Battery storage is becoming an increasingly popular addition to solar energy systems. Two of the most common battery chemistry types are lithium-ion and lead acid. As their names imply, lithium-ion batteries are made with the metal lithium, while lead-acid batteries are made with lead. How do lithium-ion and lead acid batteries work?
Lithium has several advantages over other types of batteries, including lead-acid. With a lifespan of 10 years or more, a lithium battery lasts at least twice as long as a standard lead-acid battery. It also doesn’t need maintenance like lead-acid batteries, which require an equalizing charge and monitoring to ensure the batteries don’t dry out.
There are two main types of lead-acid battery. These are Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA) and Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA). For a comparison of these, read this post on Flooded lead-acid versus Sealed lead-acid. Lead-acid batteries are much cheaper than lithium although they have a shorter average lifespan of between 3-5 years.
Lead acid batteries comprise lead plates immersed in an electrolyte sulfuric acid solution. The battery consists of multiple cells containing positive and negative plates. Lead and lead dioxide compose these plates, reacting with the electrolyte to generate electrical energy. Advantages:
The best lead-acid battery depends on the application, required capacity, and budget. Some popular brands known for quality lead-acid batteries include Trojan, Exide, and Yuasa.
Recyclable: These batteries are highly recyclable, making them an environmentally friendly option. Disadvantages: Heavy and bulky: Lead acid batteries are heavy and take up significant space, which can be a limitation in specific applications.