Lithium iron phosphate batteries, also known as LFP batteries, have become a popular choice for storing solar power in residential solar power systems. Their long lifespan, high safety rating, and overall efficiency make them a cost-effective choice for homeowners. But as with any piece of technology, there are a few common issues that people have with this battery type—though luckily, most of those issues are preventable. Keep reading to learn more about the common issues people have with LFP batteries and how to avoid them.
Overcharging
Overcharging an LFP battery can degrade the battery’s cells over time. This reduces their lifespan and degrades their performance. While it’s true that LFP batteries have a more stable battery chemistry than other types of lithium-ion batteries, continuously overcharging them stresses them severely.
To avoid this, make sure you’re using a high-quality solar charge controller. It should be programmable with specific voltage settings for LFP batteries so that you can set proper voltage limits (typically around 3.55V per cell, or about 14.2V for your average 12V battery). You should also make sure to regularly update the charge controller’s software so it’s always operating correctly.
Undercharging and Keeping a Low Charge
Just as overcharging is bad for your battery, so is undercharging. However, the bigger problem is when you consistently undercharge your batteries and keep them in a low state of charge. If you keep them below 20% charge for long periods of time, this can cause them to lose storage capacity.
Make sure you design your solar energy system so that your solar array is capable of fully charging it regularly. If your solar bank is oversized, and your panels can’t recharge it quickly, consider removing some batteries or adding some panels to your solar array.
Temperature Sensitivity
LFP batteries are significantly less efficient and can even be damaged if charged in below-freezing temperatures. Extremely high temperatures (anything above 113°F) can also shorten the life of an LFP battery.
While you can’t control the temperatures in your area, you can avoid these problems by installing your batteries in a temperature-controlled environment. For example, you might opt to install your battery bank in your basement instead of your garage. If you can’t do this, make sure you’re purchasing an LFP battery with a built-in battery management system to prevent charging at unsafe temperatures.
With these tips, you can avoid some of the most common issues with HomeGrid LFP batteriesand help them to last longer and be more efficient, giving you a higher return on your investment.