Comparing Lead-Acid Batteries & Lithium-iron Batteries

While lead-acid batteries have long dominated the market for their low cost and established manufacturing base, the soaring popularity of lithium-iron batteries over the last couple of decades has made it a strong contender. In fact, now lead-acid and lithium-iron are the two main kinds of batteries used for commercial and residential purposes.

Lead-acid Battery

Lithiumn-ion Battery

Both lead-acid and lithium batteries are effective and wildly popular energy storage solutions. However, the two vary distinctly in terms of chemistry, cost and performance. Here’s how these two technologies stack up in different departments.

EFFICIENCY

A battery’s efficiency is one of the most important metrics to consider when making a purchase. The more efficient a battery is, the more energy it discharges with respect to how much it consumes.

For example, in the case of solar energy panels, lead-acid batteries have an efficiency rating of 80 to 85 percent. What this means is that for every 1000 watts of solar power absorbed by the batteries, only 800 to 850 watts are available for use. Compare this with lithium-iron batteries which have efficiency ratings of over 95 percent. For every 1000 watts, you’d have more than 950 watts of power available for use.

More efficient batteries also charge faster. With respect to the solar panel system you have set up, it may also mean you can use fewer solar panels, a relatively smaller backup generator, and lower battery capacity.

COST

When it comes to upfront and installation costs, lead-acid batteries are the more affordable option. Compared to a standard lithium-iron setup of the same size, a lead-acid battery system will typically cost you several hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars less. Costs depend on the size of the battery system and their installation needs.

LIFE SPAN

Of course, all batteries depreciate and lose effectiveness over time. The lifespan of batteries is measured by the number of charge cycles they can undergo. One charge cycle begins from the point at which you use it to when you charge it. The lifespan is the number of charge cycles the battery is capable of until it’s expected to expire.

Lead-acid batteries typically have widely ranging lifecycles—over 200 charge cycles in one year to 100 charge cycles in five years. Though findings vary from one study to another, lithium-iron batteries tend to last for several more charge cycles than lead-acid batteries.

SAFETY OF USE

Both lead-acid and lithium-iron batteries are generally safe to use indoors. They are specifically designed to provide a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to power generators. However, no device or appliance comes without safety risks. Both types of batteries are capable to cell overheating leading to electrolyte and possible flame emission.

Considering lithium-iron batteries have higher energy densities, that is, they can store more energy in smaller volumes, they are more likely to undergo cell overheating. Most quality manufacturers take significant steps including built-in circuit breakers that kill the charging current when the voltage maxes out, if overheating occurs, or if excessive internal pressure builds up.

If you need to install a battery backup system at home or at your store or workplace, both lead-acid and lithium-iron batteries are effective, efficient, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional gasoline power generators. Considering the many advantages—longer lifespan, greater efficiency, less environmental impact, greater safety of use, higher energy density, faster rates of charge, and more depth of discharge—of lithium-iron technology, it makes more sense to opt for it for your energy storage solution needs.

GEM Battery is developing different technology to produce and supply various kinds of lead-acid batteries with extended features for wide-range applications. Depending on your application, you will need to select the appropriate battery, which has both the correct voltage and the appropriate ampere capacity.

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