Lead-Acid Vs Lithium (LiFePO4) Batteries for Solar Power

In this video, I delve into the lead acid vs lithium batteries debate, specifically focusing on LiFePO4 vs lead acid comparisons. As we progress through the video, I'll weigh in on the lifepo4 vs lead-acid battle by breaking down their characteristics side by side. From their life cycle to depth of discharge and efficiency, we examine each aspect to see how lead battery vs lithium ion stack up against each other.

Starting with traditional lead-acid batteries, I assess their robustness, life expectancy, and the financial implications of their lower upfront costs. Understanding these aspects is essential for anyone considering the established path in off-grid solar power systems.

Transitioning to the innovative LiFePO4 batteries, I spotlight their remarkable longevity, minimal weight, higher efficiency, and their superior depth of discharge. LiFePO4's safety parameters, temperature resilience, and charging rates (C-rate) to give you a clear perspective on their rising popularity in modern off-grid systems.

The video end with an in-depth cost analysis, comparing the long-term value of LiFePO4 against the initial affordability of lead-acid. This vital comparison is designed to resolve the lead-acid vs lithium debate, aiding you in making an informed decision tailored to your solar power needs. Watch as I break down how these two types of batteries will interact with your system's fuses and overall efficiency, ensuring you select the right battery for your energy needs.

[kevinward]

My first battery bank of 12 volt flooded lead acid marine batteries lasted me right at 5 years in an off-grid system that was almost always fully charged up and run down to about 12.1v on a daily basis, sometimes a little lower, 11.8v was the lowest I ever saw I think. Doing the math that comes to around 1850 Cycles. Going to 6 volt sealed lead acid batteries and not going under 12.4 volts, usually 12.6, will possibly get me about 3, 650 Cycles I think, which is a much more favorable comparison to the lithium batteries. I think I would need two of those 100 amp hour lithium batteries to do what I'm having my 6 volt batteries do and that would be a $600 Vs 439 comparison. Will be interesting to see how long these Mighty Max batteries last. I've got two years on my oldest set. I think around 1 year on another set, and maybe 6 months on a 3rd. I'd like to see how long these latest lithium batteries actually last and if there's any catastrophic failures. I'm old, I don't trust new technology. 😅

[ufotekere]

This is the best video on battery comparism, battery parameters in solar. I was trying to differentiate c rate and dod, but this video have clear it in simple clear language

[sheds]

This is really interesting. Thank you. I’ll share it on my solar group.

[kainfitzgerald]

You should do a comparison of industrial flooded lead acid compared to Lifepo4. Over 2000 cycles at 100% depth of discharge, over 4500 cycles at 50%. Much better for off grid applications

[jricco]

Well put together and you went at a perfect speed! Thank you🎉

[kengle]

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the videos that I've watched. Great job, and thank you!!!

[kevinholland]

I'd rather order your book, so I did. Thank you for the videos.

[buddy_bill]

One might reconsider the last cost comparison and instead divide efficiency cost by the expected life cycles which shows LiFePO4 batteries cost 9 cents (USD) per cycle where AGM Lead-Acid batteries cost 45 (USD) cents per cycle...

cost/cycles=cost per cycle

[trainmaster]

The download of the plans don't work but still a good video.

[davidclarke]

For deep cycle use running my 1500w inverter, the higher current draw over a longer period of time, the lithium battery wins over lead acid. The lead acid battery you can get a voltage drop with higher currents and the inverter then shuts down. I was amazed how good lithium performs for deep cycle use compared to lead acid. For smaller loads the lead acid can be fine though.

[jomigregory]

Got a solar inverter with 1kw panels and lead-acid battery. Can I just drop-in replace lead-acid with 48v LiFePO4 battery ? Which all parameter of the inverter/charging unit should we look for for compatibility check ? Thanks

[cassv]

The LiTime 12.8 V 100Ah group 24 bluetooth LiFe PO4 lithium Deep blue is priced @ LiTime for 229.99 is this the one you are using?

[FandFcustomcarts]

Lifepo4 can't even compared with lead acid, i got 4 new lead acid in my solar system and after i put Lifepo4 i been much more happier and working very nice the system, not even close to lead acid.

[stephenkbanda]

I've been disappointed by lead acid batteries they don't last longer, now working towards buying a lithium battery, maybe I will be happier.

[cassv]

Or this one... LiTime 12V 100 Ah group 24 LiFePO4 lithium Battery 199.99 at LiTime? What's the difference?

[syedharoon]

The initial cost is often the most expensive part. People aim to start their systems and other projects with lower or more affordable expenses.?

[dannyk]

Im starting to lean towards lithium as days go by. My clients hardly know how to maintain lead acid batteries. But they know how to use a smart phone and its easy to connect to the bms.

[GerbenWulff]

The problem with the "up to 99% efficiency" in LiFePO batteries, is that it would be much more interesting to know the efficiency in an actual use case. When you charge a 51 V battery at 57.4 V, it makes me wonder where that missing 6 V is going. If your inverter uses 48 V, you have a 16% Voltage drop in your battery cycle. I have a feeling LiFePO is not more efficient than lead-acid in a real use case.

[patrickburnand]

LiFePo4 can be very, very expensive...
Have you heard about thermal runaway? A small defect in one cell can burn down your complete house. Such fires ae extremely hot and can reach 2300 °C, which can easily destroy buildings with steel reinforced concrete. A lithium battery does NOT need oxygen to burn. LiFePo4 batteries can even burn while fully imerged in water, it already happened many times. In addition to that, LiFePo4 batteries emit very large amounts of hydrogen while in thermal runaway. This has already caused many explosions of cars and homes.
In China, there are more than 20, 000 cars with lithium battery that burn and/or explode every year!
Lead-acid on the other hand are extremely safe.

[FloryJohann]

I have been using 12 6volt lead acid batteries til 2 of then died and I am currently still using 8 of them.
I am looking to replace them with lifepo4 batteries and I think I am able to use just 4 lifepo4 batteries to do the same work .