So you are about to buy LiFePO4 batteries. Well, which should you opt for? The 12 or 24V? First, the battery type must work with your appliances, whether it’s a boat or house electronics. But also, remember that your choice will affect battery cost and performance.

So it’s not such an easy choice. But we’d simplify things for you in this article.

Choosing Between 12V and 24V LiFePO4 Batteries: A Comprehensive Guide

You should consider power, current, and voltage when choosing a battery. But these ideas are all related. For example, you can multiply the current (amps) and voltage (volts) to gauge how much power (watts) your setup or appliance will need.

This means that a higher 24V battery will need less current or half the current to work the same as a 12V battery. But with voltage capacity, it’s not always the bigger the better. Check out our article showing these differences.

Introducing the LiFePO4 Battery Technology

LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) are safer batteries than lithium-ion ones. The batteries can last a really long time and do not overheat easily. These benefits have made them really popular. Too much voltage when charging can damage the batteries, making them go bad sooner. But what voltage is okay?

Understanding Voltage in Battery Systems

Think of voltage as a battery's potential difference or the pressure it uses to push electric current around. A battery with a higher voltage can push more current around. Thus, these cells can deliver more power with less current. The connection type determines this voltage rating.

Common Applications of 12V and 24V Systems

These batteries are not the same and may be applied to different projects. Let’s consider their use cases:

Common Applications of 12V Battery Systems

12V battery systems are the most widely used. This is because they are compatible with most consumer electronics and vehicle or automobile applications. Some of their common uses are:

Automotive starting, lighting, and ignition systems (cars, motorcycles)
Recreational vehicles (RVs) and water boats
Off-grid solar power setups for homes with not-so-large energy needs
Portable electronics and backup power supplies

12V batteries are simple and commonly available. For this reason, you can easily install them.

Common Applications of 24V Battery Systems

24V battery systems can meet higher power demands while being efficient. Due to these benefits, they are used for:

Large trucks, buses, and heavy-duty vehicles
Industrial equipment and machinery
Larger boats and RVs with higher electrical loads
Off-grid solar and renewable energy systems that need higher capacity and efficiency
Electric vehicles and backup power for commercial or critical systems

24V systems are energy efficient. They use less wiring cost, and you can expand the setup more easily. But if you will use it with everyday applications, you may need a 12V voltage converter.

Comparing 12V and 24V LiFePO4 Batteries

The 12V and 24V LiFePO4 batteries differ in these 3 ways:

Power Output and Efficiency
Wiring Requirements
System Complexity and Compatibility

Power Output and Efficiency

In a 24V system, less power is lost to resistance. This benefit makes it more efficient than a 12V battery. Similarly, the former unit will produce more power than a 24V unit at the same current. With a lower operational current, there is less energy loss to heat, especially over long distances or on heavy applications. However, a 12V battery will definitely serve low to medium-power needs.

Wiring Requirements

Remember that at just half the current, a 24V setup will generate as much power as a 12V version. As a result, they require thinner wires than a 12V battery. This will reduce materials and installation costs. However, you may need to buy 12V converters when appropriate. This expense can cancel out any savings you made during the wiring.

System Complexity and Compatibility

Do note that 12V batteries are more readily available. They are often what consumers want. These batteries work with most automobiles, boats, and RV devices. So, 24V systems are a little more complex to install. This difficulty is why 12V batteries are consumers' favorites while industries favor larger voltages for their high-load machinery. So, before making a choice, consider whether the application supports 12 or 24V.

Advantages and Disadvantages of 12V and 24V Batteries

Both the 12V and 24V LiFePO4 batteries have their pros and cons. Below, we’d consider these:

Pros of 12V LiFePO4 Batteries

A 12V LiFePO4 battery is more widely used. This rating works with most systems out there, whether they're for automobiles, boats, or off-grid solar setups. In addition, they work with everyday appliances like refrigerators, lighting, and smart devices.
The setup and installation is easier. For example, you don't need voltage converters or any other specialized components. If you are not too technical but intend to set it up yourself, you should consider a 12V battery.
Finally, 12V components are more readily accessible. You will find chargers, charge controllers, and other accessories in any market. This means you don't have to look for replacement parts and as a result, maintenance cost is cheaper and easier.

