Top 3 Best Server Rack Lithium LiFePO4 Batteries in USA

Are you looking to power up your server rack with the best lithium batteries on the market? Look no further! In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 server rack lithium batteries available in the USA. From ensuring uninterrupted power supply to optimizing performance, choosing the right battery is crucial for your IT infrastructure. Let&#;s dive into the world of high-quality lithium batteries and find out which brands stand out from the rest!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Energyland.

What are Server Rack Lithium Batteries

Server rack batteries are essential for data centers, providing backup power to prevent downtime and data loss during outages. Lithium models offer longevity and safety. Notable options include Redway 48V 100Ah PRO, EG4 LifePower4, and Aolithium 51.2V 100Ah. These batteries are user-friendly, with features like detachable covers and smart BMS. They ensure uninterrupted operations and are vital for critical systems.

Let&#;s dive into why they&#;re so important:

1. Lifesavers During Outages: Imagine you&#;re in the middle of an important task on your computer when suddenly, the power cuts off. That&#;s where server rack batteries come in handy. They kick in immediately to provide backup power, preventing any disruptions to your work or data loss.
2. Lithium for Longevity: Among server rack batteries, lithium models are the cream of the crop. They&#;re known for their long lifespan and safety features, ensuring that they can be relied upon to keep your systems running smoothly for years to come.
3. Top Picks: Some standout options in the world of lithium server rack batteries include the Redway 48V 100Ah, EG4 LifePower4, and Aolithium 51.2V 100Ah. These batteries are user-friendly, with features like detachable covers and smart battery management systems (BMS), making them essential for ensuring uninterrupted operations in critical systems.

Importance of High-Quality Lithium Batteries for Server Racks

In the world of server racks, reliable power is paramount for smooth operations. Let&#;s explore why high-quality lithium batteries are essential:

1. Improved Stability: High-quality lithium batteries ensure uninterrupted operations, maintaining stability and efficiency in server racks.
2. Meet High Workloads: With the increasing demand for data processing and storage, top-notch lithium batteries are necessary to handle heavy workloads seamlessly.
3. Cost-Effective Solutions: Investing in superior lithium batteries offers long-term cost-effectiveness, providing efficient energy storage and backup capabilities for modern data centers.

Investing in top-notch lithium batteries for server racks is crucial for safeguarding data and ensuring business continuity. These batteries offer reliable performance and are essential for preventing risks associated with power outages.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Server Rack Lithium Battery

When choosing a server rack lithium battery, consider factors like capacity, voltage, cycle life, safety features, and size. Opt for options that meet your power needs, equipment requirements, and offer long lifespan with easy maintenance.

Here&#;s a breakdown:

1. Capacity: Think about how much power you need to keep your servers running during outages. Higher capacity batteries provide longer backup times.
2. Voltage: Check the voltage requirement of your server equipment. Ensure the battery voltage matches to avoid compatibility issues.
3. Safety Features: Look for batteries with built-in protections against overcharging and short circuits. These features help prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.

Remember, choosing the right battery ensures smooth operations and peace of mind for your server setup.

3 Best-Selling Models of Server Rack Lithium Batteries

Are you looking to power up your server rack with the best lithium batteries on the market? Look no further! Here are the top 3 options available in the USA that will keep your servers running smoothly without any hiccups.

EG4 LifePower4 Lithium Battery offers a high-capacity lithium battery that ensures long-lasting performance and reliability for your server setup. With advanced technology and efficient power delivery, this option is definitely worth considering.

Moving on to Redway Power, their lithium battery stands out for its durability and fast-charging capabilities. It&#;s designed to handle high-demand applications while maintaining stability and safety in a server environment.

Aolithium prides itself on providing a compact yet powerful lithium battery solution for server racks. Its lightweight design makes installation a breeze, perfect for those looking for convenience without compromising on quality.

A. EG4 LifePower4 Lithium Battery

EG4 is one of the top contenders when it comes to server rack lithium batteries in the USA. Known for its reliability and performance, this brand has made a name for itself in the industry. With cutting-edge technology and innovative design, EG4 offers a range of lithium batteries that are specifically tailored to meet the demands of server racks.

