LiFePO4 batteries, also known as LFP batteries, are taking charge of the battery world. But what exactly does LiFePO4 mean? What makes these lithium iron phosphate – LiFePO4 batteries better than other types? (Not to be confused with the lithium-ion battery – these are not the same.)

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Read on for the answers to these questions and more.

What are LiFePO4 Batteries?

LiFePO4 batteries are a type of lithium battery built from lithium iron phosphate. Other batteries in the lithium category include:

• Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO22)

• Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2)

• Lithium Titanate (LTO)

• Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4)

• Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2)

Chemistry & Battery Innovation

You might remember some of these elements from chemistry class. That’s where you spent hours memorizing the periodic table (or staring at it on the wall in school). That’s where you performed experiments (or, stared at your crush while pretending to pay attention to the experiments).

Of course, every so often, a student adores experiments and becomes a chemist. And it was chemists who discovered the best lithium combinations for batteries.

Long story short, that’s how the LiFePO4 battery was born. (In 1996, by the University of Texas, to be exact). LiFePO4 is now known as the safest, most stable, and most reliable lithium battery.

A Brief History of the LiFePO4 Battery

The LiFePO4 battery began with John B. Goodenough and Arumugam Manthiram. They were the first to discover the materials employed in lithium-ion batteries. Anode materials are not very suitable for use in lithium-ion batteries. Why? Because they’re prone to early short-circuiting.

Scientists discovered that cathode materials are better alternatives for lithium-ion batteries. And this is very clear in the LiFePO4 battery variants. Fast-forward: We increase stability and conductivity and improve all sorts of things, and poof! LiFePO4 batteries are born.

Today, there are rechargeable LiFePO4 batteries everywhere. These batteries have many applications – boats, solar systems, electric vehicles, gas-powered vehicles, and more.

LiFePO4 batteries are cobalt-free, and cost less than most of its alternatives (over time). It’s not toxic, and it lasts longer. But we’ll get to that more soon. The future holds very bright prospects for the LiFePO4 battery.

But what makes the LiFePO4 battery better?

LiFePO4 vs. Lithium Ion Batteries

Now that we know what LiFePO4 batteries are, let’s discuss what makes LiFePO4 better than lithium-ion and other lithium batteries.

The LiFePO4 battery is not great for wearable devices like watches. They have a lower energy density compared to other lithium-ion batteries. But for things like solar energy systems, RVs, golf carts, bass boats, semi-trucks, and electric motorcycles, they’re the best by far. Why?

Well, for one, the cycle life of a LiFePO4 battery is over 4x that of other lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium is also the safest lithium battery type on the market, safer than lithium-ion and other battery types.

And last but not least, LiFePO4 batteries can not only reach 3,000-5,000 cycles or more… They can reach 100% depth of discharge (DOD). Why does that matter? Because that means, with LiFePO4 (unlike other batteries), you don’t worry about over-discharging your LiFePO4 battery.

Also, you can use it longer as a result. In fact, you can use a quality LiFePO4 battery for many years longer than other battery types. These batteries are rated to last about 5,000 cycles – that’s roughly ten years. So the average cost over time is much better. 

That’s how LiFePO4 batteries stack up vs lithium ion.

Here’s why LiFePO4 batteries are better than lithium-ion and other battery types in general:

Safe, Stable Chemistry

Lithium battery safety is vital. The newsworthy “exploding” lithium-ion laptop batteries have made that clear. One of the most critical advantages LiFePO4 has over other battery types is safety. LiFePO4 is the safest lithium battery type. It’s the safest of any type.

Overall, LifePO4 batteries have the safest lithium chemistry. Why? Because lithium iron phosphate has better thermal and structural stability. This is something the lead acid battery type and most other battery types don’t have at the level LiFePO4 does. LiFePO4 is incombustible. It can withstand high temperatures without decomposing. It’s not prone to thermal runaway and will keep cool at room temperature. 

If you subject a LiFePO4 battery to harsh temperatures or hazardous events (like short-circuiting or a crash) it won’t start a fire or explode. For those who use deep cycle LiFePO4 batteries every day in an RV, bass boat, scooter, or liftgate, this fact is comforting.