Cons of 12V LiFePO4 Batteries

The main issue is that the lower 12V battery would draw more current to power the same load as a 24V battery. But higher currents can create even more resistance. So the system isn't very efficient and may be unsuitable for high-power applications.
This system draws a lot of current, so you'll need hardware like wires that are less prone to overheating and voltage drop. This drawback will raise material costs and complicate your installation.

Pros 24V LiFePO4 Batteries

A 24V LiFePO4 uses half the current of a 12V system. The benefit is that there is lower resistance and higher energy efficiency.
A 24V battery charges faster due to reduced current in the system. Thus, it is more efficient.
Due to the lower resistance from the 24V system, there is no need for elaborate or expensive wiring. Hence, you can save on wiring costs.

Cons 24V LiFePO4 Batteries

A higher voltage can damage some consumer appliances. These devices do not support 24V systems. Users may be forced to replace the appliance or use other accessories to bypass the issue.
With a 24V battery system, you may need voltage converters to power 12V devices. This is an extra cost and can reduce the system's efficiency.

Battery Voltage Recommendations Based on Different Applications

You can choose between the 12 or 24V battery based on your needs. Below, we’ve covered some common applications and our recommendations:

Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and Campervans

When choosing a battery voltage for your RV, consider the electrical load on the vehicle. Do you have a refrigerator, heater, or air conditioner? How much power do these require? Generally, a 12V LiFePO4 battery should work for a small RV with daily energy consumption below 3,000W. This battery type would work out of the box with most consumer electronics.

However, if your RV is much bigger with air conditioning and cooking tops, a bigger 24V system may be best. This would allow you to save on wiring and reduce power loss due to resistance. Also, 24V systems are easier to scale, assuming in the future you wish to power more items.

Marine Applications

Often, in marine environments, space is limited, and weight must be distributed carefully. It is for these reasons that the smaller 12V battery is more common in such situations. However, larger boats can use the 24V LiFePO4 battery to support power-heavy applications.

Off-Grid Solar Installations

Knowing how much power you intend to use will help you choose a battery system if you're going off the grid. For a 5 kWh daily draw, a 12V might be the cost-effective option. But if you're approaching 10 kWh daily usage, then opt for a 24V system. There is less energy loss, and the latter system is easier to expand.

Industrial and Commercial Uses

For commercial usage, you should look at a faster charging time and overall lifespan. The 24V LiFePO4 solves these concerns. They can power heavy devices such as a forklift or an X-ray machine. Also, their quick charging times can help eliminate downtimes.

Making the Right Choice

Now you must decide on a battery system. It is true that there are several factors to consider, but these 3 should stand out:

Assessing Your Power Requirements
Considering System Expansion and Future Needs
Budget and Cost Considerations

Assessing Your Power Requirements

It's vital to calculate your load correctly. Sum the various device wattage. Multiply the wattage by runtime to know how much power you should be looking at. For example, a 100W rated refrigerator running at 24hrs will use 2,400Wh (100 x 24) of power. At higher loads over 10kWh, you want to choose the more efficient 24V system for higher efficiency.

Considering System Expansion and Future Needs

If you plan to use more load in the future, ensure to factor that. Remember that a 24V system is easier to scale.

Budget and Cost Considerations

A 24V LiFePO4 battery may cost up to 20% more in upfront payment. This cost can deter buyers. But remember that it is often cheaper in the long term. For example, the system is more energy efficient, and batteries may last longer for this reason. Still, the 12V LiFePO4 battery will save you immediate cost.

Conclusion

Both 12V and 24V LiFePO4 batteries can power your devices. But they work differently. If you can foot the additional cost, we recommend a 24V system. However, the 12V will cater well for home use and is cheaper.

Which LiFePO4 battery is best for you? Remember to order durable 12V and 24V batteries from GoldenMate Energy.