Residential rooftop solar installations have been widely spanned across Europe because of a collective desire for energy independence, sustainability, and cost savings. With the increasing adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, what concerns people could include system costs, ROI, and, particularly, product safety.

Given that a residential rooftop solar system is composed of several components, this article will focus on the energy storage part, comparing two common types of solar energy storage systems: LiFePO4 vs. lead-acid battery. Read on to know their differences and figure out which is better recommended for residential PV systems!

LiFePO4 vs. Lead-acid Battery: A Comprehensive Comparison

1. What is LiFePO4 battery?

LiFePO4 batteries, also called lithium iron phosphate batteries or LFP batteries, are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. They feature an anode composed of graphite and a cathode made of lithium iron phosphate.

Generally, lithium iron phosphate is regarded as one of the safest chemical compounds. As a result, energy storage systems with LiFePO4 battery cells are often preferred in the residential rooftop solar system due to their safety assurance. Some LiFePO4 batteries’ benefits/ key features are as follows:

l  Stable Chemistry:  

The LiFePO4 battery enhances safety and delivers consistent performance due to the stable nature of lithium iron phosphate. It is resistant to overheating and less reactive, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. Even under varying conditions and temperatures, the LiFePO4 battery can effectively store energy from the rooftop solar system.

l  High Energy Density:

LFP batteries are also known for their high energy density, signifying the storage of a considerable amount of energy within a compact and lightweight package. This feature is particularly beneficial for residents who value space utilization and are concerned about weight issues, providing convenience in system installation and mobility.

l  Long Cycle Life:

Another remarkable characteristic of LiFePO4 batteries is their extended cycle life (≥2000 cycles). This indicates that when using LFP batteries, the energy storage system can endure many more charge and discharge cycles, maintaining performance without notable degradation for a prolonged period.

2. What is Lead-acid Battery?

The lead-acid battery is one of the rechargeable battery options with the longest history. They operate through chemical reactions involving lead (the negative electrode), lead dioxide (the positive electrode), and sulfuric acid (the electrolyte) during the charging and discharging processes.

Typical lead-acid battery types for solar energy storage are flooded lead acid (FLA)batteries, absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries, and gel batteries, all of which are often termed “deep cycle batteries.” In the comparison of LiFePO4 vs. lead-acid battery, they exhibit several notable characteristics:

l  Affordability:

Lead-acid batteries are considered cost-effective due to the abundance and affordability of their raw materials. Additionally, their relatively mature and simple production processes make large-scale production less demanding, rendering these batteries a budget-friendly option.

l  Widespread Availability:

With a history dating back to the 19th century, lead-acid batteries are applied on a broad scale. The rich application experience and mature development technologies also extend to the expertise and resources required for installation and maintenance.

l  Established Recycling Infrastructure:

Lead-acid batteries have a relatively well-developed recycling infrastructure due to prolonged development. Furthermore, many countries have regulations in place that encourage or require the recycling of these batteries, which helps to mitigate their environmental impact.

LiFePO4 vs. Lead-acid Battery: Which Is Winning an Edge in the Rooftop Solar System?

As we reach this point, you might have/ have yet to figure out which rechargeable battery is worth your investment. No worries. The solar market trend may reveal the answer. Due to comparatively superior performance, LiFePO4 batteries may outperform in the residential photovoltaic market due to the following advantages.

1. Enhanced Safety in Varied Conditions

Among all the benefits of LiFePO4 batteries over lead-acid batteries, the safety guarantee is an eye-catching point. LFP batteries deliver reliable performance when overcharged, while lead-acid batteries run the risk of swelling or leaking. Moreover, in high temperatures, LFP batteries also outperform lead-acid batteries, reducing the likelihood of fire accidents or damage to property.

2. Long-term Benefits from Consistent Performance

LiFePO4 batteries also attract wide attention due to their long cycle life, which implies long-term consistent performance, resulting in fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs. Moreover, their lower self-discharge rate enables prolonged storage without compromising performance.

3. Greater Energy Efficiency and Capacity

Another strength of LiFePO4 batteries that cannot be ignored is their high energy efficiency and energy density. The former determines more energy storage in the same amount of time. Meanwhile, the latter suggests greater capacity in a smaller footprint.

4. Environmental Sustainability

The final advantage of LiFePO4 batteries over lead-acid batteries is their environmentally friendly influence. LFP batteries contain no toxic heavy metals like lead or cadmium, and their longer lifespans contribute to less battery waste and reduced environmental impact.

Some data are given to help you get a clearer picture of the difference between LiFePO4 and lead-acid batteries and, furthermore, why LiFePO4 batteries are gaining an edge in the residential PV storage market.  

What Solavita Offers?

Here at Solavita, we proactively embrace technological advancements and market demands. In regard to energy storage systems, we have solutions powered by LiFePO4 battery cells. Their modular designs enable easy installations and expandable capacities for varied uses. From high-voltage to low-voltage energy storage systems, they boast high energy efficiency of around 98% and enhance reliable performance with features like 24/7 data monitoring. 

More importantly, we are a one-stop rooftop solar system supplier. Our complete product catalog covers N-type solar modules, hybrid inverters, energy storage systems, and mounting sets for both pitched and flat roofs. These products are engineered for the highest performance in the market, ensuring maximum reliability and longevity for our clients’ solar installations. Some brief information can be seen from the table below:

Conclusion

Besides the comparison of LiFePO4 vs. lead-acid battery, if you have doubts about the residential rooftop solar system, you are more than welcome to contact us for more insights. We are an industry-leading one-stop solar system provider with ample professional experience.

Whether you are a homeowner looking to integrate solar systems into your house, an EPC contractor seeking a solar energy solution supplier for your project, or a newcomer starting your solar business, Solavita can offer you comprehensive support and provide residential PV systems featuring advantages like enhanced reliability, effortless installation, and improved compatibility.