What is a LiFePO4 Battery? Is it a Better Choice Than Other Options?

Every part of your solar energy system is important. But choosing the right solar battery is especially essential if you want to be able to use solar energy after the sun goes down.

Solar batteries store excess power so that you can use it on demand. But not all batteries are created equal.

The LifePO4 solar battery model is one of the most popular on the market today. It offers some really nice benefits that could make it the right fit for your set-up as well.

We’ve put together this guide to help you figure out whether the LifePO4 is the best fit for your goals or if another type of solar battery may make more sense.

So, with that out of the way, let’s get into it.

• What is LifePO4?
• The Developmental History of LifePO4
• Advantages of the LifePO4 Battery
• BougeRV’s LifePO4 Battery
• FAQs
• BougeRV Offers the Perfect LifePO4 Battery For Your Goals

What is LifePO4?

LifePO4 or LFP(abbreviation for lithium-ion) is a new model of lithium iron phosphate battery that has higher energy density and a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries. It’s starting to be used in solar battery applications, as well as in other situations in which large, safe battery banks are needed.

Lithium-ion batteries have been around for about 25 years, which makes them relatively new in the world of power storage. However, their usage has expanded rapidly in products like laptops and cell phones.

But lithium-ion batteries also gained a reputation for regularly catching on fire. That’s why this material was typically avoided in large battery banks until recently.

LifePO4 is a newer, safer version of the lithium-ion battery type. It’s entirely non-combustible thanks to the material that it’s made out of. This makes the LifePO4 battery much safer to use than other lithium-ion batteries – especially in high-power applications like solar batteries.

LifePO4 batteries aren’t brand-new technology. They’ve been around for a few years already. But they’re just now starting to hit the consumer consciousness and make their way into products designed for end-users.

The Developmental History of LifePO4

The development of the LifePO4 battery can be traced back to two great thinkers in the field of power storage – John B. Goodenough (a Nobel laureate) and Arumungam Manthiram.

These two scientists were the first to discover the material that lithium-ion batteries needed to function. They realized that anode materials – traditionally used in other batteries – aren’t suitable for use in lithium-ion products. The main reason for that is they’re more prone to short-circuiting early.

Scientists like these two eventually found that cathode material was a better alternative for lithium-ion battery applications. Other thinkers in this industry continued improving the technology to make it more stable, conductive, and efficient. Over time, those improvements added up to the creation of LifePO4 batteries.

Now, LifePO4 batteries are starting to be used in a wide variety of applications, including boats, vehicles, and, most relevant for our purposes, solar batteries.

Advantages of the LifePO4 Battery

The answer to this question lies in the unique benefits that LifePO4 batteries offer over alternative options. Here are four advantages of the LifePO4 battery type that are worth considering as you decide whether they’re right for you.

Safety and Stability

LifePO4 batteries are best known for their exceptional safety profile. They’re made with very stable chemistry. These kinds of phosphate-based batteries tend to be much safer to use than lithium-ion batteries that are made out of cathode material.

The main benefit here is that the cells used in these batteries cannot catch on fire. That’s especially important because consumer batteries are always at risk of experiencing a mishandling event during the constant charging and discharging cycles they go through.

Also, LifePO4 batteries are able to stand up to very harsh conditions, such as freezing cold and scorching hot weather. This level of stability can be difficult to find in other batteries.

Better Performance

Performance is always a factor that matters – whether choosing a solar controller, solar panels, or a battery. LifePO4 batteries offer superior performance by most metrics, which is another reason why they’re starting to be used in solar applications more consistently.

The secret is the slow self-discharge rates they offer. Plus, they weigh less than traditional lithium-ion batteries, which helps to extend their shelf life. Even the battery charging time is lower than average with this material.

More Efficient Use of Space

It’s also worth mentioning that the LifePO4 takes up less space than a solar battery made out of another material would. They weigh about one-third of what lead-acid batteries weigh and about half of what manganese oxide batteries weigh.

Manufacturers like BougeRV take advantage of this to offer LifePO4 batteries that are ideal for on-the-go applications, such as storing solar energy you generate on an RV or while camping.

Better for the Environment

Finally, LifePO4 batteries are better for the environment than other options. They’re entirely nontoxic and don’t rely on any rare earth metals to function. Both lead-acid and nickel-oxide lithium batteries carry much more environmental risk.

It’s also worth noting that these batteries are more reliable and tend to last longer than other options. That’s also good for the environment because it means you can use one battery for longer than would otherwise be possible.

BougeRV’s LifePO4 Battery

If you’re interested in picking up a new battery to pair with your panels and solar controller, BougeRV’s LifePO4 battery is a great option.

Our battery is extremely lightweight and flexible enough to come with you in an RV, a car, or even a boat. It has handles on both sides as well, which makes it easy to move.

BougeRV’s LifePO4 battery can recharge to 100% in just 60 minutes as well, which makes it a lot easier to get the power stored that you need to continue using your electronics even after the sun goes down.

And finally, the engineers at BougeRV have designed this battery with a self-heating function. This allows you to use it in cold environments without having to worry as much about doing damage to the battery.

When you put it all together, you get a LifePO4 battery that truly stands out.

FAQs

How much does a LifePO4 solar battery cost?

LifePO4 solar batteries tend to cost between $800 and $1,000 from other brands. But BougeRV sells an innovative solar LifePO4 battery for under $700.

Why are LifePO4 solar batteries popular?

These batteries tend to be popular because they’re safer, more durable, and more efficient than other battery options. They’re the best kind of solar battery for most applications, given these benefits.

Can I bring a LifePO4 solar battery with me on the go?

Yes! LifePO4 batteries are designed to be lightweight enough to bring with you for portable solar applications, such as storing the sun’s energy while camping.

BougeRV Offers the Perfect LifePO4 Battery For Your Goals

Adding a solar battery to your existing solar panel setup can be a fantastic way to increase the value that you get out of the system. If you’re ready to do that, then a LifePO4 battery is almost definitely going to be a better choice for you than other options.

At BougeRV, our engineers have worked hard to design the perfect LifePO4 battery for on-the-go use. Whether you enjoy camping or you’ve got solar panels on an RV, our battery will make it easier to enjoy the great outdoors however you choose to do so.

Take a closer look at the battery today to learn more.