Locally assembled, smallest and lightest LiFePO4 battery in North America

Off the grid living is becoming more and more popular, and with it comes an increasing need for portable energy. Vancouver’s own Royer Batteries has created the smallest and lightest Lithium battery – The Micro Smart Heated Battery – that North America has seen, that’s the perfect solution to energy needs, whether for solar off-grid homes, RVs, van-life, or marine usage. Coming with many new advantages in comparison to its old alternative, the lead acid battery, the Canadian assembled Micro Battery uses LiFePO4 chemistry and trumps it in every category while setting the stage for the future for how we store electricity.

 

The lead acid battery has been the traditional choice for off-grid power usage for many years, but throughout it, the battery has had faults that leave users with more stress over their electricity. Though there are different types of lead acid batteries with different strengths, the weaknesses of them all remain the same. Firstly, the lead acid battery can only use 50% (or less) of it’s rated capacity (Ah) for each cycle, leaving less usable power than advertised. For lead acid battery users this means you don’t really get what you think, energy wise – you get half of it. Furthermore, if the lead acid battery isn’t charged on a strict schedule, the lack thereof will begin to damage the battery, before it’s even used all of its power.

 

Cycle life – the number of times a battery can be recharged – is another issue that could be improved when it comes to lead acid batteries. At about 1500 cycles, the lead acid battery will have lost 50% capacity. Though this may still seem like a lot of cycles, it’s important to note that how much usable KWh – Kilowatt-Hour – the battery can deliver is still being reduced each cycle, meaning even before the 50% capacity loss, the lead acid battery will not be able to deliver the same amount of power even halfway into its life cycle. Overall, weighing around 4-6x times more than lithium batteries, the lead acid battery is delivering sub-optimal power, low energy density, and high maintenance needs, without even delivering longevity.

 

With the Micro Battery, you are truly getting what you pay for. With 100% usable capacity or depth of discharge, it overcomes the deficits of the lead acid battery, and in turn revolutionized the way off grid power is stored. The battery does not need to be constantly recharged to maintain it’s life expectancy, nor does it have the same life cycle shortage as its alternative. In comparison to the lead acid battery which loses 50% capacity over 1500 cycles, the Micro Battery comes out on top, losing only 20% capacity over a minimum of 3000 cycles, and up to 5000 in most applications. It also doesn’t lose as much capacity every cycle, ensuring you are getting the optimal amount of electricity out of your battery, every time. Over the life-time, the Micro Battery will output over 10 times the amount of usable power, greatly increasing the amount of energy a user can get out of their battery. Although it cannot be charged in 0 degrees and below, nor discharged in -20 degrees and below, the Micro Battery was designed with a low consumption automatic built-in heater, to face its weaknesses head on.

 

The Micro Battery not only fixes the faults of its alternative but comes with new upgrades, as well. It comes with an app that connects to the battery with Bluetooth, enabling users to not only see if there are issues with their battery, but also better understand their energy usage. This app allows users to be more energy conscious, in addition to understanding how their battery really works. Furthermore, Each battery comes with a 10 year warranty but it can easily last you up to 25 years with relevant energy density still left. The Micro Battery is completely serviceable so parts are interchangeable and exchangeable; if there is an issue out of warranty it can be repaired simply.

 

This battery is likely going to take the market by storm. Even with other lithium-based batteries on the market, those batteries tend to have lower kWh, up to 50% larger, up to 50% heavier, as well as have less features. With the Micro Battery, the cells are square, optimizing space. Meanwhile, weighing in at only 59 pounds, the Micro 12V 310Ah Battery is the perfect solution for mobile applications, such as van-living. Although this battery costs on average 2 times more than its lead acid alternative, over the life-time of the LiFePO4 it will cost 5 times less money per Amp-hour used.

 

 

The Micro battery will truly revolutionize the way off-grid power is used and stored. Tyrone Royer, creator of the Micro Battery from Royer Batteries, reports on how he feels about his battery and its size, saying “I just love hearing ‘No way, you can’t fit that much power in there!’” At 59 pounds 100% capacity that can be cycled up to 10000 times in its lifetime, the Micro is the best new way to store energy.

How to Calculate Energy Per Acre for Solar Panels

The angle at which a solar panel faces the sun determines how much energy it will receive.

The sun provides a huge amount of energy as its rays touch the Earth’s surface. But the quantity of energy that you can harness is another matter. The efficiency of solar cells, their arrangement, and the amount of sunlight they receive all affect their output. Before deciding whether solar panels are a good choice to save you money, determine if you can fully power your home with solar panel electricity.

