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?
Lead Acid Batteries Lead-acid batteries consist of lead dioxide (PbO2) and sponge lead (Pb) plates submerged in a sulfuric acid electrolyte. The electrochemical reactions between these materials generate electrical energy.
Lithium-ion batteries also have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries. Thus, when considering all the factors, lithium-ion batteries are better than lead-acid batteries. However, lead-acid batteries still have their own advantages. They are less expensive than lithium-ion batteries and can be used for high-current applications.
Disadvantages: Heavy and bulky: Lead acid batteries are heavy and take up significant space, which can be a limitation in specific applications. Limited energy density: They have a lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries, resulting in a lower capacity and shorter runtime.
Yes. Depending on your target applications, you can substitute lead-acid batteries with lithium-ion batteries. Before swapping the batteries, ensure the lithium-ion battery is well-matched to the voltage system and the charging system. In some cases, you will need an external charger that is compatible with the lithium battery.
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.