I bit the bullet last year and switched over to LiFePo4 house batteries. I installed 800Ah (>700Ah usable) in the same space as my 450Ah (only 200Ah usable to keep from killing them) flooded cell bank had been. Firstly - it was very expensive. I had various reasons for doing this but essentially it boiled down to the following:
1) Efficiency is >98% (100Ah in means >98Ah out) - significantly reduces charge time compared to flooded (~60% efficient)
2) No need to top up daily or weekly significantly reducing engine run times. We all know the top 20% capacity of a flooded wet cell takes a LONG time to charge. LiFePo4 is linear.
3) much longer lifespan. 15-20 years using them daily vs. 5-6 years for flooded cells.
I am only a year into this but have been VERY happy with the choice. The payback will take 5-6 years however as I cruise past my next typical flooded cell replacement. Happy to share some of the experience with anyone considering this approach.
1) Efficiency is >98% (100Ah in means >98Ah out) - significantly reduces charge time compared to flooded (~60% efficient)
2) No need to top up daily or weekly significantly reducing engine run times. We all know the top 20% capacity of a flooded wet cell takes a LONG time to charge. LiFePo4 is linear.
3) much longer lifespan. 15-20 years using them daily vs. 5-6 years for flooded cells.
I am only a year into this but have been VERY happy with the choice. The payback will take 5-6 years however as I cruise past my next typical flooded cell replacement. Happy to share some of the experience with anyone considering this approach.