Environmental Safety

LiFePO4 batteries are already a boon to our planet because they’re rechargeable. But their eco-friendliness doesn’t stop there. Unlike lead acid and nickel oxide lithium batteries, they are non-toxic and won’t leak.

You can recycle them as well. But you won’t need to do that often, since they last 5000 cycles. That means you can recharge them (at least) 5,000 times. In comparison, lead acid batteries last only 300-400 cycles. 

Excellent Efficiency and Performance

You want a safe, non-toxic battery. But you also want a battery that’s going to perform well.

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These stats prove that LiFePO4 delivers all that and more:

• Charge efficiency: A LiFePO4 battery will reach full charge in 2 hours or less. 

• Self-discharge rate when not in use: Only 2% per month. (Compared to 30% for lead acid batteries).

• Runtime is higher than lead acid batteries/other lithium batteries.

• Consistent power: The same amount of amperage even when below 50% battery life.

• No maintenance is needed.

Small and Lightweight

Many factors weigh in to make LiFePO4 batteries better. Speaking of weighing–they are total lightweights. They’re almost 50% lighter than lithium manganese oxide batteries. They weigh up to 70% lighter than lead-acid batteries.

When you use your LiFePO4 battery in a vehicle, this translates to less gas usage and more maneuverability. They are also compact, freeing up space on your scooter, boat, RV, or industrial application. 

LiFePO4 vs. Lithium Ion Batteries Summary

Finally, let’s summarize and compare LiFePO4 batteries with lithium-ion batteries.

Advantages:

LiFePO4 batteries are renowned for their safety, stability, lighter weight, smaller size, power, and consistent performance. They boast a longer lifespan, offering a cost-effective solution over their lifetime. They’re also non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Disadvantages:

LiFePO4 batteries have a lower nominal voltage, and compared to other battery options, they have a higher initial cost.

Advantages:

Li-ion batteries have a longer lifespan compared to standard lead-acid batteries (but shorter compared to LiFePO4). These batteries can store plenty of energy in a compact space and are safer than lead acid.

Disadvantages:

Lithium-ion batteries with no Battery Management System (BMS) pose a fire risk. They tend to have a higher price tag compared to traditional battery types.

LiFePO4 Batteries vs. Non-Lithium Batteries

When it comes to LiFePO4 vs lithium ion, LiFePO4 is the clear winner. But how do LiFePO4 batteries compare to other rechargeable batteries on the market today? 

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries may be a bargain at first, but they’ll end up costing you more in the long run. That’s because they need constant maintenance, and you must replace them more often. A LiFePO4 battery will last 2-4x longer, with zero upkeep needed. 

Gel Batteries

Like LiFePO4 batteries, gel batteries don’t need frequent recharging. They also won’t lose charge while stored. Where do gel and LiFePO4 differ? A big factor is the charging process. Gel batteries charge at a snail’s pace. Also, you must disconnect them when 100% charged to avoid ruining them. 

AGM Batteries

AGM batteries will do plenty of damage to your wallet and are at high risk of becoming damaged themselves if you drain them past 50% of battery capacity. Maintaining them can be difficult as well. LiFePO4 Ionic lithium batteries can be discharged completely with no risk of damage.

A LiFePO4 Battery for Every Application

LiFePO4 technology has proven beneficial for a wide variety of applications. Here’s a few of them:

• Fishing boats and kayaks:

  Less charging time and longer runtime means more time out on the water. Less weight allows for easy maneuvering and a speed boost during that high-stakes fishing competition. 

• Mopeds and mobility scooters:

  No dead weight to slow you down. Charge to less than full capacity for impromptu trips without damaging your battery. 

• Solar setups:

  Haul lightweight LiFePO4 batteries wherever life takes you (even if it’s up a mountain and far from the grid) and harness the power of the sun. 

• Commercial use:

  These batteries are the safest, toughest lithium batteries out there. So they’re great for industrial applications like floor machines, liftgates, and more. 

• Much more: In addition, lithium iron phosphate batteries power many other things. For example – flashlights, electronic cigarettes, radio equipment, emergency lighting and much more.

