More and more people are opting for off grid solar power generation, and at the heart of the system is the solar batteries. Deepcycle batteries can provide continuous power, making them ideal for applications that require a quick start-up, of these, lithiumion batteries are a relatively new option in solar energy systems which include lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganate, lithium polymer battery and etc. The LiFePO4 batteries are the mainstream choice of energy storage and are often used in backup systems and solar battery banks.
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A lithium battery (or lithium-ion battery, Li-ion battery) is a type of battery that is rechargeable for long-lasting usage, utilizing the revertible chemical quality of lithium ions. Featuring high electricity densities, low self-discharge, and many other advantages, lithium batteries are popular choices as a power storage solution for portable consumer digital devices and electronic vehicles. There are various types of lithium ion batteries, for example, lithium polymer batteries, Ternary lithium batteries, and lithium iron phosphate batteries. LiFeP04 is the abbreviation of lithium iron phosphate batteries, which is usually used for solar batteries due to its relatively stable chemical stability.
The work of lithium batteries can be understood as the movement of lithium ions. When we charge a lithium battery, lihium ions will move from the cathode (positive electrode), go through the electrolyte, and reach the anode (negative electrode). During the process, electrons are produced and will be kept inside by the separator. Vice versa, when we discharge the lithium battery, lithium ions will flow from the anode (negative electrode) into the cathode (positive electrode). Another article from the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) has made the whole process of how a lithium-ion battery works more intelligible.
Image courtesy: Sarah Harman and Charles Joyner, EERE
Let&#;s assume that you are looking for the answer to how long a lithium battery can work in your RV, electronic vehicle, or yacht, which means we will talk about lithium iron phosphate batteries. Working as power batteries, the average life cycles of LiFeP04 batteries are usually , which means that with one charge-discharge cycle per day, they can last for about eight years. And in a cold area, LiFeP04 batteries in a warm area can last longer.
Lithium battery SOC chart
For charging lithium batteries, you can use solar energy, alternators, shore power or grid power. It is the same thing when it comes to charging a LiFePO4 battery. If you have a solar panel system equipped on your RV or house, lithium iron phosphate batteries can be charged with solar energy, but a charge controller such as the MPPT charge controller is needed. For this type of component, we recommend Rover 100 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller from Renogy, which boasts versatile compatibility with solar systems of watts on 12 volts, watts on 24 volts, watts on 36V and watts on 48V.
Of course, it doesn&#;t have to use a solar power system to charge a lithium battery, though that can be a cost-saving option. You can also charge it through grid power. Having some electricity stored in a large lithium battery can be a life-saver when a blackout occurs.
But should you leave a lithium battery on charge all the time? Most lithium-ion batteries have built-in over-charge protection, which can cut the charge automatically once it detects a full charge has been reached. Besides, lithium batteries with a battery management system (BMS) also include other forms of protection mechanisms, including over-voltage, overcurrent, over-temperature, overvoltage and short-circuit protection.
A normal battery charger that just has charging modes is not recommended because it will cut in a float voltage at 13.2 volts, which means your lithium battery is only going to be around 80 percent charged as it needs to float at about 13.8 or higher. However, if you have a power supply or a battery charger that you can put into power supply mode, that will be perfect because the built-in BMS in the battery will turn that load off from your power supply when the battery is fully charged so that it won&#;t get overcharge or undercharge.
You can charge lithium batteries from a charger that may not have a lithium profile. But if it has power supply mode or if you have a power supply in your caravan or something like that, you can use that to charge. It is best to go with a lithium-compatible charger because it still has a couple of sequences that it may add to the charging process, but a single-stage battery charger, i.e., a power supply, also works.
The answer is no. Lithium batteries in series will only have an increased amount of voltage but their amperage will stay. For more details, check our guide to Series And Parallel Connections .
