Recent fires involving energy storage solutions at utility-scale facilities may make some solar owners wonder if their solar batteries are safe. The concern is valid, considering the 5 million plus solar installations nationwide. More concerning is the location of the fires. They occurred in California, a state recently devastated by a series of wildfires.
To put fears at rest, you can let your clients know that most solar batteries, specifically newer batteries like those that NeoVolta makes, are safe, featuring well-tested designs that reduce fire risk and other dangers. They also offer several benefits to minimize hazards and help communities become more resilient during disasters.
While lithium batteries offer reliable energy storage for homes and businesses, not all lithium chemistries are created equal—and some pose a higher fire risk than others.
Are Residential Batteries Safe?
Residential batteries undergo rigorous testing before they are released on the market. Manufacturers ensure batteries have overcharge protection to prevent damage and evaluate the battery’s response to high currents, ensuring safety in the event of faults. Each component, including inverters, controllers, and cells, is tested and certified.
However, residential batteries have become even safer recently due to the following changes.
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Additional Testing Standards
Upgraded standards have made testing more rigorous in the past five years. As of Jan. 1, 2020, all batteries must be certified to UL 9540, a system-level evaluation that goes beyond testing each component. It ensures the battery works well as a unit.
On Jan. 1, 2023, a 9540A safety testing requirement was added, which minimizes the risk of thermal runaway that occurs when a battery cell overheats. It ensures that batteries are designed to reduce propagation to adjacent battery units via an established ‘minimum separation distance’ between cells. Cells must be encased in fireproof materials to prevent fire spread if one cell overheats.
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An NMC to LFP Transition
Another recent update is a transition from nickel-manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries to lithium iron phosphate (LFP). LFP batteries have a higher thermal runaway temperature than their NMC counterparts. Therefore, they are more stable in warm environments.
LMC batteries are also an environmental choice. Unlike NMCs, they do not contain heavy metals and will not leach toxic substances into the air in the event of a fire. They are also more durable and longer lasting. -
Small Size
The size of residential batteries is another safety. Most battery sizes fall between 5kW and 7Kw (kilowatts), making them about 1/100,000 of the size of the batteries that caught fire at the Moss Landing facility. The small size means less heat is generated, reducing the risk of overheating and thermal runaway.
Are Nonresidential Batteries Safe?
Additional concerns may arise with nonresidential batteries as they are more significant than residential batteries and produce more energy, increasing the fire risk. However, the upgraded standards for residential batteries also apply to their nonresidential counterparts, making them equally safe.
- UL 9540A Testing – Like residential batteries, nonresidential batteries are also subject to UL 9540 testing, which minimizes the risk of thermal runaway. The Moss Landing batteries were installed before the upgraded testing was implemented, increasing fire risk.
- NMC to LFP Transition – The batteries involved in the Moss Landing fire were also NMC, as they were installed before most manufacturers transitioned to LFP. NMC batteries have a higher energy density than LFP batteries, making them more fire-prone.
- Other Circumstances – The arrangement of the batteries at Moss Landing also contributed to a high fire risk. The batteries were placed on open-air metal shelves with no barriers between units. Therefore, if one unit caught fire, it could quickly spread to other units, leading to a significant-scale fire event.
Lithium Battery Safety
There are several types of lithium-based batteries used in energy storage, each with different performance and safety profiles:
- Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) – Common in consumer electronics but has a higher risk of thermal runaway (overheating leading to fire).
- Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) – Popular in EVs and some energy storage systems, offering high energy density but with a risk of combustion under stress.
- Lithium Titanate (LTO) – Extremely safe but expensive, making it less practical for most storage applications.
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄ or LFP) – The safest option for home and commercial battery storage, offering high stability and thermal resistance.
Why Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) is the Safer Choice
At NeoVolta, we exclusively use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) chemistry in our battery storage systems because it offers superior safety without compromising performance.
- Lower Fire Risk – Unlike NMC and LCO batteries, LiFePO₄ does not overheat or combust easily, even under extreme conditions.
- Stable Chemical Structure – The iron phosphate bond is more resistant to thermal runaway, reducing the chances of battery fires.
- Longer Lifespan – LiFePO₄ batteries outlast other lithium chemistries, offering up to 6,000 cycles, making them a safer and more durable investment.
- Eco-Friendly – With no cobalt or nickel, LiFePO₄ batteries are non-toxic and more sustainable, reducing environmental concerns.
As California and other wildfire-prone areas seek safer, more resilient energy solutions, LiFePO₄ battery storage is emerging as the gold standard—ensuring homes and businesses stay powered without added fire risks.
Solar energy systems and their battery components reduce climate change and fire risk. They minimize the need for fossil fuels that produce greenhouse gas emissions. A Columbia study finds that an acre of solar panels can reduce carbon emissions by 385,000 to 436,000 pounds annually.
The NeoVolta Solution
NeoVolta has been providing high-quality batteries designed with safety in mind since 2019. Our lithium iron phosphate batteries virtually eliminate fire risk. They are highly dependable and can switch between AD, DC, and AC/DC power to suit the energy needs of your clients.
Ensure that the batteries you install provide safe and reliable energy that reduces utility and expenses and contributes to the environmental goals of your clients.
