"Is it safe to keep a lithium battery inside my house?" We hear this in almost every home in Port Harcourt. The short answer is yes, if it is the right type and installed properly.
Why LiFePO4 is the safe choice
There are many lithium types. Home solar uses LiFePO4. It is very stable. It does not overheat easily. Read LiFePO4 vs NMC.
Lithium vs lead-acid safety
| LiFePO4 lithium | Lead-acid (tubular, gel) | |
|---|---|---|
| Acid that can spill | No | Tubular: yes |
| Gas while charging | No | Yes (hydrogen) |
| Built-in protection | BMS | None |
| Heavy to move | Lighter | Very heavy |
The four safety rules
1. Good battery with a BMS
The BMS stops overcharge, over-drain and shorts. See what a BMS is.
2. Right cables and fuses
Thick enough cables. A DC fuse or breaker between battery and inverter. This is the most important part of the install.
3. Correct inverter settings
The inverter must charge at lithium voltages. Wrong settings stress the battery.
4. A good place
- Dry and cool
- Air can move
- No fuel, paint or clothes nearby
- Out of children's reach
- Above flood level in places like Yenagoa and Sagbama
Lightning and storms
Rainy-season storms bring lightning. Good earthing and surge protection protect the inverter and battery. See earthing and surge protection.