One key feature that sets EG4 apart is its long battery life and durability. Users can trust that their servers will remain powered even during unexpected outages or fluctuations. Additionally, EG4 &#;s lithium batteries are designed to be energy-efficient, helping businesses reduce their overall power consumption.

• 51.2V (48V) 5.12kWh with 100AH internal BMS.
• Composed of (16) UL listed prismatic 3.2V cells in series.
• Tested at 7,000 deep discharge cycles to 80% Depth of Discharge (DoD).
• Fully charge and discharge this battery daily for over 15 years without issue

B. Redway Power 48V 100Ah Server Rack Battery

Redway Power offers a range of server rack lithium batteries that are known for their high performance and reliability. With cutting-edge technology, Redway Power ensures that your server racks remain powered up efficiently at all times. These lithium batteries are designed to withstand heavy usage and provide long-lasting power backup for your critical equipment.

The brand has built a reputation for delivering top-notch quality products that meet the demands of modern data centers.

• Capacity: 100Ah.
• Voltage: 48V (16s 51.2).
• Max Continuous Discharge: 100A.
• Max Charge Current: 100A.
• Certifications: UL & ULA certified.
• Operational Temperature Range: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C).
• Detachable cover & replaceable BMS and cells.
• Built-in smart BMS.
• Low-temperature charging protection.

C. Aolithium 51.2V 100Ah Server Rack Lithium LiFePO4 Battery

Aolithium offers a range of server rack lithium batteries known for their reliability and performance. These batteries are designed to provide uninterrupted power supply to servers, ensuring continuous operations without any downtime.

Their innovative technology allows for efficient energy storage and quick charging capabilities, making them ideal for high-demanding server environments. Aolithium&#;s lithium batteries are compact in size, saving valuable space in the server rack while delivering optimal power output.

• Ideal for off-grid and home backup applications.
• User-serviceable design allows field servicing.
• Enhanced safety features against overcharging, discharging, and short circuits.
• Impressive longevity with high-capacity cells retaining 80% capacity after cycles

Comparison of Features and Prices

When it comes to choosing the best server rack lithium battery, comparing features and prices is crucial. Each brand offers different specifications that cater to various needs. EG4 Battery might excel in capacity, while Aolithium could focus on fast-charging capabilities.

Consider the voltage requirements of your server rack setup and ensure compatibility with the battery you choose. Redway Power might offer a higher voltage output suitable for intensive operations. Additionally, look into the lifespan of the battery, as this can impact long-term costs.

Price points vary across brands but remember that quality often comes at a price. Redway Power may be more expensive upfront but could save you money in the long run due to its durability and performance efficiency. Evaluate your budget alongside the features offered by each brand before making a decision.

Reading customer reviews can provide valuable insights into how well these batteries perform in real-world scenarios. Keep an eye out for feedback on reliability, longevity, and overall satisfaction with the product. This information can help guide you towards selecting the best server rack lithium battery for your specific needs.

Customer Reviews and Recommendations

Customer reviews and recommendations play a crucial role in helping potential buyers make informed decisions when choosing server rack lithium batteries. Reading feedback from other users can provide valuable insights into the performance, reliability, and overall satisfaction with a specific brand or model.

Positive reviews highlighting long-lasting battery life, quick charging times, and seamless integration within server racks can influence purchasing decisions. On the other hand, negative reviews pointing out issues such as compatibility problems, short lifespan, or poor customer support can serve as red flags for prospective buyers.

It&#;s essential to consider both positive and negative feedback to get a well-rounded perspective on the product. Additionally, looking for recommendations from industry experts or trusted sources can further validate the choice of a particular server rack lithium battery.

Taking the time to research customer reviews and seek recommendations can lead to selecting a high-quality lithium battery that meets the specific needs of your server rack setup.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best lithium batteries for server racks in the USA, it is essential to prioritize quality, reliability, and performance. Each of the top 3 brands mentioned that offers unique features and benefits that cater to different needs and preferences.

Consider factors such as capacity, efficiency, durability, and customer reviews before making a decision. Investing in a high-quality lithium battery will not only ensure uninterrupted power supply for your servers but also contribute to the overall efficiency and reliability of your data center or IT infrastructure.

