Lithium LiFePO4 Batteries South Africa — 48 Volt Home Battery Backup
Home Backup Power | Updated January 2026
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are rapidly replacing lead-acid batteries as the preferred choice for home backup power and solar energy storage in South Africa. With load shedding a daily reality, a quality lithium battery gives you reliable, long-lasting power without the maintenance headaches of older lead-acid technology.
Unlike traditional sealed lead-acid (SLA) or gel batteries, lithium LiFePO4 batteries offer significantly longer cycle life, faster charging, lighter weight and a much deeper usable depth of discharge. A quality LiFePO4 battery can be discharged to 80–90% of its capacity without damage — compared to just 50% for lead-acid. This means you get nearly twice the usable energy from the same rated capacity.
⚡ Special Offer: Nava Solar 5kWh 48V Lithium Battery
Nava Solar 5kWh LiFePO4 Battery Pack
| Capacity | 5 kWh (5,000 Wh) |
| Voltage | 48 Volt nominal |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) |
| Cycle Life | 3,000+ cycles at 80% DoD |
| BMS | Built-in Battery Management System |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most 48V inverters |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty included |
| Price | R13,500-00 Including VAT |
✓ Price includes VAT ✓ Delivery available ✓ Installation available in Gauteng
Why Choose Lithium Over Lead-Acid?
South African homeowners who have already switched to lithium LiFePO4 batteries consistently report the same advantages: longer backup time per charge, faster recharging during brief Eskom supply windows, and dramatically reduced replacement costs over a 5-10 year period. Here is a direct comparison:
| Feature | Lithium LiFePO4 | Sealed Lead-Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 3,000+ cycles | 300–500 cycles |
| Usable Capacity | 80–90% DoD | 50% DoD |
| Weight | Much lighter | Very heavy |
| Charge Speed | Fast (1–2 hrs) | Slow (8–12 hrs) |
| Maintenance | Zero | Regular checks |
| Safety | Very safe (no acid) | Acid spill risk |
| Lifespan | 8–15 years | 2–4 years |
What Can a 5kWh Lithium Battery Power During Load Shedding?
A 5kWh battery with a 48V 5kVA inverter can comfortably power the following simultaneously during a typical 2-hour load shedding stage:
- LED lighting throughout the home (10 x 10W LED lights = 100W)
- Television and DStv decoder (150–200W)
- Wi-Fi router and laptop (60–100W)
- Fridge/freezer on standby cycle (100–150W)
- Phone and device charging (50–100W)
- Gate motor and garage door operations
At a combined load of approximately 600–700 watts, a 5kWh battery will supply 6–8 hours of backup power — enough to comfortably get through a Stage 4 load shedding cycle and still have reserve capacity for the next outage.
48 Volt Systems — Why 48V is the Right Choice
Most modern home inverter systems operate on 48 volts, making 48V lithium batteries the most compatible and efficient choice for South African homeowners. A 48V system operates at lower current than a 12V or 24V system of equivalent power, which means:
- Thinner, less expensive cable runs between battery and inverter
- Lower power losses due to reduced current
- Compatibility with the widest range of inverters (Victron, Sunsynk, Deye, Axpert and more)
- Ability to expand capacity by adding additional battery units in parallel
Built-in Battery Management System (BMS)
The Nava Solar 5kWh battery includes a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) — the electronic brain that protects your investment. The BMS continuously monitors and manages:
- Cell balancing — keeps all cells at equal charge levels for maximum life
- Over-charge protection — prevents damage from excessive charging
- Over-discharge protection — cuts off before the battery is damaged
- Over-temperature protection — shuts down if temperature exceeds safe limits
- Short circuit protection — immediate cutoff in fault conditions
A quality BMS is what separates a safe, long-lasting lithium battery from an unsafe one. Do not purchase lithium batteries without a certified BMS — the savings are not worth the risk.
Compare: Lithium vs Lead-Acid Battery Cost Over 10 Years
The upfront cost of a lithium battery is higher than lead-acid, but the total cost of ownership over 10 years tells a different story:
- Lithium LiFePO4 5kWh: R13,500 once — lasts 8–15 years with minimal degradation
- Lead-acid equivalent: R5,200–R6,000 per set × 3 replacements over 10 years = R15,600–R18,000+
The lithium battery is actually cheaper over a 10-year period — and gives you better performance, more usable capacity, faster charging and zero maintenance throughout.
Enquire About the Nava Solar Lithium Battery
To order or enquire about the Nava Solar 5kWh 48V LiFePO4 battery at R13,500 including VAT, or to discuss a complete inverter and battery system for your home, please contact us. We can advise on the right inverter pairing, installation requirements and cable sizing for your specific application.
Also see our detailed lithium vs lead-acid battery comparison, our full UPS and inverter price list and our load shedding inverter guide.