Which Battery to Choose? Lithium Iron Phosphate(LiFePO4) vs. Sealed Lead Acid

Unsure of the right battery for your application?  Let's take a look at some pros and cons of each battery and hopefully shine some light on the subject!

Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery also known as LiFePO4.

Longer lifespan than their lead acid cousins.  Approximately 5-10 years.  This of course if variable based on the cycle limit and depth of discharge over the lifespan.  1,000 to 3,000 charge and discharge cycles are common for the LiFePO4 battery.

LiFePO4 batteries are lighter in overall weight than Lead Acid batteries.

The LiFePO4 battery is able to be discharged to 20% with little to no long term damage.  However the LiFePO4 battery is susceptible to damage based on overcharging and should be charged with a charging system.  Also known as another expense.

Out in the middle of nowhere looking for one?  Good luck.  The LiFePO4 is much harder to find than the Lead Acid Battery.

The risk of a battery fire is very low with the LiFePO4 composition.  However all of the benefits of Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery come at a cost as they are significantly more expensive than the Lead Acid battery.

Lead Acid Battery

This battery is more common than their LiFePO4 counterparts and is relatively inexpensive and easy to produce.  However it is much heavier, larger, and has a much shorter lifespan.  If discharged below 20% capacity the batteries capacity is significantly reduced, forever.

The Lead Acid Battery is very reliable with little to no maintenance, but there is a greater risk of a "Thermal Runaway,"(battery fire) than with a LiFePO4.

The cost of the Lead Acid Battery is perhaps its greatest asset over the LiFePO4.  It can get you up and running for a LOT less.

Hopefully this was helpful information!  Check out the great batteries we represent at Solar Power Lifestyle here.  Power On!