5 advantages of using lithium iron phosphate batteries for energy storage in solar street lamps

Solar street lights require high energy storage due to the high cost, low conversion efficiency, and variable environment of the power generation system. Typically, the solar photovoltaic power generation system has a lifespan of around 20 years.

Here are 5 advantages of using lithium iron phosphate batteries for energy storage in solar street lamps:

1. Efficiency in Charging

Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a charging efficiency of 100%, compared to only 60% for lead-acid batteries. With a 100W solar panel, the lithium iron phosphate battery can store 45W-75W of electricity per day, while the lead-acid battery can only store 27W-45W. In other words, one lithium iron phosphate battery can achieve the charging effect of two lead-acid batteries. Therefore, with the same battery capacity, lithium iron phosphate batteries can supply 60W lamps, while lead-acid batteries can only supply 30W lamps.

2. Excellent Performance For Discharge

The discharge voltage of lithium iron phosphate batteries is stable, and they can discharge 100% at room temperature. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries can only discharge up to 60-70%. The charging performance of lead-acid batteries is approximately half of the lithium iron phosphate battery, and the discharge can only release half of the lithium iron phosphate battery. For example, with the same 12V 50AH battery, the lithium iron phosphate battery can release 50AH of electricity. If the street lamp works for 10 hours every night, it can work continuously for two days. If the charging performance is only half of the state, the lead-acid battery can only release 12.5AH of electricity, which can only supply continuous work for half a day.

3.More Suitable Size and Weight

Lithium-ion batteries have a high volume ratio of up to 100wh/l, which means they have a smaller volume than lead-acid batteries. Additionally, they are not limited by space during installation. The weight of lithium iron phosphate batteries with the same capacity is only half that of lead-acid batteries. For instance, the size specification of a lithium iron phosphate battery 12V120AH is 260 x 169 x 218mm, and it weighs 16kg. Whereas, the size specification of a lead-acid battery 12V100AH is 407 x 173 x 210mm, and it weighs 32.7kg. Therefore, the lithium iron phosphate battery is smaller and lighter than the lead-acid battery.

4.Low Maintenance Cost and Long Service Life

After 2000 cycles, lithium iron phosphate batteries still maintain more than 80% of their nominal capacity and can be used for 7-8 years under basic conditions. In contrast, lead-acid batteries need to be replaced every six months to a year. During the charge and discharge process of the lithium iron phosphate battery, the positive and negative electrodes have opposite volume changes, so the total volume of the battery remains unchanged, and the pressure on the diaphragm is small, ensuring the safety and cycle life of the battery. While lead-acid batteries must be recharged every three months during storage, lithium iron phosphate batteries have good storage performance and can be stored for up to 3 years without recharging or maintenance, reducing labor costs and pollution. The lithium iron phosphate battery has excellent storage performance, with a monthly self-discharge rate of about 2% and a capacity recovery rate of over 98%.

5.Best Match for Street Lamps

The charging and discharging current of street lamps is typically small, with most not exceeding 10A, making them shallow charging and shallow discharging. This working method limits the batteries that can be used