Lithium-Ion vs Lead Acid: Battle of the Solar Batteries
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Introduction
There are various sorts of batteries to select from when it comes to home energy storage. This article will look at two of the most common battery types used with solar panels: lithium-ion and lead acid. Battery storage is becoming a very important component of solar energy systems due to power outages in electricity grid. Lithium-ion and lead-acid are two of the most prevalent battery chemistry types. Lithium-ion batteries, as the name implies, are formed of the element lithium, whereas lead-acid batteries contain electrodes made out of lead dipped in an acid-based electrolyte.
Aside from the varied materials that make up each type of battery, the most significant distinction is in terms of cost, performance and lifespan. Lead acid batteries are less costly; however, lithium-ion batteries have more efficient battery management features, are aesthetically better and last for a longer duration. solar battery price in pakistan solar battery price in pakistan solar battery price in pakistan
How do lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries work?
Both batteries function by accumulating a charge and then releasing electrons through electrochemical reactions. Positive and negative ions from the lithium material are discharged between electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. Lead acid batteries operate in a similar manner but with a different substance. These chemical differences result in performance and cost disparities. While both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries are viable storage choices, in most circumstances, lithium-ion battery technology outperforms lead-acid battery technology due to its dependability and efficiency, among other benefits. In the event of modest off-grid storage systems that aren’t utilized on a regular basis, however, less expensive lead-acid battery choices may be preferred. solar battery price in pakistan solar battery price in pakistan
Comparison between the two
Both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries can successfully store energy, but each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. All essential properties of each battery type to consider are outlined below.
Here are some critical comparative elements to keep in mind when selecting a battery type:
A. Cost:
The one area where lead acid batteries appear to beat lithium-ion choices is pricing. A lead acid battery system may cost 3 to 4 times less than a comparable-sized lithium-ion setup. A 200AH, 48V Lithium-ion battery bank typically costs upwards of Rs 600,000 including installation during December 2022. This range might vary depending on the size of the system you want. Similar sized battery bank can be built for almost Rs 150,000 using Lead Acid Batteries
B. Depth of Discharge
The depth of discharge of a battery is the proportion of the battery that may be safely discharged of energy without destroying the battery. While it is typical to use 85 percent or more of the total capacity of a lithium-ion battery in a single cycle, lead-acid batteries should not be drained past around 50 percent, as this reduces the battery’s lifespan. Because lithium-ion technology allows for greater depth of discharge, lithium-ion batteries offer a larger effective capacity than lead acid choices, especially when considering the higher energy density of lithium-ion technology noted above.
C. Efficiency
Like solar panel efficiency, battery efficiency is an essential parameter to consider when evaluating different solutions. The majority of lithium-ion batteries are 95 percent efficient or higher, which means that 95 percent or more of the energy stored in a lithium-ion battery may be utilized. Lead acid batteries, on the other hand, have an efficiency of 80 to 85 percent. Higher efficiency batteries charge faster, and better efficiency, like depth of discharge, indicates a larger adequate battery capacity.
D. Lifespan
Batteries, like solar panels, deteriorate over time and become less effective as they become older. One “cycle” is defined as discharging a battery to power your house or appliances and then recharging it with solar energy or the grid. The figures vary per research, but lithium-ion batteries often last 2 to 3 times as long as lead-acid batteries, resulting in a longer effective lifespan for lithium-ion goods.
E. Size & Aesthetics
Batteries generally come in varying sizes and shapes. However, lithium-ion batteries are smaller in size (typically occupying less than a third of the volume of similarly dimensioned lead-acid battery-based storage bank), are designed in a more aesthetically pleasing manner, and can be mounted on walls as opposed to floor-mounted racks for their lead acid counterparts.
F. Battery Management System (BMS)
Most Lithium-Ion batteries come with a BMS which allows for efficient configuration and utilization of the storage resource. Such systems are not present in lead-acid batteries. However, alongside clear operational advantages, BMSs do pose problems in certain cases and limit the outpower of storage banks too.
G. Maintenance Requirements
Lithium-Ion Batteries are maintenance free and one does not need to worry about that aspect after installing them. Lead Acid Batteries, on the other hand, require monthly inspection of water/electrolyte levels in order to ensure proper functionality and sufficient lifetime
H. Safety Hazard
Lithium-Ion Batteries have been known to catch fire during operation if an installation hasn’t been done properly. This is a serious safety hazard which has resulted in material loss on several occasions. Therefore, it is mandatory to ensure that such battery banks are installed by properly quality technicians. There are no such concerns with Lead Acid Based battery banks
The best type of solar battery for you
Lead acid and lithium-ion batteries are both viable solutions for battery backup systems. It is advisable to consult with specialists before deciding about the choice of battery bank. Both types have their distinct pros & cons, therefore consumers are advised to choose as per their installation scenario while keeping the above-mentioned comparison in mind.
If longer lifespan, aesthetics and low maintenance requirements are the key deciding factors, then lithium-ion battery is the way to go. However, if cost (initial as well as over lifecycle) is the primary concern then lead acid battery is the obvious choice.
In either case, it is best to consult with specialist and make sure that the system is being installed by a trained technician while considering industry best practices in order to ensure safety
Conclusion
Radiance Tek believes that our beloved country, Pakistan, would benefit most from solar energy. All of our efforts and difficulties to assist people in solarizing and being self-sufficient in energy generation are aimed at making Pakistan energy-independent. We are trying to clear the path for Pakistan to end its energy issues and advance toward becoming a developed country. If you’re interested, now is the time to go bring solar power to Pakistan with Radiance Tek.