Lithium Batteries

 

AM Solar provides a wide variety of lithium battery options that are specially designed for RV and mobile applications.  Our systems are built around the inherently non-combustible LiFePO4 chemistry, using components primarily from Victron Energy and LiFeBlue.  A well-designed lithium-ion battery system in an RV can easily run heavy loads like air conditioners and microwaves.  AM Solar RV lithium battery systems include batteries, cables for parallel or series connections, monitors, and external Battery Management System (BMS) components, when applicable.

A lithium battery bank will weigh about half as much as a comparable AGM battery bank and take up about a third of the volume.  Lithium battery systems don’t require as much maintenance as AGM battery banks and can be left unattended for extended periods of time.  A quality lithium battery bank has a Battery Management System that prevents dangerously high currents which can lead to fires.  Lithium battery banks do not off-gas dangerous chemicals.  Lithium-ion batteries can discharge and charge at much higher rates than comparable lead-acid alternatives.  Lithium batteries have a much longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries and are priced very competitively.

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

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LifeBlue

Although lacking externally serviceable controls, drop-in RV lithium battery systems are much more user-friendly for DIY installations. Low Temp rated batteries have an internal heating mechanism designed to allow more effective charging in extreme environments.

LiFeBlue lithium RV batteries are considered by shipping companies to be “Dangerous Goods” and require you to be present for delivery. If you need assistance with delivery options, reach out to info@amsolar.com.

  • LiFeBlue IP67 LiFePO4 12V Drop-In Battery

    Introducing ULTIMUS by LiFeBlue Battery, our next generation battery meaning “beyond the expected”. Ultimus batteries have the most advanced BMS with integrated protections for every condition. The UL1973 endorses our design to provide a safe and long lasting battery. Ultimus models makes installation...

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  • LiFeBlue LiFePO4 12V Drop-In Battery

    LiFeBlue lithium batteries have integrated controls to automatically protect against overcharging, overly discharging, and frozen charging. This integration makes installation much easier for DIY projects. LifeBlue offers the most comprehensive Bluetooth monitoring showing status, temperature, voltage, current, cycle life, battery health, Faults and...

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  • LiFeBlue Lithium Battery Bank with IP65 SmartShunt Monitor

    This is a complete LiFeBlue lithium RV battery base kit with a Victron SmartShunt Bluetooth battery monitor. The monitor is included to provide cumulative battery bank data, compatible with Victron VRM monitoring. LiFeBlue offers the most comprehensive Bluetooth monitoring showing status, temperature, voltage,...

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  • LiFeBlue Lithium Battery Bank with BMV-712 Monitor

    This is a complete LiFeBlue lithium RV battery base kit with a Victron BMV-712 Bluetooth battery monitor. The monitor is included to provide cumulative battery bank data, compatible with Victron VRM monitoring. LiFeBlue offers the most comprehensive Bluetooth monitoring showing status, temperature, voltage,...

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  • LiFeBlue Lithium Battery Expansion Kit

    This kit is designed to be an add-on to an existing LiFeBlue battery system. LiFeBlue offers the most comprehensive Bluetooth monitoring showing status, temperature, voltage, current, cycle life, battery health, faults and state of charge. These batteries can only be parallel connected due...

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Victron Energy

Our premium lithium offering, these Victron battery systems can be expanded up to 1650Ah and configured in 12V or 24V systems. Available for custom order only.

  • Victron LiFePO4 Batteries 12.8V

    Stand alone battery purchases require a VE.Bus BMS, Lynx Smart BMS, or Victron SmallBMS. This battery will not function properly without one of these Battery Management Systems. Features: -Integrated cell balancing -Can be parallel or series connected -Bluetooth app available to monitor cell...

    Please do not use a residential address, if you do not have a commercial address to ship to, please contact the front office. 541-726-1091 or info@amsolar.com. We can potentially ship to a dealer near you.
    Qualifying addresses:
    1. Are commercial addresses able to accept a pallet of goods under all weather conditions on normal business days with no notice or special delivery needs (no delivery appointment needed).
    2. Will have access to a forklift on site.
    I verify the address provided meets the requirements set by AM Solar. If it does not, I understand my order may be rejected and refunded with transaction fees subtracted.
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  • Victron LiFePO4 Batteries 25.6V

    Stand alone battery purchases require a VE.Bus BMS, Lynx Smart BMS, or Victron SmallBMS. This battery will not function properly without one of these BMSs. The delivery of Victron batteries is more complicated than that of our other products. They must be drop-shipped...

