFePO4 Battery for Inverter?

Yes. LiFePO4 batteries have great thermal and chemical stability, which makes them very safe to use under different circumstances.? ?

They can improve an inverter’s overall efficiency and performance since they are more reliable and stable and don’t require any maintenance. Aside from that, they have a higher charge and discharge efficiency than other lithium batteries.

And most importantly, LiFePO4 batteries have a constant output power. They are safe to use, not only for the person but also for your device.

Even though they are relatively more expensive, nothing beats LiFePO4 batteries when it comes to performance and features. So you can use them in your inverter safely without any worries.