Lithium-ion battery-packs for solar home systems: Layout, cost and implementation perspectives

Solar home systems provide effective power supply solutions for off-grid households in developing regions. The standard battery in such systems is currently lead-acid. Nevertheless, recent and foreseeable developments in lithium-ion batteries favor their use in such application, resulting in significant advantages, including light and compact layout, outstanding performance, reliable operation and long cycle life. This paper explores this implementation potential by detailing the engineering aspects of lithium-ion battery-packs for solar home systems, and elaborating on the key cost factors, present and future. It is concluded that the technology is mature for the solar home system market. Furthermore, despite the relatively high initial cost, the lithium-ion battery is competitive at the level of energy storage cost. Ongoing cost reductions will favor the accelerated use of lithium-ion batteries in this application. More favorable conditions to reduce implementation barriers would be created via tailored funding programs and financing schemes.