Choose wisely based on your specific requirements and budget constraints to maximize the performance of your server rack system. Remember that a reliable power source is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and preventing downtime in today&#;s fast-paced digital world.

When searching for a lithium battery for your off-grid or campervan electrical system, you&#;ve likely stumbled upon rack mounted 48V LiFePO4 batteries. These look a bit different to the conventional style of lithium battery, such as those offered by Victron or Fogstar, that camper enthusiasts are familiar with. They also advertise a better bang for your buck when it comes to the capacity to price ratio. Manufacturers advertise these rack mounted batteries as a power backup solution, but they can also be a great option for some off-grid houses, boats, and campervans. 

Let&#;s take a look at what rack mounted batteries are, what they do and don&#;t offer, and whether you should consider buying one. We&#;ll also look at some of the best 48V LiFePO4 batteries the UK has to offer, so you can make an informed choice when buying yours.

What is a Lithium-ion leisure battery?

Lithium-ion is one of the two battery chemistries available for leisure batteries. When compared to more conventional lead-acid batteries, Lithium batteries are far lighter and smaller. They also have a comparatively long lifespan, typically lasting for several thousand charge cycles before you need to replace them. Additionally, they have a low self-discharge rate, which means they can hold their charge for long periods of time when not in use.  These big advantages come with an equally big price tag, which stops many people from getting into the world of Lithium-ion. Our page on leisure batteries looks further at the pros and cons of each type to help you decide on the best battery for your campervan electrical system.

AGM leisure battery

Lithium leisure battery

Is LiFePO4 the best Lithium-ion battery type?

Lithium-ion batteries contain one of several cathode materials, each with unique properties and performance characteristics. NMC or lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide batteries are the most common. And, due to their high-energy-density, you can often find them in portable electronic devices.

On the other hand, lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4 batteries are known for their excellent thermal stability and long cycle life. They are relatively low cost and have a very low risk of thermal runaway, but have a low-energy-density compared to some other cathode materials, such as NMC. Because of this, they are a perfect solution for energy storage in a boat, off-grid house, or campervan where a high lifespan and stability are more essential than capacity to size.

What is a 48V LiFePO4 battery?

48V LiFePO4 batteries contain several LiFePO4 cells, connected in series to give a nominal voltage of, or just above, 48V. Each lithium iron phosphate cell has a nominal voltage of 3.2V and can be connected in series to increase voltage, or parallel to increase capacity. The diagram below shows how eight 3.2V 50Ah cells can be set up in a two parallel four series configuration to give a 12.8V, 100Ah battery.

A 48V LiFePO4 battery contains either 15 or 16 groups of cells connected in series to give a total nominal voltage of 48V or 51.2V. You may be asking why the nominal voltage for some batteries sit at 51.2V and not 48V. Well, it&#;s very hard to vary the voltage in a cell. For example, LiFePO4 cells have a voltage of 3.2V because of their internal makeup, and this voltage can&#;t be changed. Therefore, the closest to a 12V battery that you can form with these cells is 12.8V (four, 3.2V cells in series). If we then scale this to a 48V battery, we have 16, 3.2V cells in series for a nominal voltage of 51.2V.

For brands such as TN power and RELiON whose batteries come in 12V, 24V, and 48V variants, it&#;s important that four 12V batteries or two 24V batteries in series give the same output voltage as a single 48V battery. Therefore, in this case, a 48V battery needs a nominal voltage of 51.2V and a 16 cell configuration is suitable. For 48V battery models that don&#;t come in lower voltages, such as the Pylontech US, this doesn&#;t pose an issue. So, the battery can contain 15 cells in series at exactly 48V.

You can either purchase a prebuilt 48V battery or easily make your own 48V battery bank by connecting multiple smaller, 12V or 24V batteries in series. There aren&#;t loads of benefits either way, but making your own allows you to select the specific batteries that you want to use and can offer some flexibility in terms of capacity and form factor. On the other hand, opting for a pre-built rack mounted battery can offer significant savings in certain cases. Read on for a further look at this.

