Are Solid State Marine batteries safe?
Our solid-state based batteries offer a superior chemical and mechanical structure that does not overheat to unsafe levels. This
provides more safety than other lithium-ion batteries (LFP) made with other cathode materials. Our cells are non-combustible, which is an important feature in the event of mishandling during charging or discharging. They can also withstand harsh conditions, be it freezing cold, scorching heat or rough terrain. When subjected to hazardous events, such as collision or short-circuiting, they won’t explode or catch fire, significantly reducing any chance of harm. Our batteries are non-toxic, non-
contaminating and contain no rare earth metals, making them an environmentally conscious choice.
Can I replace my current LFP or AGM battery with a Solid-State battery?
Yes, our batteries are dual-purpose and can be used for applications that require starting power as well as deep cycle performance. These batteries can serve as your cranking battery, where the rated peak current for 5-10 seconds is sufficient, and to run your motor or equipment. As with any battery replacement, you need to consider your capacity, power, and size requirements, as well as making sure you have the right charger. Most existing charging sources are compatible with our solid-state batteries. Please contact SSM technical support if you need assistance with your upgrade and they will be happy to make
sure you pick the right battery.
Can Solid State Marine Batteries be used as a cranking battery?
Yes, our batteries are dual-purpose and can be used for applications that require starting power as well as deep cycle
performance. These batteries can serve as your cranking battery, where the rated peak current for 5-10 seconds is sufficient, and to run your motor or equipment.
If my trolling motor batteries are Solid State - does my cranking battery have to be as well?
You can use a lead-acid starter battery with your solid-state trolling motor batteries.
How long will my Solid-State Marine batteries last?
Solid State Marine’s batteries are designed to provide over 3500+ cycles at 80% depth of discharge
Can you mount the batteries in any position?
Yes, because there is no fluid inside of a solid-state battery. This gives you the flexibility to install the battery where it is best suited for your application.
Are my Solid-State Marine batteries waterproof?
Solid State Marine lithium batteries are enclosed in an IP67 case, which means water projected from any direction will not be harmful. They will not get damaged if they are submerged in water.
Which size cables should I use to connect my batteries?
For most applications, we recommend either 4-AWG or 6-AWG cables.
What size terminals and bolts come on Solid State Marine batteries?
Solid State Marine’s batteries feature M8 terminals. These types of terminals are insert terminals, also referred to as internal
threads, and come with bolts. The terminal and bolt sizes are metric and the numerical signifier is the dimension in mm. For
example, the M8 terminal is 8mm in diameter. The bolts have coarse threads (1.25tpi). Longer bolts, if needed, can be found at most hardware stores.
Can I replace my generator with a Solid State Battery?
Yes, you can replace a generator with a SS battery. Switching to a Solid State Marine battery setup makes boating quieter, removes fuel and fumes from gasoline, has less maintenance, gives instant power, offers a lighter option and is also gives you an eco-friendly solution. The first thing you want to do is decide on the size of the battery for your needs. You will then want to add an inverter if you want AC power. You will then use solar, an alternator or a charger to keep it topped off.
What is the warranty on the Solid State Marine batteries?
We have an 8-year warranty from the date of purchase. Each battery is designed for approximately 3,500 full recharge cycles,
translating to about 5-8 years of regular use, depending on the application. If the battery is found defective within the first 5
years, SSM will replace it at no cost. Beyond 5 years, any defective battery will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
How do I ship solid state batteries in the U.S.?
Shipping a lithium-ion battery, especially for marine applications, requires careful adherence to international and national
regulations due to the batteries' classification as hazardous materials (Class 9). In the event buyer’s Battery needs to be returned to SSM for any reason, it must be shipped in a UN approved shipping box. If buyer did not save the original packaging, we will
need to send buyer packaging to return the Battery. We will also supply the necessary package labels and documentation in order to meet U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 173.185), IMDG Code, or IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Please
contact us at sales at solidstatemarine.com for more information or a quote.
How do solid-state batteries perform in cold temperatures?
Solid State batteries have significantly more capacity and voltage retention in the cold when compared to lead-acid batteries or LFP batteries. They can discharge at -20°C (-4°F) without requiring a heater. This is important because it eliminates the current drain
associated with heaters and the resulting reduction in power. In addition, Solid State Marine Batteries can start charging above -20°C (-4°F).
These characteristics make solid-state batteries a promising option for applications requiring reliable performance in cold environments, such as electric vehicles and outdoor energy storage systems.
How do solid state batteries perform in hot temperatures?
Solid State batteries will provide their full capacity and performance until they reach the Battery Management (BMS) protection
level. The BMS maximum temperature ranges from 60-80°C (140-176°F). Refer to the data sheet for your particular model to find the exact upper temperature limit. Solid state batteries produce less heat than LiFePO4, but if they reach an upper limit, our BMS will protect the battery by shutting it off.
What type of charger should I use for my Solid State Marine batteries?