Step 1

Determine your solar panels’ efficiency rate. The amount of energy that can be taken in and converted into electrical energy per solar panel is its efficiency. For photovoltaic solar cells, efficiency can reach about 19 percent. But for concentrated photovoltaic cell panels or CPV panels, the efficiency can exceed 40 percent. Whether you are creating your own panels or purchasing pre-made panels, determine the efficiency per cell of the panels you plan to install. Keep in mind when choosing what type of panels to use that CPV panels usually require more work to set up, and more land, as they are designed to concentrate sunlight on a specific panel.

Step 2

Size the area for your solar panels. Determine how many panels can fit on your designated area while taking into account the terrain, local construction laws, and other spacing issues. Solar panels come in several types and dimensions but, as an example, 100-200W solar panels usually measure 1 square meter in size.

Step 3

Calculate the energy per acre. On average, 1 square meter of solar panels directly exposed to sunlight will receive about 1-kilowatt hour (kW/h) of energy per hour for the six hours it is exposed to effective sunlight, or 6-kilowatt hours of solar energy a day. One acre is approximately 4,046 square meters, so if you have an acre’s worth of solar cells, then you will receive about 4,046 kilowatt hours of electricity each hour, or 24,276-kilowatt hours a day.

Step 4

Multiply the energy you receive by the efficiency of your solar panels to discover how much usable electricity you can yield. If your solar panels are 19 percent efficient and you receive 24,276 kilowatt hours a day of solar energy, then you will receive about 4,612-kilowatt hours of usable electricity through solar energy.

Step 5

Subtract your maximum potential energy needs from the amount of energy being produced. You can find out how much energy you use by looking at a past electric bill or calling up the company that services your electricity directly. But for a general idea, the average American family uses about 920-kilowatt hours of electricity per month. So if you produced approximately 4,612-kilowatt hours of usable electricity per day, you would produce enough energy in a day to run four average households for a month.

References

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Grid Connected (Grid-tie) Systems

Photovoltaic cells are the main ingredient of all photovoltaic solar energy systems, turning sunlight directly into electricity. Since the first silicon photovoltaic cells were discovered in the 1950s, technological developments have improved performance and transformed solar energy capabilities. An increasingly viable and popular renewable energy source, grid-connected photovoltaic systems grabbed a 75 percent share of U.S. installations in 2009, up from 31 percent in 2001.

Grid Connected Basic Facts

General household electrical systems and appliances need alternating current power.

Being grid-connected means that a solar photovoltaic system is linked directly to the available electrical grid or utility lines. A connected system comprises a photovoltaic panel or set of panels that directly convert sunlight into electricity. The size of the system dictates how independent from the grid it’s possible to be. Grid-connected systems need inverters to convert direct current into alternating current usable electricity. The inverter connects to the main electrical supply with a meter showing the number of generated kilowatt hours. Excess electricity can be sold back to the grid.

Constant Reliable Power

Grid-connected photovoltaic systems guarantee a home always has access to power, even if the solar energy fails or is insufficient. The system’s inverter connects to a battery bank that can store energy to be used in a power failure. An advantage of grid-connected systems is that they are not dependent on the sun shining. Off-grid photovoltaic energy is only intermittent but grid-connected systems ensure that any additional electricity needed is automatically delivered by the grid.

Financial Benefits Of Grid Connected Systems

More than 35 states now have “net metering” legislation, meaning that householders benefit from selling excess energy back to the grid at normal retail prices. The Department of Energy notes that this puts people in Hawaii and New York at a great advantage because of the high retail electric rates. State and federal incentives include sales tax exemptions on the systems themselves, property tax exemptions, and personal state income tax credits.

As well to lower energy bills, grid-connected solar systems can add overall value to properties too. A federal study of California homes revealed that a 3,100-kilowatt hour system increases the home’s value by an average of $17,000.

Disadvantages Of Being Grid Connected

Installing solar systems near existing utility power lines means that photovoltaic generated electricity costs more than that supplied by conventional methods. At its cheapest, solar energy is estimated to be 25 cents per kilowatt hour — generally between double and quadruple the cost of utility-supplied electricity. Initial costs are high so in practice installing a grid-connected solar system is like paying your electricity bill up front, years in advance.

The permits and legal requirements for installing grid-connected systems can be costly, complex, and time-consuming. While national standards are beginning to be adopted, many regional agencies have different legislative procedures so the best starting point is the local city or county building department.

References & Resources

What Are the Best Solar Panels for Low Light?

The standard formula for rating solar panels looks at the amount of power the unit produces in full sunlight at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. However, many homeowners in northern latitudes might only reach that optimal standard for solar collection a few days per year. Suppose you live in an area where sunlight is weakened by such factors as inclement weather and the earth’s tilt, yet wish to take as full advantage of solar power as possible. In that case, you need solar panels that are optimized for better efficiency under substandard conditions.

