While there is no more doubt about the reliability of these lithium batteries, the question of whether they’re just as good for the environment remains persistent. After all, most batteries don’t have a very good reputation for being eco-friendly.
This is especially pressing given the rising movement towards green energy. For a brief background, green energy pertains to the use of renewable energy generated from natural resources like sunlight, wind, or water. This way, the negative impact of fossil fuels are replaced with more environment-friendly alternatives.
There are several claims that LFP batteries are indeed ideal for maximising the use of renewable energy, particularly because of their promising composition and storage capabilities. So, is it safe to conclude that these batteries contribute to bringing long-term positive effects for green energy? Let’s have a go-through at its current impact so far.
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LiFePO4 batteries as renewable solar energy system storage
Solar and wind power systems have come a long way in minimising carbon emissions. Behind these is a backup, which is often a storage battery or solar battery in the case of solar systems. It has been proven even before that LiFePO4 batteries are the most recommended for this application due to their ability to store 25% to 50% higher capacity than traditional lead-acid batteries.
The extended service life of LFP power packs due to their partial state of charge (PSOC)-tolerant feature also allows for lower overall ownership and lesser battery discarded over the years. Another huge, green-friendly factor of these batteries is that they’re incombustible. This means they’re free from any dangerous fumes and leaks that can harm the environment.
Stable, non-toxic composition
Perhaps the safe, low-cost composition of a lithium iron phosphate battery is one of its biggest advantages over lead-acid batteries both in terms of performance and eco-friendliness.
The materials used in the manufacture of LiFePO4 batteries are abundant too, reducing the loss of resources. Instead of using heavy metal elements that pollute the soil such as mercury and lead, LFP uses commonly available materials instead like copper and graphite.
The general construction of these batteries uses less energy and simpler processing, with no rare earths or toxic substances commonly found in other power packs. Since these lithium batteries are also sealed with less soluble phosphate salts instead of metal oxides, there is little possibility of them leaching into the environment in case the battery is improperly discarded.
Ease of recycling
Battery disposal has always been a huge environmental issue. Over 3 million tons of lead-acid batteries are discarded yearly and while some of these are safely recycled, many end up in landfills. This is most prevalent in developing countries, causing toxins that lead to fires, explosions, and food and water poisoning.
LiFePO4 batteries, on the other hand, pose less risk to the environment compared to their lead-acid counterparts. They are easily recyclable to recover materials in their electrodes, wirings, and casings to manufacture new lithium batteries. In fact, there are available LiFePO4 batteries in the market made from recycled materials!
The recycling process of LFP batteries is still in its early stages although it remains bright, especially in the coming years. Because of their longer lifespan, the majority of these power packs are still in use but as many of them reach the end of their working life, recycling is expected to be more advanced and accessible than ever.
A promising outlook for solar and LiFePO4 pairing
At present, solar power is the most popular developing area of green energy and this is also where LiFePO4 batteries are seen as extremely contributive. This discovery started way back when LFP batteries are still making their way to the top of the market.
A joint research between the University of Southampton and lithium battery management systems producer REAPsystems have concluded that LiFePO4 power packs have the potential to increase the efficiency of solar power and reduce its cost as well.
This study also found that the lithium-based battery has an energy efficiency rate of 95%—an impressive leap from the 85% efficiency grade of lead-acid deep cycle batteries. Up to now, more homes, RV owners, and even commercial establishments are switching to LiFePO4 storage batteries and installing them as part of their solar power systems.
The practical advantages of LiFePO4 batteries are found to be just as useful in solar systems. For one, these batteries can hold a higher capacity, which is crucial for storage power packs. Some LFP batteries are also designed with 100% useable capacity, translating into longer runtimes.
Solar panels have an average life of 25-30 years. Pair it with a LiFePO4 which has 7-10 years of service life and you got the most long-lasting power combo. The fast-charging feature of these battery packs is also beneficial, especially in off-grid settings that rely mostly on solar energy. If there are only a few peak sun hours in a day, a shorter charge period is gold.
LiFePO4 battery as a powerwall
While the Tesla Powerwall Series uses a different kind of power pack, the use of LiFePO4 in powerwall batteries is widely looked into. Lithium iron phosphate batteries with up to 30,000Ah have an outstanding number of charges and discharges, proving their ability to provide the total power output needed in home battery systems.
Due to their high reliability, LiFePO4 is posed to be used for new stationary Powerwall batteries for solar power. This is also why they are already accounting for about 39% of capacity in megawatts in several lithium-ion storage power plants. Given all this, it’s safe to say that LiFePO4 batteries might just be the next in line when it comes to green energy outlets. Reliable, safe, and eco-friendly, these battery banks’ storage capabilities are definitely built to support the push towards renewable energy use for the long-term betterment of the environment.
