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Best Energy Storage Option

Are Lithium-Ion Solar Batteries the Best Energy Storage Option?

Iceland and Paraguay may appear completely different at first glance, but they share one important characteristic: They rely heavily on renewable sources for their electricity.

Do you know why large countries like the United States (US) find it difficult to reach 20 percent renewable energy generation? You may get many different answers to that question.

You may often hear that renewables are an intermittently available energy resource. That means they're not reliable enough to be used for a whole nation.

It's not entirely true. Both solar and wind power are intermittent sources of electricity because the sun doesn't shine constantly, and the wind doesn't always blow.

However, new types of battery technology, like Li-Ion (Li-Ion) solar batteries, make it possible for homeowners to use solar electricity anytime.

In this article, We'll discuss Li-Ion batteries, show you how much they cost, compare various battery brands, and examine their pros and cons.

What are Li-Ion solar batteries?

Lithium solar battery cells can be used to create a system for storing excess solar energy.

These systems can be used to generate electricity when needed. Li-Ion batteries are widely used for various electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and electric cars.

Popular EV maker Tesla announced its new Li-Ion solar battery in 2015, called Powerwall 1. It was inspired by the technology they use in their electric vehicles.

The launch of the Tesla Powerwall 1 sparked a lot of conversation and interest in the field of battery technology and its potential for future applications. It helped Tesla become one of the leading battery makers in the United States.

Powerwall helped pave the road to the future of Li‐ion Solar Batteries – setting prices, inspiring investments in the industry, and helping to create hope that Li‐ion Solar Battery costs would eventually be affordable for consumers.

Most solar energy storage systems before the invention of the Tesla Powerwall used lead-acid batteries. There are now many different types of Lithum-Ion Solar Batteries available, so every homeowner can choose the one that suits their needs best.

Despite all the hype surrounding this new tech­nology, the industry and analysts haven't asked one simple question. Does Li-Ion (Li) ion solar batteries the most efficient type available today when it comes to powering solar panels?


What are the prices for Li-Ion batteries?

investing in solar energy

Most people worry about how much they'll pay for an energy storage device. Installing a Lithium Battery Storage System could range between $6,000 to over $35,000, depending upon various factors.

Prices can vary, but they usually depend on the following:

  • What brand/manufacturer do you buy from
  • What features the battery has
  • No. of batteries you require
  • The cost of installation

The installation cost of Li-Ion batteries is significantly more expensive than lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid battery installations can range from $6,000 to a maximum of $18,000; they're significantly less expensive than installing a Li-Ion solar battery system.

So what makes Li-Ion batteries so popular? The higher cost comes with many additional features that you won't be able to find with lead-acid batteries, so they justify their higher prices.


Most popular Li-Ion solar batteries

Many different types of Lithum-Ion Solar Batteries are available. The most common residential energy storage system type is the Tesla Powerwall, a 13.6 kWh Lithium Ion Battery that sells for about $12,000, plus installation fees.

One of the main reasons the Tesla Powerwall is so popular is because it is one of the cheapest li-ion solar batteries available.

Here are some other popular types of Li-Ion solar Batteries:

Battery Model

Prices

Battery Storage Capacity

Warranty Period

Model - LG RESU10H prime

$7,200

9.5 kWh

Ten years

Model - Tesla powerwall

$8,600

13.6 kWh

Ten years

Model - Sonnen Ecolinx

$32,000

11.5 kWh

Fifteen years

Model - BYD Battery box H-10

$6,425

10.3 kWh

Ten years


Li-ion solar battery pros and cons

One of the reasons why the introduction of Li-Ion was so revolutionary for the solar market is that the technology had many advantages over lead-acid battery systems.

However, there are certain situations where lead acid storage batteries may be an appropriate choice for storing your solar energy.

Pros of Li-Ion batteries

Li-Ion solar batteries offer several advantages, including:

Pros

  • A higher efficiency
  • Less maintenance
  • A greater Depth of Discharge (DoD)
  • A higher energy density
  • A long lifespan

A higher efficiency

Li-Ion battery cells have a higher round-tripping efficiency rate than other types of solar battery cells on the market.

