Lithium ion batteries operates basically by transfering lithium ions from the negative electrode(cathode) through an electrolyte to the positive electrode (Anode). Once the Lithium ions are depleted on the Cathode the system is said to have Discharged. During Recharging the reverse occurs.

While the Lead Acid Batteries consists of plates, separator, Electrolyte and a hard plastic case.

It operates simply by separating (Using the insulating separator) the positive lead dioxide and the negative sponge lead, all kept in the hard plastic case with an electrolyte (Sulphuric acid).

Once the sulphuric acid is dissolved in the water it breaks up into ions which are then attracted by the positive and negative plates. These transfers results in electrical current being generated


1. Cycle life

When you discharge a battery (use it to power your appliances), then charge it back up with your panels, that is referred to as one charge cycle. We measure the lifespan of batteries not in terms of years, but rather how many cycles they can handle before they expire.

Think of it like putting mileage on a car. When you evaluate the condition of a used car, mileage matters a lot more than the year it was produced.

In this regard the lithium ion battery undergoes a significantly greater amount of cycles than the lead Acid battery before it depletes


2. Efficiency

Lithium batteries are more efficient. This means that more of your solar power is stored and used.

As an example, lead acid batteries are only 80-85% efficient depending on the model and condition. That means if you have 1,000 watts of solar coming into the batteries, there are only 800-850 watts available after the charging and discharging process.

Lithium batteries are more than 95% efficient. In the same example, you’d have over 950 watts of power available.

Higher efficiency means your batteries charge faster. Depending on the configuration of your system, it could also mean you buying fewer solar panels, less battery capacity and a smaller backup generator.

Density

In terms of weight the lead battery has much more weight and fits into more space. To put it in perspective, , it takes two lithium batteries to power a 5.13 kW system, but you’d need 8 lead-acid batteries to do the same job. When you take the size of the entire battery bank into account, lithium weighs less than half as much.

Hazards

Lithium ion batteries are more prone to sudden combustion due to over heating, over loading or wrong charging unlike lead Acid. So its always advisable one utilizes those that employs external or internal protection mechanisms.

How much is the said battery?