The growing debate between lithium iron phosphate and sodium-ion battery technologies
Felicity Solar joins ENF Trade TV discussion on LFP vs sodium-ion batteries amid global energy storage surge
25 Nov 2025
Felicity Solar has joined ENF Trade TV in an in-depth discussion on the growing debate between lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery technologies. With residential and commercial energy demand surging worldwide, battery chemistry choices are increasingly critical for both investors and end-users.
The global energy storage market is experiencing unprecedented growth. In North America and Europe, the adoption of residential and commercial energy storage systems is largely driven by rising electricity costs, the need for diversified energy sources, and increasingly ambitious carbon-reduction goals.
In 2025, LFP batteries account for over 60% of mainstream storage deployments globally, reflecting their proven reliability, mature supply chains, and competitive cost structure. Meanwhile, sodium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their abundant raw materials and potential lower costs.
LFP vs sodium-ion
1. Energy density
Sodium-ion batteries typically deliver 100–160 Wh/kg, while LFP systems can reach 160–200 Wh/kg. Higher energy density translates into more electricity in less space, making LFP a preferred choice for both residential and commercial scenarios.
2. Thermal stability and safety
Safety remains paramount for residential and commercial storage. While sodium-ion chemistry offers good performance, LFP batteries continue to be industry leaders in thermal stability, ensuring safer operation under high loads and extreme conditions.
3. Cold-weather performance
Sodium-ion excels in low temperatures, maintaining strong output at –20℃. However, LFP is rapidly closing the gap: Felicity Solar's FLB series features optional heating modules that maintain battery efficiency in cold conditions, making it suitable for harsh climates.
4. Cycle life and investment return
LFP batteries support 4,000–8,000 cycles, compared to 1,000–3,000 cycles for sodium-ion. Felicity Solar's FLB batteries are rated for 6,000–8,000 cycles, offering long-term reliability, reduced replacement costs, and better return on investment for both homeowners and commercial operators.
5. Long-term storage efficiency
LFP batteries have low self-discharge rates (~3%), ideal for seasonal storage or emergency backup. Sodium-ion's higher self-discharge can limit efficiency when the system is left idle for extended periods.
6. Environmental impact
Sodium-ion batteries avoid reliance on rare metals and leverage abundant sodium, but have higher per-unit energy production costs. LFP batteries, composed of iron and phosphate, benefit from low-carbon manufacturing and stable raw material supply, supporting sustainable deployment at scale.
With North America and Europe implementing incentives for residential and commercial energy storage system, LFP batteries are well-positioned to meet growing demand. Sodium-ion technology, while promising for cost-sensitive applications, remains an emerging alternative, and adoption will depend on continued performance validation and specific application requirements.
LFP technology remains the backbone of reliable energy storage. With innovations such as optional heating modules, Felicity Solar's FLB series ensures optimal battery performance even in low-temperature environments, making it ideal for both residential and commercial users during winter. While sodium-ion batteries hold future potential, LFP continues to deliver proven value today.