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In 2023 there is a wide range of products on the market available for all solar systems; below are the ones we recommend.
The Tesla Powerwall 2 is recognized for its advanced technology and efficiency, while BYD batteries offer a reasonable price point and exceptional safety features. Sonnen batteries, with their German heritage and Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry, provide reliability and excellent customer service. Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. is another noteworthy option, specialising in solar inverters and energy storage systems.
Ultimately, choosing the right battery depends on factors such as energy requirements, budget, available space, and individual needs. It is advisable to consult with solar and energy storage professionals and stay updated on the latest market evaluations and advancements.
Which are the best solar batteries in 2023?
For those who currently have solar in their homes or are thinking about installing solar in their homes, the question about batteries and whether or not you should get batteries has more than likely come into your mind. This FAQ will give you an overview of the top-performing batteries and which ones we are recommending. Australia offers a variety of home storage batteries, and the “best” one for you will depend on your requirements and tastes.
How do you choose?
With so many options, how do you choose the perfect battery for your solar system? There are a few different variables to consider when choosing the specific home storage battery for yourself. The main things to consider are:
- Battery capacity – get enough for your family now and in the future. EV charging will add to the capacity need;
- Price – do not go for a price-alone decision, so cheap is not an option; go for a solution that offers value;
- Power rating – A home storage battery’s power rating refers to the maximum amount of power it can deliver at a given time. It is typically measured in kilowatts (kW). The power rating is an important consideration because it determines the amount of electrical load the battery set-up can handle. A higher power rating means the battery can supply more energy simultaneously to power various devices in your home.
- Depth of discharge – how far can you recycle the battery as recommended by the manufacturer? if there are 2 batteries and one has a 90% recommended discharge, you can pull 9 kW of power out of it, but if the competitor model only has an 80% recommended discharge, from full to empty, you will only get 8 kW. An important consideration during a blackout.
More considerations
- Warranty – battery warranties can be confusing, so make sure you check out the various offers and compare apples with apples. Of course, a product warranty is only as strong as the company that backs it.
- Backup capabilities – Interestingly, not all batteries have a backup capability. Many homeowners assume all batteries have a backup capability, as that’s one of the key battery advantages. But not all batteries offer that. So make sure you understand what your favourite model offers in case of a blackout.
- Monitoring, control and optimisation capabilities – A great monitor app makes all the difference, compared to a clunky hard to interpret solution. Ask your installer to demonstrate the monitor app of their recommended solution(s).
The following household storage batteries are frequently mentioned as some of Australia’s best
Tesla – a great overall option
The Tesla Powerwall 2. Yes, that is right, Tesla is not only one of the leading electric car companies in the world, but they are also in the home battery storage solution industry. Their battery is one of the most efficient and advanced on the market today. Tesla is well known for innovation, and their battery packs use the latest lithium-ion battery technology, offering reliable performance and excellent round-trip efficiency. Although it has a slightly higher price tag than competitor models, it has an impressive capacity of 13.5kWh, which for the average home, will power the house through the night and enable the home to be almost self-sufficient. With 13.5 kWh, the unit has more capacity than some of the competing batteries.
The technology compromises an AC lithium-ion battery, and it has an inbuilt inverter, allowing simultaneous functionality from panels to batteries to the home electricity requirements. The Powerwall has the potential to be installed with any new or existing solar system. It has its own battery inverter and advanced monitoring and energy management software to optimise the use of the battery. The downfall to this battery occurs due to their only being the one-size battery at 13.5kWh which for some may be too little for a very big home, so then one would need to install 2 Tesla Powerwalls resulting in a massive 27 kWh capacity but also a decent install price.
Why we recommend this battery
We recommend Tesla batteries due to their cutting-edge technology, high energy density, durability, scalability, smart energy management features, integration capabilities, and excellent local commitment to sustainability. These factors position Tesla as a leader in the energy storage industry, offering reliable and advanced solutions for an energy-independent future.
Sonnen – very advanced solar storage battery
Sonnen batteries have been for sale in Australia since 2018 and have an excellent track record. With their German heritage and proven technology, they offer a great solution for homeowners looking for a reliable home storage solution. Their 10-year warranty provides peace of mind, together with a battery chemistry of Lithium Iron Phosphate which adds to the safety aspect of their product.