Monocrystalline Panels

Of the three basic solar panel types–monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous–monocrystalline is the most efficient in collecting solar energy and therefore somewhat more effective in regions with low sunlight. As the name suggests, they are made from a single large silicon crystal cut from an ingot. Polycrystalline panels use many small crystals to form the collection surface, while amorphous, or thin film, solar panels consist of silicon particles applied to the surface of large plates. Monocrystalline panels, while more efficient, are only slightly so. They are also the most expensive of the three types.

Hybrid Panels

Some manufacturers, including industry leader Sanyo technologies, have combined monocrystalline and amorphous thin film to produce a hybrid panel that Sanyo has dubbed Heterojunction with an Intrinsic Thin Layer (HIT). According to Sanyo’s marketing literature, these hybrid panels “boast high conversion efficiency ranging from 15.3 to 16.4, excellent temperature characteristics, and considerable output under diffuse and low light conditions.” Sanyo’s 190-watt photovoltaic (PV) module has earned a 17.4 percent efficiency rating, well above the industry average of 12 percent.

High-Powered Panels

Industry experts consider solar panels with a collection capacity of greater than 100 watts to be high-powered. The wattage of a panel describes the amount of power the panel can produce in full sunlight at 77 F. The selection of high-powered panels compatible with the typical household 12-volt system dwindles as the wattage soars upward because the highest powered panels are designed for grid-tie systems rather than stand-alone systems, which deposit the power in a battery storage bank. You must also keep in mind that two panels with lower wattage will add up to the same collection capacity and be less expensive. In the case of solar panels, bigger does not automatically equate to better.

More Options

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficiency & Renewable Energy Program (EERE), established to develop innovations in the solar panel field, is working to optimize solar collector efficiency. One example is an experiment using a MicroDish composed of a concentration of Spectrolab solar cells–ultra-high-efficiency cells–in which EERE tested the use of mirrors designed to multiply the sun’s power. This application is intended “to substantially increase the viability of PV for cost-competitive applications.”

 

Detail of pattern of solar panels

Image Credit: Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

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LiFePO4 vs. Lithium Ion Batteries

A Brief History of the LiFePO4 Battery

The LiFePO4 battery began with John B. Goodenough and Arumugam Manthiram. They were the first to discover the materials employed in lithium-ion batteries. Anode materials are not very suitable for use in lithium-ion batteries. This is because they’re prone to early short-circuiting.

Scientists discovered that cathode materials are better alternatives for lithium-ion batteries. And this is very clear in the LiFePO4 battery variants. Fast-forward, increasing stability, conductivity – improving all sorts of things, and poof! LiFePO4 batteries are born.

Today, there are rechargeable LiFePO4 batteries everywhere. These batteries have many useful applications – they’re used in boats, solar systems, vehicles, and more. LiFePO4 batteries are cobalt-free and cost less than most of its alternatives (over time). It’s not toxic and it lasts longer. But we’ll get to that more soon. The future holds very bright prospects for the LiFePO4 battery.

But what makes the LiFePO4 battery better?

 

LiFePO4 vs. Lithium Ion Batteries

Fishing-Boat

Now that we know what LiFePO4 batteries are, let’s discuss what makes LiFePO4 better than lithium-ion and other lithium batteries.

The LiFePO4 battery isn’t great for wearable devices like watches. Because they have a lower energy density compared to other lithium-ion batteries. That said, for things like solar energy systems, RVs, golf carts, bass boats, and electric motorcycles, it’s the best by far. Why?

Well, for one, the cycle life of a LiFePO4 battery is over 4x that of other lithium-ion batteries.

It’s also the safest lithium battery type on the market, safer than lithium-ion and other battery types.

And last but not least, LiFePO4 batteries can not only reach 3,000-5,000 cycles or moreâ€Ķ They can reach 100% depth of discharge (DOD). Why does that matter? Because that means, with LiFePO4 (unlike other batteries) you don’t have to worry about over-discharging your battery. Also, you can use it for a longer period of time as a result. In fact, you can use a quality LiFePO4 battery for many years longer than other battery types. It’s rated to last about 5,000 cycles. That’s roughly 10 years. So the average cost over time is much better. That’s how LiFePO4 batteries stack up vs lithium-ion.

Here’s why LiFePO4 batteries are better than not just lithium-ion, but other battery types in general:

Safe, Stable Chemistry

Lithium battery safety is important. The newsworthy “exploding” lithium-ion laptop batteries have made that clear. One of the most important advantages LiFePO4 has over other battery types is safety. LiFePO4 is the safest lithium battery type. It’s the safest of any type, actually.

Overall, LifePO4 batteries have the safest lithium chemistry. Why? Because lithium iron phosphate has better thermal and structural stability. This is something lead acid and most other battery types don’t have at the level LiFePO4 does. LiFePO4 is incombustible. It can withstand high temperatures without decomposing. It’s not prone to thermal runaway and will keep cool at room temperature. 