Effici­ency means the ratio between the usable energy you get from your battery and the energy that goes into storing it. Li-Ion battery efficiency ranges from 90 to 95 percent.

Less maintenance

Regular maintenance is one thing you don't need to worry about.

Li-Ion (Li-Ion) solar battery systems need less maintenance than flooded (lead acid) batteries.

A greater Depth of Discharge (DoD)

A battery's DOD is the percentage of its stored energy that has already been depleted, as opposed to the total energy the battery could store.

Most batteries come with an estimated DoD to maintain their health.

Deep cycle batteries are Li-Ion batteries, meaning their DoD (depth of discharge) is usually between 90% and 95%. Lead-based batteries typically have a DoD of less than 50 percent. It means you can use more power from a Lithum-Ionic Battery (LithiUon) without charging it as often.

A long lifespan

Li-Ion batteries have a high depth of discharge and don't need to charge and recharge as often, so they have a longer lifespan than other batteries.

Li-Ion solar battery warranties usually range from 10 years or a lifetime of 10,000 charge/discharge cycling rounds, whichever comes first. On the other hand, lead acid battery warranties typically last for five years.

A higher energy density

Energy density is how much energy the batteries can store relative to their physical size.

Because Li-Ion batteries can hold more charge than traditional lead-acid batteries without taking up much space, they're better suited for homes with small spaces.

Cons of Li-Ion batteries

The disadvantages of Li-Ion solar batteries include the following:

Cons

  • Thermal runaway
  • High cost

Thermal runaway

Li-Ion batteries are more prone to thermal runaway than lead-acid batteries. However, the risk associated with installing a properly designed Li-Ion solar battery is low to non-existent.

High cost

When comparing lithium-based batteries to lead-acid batteries, they typically cost more than their counterparts.

The good thing is that the solar battery system qualifies for tax credits from the government, making Li-Ion batteries cheaper. Furthermore, although lead-based battery technology may be cheaper, it has to be replaced more frequently than long-lasting Li-Ion storage systems.


What makes a Li-Ion solar cell the best choice for powering devices?

lithium-ion vs lifepo4 power stations

Li-Ion solar battery systems are the most efficient solar power storage system available today for daily residential use.

They're small enough to fit anywhere yet store enough electricity to power an entire house during daytime hours. Their high DOD means you can use more power from your battery pack.

Li-Ion batteries last longer than lead-acid ones, so they don't require replacement as frequently.

Additionally, their higher efficiencies mean you can use more energy your solar panel system produces and store it - giving you more bang per dollar.

However, in some instances, other battery types, such as lead-acid batteries, might perform better than Li-Ion batteries. It’s especially true if you're just using a solar battery for backup power.

Since you're not going to drain a backup battery regularly, neither the lower DoD nor, the longer lifespan matters as much, so spending extra for those two things isn't necessary.

Lead acid batteries are also popular for off-grid solar power systems that aren't used frequently – like vacation homes.

Spending extra money on a Li-Ion solar power pack is probably your best option for everyday use.

For an off-grid backup system or a grid-tie solar system, storing electricity can help you run entirely from renewable sources.

Find local solar installers to determine which solar batteries would be most appropriate for your solar panel installation.


Key takeaways

  • Li-Ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that can be paired with solar panels to store excess solar energy.
  • Li-Ion solar battery prices start at around $9,000 and can go up to $30,0000 depending on the manufacturer, including additional functions and the number of batteries needed.
  • Because lithium-based batteries have a longer lifespan, greater storage capacity, and are more efficient than lead-acid batteries, they've become more popular for solar power systems.
  • Li-Ion battery technology has some drawbacks - it costs more than lead-acid battery technology and is more prone to catching fire than lead-acid.
  • Li-Ion battery technology makes the most efficient energy storage solution for daily residential use.

About the Author David Roberts

I'm a Mechanical Engineer who's obsessed with solar energy and sustainable living.

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