Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or (LiFePO4)'

The primary benefits of lithium Iron Phosphate solar batteries are durability, a long life cycle, and safety.

LiFePO4  batteries typically have a lifecycle rating of over 3,000 cycles or more.

Prismatic Cells.  Prismatic cells have gained popularity because of their large capacity and prismatic shape make it easy to connect  cells together and create 48V battery packs.

As with any battery replacement, you need to consider your capacity, power, and size requirements, as well as making sure you have the right charger. 

Keep in mind, when upgrading from lead-acid to LiFePO4, you may be able to downsize your battery (in some cases up to 50%) and keep the same runtime. Most existing charging sources are compatible with our lithium iron phosphate batteries. 

BMS stands for Battery Management System. The BMS protects the cells from getting damaged — most commonly from over or under-voltage, over current, high temperature or external short-circuiting. The BMS will shut off the battery to protect the cells from unsafe operating conditions. 

All solar batteries on our website have a built-in BMS to manage and protect them against these types of issues.

Yes, because there is no fluid inside of LiFePO4 batteries. This gives you the flexibility to install the battery where it is best suited for your application.

As with all batteries, cold temperatures will result in reduced performance. LiFePO4 batteries have significantly more capacity and voltage retention in the cold when compared to lead-acid batteries. Important tips to keep in mind: When charging lithium iron phosphate batteries below 0°C (32°F), the charge current must be reduced to 0.1C and below -10°C (14°F) it must be reduced to 0.05C. 

Failure to reduce the current below freezing temperatures can cause irreversible damage to your battery. 

LiFePO4 batteries will provide their full capacity and performance until they reach the Battery Management (BMS) protection level. The BMS maximum temperature ranges from 60-80°C (140-176°F). 

Refer to the data sheet for your particular model to find the exact upper temperature limit. 

LiFePO4 batteries produce less heat than other lithium chemistries, but if they reach an upper limit, the BMS will protect the battery by shutting it off.

Yes, the Department of Transportation requires UN38.3 certification. All batteries must be UN38.3 certified in order to be legally transported via land, sea or air.

Battery life is measured in life cycles and the LiFePO4 batteries on our website are typically rated to deliver 6000 cycles at 100% depth of discharge (DOD). 

Actual life expectancy is dependent on several variables based on your specific application. If used for the same application, a LiFePO4 battery can last up to 10X longer than a lead-acid battery.

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT).

Phosphate-based batteries offer superior chemical and mechanical structure that does not overheat to unsafe levels. Thus, providing an increase in safety over lithium-ion batteries made with other cathode materials. 

This is because the charged and uncharged states of LiFePO4 are physically similar and highly robust, which lets the ions remain stable during the oxygen flux that happens alongside charge cycles or possible malfunctions. 

Overall, the iron phosphate-oxide bond is stronger than the cobalt-oxide bond, so when the battery is overcharged or subject to physical damage then the phosphate-oxide bond remains structurally stable; whereas in other lithium chemistries the bonds begin breaking down and releasing excessive heat, which eventually leads to thermal Runaway. 

Lithium phosphate cells are incombustible, which is an important feature in the event of mishandling during charging or discharging. They can also withstand harsh conditions, be it freezing cold, scorching heat or rough terrain. When subjected to hazardous events, such as collision or short-circuiting, they won’t explode or catch fire, significantly reducing any chance of harm. 

If you’re selecting a lithium battery and anticipate use in hazardous or unstable environments, LiFePO4 is likely your best choice. It’s also worth mentioning, LiFePO4 batteries are non-toxic, non-contaminating and contain no rare earth metals, making them an environmentally conscious choice.