Rack mounted 48V lithium batteries

Rack mounted vs traditional LiFePO4 batteries

Both traditional and rack mounted lithium batteries contain a group of cells encased in a protective housing. These cells are connected in series and parallel to create the desired voltage and capacity, and are controlled by an integrated battery management system (BMS). Although similar in function, these two types of battery differ in form and intended use case.

Traditional standalone LiFePO4 batteries were designed with a leisure battery application in mind. They come in a variety of different capacities, are usually 12V or 24V, and can be connected in series to create a large 48V battery bank. Thanks to the range of sizes and capacities, you can easily arrange these batteries to best fit an available space. 

Rack-mounted LiFePO4 batteries, on the other hand, are designed for installation in a rack system or cabinet. They are almost always 48V and are intended for use in industrial and commercial settings, such as data centres and commercial renewable energy installations. Thanks to their modular form factor, rack mounted batteries are well suited to these commercial applications where power storage requirements may be ever-changing. It&#;s worth noting that they take up a very similar volume to most conventional batteries with the same capacity. However, because they&#;re one unit, rather than multiple 12V or 24V batteries, you have fewer options when arranging your battery bank. This can be limiting in a small space such as a van. Despite this, rack mounted batteries can be significantly cheaper than their alternatives. So, if 48V is the best system voltage for you, rack mounted batteries are worth considering.

Popular rack mounted LiFePO4 batteries

Pylontech is the most popular rack mounted LiFePO4 battery manufacturer in the UK, thanks to a great quality product for a reasonable price. Fogstar, who produce the popular Fogstar Drift leisure batteries, provide a solid alternative and have far fewer supply chain issues than Pylontech.

Over in the USA, there are a few more options when it comes to rack mounted batteries. As well as Pylontech, batteries from EG4 offer a great bang for your buck, whilst SOK offer a slightly more premium option, with exceptional customer service.

Internally, these batteries are all very similar. Often they contain the same cells, BMS, and other internals. Unlike with the leisure batteries you may already be familiar with, rack mounted lithium batteries have amphenol battery connections. So, you&#;ll need to purchase amphenol to M8 adaptors to connect these batteries to the rest of your electrical system. 

Can you monitor a rack mounted LiFePO4 battery?

Rack mounted LiFePO4 batteries with a CAN-bus port, such as those from Fogstar and Pylontech are compatible with Victron system managing devices such as the Cerbo GX. Simply connecting your battery and GX device using a RJ45 cable allows you to carefully monitor and manage your batteries. Among many other functionalities, this connection allows you to view your batteries&#; state of charge, and set discharge and charging limits. If you want to learn more, our article about the Cerbo GX, takes a look at its full capabilities and will help you decide if it&#;s a useful investment for you. 

Should you use a 48V battery in a campervan?

12V systems are still the most popular solution for campervan electrical systems. This is because they&#;re simple to design and install, thanks to 12V&#;s compatibility with many DC appliances. 12V system components are readily available, and complications such as voltage converters are rarely needed. 

48V systems, on the other hand, are becoming more desirable as they can use smaller wires. This is because the amount of current flowing through a wire is directly related to the amount of power that the wire needs to transmit. Watt&#;s law tells us that a higher voltage means a lower current draw to deliver the same power.

Power

Constant

=

Voltage &#;

Decrease

x

Current &#;

Increase

Power

Constant

=

Voltage &#;

Decrease

x

Current &#;

Increase

Let&#;s say, for example, that you have two circuits, one running on 48V and the other on 12V, and both are using 100 watts of power. The current flowing through the 48V circuit would be (100W / 48V) = 2.1 amps, while the current flowing through the 12V circuit would be (100W / 12V) = 8.3 amps. As you can see, the 48V circuit requires a quarter of the current to transmit the same amount of power as the 12V circuit.

Due to the smaller current requirements of 48V systems, the size and gauge of wire used in these systems can be smaller. The result is a lower cost for the same amount of power. Additionally, the smaller wires are more flexible, easier to install and take up less space. 