    Please do not use a residential address, if you do not have a commercial address to ship to, please contact the front office. 541-726-1091 or info@amsolar.com. We can potentially ship to a dealer near you.
    Qualifying addresses:
    1. Are commercial addresses able to accept a pallet of goods under all weather conditions on normal business days with no notice or special delivery needs (no delivery appointment needed).
    2. Will have access to a forklift on site.
    I verify the address provided meets the requirements set by AM Solar. If it does not, I understand my order may be rejected and refunded with transaction fees subtracted.
    Product total
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  • Victron Lithium Expansion Kit

    Add a Victron Lithium battery to an existing Victron lithium system. Do not mix battery ratings in the same system. Parallel Expansion kits are for 12V battery systems. 24V battery systems can be built from an equal number of Parallel and Series Expansion...

    Please do not use a residential address, if you do not have a commercial address to ship to, please contact the front office. 541-726-1091 or info@amsolar.com. We can potentially ship to a dealer near you.
    Qualifying addresses:
    1. Are commercial addresses able to accept a pallet of goods under all weather conditions on normal business days with no notice or special delivery needs (no delivery appointment needed).
    2. Will have access to a forklift on site.
    I verify the address provided meets the requirements set by AM Solar. If it does not, I understand my order may be rejected and refunded with transaction fees subtracted.
    Product total
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  • Victron Lithium Battery System with Monitor (Single Battery)

    This kit is designed to work with one or two Victron lithium batteries. It does not use a Lynx Distributor to combine batteries. When adding alternator charging or DC distribution, be sure to use kits specifically recommended for Victron lithium batteries. This kit...

    Please do not use a residential address, if you do not have a commercial address to ship to, please contact the front office. 541-726-1091 or info@amsolar.com. We can potentially ship to a dealer near you.
    Qualifying addresses:
    1. Are commercial addresses able to accept a pallet of goods under all weather conditions on normal business days with no notice or special delivery needs (no delivery appointment needed).
    2. Will have access to a forklift on site.
    I verify the address provided meets the requirements set by AM Solar. If it does not, I understand my order may be rejected and refunded with transaction fees subtracted.
    Product total
    Options total
    Grand total
    Quantity:
  • Victron Lithium Lynx Battery System with Monitor (Multiple Battery)

    This kit is designed to work with 1-4 Victron lithium batteries in 12V, or 2-8 Victron lithium batteries in 24V. It uses a Lynx Distributor to combine and fuse batteries. When adding alternator charging or DC distribution, be sure to use kits specifically...

    Please do not use a residential address, if you do not have a commercial address to ship to, please contact the front office. 541-726-1091 or info@amsolar.com. We can potentially ship to a dealer near you.
    Qualifying addresses:
    1. Are commercial addresses able to accept a pallet of goods under all weather conditions on normal business days with no notice or special delivery needs (no delivery appointment needed).
    2. Will have access to a forklift on site.
    I verify the address provided meets the requirements set by AM Solar. If it does not, I understand my order may be rejected and refunded with transaction fees subtracted.
    Product total
    Options total
    Grand total
    Quantity:

Which lithium system is best for you?

Lithium batteries power many people's RV life. Consider the following as you make your selection:

  • How much Amp-hour capacity do you want?

    This is usually limited by budget, space constraints and weight limits. Nobody complains about having too much lithium as long as it fits and isn’t making too much of a dent in the budget. AM Solar tech support can give you a recommendation if you need help.
    A couple of useful rules of thumb:
    -Every 200Ah of lithium capacity will run an air conditioner for about 1 hour.
    -An alternator charger will be able to add about 100Ah of energy per hour of drive time.
    -It will take about 400W of solar to charge 100Ah of energy in one day.

  • How much current do you need?

    You will need about 100A per 1000W of inverter capacity. In other words, a 3000W inverter may require three or four lithium batteries (depending on the model) to be able to supply its loads. Remember that parallel-connected batteries can provide double the current of a single battery. You will also need to consider the charging current. If you have a Cyrix or relay-based battery combiner, your lithium battery bank will need to be able to handle 150A of charging current.

  • Will your target amp-hour rating and current limit fit in the battery bay?

    We offer a variety of lithium battery brands that come in a variety of sizes. Look at the dimensions closely. Make measurements. Check tongue weight limits. Verify that the RV battery bank current matches what your inverter and loads will draw. The price estimates in the chart below assume that the batteries will fit with no modifications to your rig.

  • What kind of environment will your batteries be in?

    Too cold: If you plan to use your rig in areas where the temperature could drop below freezing make sure you have batteries that have an automatic charge disconnect or a feature that will prevent them from freezing. Putting a charge on lithium batteries that do not have a cold charge disconnect system at temperatures below 0° C can damage the batteries.
    Too hot: Heat can be an issue for some lithium batteries. If you camp in hot areas consider how warm your battery bay might get and think about ventilation.
    Too dirty: Although batteries are dust and moisture resistant, consider that they are expensive and may last a decade. You might consider a custom battery box.

