PROBE LIFEPO4 RANGE IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR SOLAR

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) rechargeable batteries have taken the global market by storm and are also a sought-after energy solution across Africa – particularly for much-needed solar applications. What makes the LiFePO4 energy alternative stand out? Here’s the science from Princeton Soobramoney, Business Development Manager at leading battery distributor Probe.

Consumers have numerous energy storage solutions at their disposal, including lead acid, AGM, gel and lead carbon technologies. However, newer lithium iron phosphate battery technology is growing in popularity as it is truly a cut above alternative technologies in many respects. These batteries provide a more eco-friendly choice which is lightweight, low maintenance and compact, with higher density levels, an ability to deep cycle while maintaining power and an overall increased cycle life. They are fast-charging and maintenance-free, and are ideal for energy storage use in solar and renewable energy applications.

The main issue with LiFePO4 batteries has been their premium price-tag.  Probe’s Max-Li range of Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries offers an affordable solution that does not compromise on quality, ensuring customers receive maximum value. It has grown in popularity and demand in numerous storage applications such as renewable energy power backups/UPS and energy storage systems. Certainly, as the urgency grows for solar applications across Southern Africa due 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.  The competitive price point of the Max-Li range could well be a game-changer for solar installations in South African homes and businesses.

A key advantage of Probe’s Max-Li range is that they are equipped with a battery management system (BMS). This allows the user to closely monitor the functionality and performance of the battery accurately.  The BMS has various communication input ports including CANBUS to allow effective interaction between the inverter and battery. The digital display is located at the front of the battery which allows the user to easily monitor the operating temperature, performance, charge and discharge, overcharge and over-discharge as well as overload.

Probe’s Max-Li Range consists of battery voltages ranging from 24V-48V. These are available in 50AH, 70AH, 100AH and 200AH, however, Probe is not limited to this and offers consumers and small businesses a solution to meet their particular requirements.

The demand for alternative energy solutions in Africa is constantly increasing due to the current energy crisis and Probe is at the forefront, offering affordable solutions. With over 55 years of experience in the provision and distribution of high quality batteries, the industry leader now covers the entire energy storage supply sector.

FEATURE SUMMARY – MAX-LI BATTERIES FROM PROBE:

  • Longer cycle life, which is up to 20 times longer than a lead acid battery life cycle and up to five times longer in terms of its calendar life.  This helps to minimise replacement costs and contributes to the reduction in the total cost of ownership
  • Lighter weight, boasting about 40% of the weight of a comparable lead acid battery, which enables it to be a ‘drop in’ replacement for lead acid batteries. 
  • Higher power, which sees the LiFeP04 deliver twice the power of a lead acid battery, even at a high discharge rate, while maintaining a high energy capacity.
  • Superior safety, thanks to the LiFeP04 chemistry which eliminates the risk of explosion or combustion due to high impact, overcharging or in a short circuit situation.
  • Increased flexibility due to a modular design that enables the deployment of up ten batteries in parallel