LiFePO4 batteries (or the LFP battery) are a premium storage option that is safe and durable and can be paired with solar energy systems to store excess energy. They are now the storage medium of choice in most solar applications due to their long lifetime, safety,cost-effectiveness, and low maintenance requirements. They are particularly appealing to boat, van, and RV owners.
1. Light and Compact
Energy density is the amount of electricity a battery can hold relative to its physical size. The higher the energy density, the more energy can be stored, whereas lower energy density means less available power and more weight. The lithium ion battery for solar is high density and so can store lots of power while taking up minimal space, which is great when space is at a premium. For example, a 100Ah battery of the same capacity of Renogy, the weight of lithium iron phosphate battery is 40% of that of lead-acid battery.
2. Safety and Stability
LiFePO4 batteries have one key advantage over other batteries: excellent thermal and chemical stability, which translates to improved safety. For example, lithium cobalt oxide and lithium manganate will explode in violent collisions, posing a threat to life; however, lithium iron phosphate has passed strict safety tests, which means that even if an accident occurs, there will be no explosion.
3. BMS
Every LiFePO4battery has a built-in battery management system (BMS) that automatically monitors things like battery temperature, state of charge, and cycle life to maximize battery performance. And if your electricity demand increases, you can expand the system hassle free, by connecting more batteries in parallel, each of which will be managed by its own internal BMS, operating independently and safely.
4. Reliable and Stable Power
Solar lithium batteries can also provide better quality and more constant voltage at any discharge rate. Constant voltage does not fluctuate over time: For example, lights will keep the same brightness throughout each usage period of the battery.
5. Low Self-Discharge Rate
When the lithium ion solar battery is not connected to the load and power supply, the energy may still gradually drop, which is known as self-discharge, or charge retention capacity. The self-discharge rate of lithium solar batteries is very low, generally only reaching 3% per month.
6. Environmentally Friendly
Li-ion batteries have low levels of toxic heavy metals compared to other batteries like lead-acid and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries. Cadmium, lead, and mercury have been major components of batteries for many years, but improper handling and exposure to these metals can harm humans, animals, and plants. Lithiumbatteries for solar are safer than many other kinds, although still do need to be recycled properly: Never dispose of used batteries in general trash!
7. Maintenance-Free
Many types of batteries require a periodic "balancing" process to ensure that all batteries are charged equally. Lithium solar batteries manage their status through BMS, so they don't need to be periodically "balancing".
Compared with other types of batteries, lifepo4 batteries have no special requirements for storage. They don't need to be stored upright or in any vented battery compartment. For long-term storage, it is recommended to charge the battery every six months to avoid low battery power.
8. Memory Effect
The memory effect is an effect of the internal crystallization of the battery due to use, which will temporarily reduce the capacity of the battery and shorten the use time. This usually happens with NiCd batteries, but lithiumion batteries do not suffer from this memory effect, so they always run out of the last bit of charge. Whether using 100% or 25% capacity, you can charge them without tedious maintenance.
When considering solar cell options, you need to compare different lithium batteries based on capacity, depth of discharge (DOD), battery life, and more to find the best battery for your PV system based on your needs.
1. Capacity
Capacity is the total amount of electricity that a solar cell can store. This data is usually measured in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh).
2. Depth of Discharge (DOD)
The depth of discharge (DOD) indicates the battery capacity used. The higher the DOD, the more usage you get from the battery capacity. Most solar batteries come with a recommended DOD to keep the battery healthy. Lithium ion batteries are deepcycle batteries and have up to 100% DOD, meaning you can use more of the energy stored in lithium-ion batteries without recharging as often as you would with other batteries. This also gives them a long service life and capacity is 25-50% higher than similar lead acids.
3. Cycle Life
Cycle life is the number of charge and discharge cycles that a battery can complete before it loses performance. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have more than cycles, while lead-acid batteries typically only reach between 500 and cycles. Assuming that one cycle is used each day, then a battery with a cycle life of retains its performance for five and a half years; a battery that boasts cycles can be used for more than ten years.