Sonnen offers a range of home battery storage solutions, with options for both Hybrid (DC coupled) and AC coupled with their 9.53 Hybrid package solution modular from 2.5kWh battery packages, up to 15kWh in an option of a 5kWh cabinet or 15kWh cabinet. Sonnen is a German company and technology that had, for a period, an assembly plant in Adelaide.
Customer feedback on the Sonnen home storage solutions is excellent. Their products have been praised for their high quality and performance. The batteries are available in various sizes and capacities to meet the needs of different Australian homes. The Sonnen partners are well-trained to ensure product delivery without any issues, a genuinely superb battery solution.
Sungrow – a popular option
Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of renewable energy solutions, specialising in developing, manufacturing, and distributing solar inverters and energy storage systems, including batteries. Their batteries have become popular over recent years in Australia and have proven to be reliable with great backup and support.
The company was founded in 1997 and is located in Hefei, China. They have increased their manufacturing capacity for both battery solutions and inverters over the past decade to become one of the major industry players. Sungrow has a well-staffed after-sales service team in Australia should there be an issue with their batteries or inverters.
They offer a modular battery solution with hybrid (DC-coupled) and AC-coupled options. The battery modules are Lithium-Ion technology and come as a 3,2kWh unit that is typically stacked up to a 12.8kWh solution. This offers an option that has been a little cheaper than the Tesla Powerwall but has a solid reputation amongst installers across the country.
Enphase Energy – all smooth and smart
The new Enphase IOQ Battery series has just been released in Australia and is expected to have a significant impact on the market. Enphase has been the leading microinverter manufacturer worldwide, and this is their second-generation battery product. Enphase Energy offers a range of home battery storage solutions, including the Encharge 10 and Encharge 3. The Encharge 10 has a capacity of 10.1 kWh and can be scaled up to 40.4 kWh by connecting multiple units, while the Encharge 3 has a capacity of 3.36 kWh and can be used in smaller installations.
BYD – reasonably priced and reliable
BYD batteries are produced by the company that makes the BYD EV cars. This indicates that the battery technology has undergone extensive development and testing. BYD batteries demonstrate a long lifespan, with certain models predicted to exceed competing brands’ estimated 10-year life span.
The BYD stackable modular battery uses Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry which is regarded as being a safer chemistry than the more common Lithium-Ion chemistry, as it is less flammable. The BYD Batteries come in a 4kwh pack which is expandable up to 24kWh in a single tower and has the potential to expand up to 256kWh use. It is most commonly paired with Fronius Gen24 Hybrid Inverters as it does not have its own Inverter.
These BYD batteries are also highly efficient, as they can store much energy in a relatively dense area. This energy can also be released quickly, an essential feature of modern batteries. This makes them ideal for a PV system/battery combo limiting the solar system’s grid export and storing excess solar energy.
Qcells – not just excellent panels
Qcells has been a premium panel manufacturer for close to 20 years and has released its inverter and battery solution under the Q HOME product name. This provides Korean-manufactured hybrid and AC Coupled inverters with modular 6.8kWh batteries, which are expandable to 3 units for a total of 20.4kWh of storage with a single phase 5kW unit. Qcells have a history of quality and support, and these battery solutions come with a 15-year industry-leading warranty.
Other battery brands that are popular in Australia include, Goodwe, Huawei, Pylontech, RedEarth, Redback, Senec and LG Energy Solution.
In summary
The bottom line is that you should research, analyse your options, and consider your home’s unique energy pattern. Suppose you are thinking of going solar and installing a battery as well. It’s crucial to remember that the benefits of a home storage battery depend on several points. Including your energy use, budget, your available space, and your individual needs.
Choose the best home storage unit for your particular needs. It is good to consult with a local solar and energy player to get professional help. Keeping up with the most recent info in the Australian market will also give you the most precise information. It is also important to note that supply can be delayed, so avoid falling in love with a particular battery too much as it may not be available; this is why we have given you several different options.