The downside is that you will likely need a DC-DC voltage converter or two, such as Victron&#;s Orion-Tr, at some point in your electrical system. This diagram shows how using a 48V leisure battery complicates your system. 

12V DC electrical system (simplified)

48V DC electrical system (simplified)

As a result, 48V becomes the most cost-effective for large systems in a boat or off-grid house, for example. Here the long cable runs required allow for significant savings from thinner cables. If you haven&#;t yet decided on a system voltage, our article comparing 12V, 24V and 48V systems takes a more in-depth look at the pros and cons of each.

Furthermore, Victron don&#;t manufacture a 12V to 48V battery to battery charger. So if you were looking for an all blue system, 48V won&#;t be for you. Luckily, Sterling Power make a 12V to 48V DC-DC charger which clocks in at around £350.

One misconception around 48V systems is that because of the reduced current draw, they pose less of a fire risk and are therefore safer than a 12v system. Keep in mind that the voltage of an electrical system doesn&#;t directly determine its safety. The safety of an electrical system depends on several factors, including the proper installation, maintenance, and use of the system, as well as the design and quality of the equipment used. So long as the cables and fuses are correctly sized, neither system voltage is inherently safer.

Overall, in a system with short cable runs, e.g. in a van, it&#;s unlikely that the savings from thinner cables will outweigh the cost of voltage converters in a van. So, if you&#;re looking to use conventional leisure batteries, 12V is probably the best option for your campervan. However, thanks to the large savings offered by rack mounted batteries, it&#;s definitely worth considering a 48V system in an off-grid house, boat, or even a high-spec van.

Can rack mounted batteries save me money?

At £243.95 per kWh of storage, the Fogstar 5.12kWh rack mounted battery clocks in at only around £10 less per kWh than their traditional 12V leisure batteries. With the reduced cable gauge needed for 48V, going for rack mounted batteries can prove pretty cost-effective. However, to run any 12V appliances and to charge from a 12V starter battery, you&#;ll need a few expensive voltage converters.

48V certainly makes sense for high powered systems (i.e. those with 10kVA inverters). However, for lower powered systems, the savings get more marginal. Let&#;s crunch the numbers and see if rack mounted batteries really offer value for money in a campervan.

For this system, we&#;re just looking at the components that would change with a different system voltage. So, we left out the cost of components such as solar panels.

Campervan electrical system &#; mid spec

This mock system would be perfect for a full time van-lifer with medium power requirements. The 48V systems include a 48V &#; 12V converter to power appliances such as a fridge.

12V system &#; LiFePO4 leisure batteries (prices as of Nov )

Total: £4,500

48V system &#; LiFePO4 leisure batteries (prices as of Nov )

Total: £4,900

48V system &#; LiFePO4 rack mounted batteries (prices as of Nov )

Total: £4,650

The £150 price difference between the 12V and 48V system using conventional lithium leisure batteries shows that for a campervan electrical system, the cost of voltage converters outweighs the savings from smaller wires and charge controllers. So, unless you have a high power (>5kVA) electrical system, a 12V system will be the best option.

48V LiFePO4 use cases

As we mentioned earlier, 48V systems make the most sense for high-power applications with long cable runs. Remember that with a higher voltage, the current draw to supply the same power is lower and therefore cables can be thinner. In these cases, the savings from using thinner cable outweighs the cost of added voltage converters and other components. Our article on 12V vs 24V vs 48V systems takes a more thorough look at this.

Off-grid house with large power requirements

Owning an off-grid house can allow you to live independently, sustainably, and in a more remote location. You will need to store any electricity generated by your solar panels or wind turbines to use when the sun isn&#;t shining or the wind isn&#;t blowing. 

An off grid house is likely to have greater power requirements than your average campervan. Powering 230V appliances such as an induction hob, kettle, washing machine, and other household items will require a large inverter, easily 5kVA or up. Alongside this you&#;d need a large battery bank to use all of your standard household appliances as if you were connected to the grid. Because of the high current draw that comes with a high-power inverter, the cost-saving potential of reducing cable sizes with a 48V system could be massive. Remember that a higher voltage requires a smaller current to deliver the same power. And, a smaller current means thinner cables can be used safely.

