Solar Battery Bank: Lithium vs. AGM

What is the difference between lithium batteries and AGM batteries?

Answer: a different chemistry.

An outback nanocarbon AGM, the highest-ranked AGM battery is comprised of lead plates with a carbon coating. We do not advocate for any other AGM brands as the technology is updating rapidly, and what we’ve seen in the field does not compare. As energy is drained from the battery, over time the life of the battery diminishes. Instead of utilizing 100% of the battery, after usage, it diminishes to 80% and henceforth. The life of the battery if well taken care of, will last 4-5 years. If you hear otherwise, don’t fall for the salesman approach. Ours personally lasted 3 years and then we updated to lithium.

A lithium battery is comprised of lithium metal which makes the energy density is greater. You can drain the battery to zero. It doesn’t have a ‘memory’, so it doesn’t damage the battery as it would an AGM. With new technology, there are 2 primary lithium batteries on the market: Blue Ion and Simpliphi. Blue ion has a guaranteed 15 year performance warranty. While Simpliphi is projecting their batteries to last 10 years, offering a performance warranty. We do not promote products we have not seen in the field, and we have personally tested each of these batteries.

We advocate, as much as the cost can throw some off, lithium is non-comparable with AGM. A lithium battery bank is well worth the investment, and is the latest in battery technology. The biggest bonus lithium offers is their no maintenance. AGM’s require maintenance and can potentially be fried right away. Once your lithium is installed there is nothing more you need to do, than turn on your lights and plug in your fridge. We do disclose lithium technology requires professional installation. If you happen to live on the Big Island of Hawaii, give us a call at 808-747-9885 and we would be happy to connect you to the right professionals.