    Do you want Bluetooth monitoring?
    Some lithium batteries come with elaborate built-in Bluetooth monitoring systems that can show everything from temperature to state of charge. Other lithium batteries do not come with any form of Bluetooth monitoring but can be paired with external monitors. Bluetooth monitoring is rarely a necessity, but it can make troubleshooting easier.

  • What kind of company do you want to buy from?

    Lithium batteries are a big investment and have the potential to outlast your rig. You may want to expand your system in the future, in which case you would need matching batteries. You may be worried about warranty replacements. You may be worried about obsolescence. You may want something that is the same brand as your other components in your system in case there is a problem and you don’t want tech support to point the finger at “the other guy.”

  • Does it fit the budget?

    A lithium battery is an investment. Perhaps your ideal lithium system ends up being $6,000 but you only have a budget for $2,000 of batteries. If so, let’s talk about AGM. An AGM battery is less expensive than a lithium battery because the material is expensive and hard to come by.

  • Can I pick up lithium batteries from your shop in Oregon?

    The LiFeBlue and Victron Lithium RV batteries we carry are typically drop-shipped (shipped directly from the distributor) and may not available for pickup at all times.

    If you are interested in picking up your batteries and other equipment, contact us at (541) 726-1091 or email us at info@amsolar.com to inquire about stock levels. With at least a week of lead-time, we can accommodate most pick-up requests.

     

Lithium Batteries: Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are Lithium Batteries for RV Solar Installations?

Lithium batteries, specifically Lithium-Ion or Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), are advanced battery technologies used in RV solar installations. They offer high energy density, longer lifespans, and better performance in varied temperatures compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. These features make them ideal for powering RVs using solar energy.

  • Why Choose Lithium Batteries Over Traditional Lead-Acid Batteries?

Lithium batteries have several advantages:

  -Higher Efficiency: They can be discharged more deeply (up to 80-100%) without damage, unlike lead-acid batteries.

  -Longer Lifespan: They last longer, typically providing 2000-5000 charge cycles compared to 300-500 for lead-acid batteries.

  -Lighter Weight: They are significantly lighter, which is a critical factor in RV applications.

  -Faster Charging: Lithium batteries can accept a higher charge current, allowing for faster recharging.

  -Low Maintenance: They don’t require regular maintenance like watering, unlike lead-acid batteries.

  • Are Lithium Batteries Safe for Use in RVs?

Yes, lithium batteries are safe for RV use when handled correctly. They do not emit any gas and the LiFePO4 compound is inherently non-combustible. Most high-quality lithium batteries have built-in Battery Management Systems (BMS) that protect against common issues like overcharging, deep discharging, and overheating. However, proper installation and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are crucial for safety.

  • How Do I Size Lithium Batteries for My RV Solar System?

To size lithium batteries:

  -Calculate your daily power usage in watt-hours.

  -Consider how many days of autonomy (days you can go without sunlight) you need.

  -Factor in the depth of discharge (DOD) of the lithium battery; many can safely discharge up to 80-100%.

  -Choose a battery or combination of batteries that meets these requirements.

  • Can Lithium Batteries Operate in Extreme Temperatures?

Lithium batteries generally operate well in a range of temperatures, but extreme cold or heat can affect their performance and lifespan. Some high-end lithium batteries come with temperature management systems. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding temperature limits. Lithium cells cannot take a charge when they are below 32 degrees F.  The discharge fine, but the internal battery management system will prevent charging until the cells warm up.  Lithium batteries should not be stored at temperatures below -10 degrees F, not because it will damage the LiFePO4 compound, but because it will make the plastic housing the cells very brittle.  Lithium batteries should not be exposed to temperatures over 120 degrees F.  This means storing them in an engine compartment is a bad idea.

  • How Do I Charge Lithium Batteries in My RV?

Lithium batteries in an RV can be charged via:

  -Solar Panels: Through a solar charge controller specifically designed for lithium batteries.

  -Alternator Charging: While driving, if your RV’s alternator is compatible with lithium batteries.

  -Shore Power: Using an RV charger that is compatible with lithium batteries.

  • What Maintenance Do Lithium Batteries Require?

Lithium batteries are relatively low maintenance. However, it’s important to:

  -Regularly check the connections.

  -Keep the batteries clean and dry.

  -Monitor battery health via a battery management system (BMS) or external monitoring.

  • How Long Do Lithium Batteries Last in RV Solar Installations?

Lithium batteries can last significantly longer than traditional batteries. With proper care, they can last between 5 to 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

  • What is a Battery Management System (BMS) in Lithium Batteries?

