1. Superior “Useable” Capacity
Unlike with lead acid batteries, it is considered practical to regularly use 90% or more of the rated capacity of a lithium battery bank, and occasionally more.
2. Extended Cycle Life
Laboratory results indicate that you could expect to see 5000 to 7000 cycles out of a well cared for Lithium Iron Phosphate battery bank.
3. Peukert’s Losses & Voltage Sag Virtually Non-Existent
The discharge curve of lithium batteries (especially relative to lead acid) is essentially flat – meaning that a 20% charged battery will be providing nearly the same output voltage as an 80% charged battery. Also, Lithium-Ion batteries can deliver their full rated capacity, even at high currents, whereas lead acid can see as much as a 40% loss of capacity at high loads.
4. Size & Weight Advantages
Lithium batteries are both smaller and lighter than their lead acid counterparts at the same power capacity.
5. Fast & Efficient Charging
Lithium-ion batteries can be “fast” charged to 100% of capacity. Unlike with lead acid, there is no need for an absorption phase to get the final 20% stored. Additionally, unlike with lead acid, a failure to regularly fully charge Lithium-Ion batteries does not damage the batteries.
6. Very Little Wasted Energy
Lead acid batteries are less efficient at storing power than lithium-ion batteries. Lithium batteries charge at nearly 100% efficiency, compared to the 85% efficiency of most lead acid batteries. This can be especially important when charging via solar, when you are trying to squeeze as much efficiency out of every amp as possible before the sun goes down or gets covered up by clouds.
7. Climate Resistance
Lead acid batteries and lithium lose their capacity in cold environments. Lithium-ion batteries are much more efficient at low temperatures. Moreover, the discharge rate affects the performance of lead acid batteries. At -20 °C, a Lithium battery that delivers a 1C current (one times its capacity), can deliver more than 80% of its energy when the AGM battery will deliver 30% of its capacity. For harsh environments (hot and cold), Lithium-Ion is the technological choice.
8. Fewer Placement Issues
Lithium-ion batteries do not need to be stored upright, or in a vented battery compartment. This is especially useful if you have an existing battery bay that is limited in size, but you want or need more capacity than lead acid is currently able to provide.
9. Zero maintenance requirements
Lithium-Ion batteries are fairly maintenance free. A “balancing” process to make sure all the cells in a battery bank are equally charged is automatically achieved by the BMS (Battery Management System). Just charge your battery and you are good to go.