If you subject a LiFePO4 battery to harsh temperatures or hazardous events (like short-circuiting or a crash) it won’t start a fire or explode. For those who use deep cycle LiFePO4 batteries every day in an RV, bass boat, scooter, or liftgate, this fact is comforting.

Environmental Safety

LiFePO4 batteries are already a boon to our planet because they’re rechargeable. But their eco-friendliness doesn’t stop there. Unlike lead acid and nickel oxide lithium batteries, they are non-toxic and won’t leak. You can recycle them as well. But you won’t need to do that often, since they last 5000 cycles. That means you can recharge them (at least) 5,000 times. In comparison, lead acid batteries last only 300-400 cycles. 

Excellent Efficiency and Performance

You want a safe, non-toxic battery. But you also want a battery that’s going to perform well. These stats prove that LiFePO4 delivers all that and more:

  • Charge efficiency: a LiFePO4 battery will reach full charge in 2 hours or less. 
  • Self-discharge rate when not in use: Only 2% per month. (Compared to 30% for lead acid batteries).
  • Runtime is higher than lead acid batteries/other lithium batteries.
  • Consistent power: the same amount of amperage even when below 50% battery life.
  • No maintenance is needed.

Small and Lightweight

Many factors weigh in to make LiFePO4 batteries better. Speaking of weighing–they are total lightweights. In fact, they’re almost 50% lighter than lithium manganese oxide batteries. They weigh up to 70% lighter than lead acid batteries.

When you use your LiFePO4 battery in a vehicle, this translates to less gas usage and more maneuverability. They are also compact, freeing up space on your scooter, boat, RV, or industrial application. 

LiFePO4 Batteries vs. Non-Lithium Batteries

When it comes to LiFePO4 vs lithium ion, LiFePO4 is the clear winner. But how do LiFePO4 batteries compare to other rechargeable batteries on the market today? 

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries may be a bargain at first, but they’ll end up costing you more in the long run. That’s because they need constant maintenance, and you must replace them more often. A LiFePO4 battery will last 2-4x longer, with zero upkeep needed. 

Gel Batteries

Like LiFePO4 batteries, gel batteries don’t need frequent recharging. They also won’t lose charge while stored. Where do gel and LiFePO4 differ? A big factor is the charging process. Gel batteries charge at a snail’s pace. Also, you must disconnect them when 100% charged to avoid ruining them. 

AGM Batteries

AGM batteries will do plenty of damage to your wallet, and are at high risk of becoming damaged themselves if you drain them past 50% capacity. Maintaining them can be difficult as well. LiFePO4 Ionic lithium batteries can be discharged completely with no risk of damage. 

A LiFePO4 Battery for Every Application

LiFePO4 technology has proven beneficial for a wide variety of applications. Here are a few of them:

  • Fishing boats and kayaks: Less charging time and longer runtime mean more time out on the water. Less weight allows for easy maneuvering and a speed boost during that high-stakes fishing competition. 
  • Mopeds and mobility scooters: No dead weight to slow you down. Charge to less than full capacity for impromptu trips without damaging your battery. 
  • Solar setups: Haul lightweight LiFePO4 batteries wherever life takes you (even if it’s up a mountain and far from the grid) and harness the power of the sun. 
  • Commercial use: These batteries are the safest, toughest lithium batteries out there. So they’re great for industrial applications like floor machines, liftgates, and more. 
  • Much more: In addition, lithium iron phosphate batteries power many other things. For example – flashlights, electronic cigarettes, radio equipment, emergency lighting and much more.

LiFePO4 Quick Answers

Is LiFePO4 the same as lithium-ion?

Not at all! The LiFePO4 battery has a cycle life of over 4x that of lithium-ion polymer batteries.

Are LiFePO4 batteries good?

Well, for starters, LiFePO4 batteries are incredibly efficient compared to traditional batteries. Not only that, they’re super-light and you can use most of your battery’s capacity without any problems. (You can only use roughly 50% with lead acid batteries. After that, the battery gets damaged.) So overall, yes, very much so – LiFePO4 batteries are great.

Can LiFePO4 catch fire?

LiFePO4 batteries are the safest of lithium batteries, because they will not catch fire, and won’t even overheat. Even if you puncture the battery it will not catch fire. This is a massive upgrade over other lithium batteries, which can overheat and catch fire.

Is LiFePO4 better than lithium-ion?

The LiFePO4 battery has the edge over lithium-ion, both in terms of cycle life (it lasts 4-5x longer), and safety. This is a key advantage because lithium-ion batteries can overheat and even catch fire, while LiFePO4 does not.

Why is LiFePO4 so expensive?

LiFePO4 batteries are usually more expensive on the front end, but cheaper long-term because they last so long. They cost more upfront because the materials used to build them are more expensive. But people still choose them over other batteries. Why? Because LiFePO4 has many advantages over other batteries. For example, they’re much lighter than lead acid and many other battery types. They’re also much safer, they last longer, and require no maintenance.

