Our experts say it depends. Usually, you don’t have to change out any other components in your system to have it work. For example, our 12V, 100 amp hour battery will deliver 12V and will be compatible with the same system that the lead–acid batteries it’s replacing. We just have to make sure it’s sized properly and the power that’s drawn is able to be accommodated by our battery within the current limits specified by the battery. 

However, our LiFePO4 batteries will discharge at a slightly higher voltage. Even though it could be at a very low state of charge, it will still exhibit a high voltage. Some chargers do not recognize this as an empty battery and will not charge it. The only changes that might have to be made for charging purposes would have to be to replace a charger that can detect that the battery is not at full charge or a charger that can be programmed.  

Some other changes might have to be made to the system to make sure it’s performing at its best. Our LiFePO4 batteries can deliver a lot more power than you’d expect when you’re used to utilizing lead–acid in your system. A larger gauged cable might have to be incorporated so you can properly handle all that power. If you want to run your air conditioner off your batteries, which you can’t do easily with a lead– acid battery system, a soft starter will have to be installed onto the AC unit.