Off-grid houses are also far more likely to have a large space available for the electrical system. Here, you won&#;t require the ability of standard leisure batteries to fit in odd spaces, and the modularity and expandability of rack mounted batteries really shines. Being able to neatly stack batteries on top of each other is great when it comes to keeping a tidy and compact system.

Boat electrical system with large power requirements

Another high-power application which may benefit from a 48V system, is on an off-grid boat. As well as the appliances found in a campervan, boats often contain other power hungry devices such as a windlass or electric winches. Moreover, boats are more likely to house large appliances such as washing machines than a van. Again, like in an off grid house, a large inverter and battery bank would facilitate this large power requirement. So, for the same reasons as in an off-grid house, a 48V system would be beneficial. 

In addition to the large power draw associated with a boat, it&#;s common for them to have long cable runs between the batteries and other components. This is a consequence of the long, narrow shape of a boat. Longer cables mean you need a larger wire gauge to avoid a large voltage drop. Upping the voltage to 48V can reduce the current flow and allows for thinner cables.  

Solar energy storage for a grid tied house

Installing solar panels on your grid-tied house can significantly reduce your electricity costs. Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable source of power, and by generating your own electricity, you won&#;t have to rely as heavily on the grid. As well as the environmental benefit, this can save you a significant amount on your monthly utility bills.

Like with the off-grid house, you would need a large, 5kVA+ inverter to power your 230V appliances with your solar power. Again, to reduce the wiring cost, a higher system voltage can allow for thinner wires. Furthermore, the modularity of rack mounted systems would be useful in this use case. As these systems are expensive, it would allow you to install a few batteries to start, and easily add more when your budget allows.

What 48V LiFePO4 batteries are currently available in the UK?

To help you pick the best 48V lithium battery for your system, we&#;ve compiled the following comparison table. We&#;ve taken a look at the most popular rack mounted LiFePO4 in the UK, as well as two great non-rack mounted options.

BatteryCapacity (kWh)Dimensions (mm)Price / kWhWeight / kWh (kg)Max discharge current (A)Max charge current (A)Life cyclesFogstar &#; 5.12kWh5. x 450 x 155£243.958.Pylontech &#; US. x 420 x 161£395.638.Pylontech &#; US C3. x 420 x 132£506.489.Pylontech &#; USC2. x 410 x 89£582.929.Topband &#; TBF5. x 450 x 177.5£481.589.Ecotree &#; EL48 &#; . x 435 x 176£.RELiON &#; RB48V..3 x 285 x 255£768..

Pylontech rack mounted 48V batteries

Pylontech are the most common brand of 48V rack mounted lithium batteries and are commonly used in both grid-tied and off-grid houses, as well as boats. They are popular thanks to their high build-quality, low price, and long standing reputation. However, there are currently some challenges with Pylontech&#;s supply chain which are causing them to frequently be out of stock. If you&#;re looking to purchase a Pylontech battery, we recommend pre-ordering to secure one from the next delivery. 

When compared to other 48V batteries, the Pylontech US comes in second place, at £395.63 per kWh. It is also the lightest option.

Fogstar rack mounted 48V batteries

Fogstar once again trump the lithium battery market with their incredible value rack mounted option. Fogstar are the biggest lithium battery retailer in the UK, so they are a well known and trusted brand. Their rack mounted batteries are the cheapest option, at only £243.95 per kWh. Not only that, but they are also the most compact.

If you&#;re looking to buy a rack mounted LiFePO4 battery, you won&#;t do better than one of these.

Topband (Yolaness) 48V rack mounted batteries

The Topband (sometimes branded as Yolaness) TBF is a new battery, very similar to the Pylontech US. Although currently only sold on a few UK sites, Topband batteries will soon be more widely available. In all but price, they are very similar to the US, albeit with a slightly higher system voltage. Thanks to this, they are a good option if the Pylontech batteries are out of stock.

Ecotree 48V rack mounted batteries

Ecotree offer another similar rack mounted 48V battery. Unlike the previous options, this battery contains a heater. This can be important in cold environments, as lithium batteries won&#;t function under 0°C. A major downside to these batteries is their low cycle life when compared to the similarly priced Topband and cheaper Pylontech alternatives. For this reason, they may not be your best option unless an onboard heater is essential to your system.