Why Purchase LiFePO4 Batteries? (Summary)

Let’s recap. We mentioned earlier how LiFePO4 batteries are taking charge in the battery world thanks to their many advantages over other battery types, including:

• They last 2-4x longer.
• They require no upkeep whatsoever.
• They’re the safest lithium battery type on the market.
• Their s

  elf-discharge rate when not in use is 2% per month vs 30% for lead acid.

• They reach full charge in 2 hours maximum. 

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• Their runtime is higher than other batteries.

• Consistent power: The same amount of amperage even when below 50% battery life.

• They reach between 3k and 5k cycles, and often more (5k cycles is roughly ten years).

• They can reach

  100% depth of discharge (DOD).

• Their average cost over time is much better than other batteries
• They can charge up to five times faster than lead-acid batteries.

And that’s that. If you still have questions, check out the FAQs section for this page below, or view our complete collection of FAQs here.

LiFePO4 batteries are ideal for everyday use, backup power, and more! They also have incredible advantages for RVs and travel trailers. Learn more here.

Learn about the different types of lithium batteries and how they’re used here:

LiFePO4 Quick Answers

Is LiFePO4 the same as lithium ion?

Not at all! The LiFePO4 battery has a cycle life of over 4x that of lithium-ion polymer batteries.

Are LiFePO4 batteries good?

Well, for starters, LiFePO4 batteries are incredibly efficient compared to traditional batteries. Not only that, they’re super-light and you can use most of your battery’s capacity without any problems. (You can only use roughly 50% with lead-acid batteries. After that, the battery gets damaged.) So overall, yes, very much so – LiFePO4 batteries are great.

Can LiFePO4 catch fire?

LiFePO4 batteries are the safest of the lithium batteries, because they will not catch fire, and won’t even overheat. Even if you puncture the battery it will not catch fire. This is a massive upgrade over other lithium batteries, which can overheat and catch fire.

Is LiFePO4 better than lithium-ion?

The LiFePO4 battery has the edge over lithium-ion, both in terms of cycle life (it lasts 4-5x longer), and safety. This is a key advantage because lithium-ion batteries can overheat and even catch fire, while LiFePO4 does not.

Why is LiFePO4 so expensive?

LiFePO4 batteries are usually more expensive on the front end, but cheaper long term because they last so long. They cost more upfront because the materials used to build them are more expensive. But people still choose them over other batteries. Why?

Because LiFePO4 has many advantages over other batteries. For example, they’re much lighter than lead acid and many other battery types. They’re also much safer, they last longer, and require no maintenance.

Is LiFePO4 a lipo?

No. Lifepo4 has many distinct advantages over Lipo, and while both are lithium chemistries, they are not the same.

What can I use LiFePO4 Batteries for?

You can use LiFePO4 batteries for the same things you’d use lead acid, AGM, or other traditional batteries for. For example, you can use a 12v 100ah LiFePO4 battery (and other LiFePO4 batteries) to power your bass boat and other marine toys. Or your RV. Or solar setups, mobility scooters, and much more.

Is LiFePO4 more dangerous than AGM or lead acid?

Nope. It’s quite a bit safer. And for several reasons, including the fact that LiFePO4 batteries don’t leak toxic fumes. And they don’t spill sulfuric acid like many other batteries (like lead acid.) And as we mentioned earlier, they don’t overheat or catch fire.

Can I leave my LiFePO4 battery on the charger?

If your LiFePO4 batteries have a battery management system, it will prevent your battery from overcharging. Our Ionic batteries all have built-in battery management systems.

What is the life expectancy of LiFePO4 batteries?

Life expectancy is one of the biggest perks, if not the biggest perk of LiFePO4. Our lithium batteries are rated to last around 5,000 cycles. That’s 10 years or so (and often more), depending on usage of course.

Even after those 5,000 cycles, our LiFePO4 batteries can still function at 70% capacity. And better still, you can discharge past 80% without a single issue. (Lead acid batteries tend to gas out when discharged past 50%.)

To get the best out of solar energy systems, it is important to use the best batteries to store solar power. A solar system with a good battery, like a LiFePO4 from WHC Solar, will guarantee that enough energy is stored for use at a later time.

