How to be kind to my new Lifepo4

[rmaddy]

Getting fully charged on occasion is best. Maybe once every two weeks if possible. This helps keep the cells balanced and if you have a shunt it allows the shunt to recalibrate.

If you get enough sun to keep the SOC between 20% and 50% then you get enough sun to keep the SOC between 70% and 100% (assuming you can start with a full charge).

 

[jt_retro]

If you get enough sun to keep the SOC between 20% and 50% then you get enough sun to keep the SOC between 70% and 100%

Not at the times where we've been using a lot of electricity, then have a few days of little sun (unless I used the grid to charge of course)

But I think the summary, is that I can use my lifepo4 at low SOC (eg 20-50%), as long as I top balance every couple of weeks or so?

 

[joanna_lannie]

Does this imply that a lifepo4 battery suffers from the same issue as LA, in that I have to make sure I charge up the lifepo4 to 100%?

The reason for the low state of charge, is due to the sun. During the summer months, I anticipate higher SOC. Winter....that's a different story.

LiFePO4 batteries are a type of lithium battery and do not need to be charged to 100% before storing unless you plan to store them permanently, LOL. Because in general, the storage time will be about a few months, and the self-discharge rate of LiFePO4 batteries is about 3% per month, so 50% SOC is the most suitable. You can also refer to: What should I Know about LiFePO4 Battery Winterize? , which mentions related content, which I think is quite interesting.