We would warn against using Ecotree, as they don&#;t actually manufacture the batteries themselves. Instead they import a white labelled product and put a different sticker on the box and they ultimately have limited control over the specification, quality or reliability of the product they sell.

RELiON 48V non-rack mounted batteries

In some cases, it won&#;t be practical to install a rack mounted battery. More conventional, non rack mounted batteries can offer more freedom when installing systems in tight spaces. When we compared some of the most popular lithium batteries in the UK, RELiON came out top in terms of warranty and cycle life. They manufacture very high-quality products, and their 48V LiFePO4 batteries are no exception. Additionally, RELiON are members of 1% for the Planet. This means that they donate 1% of every sale to environmental non-profit organisations. Of the batteries looked at in this article, they have the highest cycle life and charge/discharge rates. Unfortunately, these high specs come with an equally high price point. Despite being a great product, at almost twice the price per kWh as Pylontech&#;s offering, this battery probably won&#;t be right for many DIY system builders. 

TN Power 12V non-rack mounted batteries

If you really need a 48V system, and rack mounted batteries don&#;t fit your needs, it may make sense to buy four 12V batteries. We think TN Power offer the best bang for your buck when it comes to both lithium and AGM batteries. Although a bulkier option, connecting four 12V leisure batteries in series makes more sense than buying a single 48V leisure battery, thanks to the cost savings.

For the reasons given above, we often spec these in our Nohma electrical systems. In many vans, given the cost of DC-DC voltage converters, a 12V system still makes sense. In this case, you can&#;t go wrong with TN Power. 

We hope that this article helped you learn more about rack mounted batteries and when they can be a great investment. This information should help you decide if a rack mounted LiFePO4 battery is right for your system. Please let us know in the comments what batteries you decided to go for and how you&#;re finding them. 

If you&#;re still not sure which components to buy for your electrical system, let Nohma do the hard work for you. We employ scientists and engineers, who, alongside our clever algorithm, have designed thousands of bespoke campervan electrical systems. Let us design and ship yours, for no extra cost over the parts themselves.

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48V LiFePO4 battery FAQs

48V LiFePO4 batteries contain either 15 or 16 cells in series, but may have more connected in parallel. The number of cells connected in series determines a battery&#;s size. 16 series connections is the most common, and with 3.2V LiFePO4 cells, this gives a nominal voltage of 51.2V. Some lithium batteries, such as the Pylontech US have 15 cells in series. This results in a nominal voltage of exactly 48V.

The number of cells connected in parallel decides the capacity of a battery. For example, a 100Ah, 48V battery may contain 16 x 3.2V, 100Ah cells in series. Or, it may contain 32 x 3.2V, 50Ah cells, in series-parallel

To avoid damaging your battery, you should always use a high-quality charger to charge your LiFePO4 batteries, such as those from Victron Energy or Sterling Power. LiFePO4 cells have a nominal voltage of 3.2V and must be charged with a voltage between 3.5V and 3.65V.

The charge voltage for 48V LiFePO4 batteries depends on the cell configuration. 15S (15 series) batteries with a nominal voltage of 48V need between 52.5V and 54.7V. On the other hand, 16S batteries with a 51.2V nominal voltage require a charge voltage of between 56.0V and 58.4V. Remember, lithium batteries are very sensitive to over charging, and you can damage them by using a higher voltage. So, it&#;s important to always check the datasheet or manual of your battery to find the required charge voltage.

The voltage of a battery depends on its cells&#; configuration. Although advertised as 48V, some of these LiFePO4 batteries have nominal voltage of 51.2V and some 48V. Because LiFePO4 cells have a voltage of 3.2V, 12V or 24V batteries actually have a nominal voltage of 12.8V or 25.6V. Therefore, for a 48V LiFePO4 battery to have the same voltage of two 24V, or four 12V batteries in series, it needs to have a nominal voltage of 51.2V, not 48V. So, batteries which have 12V or 48V variants often have a nominal voltage of 51.2V.