Is LiFePO4 a lipo?

No. Lifepo4 has a number of distinct advantages over Lipo, and while both are lithium chemistries, they are not the same.

What can I use LiFePO4 Batteries for?

You can use LiFePO4 batteries for the same things you’d use lead acid, AGM or other traditional batteries for. For example, you can use them to power bass boats and other marine toys. Or RVs. Or solar setups, mobility scooters, and much more.

Is LiFePO4 more dangerous than AGM or lead acid?

Nope. It’s actually quite a bit safer. And for a number of reasons, including the fact that LiFePO4 batteries don’t leak toxic fumes. And they don’t spill sulfuric acid like many other batteries (like lead acid.) And like we mentioned earlier, they don’t overheat or catch fire.

Can I leave my LiFePO4 battery on the charger?

If your LiFePO4 batteries have a battery management system, it will prevent your battery from overcharging. Our Ionic batteries all have built-in battery management systems.

What is the life expectancy of LiFePO4 batteries?

Life expectancy is one of the biggest perks, if not the biggest perk of LiFePO4. Our lithium batteries are rated to last around 5,000 cycles. That is 10 years or so (and often more), depending on usage of course. Even after those 5,000 cycles, our LiFePO4 batteries can still function at 70% capacity. And better still, you can discharge past 80% without a single issue. (Lead acid batteries tend to gas out when discharged past 50%.)


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Portable Power – When you need it, Where you need it –

Power everywhere. Much more than just a battery and it is built in Canada. Complete customization, Portability, power, and convenience come together in this versatile power station. Optional 1000W pure sine wave inverter and MPPT/DC2DC charge controller make the Power N Go unmatched. Our smart Bluetooth BMS lets you know what’s going on at all times which comes standard with all units. LiFePO4 is some of the longest-lasting and safest lithium chemistries.

Features

The power station has a long list of features including an optional built-in 1000W (2000W peak) pure sine wave inverter to power all your AC devices on the go. Another option is the all-in-one 300W MPPT charge controller and 30A DC2DC converter and isolator. To plugin there is 1x SMH175 & 4x SMH50 Anderson connectors, 2x 12V automotive ports, 2x 2.1A USB. A hard cut-off switch and battery state indicator are built-in for quick disconnection and convenience.

Capacity

Using four of our high capacity 3.2V 310Ah prismatic cells translates into more reliability; fewer parts, fewer issues. Our cells are designed to use the full depth of discharge giving maximum capacity when required. You always have the option (through Bluetooth) to change the charging and discharging parameters to a 20%-90% cycle to extend the lifetime of the battery. Compared to lead-acid, lithium offers more than 2x more power per rated Ah as well as consistent voltage.

Cycle Life

If you use a full cycle daily, it will be 8-13.5 years until you realize a 20% capacity loss. This means with the 310Ah, after 3000 – 5000 cycles you would still have up to 248Ah of usable power. The battery can easily have a useful life of more than 10,000 cycles/25 years in most applications. This is the only battery you will need, which is why we include our 10-year warranty but do expect it to run much longer.

Smart BMS

Lithium batteries require a battery management system (BMS) to ensure proper voltage and temperature cut-offs. Separating our batteries with our smart Bluetooth BMS, you can set parameters of charging and discharging, monitor real-time usage, see available power left, and turn on and off all from your phone. At any time, you will know how much power you’re discharging or charging and how much you have left. The BMS has automatic high/low temp and voltage cut-offs to maximize your battery life. We use quality JBD BMS for our Power N Go power stations.

Temperature

LiFePO4 chemistry cannot be charged at 0 °C or discharged at -20 °C which is why our BMS disable these functions when low temperatures are detected. Depending on your battery location and climate, you may require your battery to work in colder weather. Our batteries can come with built-in automatic heating. The optional heater can keep the battery temperature above 0 °C to allow all functions to work in any weather. The heater uses very little power to keep everything warm.

Amp Rates

Our smart BMS is rated to output 150A continuous with a 300a peak (3 seconds) and charging up to 150A continuously. By paralleling units, you can multiply amperage rates by number of paralleled batteries. Please gauge your wiring accordingly to account for your expected loads.

Safety

The most important thing to all our batteries is safety. LiFePO4 is one of the safest lithium chemistries and will not catch on fire like other li-ion batteries. There is no venting or required maintenance with these batteries. Storage losses are under 3% per month so you can leave the battery dormant for long periods without issues.

Parallel/Series

Our Power N Go is capable of up to 4 series and 4 paralleled batteries. With series connections, the inverter or MPPT/DC2DC cannot be built in. If you require a specific voltage and Ah, please see our King-Pawn battery system for a single BMS option for multiple batteries. We also offer a more basic 4kWh option with terminals called the Tiny 12V. If you require more capacity, voltage, or anything else please contact us directly as we can do anything!