A BMS is an electronic system that manages a lithium battery pack by protecting it from operating outside its safe operating area. It monitors parameters like voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge, and can disconnect or shut down the battery to protect it from damage.

  • Can I Use Lithium Batteries in Tandem with Other Battery Types?

It’s generally not recommended to mix lithium batteries with other types of batteries (like lead-acid) in the same system due to differences in voltage, charging profiles, and discharge rates.

  • How Should I Store Lithium Batteries When Not in Use?

For long-term storage:

  -Store in a cool, dry place.

  -Charge to about 50-60% before storage.

  -Check the charge every few months and recharge if needed to maintain the recommended storage charge level.

  • What is the Cost Difference Between Lithium and Traditional Batteries?

Lithium batteries are initially more expensive than traditional lead-acid batteries. However, their longer lifespan and better performance can make them more cost-effective in the long run.

  • Are There Any Special Considerations for Installing Lithium Batteries in an RV?

When installing lithium batteries:

  -Ensure the charging system (solar, alternator, shore power) is compatible with lithium batteries.

  -Provide proper ventilation, though lithium batteries do not gas like lead-acid batteries.

  -Secure the batteries firmly to prevent movement during travel.

  • How Do I Dispose of Lithium Batteries?

Lithium batteries should not be disposed of in regular trash. They need to be taken to a specialized recycling center or a facility equipped to handle lithium battery disposal.

  • Can I Upgrade My Existing RV Solar System to Use Lithium Batteries?

Yes, you can upgrade to lithium batteries, but ensure that your existing solar charge controller, inverter, and any other components are compatible with lithium batteries.

  • How Does Temperature Affect the Charging of Lithium Batteries?

Charging lithium batteries in extreme temperatures (especially cold) can be harmful. Some lithium batteries have a low-temperature cut-off feature to prevent charging in cold conditions.

  • What Should I Do If My Lithium Battery Is Not Holding a Charge?

If your lithium battery is not holding a charge:

  -Check all connections and the health of the battery via a monitoring system.

  -Consult the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide.

  -Seek professional assistance if necessary.

  • What happens when you mix different LiFeBlue battery models in the same system?

Over the years, we have had customers mix all sizes of LiFeBlue batteries. No one has reported any issues yet. Technically, there should be no issues since LiFeBlue’s robust Version 3 BMS has such high inrush capability as well as a high continuous duty current.  In the case of 1x 200AH and 1x 100AH, if the 200AH battery is turned off, all loads or charge current would be suddenly placed on the 100AH battery, possibly overloading the BMS. In practice, this would be a rare event and the BMS recovers nicely from such events. The Ultimus battery should have no issues combining with any other LiFeBlue Battery in parallel. 

  • Do I need a special charger for my batteries?

The LiFeBlue Battery BMS was developed for RV and marine applications where you may have multiple charge sources all with different profiles and changing loads. The BMS is designed to accept a broad voltage range. Basically, you can use any charger that can provide 13.6V up to 14.8 Volts. You can use fixed voltage (CV) converters up to 14.6V or adjustable power supplies.

Even though lower charge voltage will work, for the sake of cell balancing, you should charge above about 14.2 Volts regularly. This drives the cells high enough for cell balancing to occur.

Note that some converters will sample voltage first and not enter Bulk mode if below a voltage threshold. Progressive Dynamics does this but has a Pendant available for certain models. With it you can choose to force a fast charge if desired. Other converters can be switched to an adjustable CV mode.

Bottom line: As long as there is charge voltage higher than the resting voltage of the battery, it will accept current and charge.  As long as it isn’t charging over 14.8V you won’t damage the batteries.  Some chargers may not rebulk until the battery state of charge gets very low.  Rebulking is how a battery is made to charge up again, while connected to a charger after it is has been topped off, and after DC loads have drawn it down.

Suppliers

  • Temperature Sensor for BMV-712

    Support from AMSolar is definitely 5 stars. 1st line of support for Victron equipment provided through distributors. AMSolar likely one of the best when it comes to RVs.

    Tom B

  • Zamp 2 Pole Plug, PV Side

    AM Solar is my “go to” website and store for all my solar needs. They provide technical advice to help ensure you are choosing the correct components. Their parts and connectors are high quality and come with heat shrink cabling to ensure a water tight connection.

    Bryan S

  • Zamp ATP Prep Kit – Male

    This is a nice kit to have. Everything needed to attach your panel to the zamp box. Very slick. Highly recommend.

    Steve S

  • Roof Wire Harness Acc. Kit

    I enjoy doing business with AM Solar. All the employees have been there a long time. They know and use the products the sell. They are knowledgeable and very helpful. They are the first company I turn to for my Airstream solar needs.

    Keith W