Why lithium replaced lead-acid
Lead-acid batteries are functionally extinct in 2026 new-builds. The numbers don't come close:
| Metric | Lead-acid (tubular) | LiFePO4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle life | ~1,500 | 6,000+ |
| Usable depth-of-discharge | 50% | 80–100% |
| Round-trip efficiency | ~75% | ~95% |
| Footprint per usable kWh | ~3× larger | 1× |
| Maintenance | Top-up water, equalisation charge | None |
| Per-cycle cost | ~3× higher | 1× |
We don't install lead-acid for solar storage. If you have an existing lead-acid bank, we can replace it with lithium and reuse most of the surrounding wiring.
Battery brands we install
All of these are LiFePO4 chemistry, modular, and BMS-protected:
- Pylontech US5000 (4.8 kWh modular, stackable to 80kWh) — most popular brand in Pakistan, proven track record since 2019. PKR 230k–360k per module.
- Dyness BX48100 (5.12 kWh modular) — strong value, widely stocked. PKR 240k–340k per module.
- Soluna 5K Pack (5 kWh, 90% usable DoD) — higher usable depth of discharge than competitors. PKR 260k–380k.
- BYD Battery-Box Premium HVS / HVM — premium thermal management, modular HV architecture. PKR 380k+ per kWh module.
- Sigenergy SigenStor — all-in-one inverter + battery + EV charger; premium price.
How to size a battery bank
Battery sizing comes from backup load × hours of backup — not from a percentage of solar output. Common Pakistani targets:
| Goal | Backup load | Hours | Bank size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lights + fans + Wi-Fi | ~500 W | 4 hrs | 2.5 kWh usable (3 kWh nominal) |
| Add fridge + 1 inverter AC | ~1,500 W | 4 hrs | ~7.5 kWh usable (10 kWh nominal) |
| Whole-home essential loads | ~3,000 W | 4 hrs | 15 kWh usable (18 kWh nominal) |
| Small office through outage | ~5,000 W | 4 hrs | 25 kWh usable (30 kWh nominal) |
Lithium sizing is conventionally written as the nominal capacity (e.g., a Pylontech 4.8 kWh module is rated nominal 4.8 kWh, with ~3.84 kWh usable at 80% DoD).
Retrofitting battery to an existing on-grid system
Retrofit feasibility depends entirely on your existing inverter:
- Existing inverter is hybrid-capable — typical for systems installed in 2023+. Battery wires straight to the inverter's battery port. Half-day install. The cleanest path.
- Existing inverter is on-grid only — common for older 2019–2022 builds. Two options: (a) replace the inverter with a hybrid model and add battery, or (b) install an AC-coupled battery system that sits alongside the existing inverter. Option (a) is usually cheaper long-term.
Send us the make and model of your existing inverter and we'll tell you which path applies and what the all-in cost looks like.
Industrial BESS
For larger-scale battery applications — peak shaving, demand charge reduction, behind-the-meter buffering for production lines, or grid-tied BESS for arbitrage — we design and install 100kWh to 1MWh systems integrated with industrial inverters and SCADA. Pair with our industrial EPC service for fully integrated solar + storage delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How long do lithium batteries last in Pakistani conditions?
Tier-1 LiFePO4 batteries (Pylontech, Dyness, Soluna, BYD) are rated for 6,000+ cycles at 80% depth of discharge — roughly 15–17 years at one full cycle per day. Real-world Pakistani installs from 2019–2020 are still showing 90%+ rated capacity. Heat is the main enemy: install in ventilated indoor spaces, never in direct sun.
How much does a 10kWh battery cost in Pakistan in 2026?
A 10kWh lithium bank costs PKR 500,000–700,000 depending on brand and form factor. Pylontech and Dyness are the value-leader options around PKR 500k–600k; Soluna and BYD sit higher around PKR 650k–800k.
Are lithium batteries safe? Do they catch fire?
LiFePO4 chemistry (used by all the brands we install) is the safest lithium chemistry — significantly more thermal-runaway resistant than the NMC chemistry used in laptops and many EVs. Combined with proper BMS, ventilation, and indoor placement, fire risk is extremely low.
Can I add more battery later?
Yes if you stay within the same brand and module family — Pylontech, Dyness, and Soluna are all stackable. Most hybrid inverters support a second or third module added later without firmware changes.
Will the battery work without solar (just for loadshedding backup)?
Yes — a hybrid inverter + battery can run as a pure UPS, charging from the grid when available and discharging during outages. This is sometimes worth it for shops and offices that don't have roof space for solar but need clean backup power.
What warranty comes with the batteries?
Tier-1 lithium batteries carry 7 to 10 year manufacturer warranty plus a guaranteed minimum end-of-warranty capacity (typically 60–80% of nameplate). We honour warranty claims in-house — you don't chase the manufacturer.
How long does retrofit installation take?
Pure battery add (existing hybrid inverter): 4–6 hours. Battery + inverter swap (existing string-only inverter): 1–2 working days. Both include commissioning and monitoring setup.