What battery is best for off-grid solar?
There are currently many types of off-grid solar batteries available on the market, and the various marketing advertisements are dazzling. It is not easy to choose the battery that is most suitable for you. This article will introduce you the main Off- grid solar batteries currently on the market. I hope it can help you make your choice.
Today’s most popular off-grid solar batteries include flooded lead-acid batteries (FLA), valve-regulated lead-acid batteries (VRLA) and lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP). These batteries are widely used because of their unique advantages, which is why these batteries deserve to be discussed, so let’s get start!
Flooded lead-acid batteries (FLA) are the most traditional lead-acid technology and the most common lead-acid battery type, chosen for their lower upfront cost. However, they have a shorter lifespan (3-5 years), and needs regular maintenance, otherwise its lifespan will be affected. This type of battery is usually classified as dangerous goods, with higher shipping and insurance costs. It releases hydrogen gas during charging, which is dangerous, so it should be kept away from living spaces when charging and should be located in a well-ventilated area.
Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries (VRLA) are also an early choice for off-grid solar energy. There are two main types: AGM and GEL, which use fiberglass separators (AGM) and silicone gel (GEL) to “fix” Sulfuric acid electrolyte in two different ways. AGM is Absorbent Glass Mat technology. Compared with FLA batteries, AGM batteries are completely sealed and leak-proof, have low maintenance costs and have higher discharge rates. GEL batteries are also called gel batteries because their electrolytes are stored in gel form. They are also low maintenance and leak-proof. However, the shortcomings of these two types of batteries are also obvious. AGM batteries have lower specific energy and their capacity will decrease over time. GEL batteries have poor high-current discharge performance and low volume-to-energy ratio and weight-to-energy ratio. Compared with traditional lead-acid batteries, AGM and GEL batteries have higher costs. At the same time, proper charging management is required, including correct charging voltage and charging current, and overcharging needs to be prevented, otherwise it will easily cause damage to the battery.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries are the latest off-grid solar battery type currently on the market. Due to their excellent performance, they are gradually replacing the lead-acid batteries. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have the longest lifespan among these battery types. Let’s take a look at the advantages of lithium iron phosphate batteries:
Preventing overcharge and over-discharge: As a lithium-ion battery, lithium iron phosphate battery is equipped with a BMS that can closely monitor the voltage and charging status of the battery to prevent overcharging or over-discharging.
Safe and environmentally friendly, no leakage: Lithium iron phosphate batteries use lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material. Its chemical properties make it safer and more stable. It does not contain toxic substances and will not leak under normal use.
Maintenance-free and suitable for remote areas: Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a low self-discharge rate and do not require frequent charging or maintenance, making them suitable for using in remote areas.
Fast charging: Lithium iron phosphate batteries have high charging efficiency and short charging time, allowing them to be fully charged faster relative to other battery types.
Excellent cycle life: Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a long service life and cycle life, and can adapt to long-term, short-term and intermittent use needs.
High available energy: Compared with other battery types, the usable capacity range of lithium iron phosphate batteries is usually between 80% and 100%.
Wide applicable temperature range: Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a wide applicable temperature range and still perform well in hot and cold climate environments.
Finally, which type of battery to choose as an off-grid solar battery?
If it is a short-term application and your budget is tight, then lead-acid batteries can be a suitable choice. If you need high performance, lightweight and long-term applications, taking into account efficiency, capacity and whole life cycle costs, then lithium iron phosphate will be the best choice. Power Long Battery(PLB) has focused on lithium batteries for 20 years and can provide you with high-performance, high-quality off-grid solar battery.