4. Continuous Charging and Discharging Rate
The charge-discharge rate refers to the constant current value output by the battery, when it is charged from an empty state to a fully charged state or discharged from a fully charged state to an empty state, within a specified time. For example, the Renogy 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery has a rated capacity of 100Ah and can be discharged for 1 hour at a 100A discharge current, known as 1C discharge. Additionally, the Renogy 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate battery with a self-heating function will automatically start running when the battery temperature drops below 41°F (5°C) while charging to ensure excellent battery performance.
5. Battery Life and Warranty
If you've owned a laptop or smartphone for a few years, you've probably noticed that the battery doesn't last as long in the years after that as it did when it first started. As each charge and discharge cycle progresses, the battery's ability to remain charged decreases. Temperature can also affect battery life. High temperatures mean faster reactions, so batteries discharge faster; low temperatures mean batteries have to work harder and charge at higher voltages.
Most batteries come with a warranty that guarantees the battery over a certain number of cycles or for a specified period. Like panels, inverters, or other solar equipment, choosing a well-known manufacturer with a long history is the safest option, as they are more likely to deliver on these promises.
Renogy has been a key player over the last decade as demand for quality renewable energy solutions has been booming. We never stop innovating because we know how much clean energy means. At Renogy, we offer a wide range of solar products, such as solar panels, deep cycle batteries, inverters, solar generators, portable power stations, charge controllers, etc. Join us in creating a truly sustainable future!
The Renogy 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery allows for auto-balancing of parallel connections and additional battery connection options. LiFePO4 batteries are protected by an integrated smart battery management system (BMS), which also monitors and manages the charging and draining process. A long cycle life and superior discharge performance are ensured by state-of-the-art battery cells.
Renogy's 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery with Self-Heating Function combats the cold by warming itself up when the battery temperature dips below 41°F (5°C) and it&#;s attached to the input. Long cycle life and superior discharge performance are ensured by the integrated intelligent BMS, state-of-the-art battery cells, and self-heating capability.
A built-in Bluetooth module allows for real-time remote monitoring on mobile devices with the Renogy 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery with Bluetooth. It's made with automotive-grade battery cells and has a long cycle life under a variety of loads. The sophisticated BMS ensures that the battery is well-protected. Because it is a standard BCI group size, it is an excellent replacement for deep-cycle lead-acid batteries.
a. Avoid being exposed to extreme temperatures
b. Store the batteries at moderate energy during off-hour
c. Disconnect the battery from your equipment if the battery is not used for a long time.
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Bluetooth Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries For Solar: Everything You Need To Know
When considering a 12V lithium-ion solar battery, several key factors must be evaluated before making a purchase. These include battery capacity, lifecycles, shelf life, warranty, battery management system (BMS) features, and temperature ratings. As the price of solar kits and energy storage decreases, investing in lithium-ion technology becomes increasingly advantageous. ShopSolar.com emphasizes the importance of effective on-site electricity storage in off-grid solar energy systems and provides insights into selecting the best batteries.
The top six lithium-ion solar batteries for are highlighted, each with its pros and cons. The SOK 206Ah and 100Ah models are lauded for their storage potential and affordability, though being a newer brand may pose customer service concerns. Battleborn's 100Ah battery boasts a well-known brand and a long warranty but is bulkier and pricier. AIMS Power's battery offers affordability and a 10-year warranty, while Renogy's battery is praised for its lightweight design and compatibility with Renogy products. Additionally, the White Rhino from BigBattery stands out for its strength and wide temperature operating range. In conclusion, advancements in solar storage technology continue to improve, offering consumers more efficient and cost-effective solutions for off-grid solar energy systems.
Shopping for a lithium ion solar battery? Keep reading to find out the 6 key things you need to consider before investing your hard earned cash into lithium ion solar batteries.
It is no secret that 12v lithium ion solar batteries are the best way to store solar energy in a small off-grid power system.