LiFePO4 batteries are arguably the best batteries for solar power storage compared to other popular solar battery bank types. Many consider them the best battery because of their long lifespan, high energy density, efficiency, a wider range of applications, and environment-friendly design.

This blog will discuss LiFePO4 batteries extensively, what they are, their pros and cons, the need to consider investing in them, and other salient points. 

What Should You Know About Solar Battery Storage?

One of the limitations of using solar at home, during recreational activities, or in businesses is that it is affected by sunrise and sunset. On cloudy days, there might not be enough energy to serve its intended purpose. This is why solar batteries are important.

Solar battery storage is a technology that allows for the storage of excess solar energy generated by solar panels during the day. At sunrise, the solar panel traps energy from the sun till the sun sets. The energy is stored in a solar battery or a solar battery bank, which can be used to power a home or business or to provide backup power in case of a power outage or at times when energy demand is high.

Three Popular Kinds of Solar Power Batteries

The 3 popular types of solar power batteries are lead acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and LiFePO4 batteries.

Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid is among the oldest battery for solar. They have been in use for over 150 years and are well-established and reliable technology. They are made up of lead and sulfuric acid.

Although they offer affordable solar energy storage, lead-acid batteries have some notable disadvantages. These include cases of possible leakage, which poses a threat to the user and the environment. Also, they are relatively heavy and have a limited lifespan, typically around 5 years.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

The lithium-ion solar battery is an upgrade of lead-acid batteries. It is better suited for solar power systems because of its high energy density. This allows them to store more energy per unit of weight or volume than lead-acid batteries. They also have a longer lifespan, typically 10 years or more, which means they may be more cost-effective over the long term.

LiFePO4 Batteries 

LiFePO4 batteries are rechargeable batteries that are gaining popularity in solar power systems. They are a variation of lithium solar batteries. LiFePO4 offers some unique advantages over other types of batteries, such as lead-acid and lithium solar batteries. They have a longer lifespan of up to 15 years and a fast charging time.

Overall, LiFePO4 batteries offer significant advantages over other types of batteries for solar power systems, especially in applications where safety, lifespan, and energy density are important considerations. They are widely considered to be the safest type of lithium battery.

Why Are LiFePO4 Batteries the Best Energy Storage Option?

LiFePO4 batteries stand out as the best batteries for solar power storage because of their long lifespan, level of maintenance required, high power density, fast charge, and discharge feature, and their ability to show resilience to high temperatures.

Has a Long Lifespan

LiPO4 battery is regarded as the best solar battery because of its long lifespan. They are known for having a longer lifespan compared to other types of batteries used in solar power systems. They can last up to 15 years or more with proper maintenance, which is significantly longer than the lifespan of lead-acid batteries, which typically last around 5 years, and Lithium-ion batteries, which last about 10 years. 

They are less prone to overheating and thermal runaway, which is a common cause of battery failure in other lithium-ion batteries. This makes them safer, and more reliable, which can extend their lifespan

No Active Maintenance is Required

LiFePO4 batteries are generally considered to be low maintenance compared to other battery types. Although they are low maintenance, they require an easy routine like regular charging and cleaning. Regular cleaning of the battery terminals and surrounding area is important to prevent corrosion and buildup of dirt or debris.

Offer High Power Density with Small and Light Features

LiFePO4 batteries are known for their high power density and compact, lightweight design. Compared to other battery types, such as lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries, they can provide significantly more power for their size and weight.

This is due to their unique chemistry of them, which allows for high energy density and fast charging capabilities. LiFePO4 batteries have a high charge acceptance rate, which means they can be charged quickly without risk of damage or reduced lifespan.

Fast Charge and Discharge Rates

LiFePO4 batteries are capable of fast charging and discharging rates compared to other battery types. They have a high current flow rate and much higher capacity, allowing them to charge fast and discharge fast. 

LiFePO4 batteries can be charged at a maximum current of 100A, resulting in a full charge in approximately 1 hour.

Similarly, they can also be discharged at high rates without significantly impacting their lifespan. They can typically handle discharge rates of up to 3C, meaning a 100Ah battery could deliver up to 300A of current.