Documents

Power_N_Go

Power N Go Spec Sheet
Power N Go Brochure

Vanadium Redox Flow Battery “VRFB” 101

Vanadium Infographic 1

 

The Vanadium Redox Flow Battery

The VRFB is a type of rechargeable flow battery where rechargeability is provided by vanadium electrolyte (VE) dissolved in solution. The two tanks of Vanadium, one side containing V2+ and V3+ ions, the other side containing V4+ and V5+ ions, are separated by a thin proton exchange membrane.  VRFBs consists of two tanks of vanadium electrolyte that flow adjacent to each other past a membrane and generate a charge by moving electrons back and forth during charging and discharging. This battery offers unlimited energy capacity simply by using larger electrolyte storage tanks. It can be left completely charged for long periods without losing capacity and maintenance is much simpler than other batteries. Pumps on both sides circulate the electrolyte.

The electron differential between the two cells generates electric power. Most batteries use two chemicals that change valence (or charge or redox state) and cross-contaminate and thus degrade over time. VRFBs utilize multiple valence states of vanadium as a single element to store and release charge. The VRFB has no cross-contamination like most batteries. The electrolyte in the catholyte and the anolyte consists of 100% vanadium ions. The ion-sensitive membrane separating both sides of the electrolyte tank allows only protons to pass. VRFBs are containerized, long duration, non-flammable, compact, reusable over infinite cycles, and last more than 20 years.

What are the advantages of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries?

  • VRFBs have a lifespan of 20+ years
  • VRFBs offer immediate energy release
  • VRFBs are suitable for grid connection or off-grid settings – ideal for renewable energy
  • VRFBs can discharge 100%, without any damage to the battery
  • VRFBs are non-flammable
  • They ensure power and energy can be scaled independently
  • Vanadium electrolyte can be re-used and does not need to be disposed of
  • The batteries can be cycled more than once per day
  • They use only one element in the electrolyte – V2O5
  • VRFB energy storage guarantees uninterrupted power supply

How does a Vanadium Redox Flow battery (VRFB) work?

  • A flow battery is charged and discharged by a reversible reduction-oxidation reaction between the two liquid vanadium electrolytes of the battery
  • Unlike conventional batteries, electrolytes are stored in separated storage tanks, not in the power cell of the battery
  • During operation, these electrolytes are pumped through a stack of power cells, in which an electrochemical reaction takes place and electricity is produced

 

Cool Your Home with Solar Panels!

Do Solar Panels Cool Your Home?

On these hot summer days, the sun shines directly on your roof and has a heating effect that permeates into your home. Is it true that solar panels can cool your home? Absolutely!

A study conducted by the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering completed tests with various solar panel layouts and tested roof temperatures with thermal imaging.

Thermal Imaging

Solar Installation in Vancouver. Roof Thermal Imaging & Cooling effect!

Researchers discovered that exterior roof temperatures were 5 degrees Fahrenheit cooler with solar panels, as the panels blocked direct sunlight from hitting the roof. Also, the solar panels contributed to lowering roof temperatures because the panels themselves were reflecting the sun’s heat away from the building. Overall, the solar panels “reduced the amount of heat reaching the roof by about 38%!”

 

In addition to cooling your home during the Summer, solar panels also add an insulation value in the Winter by helping to keep warm air inside your home. How great is that? These factors alone make your home more energy-efficient and are estimated to provide a 5% payback of the solar panel system cost!

To learn more, visit our page for more information.

Do you have more questions about solar panels? Contact us today as we’re happy to answer your questions and even provide you with a Free Estimate!

Can You Connect Solar Panels Directly 2 Battery

Can You Connect Solar Panels Directly To Battery?

 

A typical solar system has a charge controller situated between the solar panels and the battery. But is it that necessary? Can you connect solar panels directly to a battery? What would happen if you do?

A solar panel generates up to 20 volts, which is higher than the 12 volts required by a battery. Connecting the solar panels directly to the battery could overcharge and damage the battery.

What Happens If You Connect Solar Panels Directly To A Battery?

When sunlight hits the cells on a solar panel, it produces a chemical reaction and generates direct current (DC). The solar panel transmits this current into the battery. The current is used to charge the battery and can also be used to run appliances and other devices.

If the solar panel is directly connected to the battery, all of the currents are placed in the battery. A 12V battery needs only 12 volts, at most 14.4.V to charge. A 12V solar panel produces up to 20V.

If you put 20 volts in a 12-volt battery, it will overcharge. This is going to damage the battery and whatever device or appliance is connected to it.

By installing a charge controller like the Renogy 30A Charge Controller, this can be avoided. You place the charge controller between the solar panels and the battery, and it will regulate the current flowing into the system.

