buy lightweight solar lithium batteries with light weight significantly enhance energy efficiency of storage with higher energy density. For terpolymer lithium batteries, for instance, their energy density can be as high as 200-300 Wh/kg, much higher than the 30-50 Wh/kg of traditional lead-acid batteries, which reduces the same capacity’s weight by 60%-70%, best suited for applications in portable solar photovoltaic systems. For example, the 20kg light solar power storage product launched by an outdoor brand is reduced to 0.15 cubic meters after inserting a lithium battery module and increases power density by 45%, which can drive 3-5 days’ residential emergency electricity consumption. Studies have shown that the installation cost of photovoltaic systems with light-weight structures is reduced by 12-18%, and transport costs are reduced by 25% due to weight reduction (source: International Renewable Energy Agency 2023 report). When individuals buy light lithium batteries powered by the sun, the initial-cost investment is 30%-50% higher than lead-acid batteries, but because of its cycle life of 4000-6000 times (lead-acid batteries only 500 times), the overall life cycle cost can be saved over 60%.
In terms of environmental adaptability, light lithium batteries are still capable of retaining more than 85% capacity under a wide temperature range of -20°C to 60°C, and 95%RH of humidity tolerance. For example, after an off-grid power station in Australia used a lightweight lithium battery system in 2022, the power output loss per day under extreme high-temperature conditions dropped from 18% of the traditional system to 5%, while annual revenue increased by 23%. Apart from that, its 95%-98% charge and discharge efficiency over the lead acid battery 80%-85% significantly improved, MPPT solar controller can lower the cycle to 3-4 years. According to the Tesla Powerwall case, 40% of the load strength of the rooftop photovoltaic system is saved by the lightweight design, the installation cycle is shortened from 7 days to 2 days, and the labor cost is saved 35%.
From the perspective of the economy and environment, lithium battery recycling exceeds 95%, compared to the 80% for lead-acid batteries and 40% lower carbon production emissions than for lead-acid (MIT 2022 report). Taking a German home photovoltaic project as an example, after it turns to light lithium electricity, the carbon emission in the 10-year operating period is reduced by 12 tons, and 300 euros of annual maintenance cost is saved due to the maintenance-free feature. Market trend suggests that in 2023, the global light weight lithium battery penetration ratio in the solar industry has reached 38%, and will reach more than 55% in 2025, pushing LCOE (levelized electricity cost) below $0.08 /kWh. If the light solar lithium battery is bought by customers, according to the government subsidy policy of 30%, the ROI can be increased to 15% to 20% annually, which is considerably higher than the previous solution of 8% to 10%.
Lightweight technology also broadens the scope of application. For example, the 1.2kg lithium battery pack for a drone has the ability to support 10 hours of flight time, 3 times that of the lead acid program, and has been used for medical supply transport in Africa’s remote areas. Portable lithium energy storage units were utilized during the 2021 Japan earthquake rescue at a ratio of 5 minutes to provide 72 hours of continuous power supply for temporary hospitals. Based on market estimations, every 1kg weight reduction in batteries can expand the coverage of the solar mobile device market by 2.3%, and the target market size can grow over $27 billion in 2024. Therefore, lightweight lithium batteries are not only an innovation in technology, but also a fundamental driver of energy transition.