Anything new in batteries for solar

Yup, lithium drop-ins. Same size as lead acid batteries (about a group 27) but 100ah capacity of which 80% or more is usable. Battle Born Batteries is who I'm buying from.

Faster recharge, lower weight (22 lbs per battery), deeper discharge.

The only thing not to like is the cost.

More info on my battery upgrade that's in progress now:
https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1421830984550984&id=998647740202646

"Alternatives and Compromises" is perhaps the best label to attach to comparing chemistries.

Hi,

There are also two carbon foam batteries that share many of the attributes of LI but which can be charged in below freezing temperatures.

One is branded firefly and the others are made by Outback. They can be deep cycled to 20% (80% usable). They can be partly charged unlike other lead acid jars without having permanent sulphation of the plates.

Lots of alternatives if you are willing to pay the money. Large lithium battery banks can cost several thousands of dollars while a lead acid or AGM etc.. will be a fraction of that.

Lithium is lighter and can be discharged to a deeper rate which means you can have a smaller amphour size bank. Still the cost though upfront is significant. This is a pretty good video comparing and contrasting benefits

http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-tech-why-lithium-batteries

Lithium as others have said much smaller and lighter but drastically more expensive.

Learn about and get the correct charging setup. It's easy to trash them if you don't have the correct charging system.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

There are also two carbon foam batteries that share many of the attributes of LI but which can be charged in below freezing temperatures.

One is branded firefly and the others are made by Outback. They can be deep cycled to 20% (80% usable). They can be partly charged unlike other lead acid jars without having permanent sulphation of the plates.

Don, I don't think that the Outback's "Nano-Carbon" is the same as Firefly's Carbon Foam.

The "Nano-Carbon" seems more similar to Trojan's "Smart Carbon" which is an additive to an otherwise standard Lead Acid battery in Trojan's Premium and Industrial lines, like the T105-RE. Apparently both additives allow the batteries to withstand and recover from PSOC situations better than normal lead acid batteries.

One difference is that the Outback is a sealed AGM; not sure if Trojan uses its Smart Carbon in an AGM, just FLA from what I've seen.

And both of these are much heavier than LiFePO4 batteries. But, yes, they can be charged when below freezing.

Thanks Brulaz,

I did not know about the Trojan version.

Yes lead acid are heavy.

I'll continue to use telcom jars that are used.

When my flooded cell batteries reach the end of their useful life, I'm going to Battle Born myself. Saving my allowance up for the hit. At 800 bucks a pop, hoping my FC's go a while longer.

Maybe the price will come down by the time my FC's need replaced. The weight savings will be nice.

ependydad wrote:

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1421830984550984&id=998647740202646

No workie.

Just got more info from Battle Born. There batteries are designed for and the BMS permits charging down to 25 deg F. Below that they will not charge but can be discharged without damage.
Saw an post today on Facebook for a Chinese 12 volt, 300 Ah LiFePO4 battery in 8D size for about $1300. The prices are coming down. I have no idea what the quality of that battery might be.
I like my Battle Born batteries, no more issues with low voltage going to the inverter.