Lithium Ion batteries are one of the most durable and reliable energy sources on the market and a drastic improvement over lead-acid in weight, capacity, and shelf life.
Lithium Ion Batteries are the safest lithium chemistry with the highest cycle life and are compatible with most standard chargers.
Lead acid batteries only have a charge efficiency of 85%. This means that for every amp sent to the batteries, only .85 amps are stored for use. Lithium ion batteries however have a charge efficiency of 99% so nearly every amp sent to them is stored and usable. Therefore, a lead acid battery will require a 15% larger – and more expensive – solar array to charge it as fast as a comparably sized lithium ion battery.
What makes Lithium Ion Battery the Better Choice?
How does Lithium Ion Battery compared with Lead-Acid Batteries?
| Lead Acid Battery | Lithium Ion Battery | |
| Weight | 27.5 kg (100Ah) | 13.8 kg (100Ah) |
| Cycle Life | 200 @ 100 % DoD | 2800 @ 100 % DoD |
| Self-Discharge | Up to 6 months | Up to 12 months |
| Charge Time | 8 to 12 hours | 1 to 3 hours |
| Capacity Utilization | 50-60% | 80-100% |
| Life Years | 3-5 years | 7-8 years |
| Efficiency | Up to 70% | Up to 95 % |
| Volume | Larger Volume | Smaller Volume |
| Disassembly | Crushed to separate components | Can be dissembled easily |
| Maintenance | Frequent maintenance i.e., water level, battery voltage, overcharging | Fairly maintenance free |
| Cost Per Cycle | $0.67 | $0.31 |
| Voltage Per Cell | 2 V | 3.2 V |
| Temperature Sensitivity | Degrades significantly above 32oF | Degrades above 95oF |
| Usable Energy | 50% | 80% |
| Charge/Discharge Cycles | ~1200 | <3000 |
| Fast Charging Capability | 50% in ~3 hours, 90% in 6-7 hours | 90% in 1.5-2 hours |
| Emissions | Gassing & Water Loss during Charging | Zero-Gassing (Emission Free) |
| Energy Density | 40 Wh/kg | 95-140 Wh/kg |
| Resilience | Damages through excessive discharge | Less vulnerable to high discharge |
