A lithium solar battery stands apart from other battery chemistries due to its high energy density and low cost per cycle. This article is a comprehensive guide on Lithium solar batteries.
A Lithium Solar Battery: What Is It?
When you opt to go solar, you’ll have an array of solar panels to put on your roof. If you’re unfamiliar with how solar panels function, they capture solar energy and turn it into an electric current.
An inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity into the alternating current (AC) electricity that we use in our houses.
Most residential solar systems are linked to the local power grid, which means that any extra energy generated by your solar energy system is fed back into the grid.
You may be able to obtain credits for this extra energy if your utility company operates a net energy metering scheme.
If your solar system does not generate enough energy to power your home at any point, you will use grid energy.
Solar batteries are renewable energy storage systems that store the energy generated by your solar system rather than returning it to the grid.
When your solar panels are not producing any electricity, you can use the stored energy (like after the sun sets or on overcast days). Lithium solar batteries are energy storage devices that are typically constructed of lithium iron phosphate.
What Differentiates Lithium Solar Batteries From Others?
Before we go into specifics, you should be aware that there are three forms of lithium technology: standard lithium, lithium-ion, and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 — commonly known as LFP). Standard lithium batteries are not rechargeable and, therefore, not fit for solar.
Lithium-ion technology is already used in typical rechargeable items such as cell phones, golf carts, and electric cars. Deep-cycle LiFePO4 batteries make up the majority of lithium-ion solar batteries.
They utilize lithium salts to create a highly efficient and long-lasting battery. Because they are deep-cycle batteries, the goods perform admirably even when the solar panels attached to them encounter erratic charging and discharging.
Prior to the development of Tesla’s Powerwall, I lithium-ion solar battery in 2015, the majority of solar batteries used lead-acid battery banks. There are now many lithium-ion solar batteries on the market, providing a variety of solutions for homeowners and their diverse needs.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Lithium Solar Battery?
Lithium-ion and LFP batteries have some advantages over lead-acid batteries, but they may not be suitable for every solar setup. Let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages.
Advantage: Greater Discharge Depth
A battery’s DoD is the amount of stored energy that can be used in relation to its entire capacity. Most batteries come with a suggested DoD to maintain battery health.
Because lithium-ion batteries have a high depth of discharge, homeowners can use more stored energy while charging it less frequently.
In comparison to a lead-acid battery, which should only be discharged to 50% depth of discharge, lithium-ion batteries can handle discharging roughly 80% of their charge before needing to be recharged.
Advantage: Extended Lifespan
Because of their high DoD, lithium-ion batteries have a significantly longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries. A high DoD means they don’t need to be recharged as frequently. The more a battery is recharged, the shorter its lifespan.
A lithium solar battery is normally warranted for 10 years or 10,000 cycles, whichever comes first. While lead-acid batteries have a five-year warranty,
Advantage: High Efficiency
The amount of energy you receive out of a battery in relation to the quantity you put in is referred to as battery efficiency.
Lithium-ion batteries have efficiencies ranging from 90% to 95%, implying that very little energy is lost during the conversion and storage processes. Because of the low internal resistance, the battery can charge without wasting much energy. It also discharges with very little loss.
Advantage: High Charge Rates
Lead-acid solar batteries are notoriously difficult to maintain. Inconsistent use can cause harm and shorten its lifespan. This is not an issue with lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries allow more charge current, resulting in faster charging times.
Partly charging lithium-ion batteries has no influence on their lifespans or performance.
Advantage: High Energy Density
Lithium-ion batteries provide a higher energy density while taking up less space than lead-acid batteries. Because lithium-ion batteries may be stored in garages or even installed on walls, they are an excellent alternative for homeowners.
Advantage: Minimal Maintenance
Lithium-ion solar batteries, unlike lead-acid batteries, do not require routine maintenance. This will save you time, money, and the trouble of having to service your batteries.
Disadvantage: Premium Cost
Lithium-ion batteries are the most expensive type of household battery storage. The initial cost can be shocking, especially when compared to lead-acid batteries.
Nonetheless, they are more cost-effective in the long run. Lead-acid batteries require greater care and must be replaced more frequently.
Disadvantage: Thermal Runaway
One of the most serious concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries is thermal runaway. It is a condition that occurs when the battery enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. Thermal runaway can cause gas, shrapnel, particles, or fire to be ejected.
The risk of a lithium solar battery overheating is quite low when correctly placed.
When to Utilize Lithium-Ion Batteries
The optimal battery type for your solar system will depend on various aspects, including what your system powers, whether you are on or off the grid, and how frequently you use the system.
The greatest solar storage method for everyday household use is currently lithium-ion solar batteries. The batteries are extremely thick and can store a significant quantity of energy while taking up little space.
Important Takeaways: Lithium Solar Batteries
More than simply cutting-edge solar panels will be required to get the most out of your overall solar system.
A dependable and efficient solar battery can help you save energy and money over time. While deciding on the best solar batteries for your system, make sure to consider your options as well as your home’s individual energy requirements.
A consultation with a qualified business is an excellent method to learn what sort of battery is ideal for your home, how much your solar system will cost, and how much you can save by taking advantage of local and federal solar incentives.