Store daytime solar energy for evening use and outages. Sized by daily energy (kWh) and inverter voltage.
- Chemistry
- LiFePO4
- Voltages
- 12.8V, 25.6V, 51.2V systems
- Best for
- Home, commercial and off-grid solar
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Quick answer
Lithium batteries are grouped by the job they do. Solar and UPS systems mostly use LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) for its long cycle life and thermal stability. E-bikes and gadgets often use lithium-ion (NMC) cells for higher energy per kilogram. Industrial and specialist equipment uses custom packs built to the required voltage, current and form factor.
Most lithium batteries use one of two chemistries. The choice follows the application: stationary systems that cycle daily favour LiFePO4; portable and mobile devices favour the lighter NMC chemistry.
| Property | LiFePO4 | Lithium-ion (NMC) |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle life | Long — suited to daily charge/discharge | Moderate — lower than LiFePO4 in daily cycling |
| Energy per kg | Lower | Higher — lighter for the same energy |
| Thermal stability | Very stable chemistry | Needs careful BMS and thermal design |
| Nominal cell voltage | 3.2V | 3.6–3.7V |
| Typical uses | Solar storage, UPS, fleets, stationary systems | E-bikes, power banks, laptops, drones |
STEP 1
Stationary storage (solar, UPS) favours cycle life; portable and mobile devices favour low weight.
STEP 2
The battery must match the inverter, motor controller or device voltage — 12V, 24V, 48V, 36V and so on.
STEP 3
Energy (Wh) = voltage × amp-hours. Size it from the load in watts and the hours of runtime needed.
STEP 4
Confirm the continuous and peak current the load draws, and that the BMS is rated for it.
By chemistry, the two most common are LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) and lithium-ion NMC. By application, AmpereX groups batteries into solar, UPS and inverter, e-bike and scooter, gadget and portable, and custom industrial batteries.
It depends on the job. LiFePO4 offers longer cycle life and greater thermal stability, which suits solar and UPS systems that cycle every day. Lithium-ion NMC stores more energy per kilogram, which suits e-bikes, power banks, laptops and drones where weight matters.
LiFePO4 is the usual choice for solar storage because it tolerates daily cycling and heat better than lead-acid and most other lithium chemistries. Common system voltages are 12.8V, 25.6V and 51.2V, matched to the inverter.
For frequent load shedding, a LiFePO4 battery matched to the inverter voltage (12V, 24V or 48V) gives more usable capacity and longer life than lead-acid. Capacity is sized from the load in watts and the backup hours needed.
Start from the application, match the system voltage, size the capacity from load and runtime (Wh = V × Ah), and confirm the BMS supports the continuous and peak current the load draws.