Introduction to Lithium Batteries (For Solar Street Lights) | Queneng
Lithium batteries have become the preferred power source for solar street lights due to their high energy density, long lifespan, lightweight design, and environmental friendliness. Compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries offer a higher voltage platform (3.2–3.7V), longer cycle life (up to 1500 cycles), and zero pollution, making them ideal for modern green lighting solutions.
The most commonly used types in solar street lights are LiFePO₄ (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) batteries, each suitable for different safety and performance requirements. Equipped with an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS), lithium batteries can operate reliably under harsh conditions such as high temperature, overcharge, and deep discharge, ensuring stable long-term performance.
1. Structure of Lithium Batteries
In solar street light systems, lithium batteries consist mainly of two parts: the battery cell and the protection circuit board (PCM, or BMS—Battery Management System in power applications).
- Battery Cell – The "heart" of the lithium battery, comprising:
- Cathode material
- Anode material
- Electrolyte
- Separator
- Shell or casing
In solar street lights, the energy density and charge/discharge efficiency of the cell directly impact lighting duration and system reliability. - Protection Circuit (PCM/BMS) – The "brain" of the battery, responsible for safety and control:
- Protection or management IC
- MOSFETs
- Resistors and capacitors
- PCB board
In solar LED street lights, the BMS ensures safe operation under high temperature, overcharge, or deep discharge conditions.
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Lithium Batteries
✅ Key Advantages
- High voltage platform (typically 3.2V to 3.7V)
- High energy density – Compact and lightweight, ideal for solar light housings
- Long cycle life – Often lasts 5–8 years in solar lighting applications
- Environmentally friendly – No heavy metal pollution, aligned with the green energy principles of solar lighting
❌ Limitations
- Higher cost (though still cost-effective for solar applications)
- Narrower optimal working temperature range (0~45°C recommended)
- Requires protection circuitry for safety in outdoor environments
🔍 Comparison with Other Battery Types
|
Parameter |
Lead-Acid |
Ni-Cd |
Ni-MH |
Lithium (for Solar Street Lights) |
|
Nominal Voltage (V) |
2.0 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
3.2 / 3.6 / 3.7 |
|
Energy Density (Wh/kg) |
25–30 |
40–45 |
60–65 |
120–200 |
|
Operating Temp (°C) |
-40~70 |
-20~60 |
-20~45 |
0~45 |
|
Cycle Life (times) |
200–300 |
500 |
1000 |
500–1500 |
|
Battery Cost (RMB/Wh) |
0.6–1.0 |
2.0–2.6 |
2.5–3.8 |
2.0–3.5 |
|
Suitability for Solar Lights |
Low cost but short life |
Rarely used |
Optional |
Preferred for performance and lifespan |
3. Classification of Lithium Batteries (for Solar Street Light Use)
Lithium batteries are classified by multiple factors, many of which are directly relevant to solar street light battery systems:
▶ By Rechargeability:
- Primary (non-rechargeable) – Not suitable for solar lighting
- Secondary (rechargeable) – Widely used in solar street lights and energy storage systems
▶ By Shape:
- Prismatic batteries – Used in slim or compact solar light designs
- Cylindrical batteries (e.g., 18650) – Common in modular solar street lighting setups
▶ By Casing Material:
- Aluminum-shell – Durable for outdoor solar applications
- Soft-pack (polymer) – Lightweight, used in portable or garden solar lights
▶ By Cathode Chemistry:
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) –
The most common in solar street light lithium battery systems, known for high safety, long life, and heat resistance - Ternary lithium (NCM/NCA) – Higher energy density, suitable for long-hour lighting demands
▶ By Electrolyte Type:
- Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) – Standard in most solar lighting products
- Lithium-polymer batteries (PLB) – Ideal for ultra-thin designs
▶ By Application:
- Consumer electronics
- Power batteries – e.g., solar street lights, solar surveillance, and hybrid lighting systems
▶ By Performance Feature:
- High capacity – For extended nighttime lighting hours
- High temperature / Low temperature variants – For extreme environments (desert, alpine regions)
- High rate discharge – Suitable for smart solar lights with sensors or motion-triggered LEDs
-
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FAQ
Battery Types and Applications
What type of batteries can be used in remote controls?
In principle, recharged secondary batteries can also be used, but when actually used in remote control devices, secondary batteries have a high self-discharge rate and need to be charged repeatedly, so this type of battery is not practical.
Sustainability
How should I maintain solar street lights for optimal performance?
To ensure optimal performance, we recommend cleaning and inspecting the lights every 6–12 months. Regularly cleaning the photovoltaic panels, checking the battery health, and confirming the integrity of the lights and control systems are essential for long-term reliable operation.
Commercial and Industrial Parks
What is the lifespan of your solar streetlights?
The average lifespan of our solar streetlights is 25 years for the panel and 5–8 years for the battery.
Solar Street Light Luyan
What types of batteries are used in Luyan solar street lights, and how do they work?
Luyan solar street lights use high-quality lithium-ion batteries. These batteries store the solar energy captured during the day and provide reliable illumination at night. Lithium-ion batteries are known for their longer lifespan, faster charging times, and better energy storage compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
Transportation and Highways
Is there a monitoring system for real-time performance tracking?
Yes, our solar lighting systems are equipped with IoT-enabled controllers that allow remote monitoring and performance tracking via a cloud-based platform.
What is the expected lifespan of the solar lighting system?
The solar panels typically last over 25 years, while the LED lights have a lifespan of 50,000+ hours. Batteries usually require replacement after 5-7 years of use.
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