With the price of both complete solar kits and solar energy storage capacities continuing to drop, there has never been a better time to take advantage of lithium ion technology.
ShopSolar.com understands that an off-grid solar energy system is only as good as its ability to store electricity onsite. We have tinkered, tested, and sold thousands of lithium ion batteries over the years, always striving to find the next best battery for solar storage.
Here, we outline what to look for when shopping for 12v lithium ion batteries and then review our picks for the top five lithium solar batteries.
What to Look for in a 12V Lithium Ion Solar Battery
You can use 12V lithium ion batteries in golf carts, boats, and tons of other applications. While we focus on off-grid solar storage, there are six key features to consider about lithium ion solar batteries before choosing the best battery for your application. So let's dive in.
First and foremost, storage capacity is the most important thing to know about a 12v lithium ion battery. Storage capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh) or amp-hours (Ah) to approximate the battery's discharge run time.
Lithium ion batteries come with the advantage of being able to discharge their capacity without damaging the system. As such, it is simple to calculate how long your battery will last.
Feel free to use our solar load calculator to calculate your average daily electrical demand based on the wattages and runtimes of your electronics and appliances.
Next, it is critical to verify a 12v lithium ion battery&#;s estimated life cycle count before purchasing. Lithium solar batteries can be expensive, and life cycle counts help estimate the approximate lifespan of storage.
Over time, batteries slowly degrade and lose a portion of their capacity to store electricity, known as the depth of discharge (DoD). Most commonly, lifecycles are an estimate of a number or range of full recharges before the battery reaches 80% DoD.
If a battery is rated at Wh with 500 lifecycles at 80% DoD, then it can hold approximately 800Wh of electricity storage after 500 full uses.
All 12v lithium ion batteries have an approximate shelf life which refers to the amount of time they can be left idle while maintaining their charge capacity. Sometimes, manufacturers refer to this as the maximum time between recharges, while others try to hide the term altogether.
A good shelf-life rating is critical if you plan to only use a 12v lithium ion battery pack as an emergency source of power. In areas without sufficient sunlight, off-grid solar energy systems must have several 12v lithium ion batteries on hand for extended periods of consumption.
If you use your lithium solar battery every day, then the shelf life isn&#;t nearly as important. In general, anything from 3 to 6 months is an average shelf life typical of high-quality lithium ion batteries.
Warranty
Of course, shelf life, lifecycles, and battery ratings mean nothing if your battery is defective. Like all electronics, lithium solar batteries may malfunction, so a good warranty is important to ensure the ongoing success of your off-grid system.
Long warranty periods, like seven, 10, and 12 years, can help you get the best return on investment for a lithium solar battery. Companies like Lion Energy provide lifetime warranties with some of their products. As always, it is important to read the fine print in a battery warranty and be careful not to do anything that would void a full refund.
Compared to AGM and lead-acid batteries, 12v lithium ion batteries generally have more advanced battery management features. Advanced lithium ion batteries with smart BMS temporarily absorb higher voltages and allow for highly efficient charging and discharging.
Generally speaking, smart BMS systems that automatically adjust electricity flows are considered premium features and designed to protect against possible damage to the system.
Thanks to recent developments, some of the newer lithium ion batteries on the market make it easier to take complete control of the internal BMS. While some companies use an app (see KiloVault below), others use an onboard LED or LCD screen.
Last but not least, consider a 12v lithium battery&#;s temperature ratings before finalizing your decision. If you plan to bring your battery into cold weather situations (in a van, RV, or home), it is good to know that your technology performs without leaving you stranded in the cold.
There are a few temperature ratings that are important to pay attention to. Namely, batteries have charging, discharging, and storage temperature ratings indicating how to use the banks safely while maintaining normal operating conditions.
Top 6 Lithium Ion Solar Batteries - Pros & Cons
Now that we&#;re speaking the same lingo, let&#;s get to it! Here are our top 6 lithium ion solar batteries.
