Should You Buy a Lithium Ion Solar Battery?
Lithium solar batteries are expensive up front, but have a much longer lifespan and require little maintenance than lead-acid batteries. This article will help you decide whether a lithium battery solar storage system is worth it for your off-grid or grid-tie solar energy setup.
We’ll be looking at the popular lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery chemistry. This type of lithium battery solar can tolerate deeper cycling and is safer and more forgiving than nickel cadmium batteries.
High Energy Density
Compared to lead acid batteries, lithium solar batteries deliver a higher energy density. This means they can store more power in a smaller space. This makes them ideal for solar systems that require a long-term power supply to run appliances and electronics.
Lithium battery density can also be increased using new technology. Mechanical engineering (ME) professor Corie Cobb and her team are developing innovative 3D electrode architectures for battery prototypes with improved performance. They are leveraging additive manufacturing, the same process that produced the Mars rover Curiosity’s lander and scoop.
Solar energy storage is also being used in communities with limited grid access to provide them with clean, reliable power. These community-level projects paired with solar panels allow residents to generate electricity from the sun, lithium ion solar battery storing excess for use at night or on overcast days.
Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium solar batteries don’t need regular maintenance. They have an internal battery management system that monitors temperature, voltage, and current to keep them safe. They are also safer to handle, as they don’t contain flammable gas or battery acid.
Long Lifespan
A lithium battery will last for a long time if properly cared for. It’s important to understand the factors that impact battery lifespan so you can get the most out of your investment.
For example, storing your batteries in an area with a high temperature will cause them to age more quickly. Alternatively, keeping your batteries in a cool place with a lower temperature will extend their lifespan.
Lithium batteries are more resilient than other solar battery types, including traditional lead-acid. You may only need to replace them once over the lifetime of your solar system.
Additionally, maintaining the right balance between charging and discharging your batteries will increase their lifespan. This includes avoiding excessive depth of discharge, which reduces the number of charge cycles. Many lithium batteries come with Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile apps that allow you to monitor their performance and detect any potential issues early on. Keeping up with these maintenance practices will help your lithium battery live longer and outlast the warranty period.
Fast Charging
Lithium batteries are not only lighter than lead-acid, but have a 99% charge efficiency compared to 85% for lead acid. They also lose less capacity when unused than other battery chemistries, making them ideal for off-grid solar systems.
The lithium battery’s internal Battery Management System (BMS) keeps an eye on all aspects of the cell including voltage and current. It then regulates the cell to maintain its maximum rated capacity, and prevents overcharging or over discharging. Frequent overcharging shortens the lifespan of any battery.
A lithium battery’s fast charging capabilities mean that a full recharge can be achieved within a few minutes. This reduces downtime and the need for cleaning treatments, which require the battery to be disconnected from its charger for long periods of time.
Unlike the flooded lead acid and VRLA battery chemistries, which require venting and watering, lithium batteries are safe to operate in confined spaces and do not produce caustic hydrogen or oxygen gases. They can also be assembled into unique shapes and are able to withstand higher temperatures than traditional lead-acid batteries.
Internal Battery Management System
A lithium battery’s internal battery management system is the brain of the pack. It regulates the performance of your battery to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating—which could lead to fire or explosion. It also optimises performance and longevity.
The most important function of the BMS is functional safety, which ensures that voltage and current limits are not exceeded for long periods of time. This is especially critical in larger format lithium batteries, as overvoltage could cause thermal runaway.
Other functions of the BMS include cell balancing and capacity management. This involves ensuring that all cells in the battery are used to their declared SOA limits, preventing some cells from lithium solar batteries being overcharged and others over-discharged. The BMS also monitors and regulates the temperature of the batteries, closing and opening the valves to circulate ethylene glycol coolant throughout the pack assembly for optimal performance. It also provides diagnostics, data collection, and external communication capabilities.
Reliable Customer Service
If you’re going to invest in a lithium battery, you want to know it’s backed by a solid customer service team. You want to look for a company with a history of providing excellent support and guidance. Look for online reviews and testimonials to see how well the company’s clients have rated its customer service.
You also want to make sure that the lithium battery manufacturer is transparent about its price. Many solar installers add a premium to the cost of the battery, so it’s important to understand what you’re actually paying for before making a purchase.
A good way to do this is by looking at the warranty details for each product. Most lithium batteries come with a warranty that guarantees your system will be able to produce at least 60% of its initial capacity by the end of its lifetime. Other warranties include a “throughput” clause, which is the maximum amount of energy that your battery can store before its warranty expires.