Why A Charge Controller Is Needed To Connect Batteries To Solar Panels

A charge controller manages the electrical current going into the battery, keeping it at a safe level. This device ensures the battery charges at the optimum level without the risk of overheating or overcharging. Some of the most important features of a charge controller are the following.

  • Display: the controller should display the solar panel amps, battery bank voltage, and charge level.
  • Customizable lighting control: for simplified operation
  • Auto low voltage connect / disconnect: turns on when the battery is charged and turns off when power is low
  • Multistate Charging: adjusts the battery power according to the battery’s charge level for optimum performance.

The battery installation depends on the solar panel system design. A lot of home solar panel systems today come with an inverter that simplifies battery configuration. If your system does not come with battery expansion capability, you have to replace the inverter.

Lead-acid batteries are the most widely and with good reason. Their electrical storage capacity is large and they discharge fast. However, lead-acid battery levels should not drop below 50% as it will shorten the lifespan.

Lead-acid batteries often have 2 V voltage and are made up of cells that generate the required power. In solar power batteries, that is 12 volts. These are called deep cycle batteries because they charge during the day and are discharged at night.

Sot the best way to avoid this is to install a charge controller. The controller will protect the battery and ensure only the right amount of current goes into the system. The following step-by-step guide shows you how it is done.

How To Connect A Charge Controller To A Battery And Solar Panel

Instead of connecting a battery directly to a solar panel, you should install a charge controller between the battery and the solar panel. The solar panel will charge the battery with current but the controller ensures only a safe amount goes into it. The following steps show how it is done.

Required Tools And Materials

  • Solar panel
  • Charge controller
  • Battery charge
  • Inverter (if you will use AC powered appliances)
  • Cable, wires, and connectors (these should be included in your solar panel kit)
  • Crescent wrench
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Electrical tape
  • Wirecutter
  • Eye protection (goggles are recommended when working with lead-acid batteries)
  • 12V deep cycle battery – we recommend 4.0 kWh Royer Lithium Battery 310 AH (LiFePo4)

The basic steps are:

  1. Connect the charge controller to the lead battery.
  2. Link the lead battery into the inverter.
  3. Connect the charge controller to the solar panels.
  4. To run, use the inverter to convert DC to AC, Clamp to the battery and turn the inverter on.

Step By Step Instructions

1. Prepare all the tools and materials. Set up the solar panel so you can link them to the main connector later on. Layout the panels first. Depending on your setup, an extension cord may or may not be required.

The wires should be covered for protection. If the battery is not yet charged, do this first. It’s a good idea to charge the battery while you set up the solar panels to save time. Make certain the battery’s negative terminal is on one side and the positive terminal on the other.

If your battery is already parallel, proceed to step 3. If not, cut the cables and make some jumpers. The bigger the inverter, the longer the cable, but chances are your solar panel already has cables ready.

2. Hook up the charge controller onto the lead battery. There should be a wire on the controller that you can hook up or clamp onto the battery. The inverter must be turned off first. If the controller is waterproof you can position it anywhere. If it isn’t, make sure it is in a secure location.

Charge controllers come with digital displays for easy access to your system, so the best place to install them is in your RV. When installed properly, you can use the controller to monitor the energy situation in your RV.

3. Hook up the lead battery to the solar inverter. The battery can be configured parallel to the other batteries in the system. To add more batteries, connect them with cables. Make sure the cables are linked to the proper terminals.

4. Link the battery controller to the solar panel. Run the line from the panel to the controller and it should be set. Depending on your setup, an extension cord may be required to connect the components.

Tips And Warnings

To test the system, turn on the inverter to convert DC to AC. Clamp to the battery and then activate the inverter. If everything is in order the system should run fine. Try different devices and check for signs of problems. Here are some more suggestions:

  • If you already bought a solar kit, follow the instructions given. Keep in mind that some of the steps in your solar panel kit may differ slightly. If you don’t want to manually put the whole thing together, look for solar panel system kits that require very little setup.
  • Double-check the wiring and cables. Make certain the connectors are tight and in the proper locations.
  • Run a test first to see if it works. Keep an eye on the charge controller and check if it’s controlling the voltage.
  • If the system does not run, check the wiring or if there is a loose screw somewhere. It is also possible the batteries are not installed correctly so look there first.
  • Your solar system kit comes with a manual and troubleshooting guide so use that as a reference.

How Long Does A Solar Panel Take To Charge A 12V Battery?

The charging time depends on the solar panel watt capacity and how much sunlight is available. It also depends on the battery and how much power is required.

A 12V 100ah battery holds up to 1200 watts. A 100-watt solar panel can produce 600 watts with six hours of sunlight. So if the weather is ideal, a 100W solar panel can recharge a 12V 100ah battery in two days.

