Lithium-ion batteries tend to have higher energy density and thus offer greater battery capacity than lead-acid batteries of similar sizes. A lead-acid battery might have a 30-40 watt-hours capacity per kilogram (Wh/kg), whereas a lithium-ion battery could have a 150-200 Wh/kg capacity. Energy Density or Specific Energy:
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.
If you need a battery backup system, both lead acid and lithium-ion batteries can be effective options. However, it’s usually the right decision to install a lithium-ion battery given the many advantages of the technology - longer lifetime, higher efficiencies, and higher energy density.
Safety: Lithium-ion batteries are considered safer due to their reduced risk of leakage and environmental damage compared to lead-acid batteries, which contain corrosive acids and heavy metals. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries have built-in safety features like thermal runaway protection.
Europe took a different tack. The Eurobat Guide for the Specification of Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Stationary Cells and Batteries defines design life as follows: “The design life is the estimated life determined under laboratory conditions, and is quoted at 20°C using the manufacturer’s recommended float voltage conditions.” 6
A lead acid battery system may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars less than a similarly-sized lithium-ion setup - lithium-ion batteries currently cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 including installation, and this range can go higher or lower depending on the size of system you need.
Lead-acid batteries rely primarily on lead and sulfuric acid to function and are one of the oldest batteries in existence. At its heart, the battery contains two types of plates: a lead dioxide (PbO2) plate, which serves as the positive plate, and a …