LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERIES

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a solar battery. The first step is to decide which type of battery will suit your home best. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are one of the most popular types of solar batteries. Not as many solar batteries are run on Lithium Iron Phosphate, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a top competitor in the solar battery world. So, which batteries are run by Lithium Iron Phosphate?

  • Enphase

  • Sonnen

WHAT IS LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE?

Lithium Iron Phosphate, also known as LFP, is a low-toxicity, low-cost, and high performing type of rechargeable battery. It is known for having the longest Cycle Life of solar batteries. This means that Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries typically last longer, and are the most cost-effective batteries for solar energy storage. These batteries are on the more affordable end of the spectrum costing anywhere from $2,000 – $10,000. With a different chemical make up than other competitors, these batteries are unique and effective.

WHAT DOES CYCLE LIFE MEAN?

Every solar battery has a Cycle Life. This simply means the number of times a solar battery can be fully charged and discharged before falling under 80% capacity. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries lead the pack when it comes to Cycle Life. They are clocked in at around 10,000 uses, where as Lithium Ion batteries fall anywhere between 4,000 – 8,000 uses. One of the top Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, Sonnen, has a guarantee of 10,000 uses.

WHAT IS THE STORAGE LIKE?

Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries may last longer, but have a slightly lower storage capacity than their Lithium Ion counterparts. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries range from 1.4 – 16 Kw h storage. So, while it isn’t as high as Lithium Ion, these batteries tend to last longer. When shopping for solar batteries, it’s important to evaluate your needs for solar storage so you can find the perfect battery for your home.