That assumes the two days have full sunlight so the solar panel can produce 100 watts for six hours. In reality, this can only happen under the most ideal situations. Passing clouds, shading, and other factors affect solar power output. if the conditions are not good, it might take 3 days or so to recharge the battery.

What Are The Parts Of A Solar Power System?

Now, let’s take a look at the 4 main components: the solar panels, the charge controller, the inverter, and the battery. The following information makes it clear why you should never connect the batteries directly to a solar panel unless it runs off DC power.

Solar Panel. These are the most recognizable parts of a solar system. Also called solar stations or solar cells, these are available in different configurations. The most popular solar panels are those with 36 cells, capable of producing 18 to 21 volts.

Inverter. Solar panels produce direct current (DC) which is then stored in the battery. To use this power for home appliances, you need an inverter to convert it into an alternating current (AC). The inverter must be joined to the battery before it is connected to other AC appliances or devices.

Your solar battery generates 12-volt power, but the inverter changes this into 120 volts, making it usable and compatible with electrical devices. Inverters come in various forms and some are bundled with portable solar system kits.

Battery. The battery serves as the repository of all the energy that the solar panel produces. For RVs and home use, a 12V, deep cycle battery is recommended. These batteries can handle several discharges, which is what you’ll be needing. Without the battery, there is nowhere to store all the power the solar panel generates.

Solar Charge Controller. A battery charge controller acts as a voltage regulator for your solar power system. Think of the voltage regulator that you use with your computer and you get an idea of what a batter charge controller does.

Conclusion

Connecting solar panels to the battery is a simple, straightforward process, provided you know the steps. A lot of the mistakes people make is not taking the time to learn how a solar panel system works with batteries. By understanding the process you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.

Advantages of Deep-Cycle Lithium Batteries for Utility Vehicles

If you frequently use utility vehicles such as pick-up trucks or golf carts, you need a sustainable source of battery power to help keep them moving and operational. That’s where the importance of lithium batteries can most benefit you. At Hub Power, we provide deep-cycle lithium batteries in BC and are a prime distributor of solar and power conversion products. 

We also specialize in solar on-grid packages in BC and will detail the benefits of deep cycle lithium batteries for your utility vehicle. We’ll go over what exactly these batteries are and how they work, as well as their duration of the operation. What's the Difference Between Off-Roader and Overlander?

 

What Are Deep Cycle Batteries and How Do They Function?

Deep cycle batteries are premium, lightweight, and very efficient batteries that offer the most powerful options for different required usages as they’re designed to produce a steady power output over a long period of time. After the discharge has been used significantly, it’s recharged to complete the cycle. Some of the features include rapid charging, deeper charging cycles, continuous charge, and discharge capability. 

How these deep cycle batteries work is through the use of lithium iron phosphate that offers improved discharge and charges efficiency. This helps with the battery’s ability for deep power cycles. While deep cycle batteries are often priced with a large price tag, they can deliver great value and benefits for your utility vehicles over time. Moreover, these types of batteries have a longer service life compared to other lead-acid or lower quality lithium batteries and require little or no maintenance. It’s overall a worthwhile investment for people managing different vehicles and a great long-term solution.

 

What Is The Lifespan Of A Deep Cycle Battery?

So how long do deep cycle batteries last? As we mentioned before, they can power your utility vehicle for a long time. Depending on how you use it and how powerful the battery is, the life cycle can last you several charging cycles. You also have to consider temperatures and other factors before you use the battery. 

Deep cycle batteries currently average around 2,000-4,000 charging cycles at 80% of rated capacity. This is better in comparison to the 400-1,500 cycles you would get from lead-acid batteries. By a rough estimate, deep cycle lithium batteries can last you five years or more of functional operation in contrast to just two years from lead-acid batteries. They also need to be maintained and may require water replacement to avoid serious structural damage in the future. Otherwise, you may risk shortening their lifespan. 

 

What Is The Difference Between A Lithium Battery And A Deep Cycle Battery?

Standard lithium batteries and deep cycle batteries have many similarities and differences and both have their strengths and weaknesses. We’ve gone over a few of them already, but it’s worth repeating if you want to base your decision on the details. 

Deep cycle batteries weigh 30% less than lithium acid batteries and can reach 100% charge and discharge with around 80% of great efficiency. They also have longer charging cycles than lithium batteries and offer strong stability in terms of voltage power. 

While lithium batteries are cheaper than deep cycle batteries, investing in the latter can greatly benefit you in the long run. Moreover, lithium batteries and other similar products have dangerous lead content that can be dangerous for yourself and the environment. Deep cycle batteries use sustainable lithium technology that is cleaner and safer for the environment than other products. 

All in all, you will find many uses and benefits if you consider purchasing deep-cycle lithium batteries for your utility vehicles. While it may be an investment, you can be assured that you’ll get great results from your purchase. 

 

 

 

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