What is a lithium ion solar battery?
Lithium solar batteries are a rechargeable energy storage solution that can be paired with a solar energy system to store excess solar power. Lithium ion batteries are commonly used in rechargeable electronics like cellphones and in electric vehicles (EVs).
In 2015, popular EV manufacturer Tesla announced their new lithium ion solar battery, Powerwall 1, inspired by the technology used in their EVs.
The launch of the Powerwall 1 ignited a torrent of discussion and research about energy storage and the development of cost-effective solar batteries. It also propelled Tesla to be one of the top battery manufacturers in the U.S. Powerwall paved the way for the future of lithium ion solar batteries - establishing pricing of battery energy storage, driving investment in the energy storage sector, and creating hope that battery technology could become affordable for average residential customers.
Prior to the development of the Tesla Powerwall, most solar storage systems were composed of lead acid battery banks. However, there are now many lithium ion solar batteries on the market, so every homeowner can find the right option for them.
But despite all the hype of this new technology, the industry and analysts alike have forgotten to ask one simple question. Are lithium ion solar batteries the best battery for solar panel systems?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of lithium ion solar batteries?
The reason why the introduction of lithium ion solar batteries rocked the solar industry is because the technology offers a variety of benefits over lead acid batteries.
However, there are some cases in which a lead acid battery might be a battery choice to store your solar power.
The advantages of lithium ion solar batteries include:
Higher depth of discharge (DoD)
The DoD of a battery is the amount of the stored energy in the battery that has been used, as compared to the total capacity of the battery. Most batteries come with a recommended DoD in order to maintain the health of the battery.
Lithium ion solar batteries are deep cycle batteries, so they have DoDs around 95%. Many lead acid batteries only have a DoD of 50%. This means you can use more of the energy that’s stored in a lithium ion battery without having to charge it as often.
Long lifespan
Because lithium ion batteries have a high DoD and don’t need to be charged and recharged as often, they have a long lifespan.
Most lithium ion solar batteries have a minimum warrantied lifespan of around 10 years, or a cycle life of 10,000 cycles - whichever comes first. Lead acid batteries, on the other hand, only have warrantied lifespans of around 5 years.
Higher energy density
The energy density of a battery is how much power the battery can hold relative to the physical size of the battery.
Lithium ion batteries can store more power without taking up as much space as a lead acid battery, which is great for homes where space is limited.
High efficiency
Lithium ion batteries have a higher round-trip efficiency rating than other types of solar batteries on the market.
Efficiency refers to the amount of usable energy you get out of your battery compared to how much energy it took to store it. Lithium ion batteries have efficiencies between 90 and 95%.
Less maintenance
Not having to worry about regular maintenance is one of those advantages that you just can’t put a price on.
Lithium ion solar batteries do not require maintenance like flooded lead acid batteries do.
The disadvantages of lithium ion solar batteries include:
High cost
Lithium ion batteries tend to be the most expensive battery storage option, especially when compared to lead acid batteries.
The good news is that solar battery systems qualify for incentives like the federal tax credit, which helps make lithium ion batteries more affordable. Plus, although lead acid batteries may be cheaper - they have to be replaced more often than long lasting lithium ion systems.
Thermal runaway
Lithium ion batteries run a higher risk of thermal runaway, which means they catch on fire. However, this risk of a properly installed lithium ion solar battery is slim to none.
When is a lithium ion solar battery the best choice?
Lithium ion solar batteries are the best solar energy storage system for everyday residential use because they take up little space while still storing a substantial amount of energy. Also, their high DoD means you can use more energy stored.
The battery will last longer, so it won’t need to be replaced as often as a lead acid battery. Plus, their higher efficiency means that you get to use more of the energy your solar panels produce and store - giving you more bang for your buck.
However, in some cases, other battery types, like lead acid batteries, could work better for you. This is especially true if you are just using a solar battery as backup power storage. Since you won’t be draining a backup battery regularly, the lower DoD and lifespan don’t matter as much, so spending the extra money for those features won’t be necessary.
Lead acid batteries are also popular for off-grid solar system projects that aren’t used regularly - like vacation cabins. But for everyday use, spending extra on a lithium ion solar battery is probably your best bet.
Whether it’s for off-grid battery backup or for a grid-tied solar system, energy storage can help you run entirely on clean energy. Heco New Energy aslo have a series of home use solar lithium ion batteries to meet customers' needs. Powerwall type, rack type and stakable type all are available.
Contact Person: Ms. Sandy Chen
Tel: +86 15206119059
Fax: +852--34604012