More Temperature Resilient

LiFePO4 batteries can operate over a wide temperature range, typically between -20°C and 60°C, without significant performance degradation or safety concerns. They can also handle temperature spikes during charging and discharging without significant risk of overheating or catching fire.

A typical WHC LiFePO4 battery is designed to handle 149F (65C) temperatures. It can handle hot climates better than traditional batteries.

Five Points to Consider When Purchasing Lithium Solar Batteries

These five points should be considered before purchasing lithium batteries for solar system

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a battery refers to the number of times it can be charged and discharged before it begins to lose capacity and performance. It is important to consider the lifespan of the solar battery before purchasing it to be sure of getting a durable battery.

To answer the question of how long solar batteries last, it depends on the type of solar battery. LiFePO4 batteries, for example, typically have a longer life cycle than other battery types, with some models capable of over 10,000 charge and discharge cycles. Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, have a shorter life cycle of around 500-1000 cycles.

Power and Capacity

The capacity of a battery is the amount of energy it can store, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Power on the other hand, power is the rate at which the battery can deliver energy for use.

When choosing a solar battery, it is important to consider both power and capacity. The specific power and capacity requirements will depend on the energy needs for the intended purpose, so it’s important to carefully evaluate the energy usage and choose a battery that can meet those needs.

Round-trip Efficiency

Round-trip efficiency refers to the amount of energy that can be stored in the battery compared to the amount of energy that can be retrieved from the battery. In other words, it measures how much energy is lost during the charging and discharging process.

A battery with high round-trip efficiency will lose less energy during the charging and discharging process, so more of the energy generated by the solar panels will be available for use. The reverse is the case with a battery with lesser round-trip efficiency.

Expert Customer Service

Solar batteries are complex products that require careful installation and maintenance. It is important to have access to reliable technical support and troubleshooting assistance in case of any issues.

Look for a manufacturer with a good reputation for customer service, including timely response to inquiries and a willingness to provide technical support and guidance as needed.

Warranty

When considering a solar battery, it’s important to look for a warranty that covers both the performance and the lifespan of the battery. This typically includes a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, as well as a guarantee of the battery’s capacity and performance over a specified period of time.

By understanding and considering these elements, an informed decision can be made in choosing the best solar batteries and getting good value for the money spent. 

Best LiFePO4 Battery Manufacturer Recommendation: WHC SOLAR

Image source: WHC Solar

WHC solar has been in business for over 13 years, working in the battery industry. WHC SOLAR is an experienced LiFePO4 battery manufacturer that offers the best battery for storing solar power.

WHC offers a wide range of highly efficient lithium batteries that suit any solar power project or business requirements. WHC LiFePO4 solar batteries have long service life of 2000-6000 deep discharge cycles, which is excellent for residential and commercial use. Also, the batteries are rugged and can withstand a temperature of up to 149F (65C).

In addition, WHC offers a wall-mounted solar lithium battery, which is easy to install, beautifully designed, and space-saving. The designs are ideal in tight spaces.

Reasons to Should Consider WHC LiFePO4 Solar Batteries:

1. Quality: WHC has a long history and tracks record of providing high-quality LiFePO4 solar batteries that are reliable and durable.
2. Customer service: WHC LifePO4 battery manufacturer provides good customer service and support, including responsive communication and prompt resolution of any issues or concerns.
3. Warranty: WHC offers a warranty that provides adequate coverage and protection for each appliance.
4. Price: WHC has a solid supply chain of premium materials and other components, allowing for one of the best LiFePO4 batteries. The rich selection of lithium-ion batteries allows for meeting solar energy needs while staying within budget.

Conclusion

Whether or not a LiFePO4 is the best battery for storing solar power depends on specific needs and circumstances. While LiFePO4 batteries are a good choice for many solar energy storage applications, there are some applications where other types of batteries may be a better fit. When choosing a solar battery, it is important to consider the specific needs and circumstances of the applications the solar battery will be subjected to.

For more information on WHC solar LiFePO4 batteries, Contact our experts. We are more than ready to guide you in exploring the best available options.

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