Lithium iron phosphate batteries – the battery of the future – provide powerful solutions to consumers and commercial enterprises alike, particularly in solar installations.

For South Africans, however, taking advantage of these batteries has been hindered by a high price tag as a result of import costs. Automotive batteries importer Probe’s launch of a lithium-iron phosphate house brand – the Max Li range – reduces this barrier by offering an affordable alternative that does not compromise on quality.

Lithium-iron phosphate batteries have continued to grow in popularity in the market. This is owing to their significant advantages over other batteries in the provision of an optimal discharge and charge efficiency, a long life span and an ability to deep cycle while maintaining power.

Locally, the uptake of lithium-iron phosphate has been hindered by a weak currency that, combined with import duties, has made it a costly investment. This has arguably had a knock-on effect on the willingness of many South Africans to introduce solar into their homes or small businesses, particularly given that lithium-iron phosphate batteries are the best option for storing solar energy in inverters.

TheMax Li Deep Cycle lithium-iron phosphate battery (LiFeP04) range comes in many capacities but is currently stocked from 2.4 kWh and 3.5 kWh to 4.8 kWh, making these ideal for use in homes and small offices and businesses.

The range has the following features:

A life cycle that is up to 20 times longer than a lead acid battery life cycle, and up to five times longer in its calendar life. This helps to minimise replacement costs and contributes to the reduction in the total cost of ownership.

A weight which is about 40% of that of a comparable lead acid battery, which enables it to be a ‘drop in’ replacement for lead acid batteries.

Higher power sees the LiFeP04 deliver twice the power of a lead acid battery, even at a high discharge rate, while maintaining a high-energy capacity.

Thanks to the LiFeP04 chemistry, superior safety eliminates the risk of explosion or combustion, owing to high impact, overcharging or in a short circuit situation.

A modular design allows for increased flexibility and enables the deployment of up to ten batteries in parallel.

Probe CEO Rick Rovelli says Probe’s more than 50 years’ experience in South Africa, including the distribution and provision of aftermarket support for many international brands, has enabled the company to read the market and anticipate its needs.

“This is true now for Probe’s Max Li battery range, which supports the purchasing habits of both smaller businesses and consumers. As the urgency grows for solar applications in these markets, owing to an unstable electricity grid combined with soaring power costs, there is the need for a robust, optimally performing battery that contributes to a cost-effective solar installation.

Probe will be exhibiting at the Africa Energy Indaba on March 3 and 4, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.