Recommended chargers are available for all of our batteries. The ideal way to charge our 24V, 36V, and 48V battery is with a lithium charger, as it will be programmed with the appropriate voltage limits. For a 12V battery, we require charging to 16.5V in order to attain maximum capacity. The Victron charger is capable of 16.5V charging, and we offer an app note on how to set it up.
Refer to the manual for your battery for charge current specifications.
What is the maximum current I can use to charge my Solid State Marine batteries? How long do Solid State Marine batteries take to charge?
Solid State Marine Lithium batteries can be charged at a maximum current of 1C. Meaning the battery can potentially charge from 0% to 100% in one hour.
For a fully depleted 120Ah battery you can
charge at 120A and the battery will charge in 1 hour. With a 20A charger it will be 6 hrs.
Refer to the manual for your battery for charge current specifications.
Do I need to charge my batteries each time I use them?
Unlike lead-acid batteries, solid state batteries do not get damaged if they sit partially discharged for extended periods of time.
However, we do recommend you charge them after each use to ensure you have the maximum runtime available, every time you use your boat.
Will it harm my batteries if I leave the charger connected for extended periods of time?
No, you can leave the charger connected to your batteries indefinitely and it will not harm your Solid State Marine Lithium batteries.
The Battery Management System (BMS) in each battery will protect it from being over-charged.
What is a BMS? What does it do and where is it located?
BMS stands for Battery Management System. The BMS protects the cells from getting damaged — most commonly from over or under-voltage, over current, high temperature or external short-circuiting. A BMS makes sure each cell in the battery remains within safe limits. A good battery management system optimizes lifespan and ensures safe operation under various conditions. The BMS will shut off the battery to protect the cells from unsafe operating conditions. All Solid State Marine batteries have a built-in BMS to manage and protect them against these types of issues.
Can I use my existing lead-acid battery charger (Wet, AGM or Gel) to charge Solid State Marine batteries?
We encourage new battery owners to use a charger that has a specific charge profile for our batteries. These are easy to find since most chargers on the market today have a lithium charge profile, and LiFePO4 is the predominant Lithium battery chemistry in the marketplace. However, some customers would like to continue using their existing Lead-Acid charger if possible. Although many existing lead-acid chargers will still charge our solid-state battery, it is generally discouraged to do this. The risk is the lead-acid chargers may wind up in fault code condition at some point, despite the solid-state battery probably having received a full recharge. The problem is that the conditions incurred during the fault codes can also cause issues and/or damage to other system electronics, and even the charger itself. Therefore, we strongly recommend you use a Lithium battery charger. If this recommendation is neglected then it is best to choose AGM, Gel, sealed battery charge profiles to charge a Lithium battery.
Can I use my alternator to charge my Solid-State Marine batteries?
Solid State Marine batteries can be charged with most alternators. Low quality alternators with poor voltage regulation can cause the BMS to disconnect solid state batteries. If the BMS disconnects the batteries, the alternator could be damaged. To protect your solid-state battery and alternator please be sure to use a compatible high-quality alternator or install a voltage regulator.
Please contact Solid State Marine technical support if you need assistance.
How can I determine the state of charge (SOC) of my Solid-State Marine battery?
The best way to determine the SOC of your battery is to download our IOS or Android SSM Battery app from your smart phone.
You may also use a battery indicator— a high-precision instrument that captures instantaneous and integrated data in real-time.
Are solid state marine batteries poorly affected by partial state of charge (PSOC)?
No! Drawing current from a solid-state battery does not produce any harmful or undesirable byproducts.
The ideal maximum charge for a solid-state battery is about 80-90%. This is much more practical in terms of the time and amperage necessary to recharge your battery, and it gives you a margin of error for when things don’t go as planned.
How deep can a Solid-State battery be discharged?
Solid State batteries can be discharged up to 100% without risk of damage. Make sure you charge your battery immediately after discharge. We recommend discharging be limited to 80-90% depth of discharge (DOD) to avoid the BMS disconnecting the battery.
How does the rate of discharge affect capacity?
The rate of discharge for solid state batteries has virtually no effect on the delivered capacity. This is not the case with lead-acid batteries which have significantly reduced capacity of up to 50% as the rate of discharge increases.
How much can I discharge my Solid-State marine battery and still start my engine?
Our batteries can be discharged up to 70% (30% state of charge) and still start most engines.
Is it ok to connect my starting battery in parallel with one of my Solid-State Marine trolling motor batteries to assist with starting?
Yes, however, if you do so, it is required that you use a switch to isolate each battery so that they can be charged separately with a multi-bank charger.
Will my existing battery gauge provide an accurate state of charge for my solid-state batteries?
Not if it is a typical lead-acid, voltage-based battery gauge. You will need to use a lithium battery gauge for an accurate state of charge.
How do I prep my Solid-State battery for off-season storage?
Simply charge your battery to its charging voltage then store in temperatures anywhere between -4°F~113°F (-20C~45°C), ,
Unlike lead-acid batteries, a partial state of charge does not harm solid state batteries so it’s safe to store at a 30 to 80% state of
charge.