As solar power systems become more popular, solar storage has become more common as well. With it, new battery chemistries have been introduced, giving solar users even more options for building their solar power systems. One battery type that is catching attention is the LiFePO4 battery. What is it, and what benefits does it offer? Keep reading to find out.
What Is a LiFePO4 Battery?
LiFePO4 is the shortened name of lithium iron phosphate batteries. (The nickname takes the letters from the periodic table for each of the chemical elements in the battery: Li for lithium, Fe for iron, and PO4 for phosphate.) LiFePO4 batteries are known for their stable chemistry, high safety ratings, and long lifespans. Lithium iron phosphate not only gives this battery its name, but is the cathode material for this battery type. This is different from lithium-ion batteries, which use materials like lithium cobalt oxide or lithium manganese oxide.
Advantage of LiFePO4 Batteries
How do LiFePO4 batteries differ from other types of solar batteries on the market? Here are a few key benefits that they offer solar users:
- Longer Lifespan: LiFePO4 batteries can last 10 years or more. That’s significantly longer than lead-acid or traditional lithium-ion batteries, which typically only last about 5 years. Depending on the exact battery you purchase, a LiFePO4 battery can offer between 2,000 and 5,000 charge cycles, while lead-acid batteries only provide between 500 and 1,000 cycles. This makes LiFePO4 batteries a more cost-effective option for solar energy storage.
- Enhanced Safety: LiFePO4 batteries are some of the safest lithium batteries available. Their chemical composition is incredibly stable, reducing the risk of overheating, which is common in other types of lithium batteries. This makes them an excellent choice for residential solar power systems.
- Deep Discharges: These batteries also provide a deeper discharge than most solar batteries. Lead-acid batteries typically only offer a 50% depth of discharge (DoD). This means that the battery can actually only provide you with 50% of the energy stored inside of it; the remainder must stay in the battery in order to prevent damage from over-discharging. LiFePO4 batteries, however, offer a DoD of 80% to 90%, giving you more power from your batteries.
A Pylontech Pelio LiFePO4 battery is an excellent choice for your solar power system. Though the cost may be higher up front as compared to a lead-acid battery, the longer lifespan and deeper discharges will ultimately allow these batteries to pay for themselves over the years.