Although they are a new player on the market, we feel that the SOK Battery's 206Ah model is the best 12v lithium ion battery for solar storage. The 206Ah SOK battery is in a class of its own, delivering massive storage potential at an unbeatable price.
In fact, the high levels of interest for this battery may make it hard to find one, and there are no signs of demand slowing down soon.
At just over $1,000, this lithium ion SOK battery holds over Wh of electricity in its durable metal casing. Compared to other batteries on this list, the cost per watt of the SOK 206AH battery is unmatched.
Plus, it is rated for 4,000-8,000 lifecycles. Even with daily full discharges of the battery, the SOK 206Ah battery is built to last well beyond its seven-year warranty.
Of course, people with small solar energy systems in vans and RVs may be overpaying for unnecessary storage capacity with SOK&#;s 206ah model. That's why it can share the top spot on this list with SOK&#;s 100ah 12v lithium ion battery. The 100ah model can still hold and efficiently discharge Wh of electricity with an extremely low cost-of-entry.
SOK Battery Pros:
Our 48V KONG Lithium Battery Banks are designed around NEW LiFePO4 cells complete with a BMS & 300A fuse. This battery is perfect as a drop-in replacement for lead-acid batteries in your off-grid home, energy storage system, etc. providing you with more capacity, shorter charge times & longer life!
The 48V KONG comes with pre-installed Anderson connections making it ready to go for quick installation to any inverter, charge controller or bus bar. With the SB175 Anderson to ring terminal cable already included, you'll be up and running in no time!
Commonly compared to the Lion UT , the Battleborn 100Ah battery is our next best 12v lithium ion battery. Battleborn is one of the best-known manufacturers of lithium ion batteries in North America with many brand-loyal customers in RVs, vans, and off-grid homes.
The Battleborn 100ah battery holds Wh of electricity for 3,000-5,000 cycles. These features are consistent with many other similar batteries on the market; however, Battleborn&#;s battery typically comes out to a higher price, size, and weight.
Learn more about the BattleBorn 100ah battery in our complete review here.
Up next, the AIMS Power 12V LiFePO4 battery is a lightweight, low-cost option for a premium 12v lithium ion battery. AIMS power includes a 10-year warranty, and this battery is rated to last over 4,000 lifecycles. Plus, at only 31 pounds, this compact device comes at a similar weight to other great RV, van, and marine batteries where every ounce counts.
At number five is the Renogy 12V 100AH Smart LiFePO4 Battery, another great lithium ion storage solution from a well-known DIY solar brand. Renogy manufacturers some of the most user-friendly portable solar panels and charge controllers worldwide, and they easily complement this 100Ah battery in a small, off-grid solar energy system.
At just 28 pounds, Renogy&#;s battery is the second lightest on the list, just behind the Lion UT , which makes it great for portable power.
With a smart BMS that includes temperature and charging protection, this is a premium product with only a few shortcomings. Notably, warranty and rated lifecycle periods are lower in this Renogy battery than in other 12v lithium ion batteries on this list.
This is not just another lithium battery: This is &#;The WHITE RHINO&#;. The Worlds thinnest & strongest wall-mounted lithium battery!
The White Rhino used the safest (LFP) Batteries in the world paired with our Quad-Redundancy Safety Platform. Designed specifically for ALL Off-Grid Applications; The Rhino boasts the widest &#;Temperature Operating Range&#; of (-4 F &#; 149 F) so it will work in your Home, Garage, Trailer or Shed anywhere in the lower-48.
The 48V White Rhino Powerwall comes with pre-installed Anderson connections making it ready to go for quick installation to any inverter, charge controller or bus bar. With the SB175 Anderson to ring terminal cable already included, you'll be up and running in no time!
Final Words On the Top 6 Lithium Ion Solar Batteries
Ultimately, as time progresses, solar storage solutions continue to become better and more affordable. We hope that this guide helped you choose the best 12v lithium ion battery for your off-grid solar energy system.
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