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Updated on 11 December 2024
The need for solar energy storage, also known as solar batteries, is rising among many Australians as the energy sector continues to alter and develop rapidly. Finding the best energy storage solution for your house might feel overwhelming as more solar brands and models enter the market, particularly when you try to understand the ins and outs of solar battery efficiency and capacity.
For those seeking guidance without the pressure of a hard sell, Energy Matters provides a valuable resource. Consider free solar quotes, allowing you to make decisions about solar energy and storage tailored to your specific needs.
What is solar battery storage?
With a solar battery storage system, you may reserve the solar energy you produce during the day for usage at night.
Most solar panel systems produce electricity during the day when many people do not require it. Instead, extra electricity might be kept in a solar battery. A solar battery is a wise purchase when connected with solar energy systems. Customers can store extra energy produced by solar panels using solar batteries. If accessible, the stored energy can be sold back to the power grid for electricity bill credits, used during periods of lower output, like at night or during a brief power outage. This procedure is known as net metering.
How does solar battery storage work?
Solar batteries are installed alongside solar panels to store excess energy. It can be used as stored energy when the sun sets at night, and your panels can no longer provide your home power. Most battery storage options include an inverter for converting stored voltage to the AC voltage you need. Solar batteries also offer blackout protection. While the rest of your street may be in darkness, your home can continue to use the energy stored in the battery to power your appliances and keep the lights on!
Why solar batteries are essential in 2025
Solar batteries store excess energy generated by your solar panels, allowing you to use it when the sun isn’t shining. This reduces your reliance on the grid and maximises your savings. With rising electricity prices and increasing blackouts, a reliable solar battery is more important than ever. Plus, advancements in solar battery technology make them more efficient and affordable.
What are the best solar batteries in Australia?
Several leading brands in Australia offer high-quality solar batteries. Here’s a closer look at some of the best solar batteries:
- Tesla Powerwall 2: Modular powerhouse
- Sungrow SBR battery: The versatile contender
- BYD Battery-Box: The budget-savvy champion
- Enphase IQ 5P: The seamless solar ally
Remember… the “best” solar battery ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider factors like budget, energy requirements, desired features, and system compatibility when making your choice.
1. Tesla Powerwall 2
The initial Tesla Powerwall is renowned for being the battery that launched the revolution in home energy storage. However, it became popular in the early 2017 release of the Tesla Powerwall 2.
The Powerwall 2 is an AC battery system, unlike the others on the list. It has an integrated inverter charger and can be installed in any house with solar installation. To work with solar, though, it still needs a solar inverter. The price of the Powerwall 2 has dropped significantly since its launch in 2017, and Tesla released the Powerwall 3 last September 2023.
- Type: AC battery system – Lithium NMC cells
- Size: 13.5kWh with 90% usable capacity
- Power output – 5kW continuous, 7kW peak
- Cycle life: approx 3500 cycles (claimed) – Ref warranty doc
- Price: The installed cost of a Tesla Powerwall 2 costs between around $12,000 to $18,000 or more
- Warranty: 10 years to 70% minimum retained capacity.
- Compatibility: Any solar inverter (AC coupled)
2. Sungrow SBR battery
Due to its highly affordable price and compatibility with the potent Sungrow SH-RT hybrid inverters, the recently announced high-voltage Sungrow SBR battery system has drawn much interest. Although it is still early, the new SBR series appears to quickly rank among the most widely used battery systems based on our comments and preliminary testing.
- Battery Features: 95% Depth of Discharge
- Usable Energy Capacity: 9.6kWh – 25.6kWh
- Max Charge / Discharge Power: 5.76kW – 15.36kW
- Product Warranty: 10 Year
3.BYD Battery-Box
BYD, a renowned Chinese battery manufacturer, offers a range of affordable and reliable battery storage solutions. It is designed for residential and commercial use and boasts a modular setup and a long lifespan. With excellent battery reviews, it’s a dependable choice for Australian homes.
Our Energy Matters CEO, Roshan Ramnarain, featured a stunning home installed with BYD and Fronius solar technology on Renovate or Rebuild Episode 5.
- Capacity: Scalable from 5.1 kWh to 256 kWh
- Type: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4)
- Features:
- Modular and flexible for residential and commercial use
- Long cycle life (up to 6,000 cycles)
- High safety rating
4. Enphase IQ 5P
Enphase battery storage enables homeowners to try its solutions and determine what works best for them without committing to a larger, more expensive system because of its smaller size and simple integration with current systems and batteries.
The company’s well-known solar microinverter technology is coupled with Enphase IQ. Since the battery is AC-coupled, it is perfect for already installed solar systems. Enphase IQ 5P can only apply to solar systems that use Enphase microinverters.
- Continuous power rating: 3.84 kW
- Depth of discharge (DoD): 100%
- Usable capacity: 5.0 kWh
- Warranty: 15 years
Comparing best solar batteries: A head-to-head analysis
To help you make an informed decision, let’s compare the key features of these best solar battery brands:
|
Feature |
Tesla Powerwall 2 |
Sungrow SBR Battery |
BYD Battery-Box |
Enphase IQ 5P Battery |
|
Capacity |
13.5 kWh |
9.6 kWh per module, expandable up to 25.6 kWh |
Varies (up to 19.2 kWh) |
5.0 kWh |
|
Power Output |
5 kW continuous, 7 kW peak |
5 kW continuous |
Varies (up to 6 kW) |
3.84 kW continuous |
|
Cycle Life |
10,000+ cycles |
10,000+ cycles |
Up to 10,000 cycles |
15 years / 6,000 cycles |
|
Efficiency |
High |
High |
High |
High |
|
Warranty |
10 years (70% retained capacity) |
10 years |
10 years |
15 years |
Note:
- Capacity: The amount of energy a battery can store.
- Power output: The maximum rate at which a battery can deliver power.
- Cycle life: The number of times a battery can be fully charged and discharged before its capacity significantly degrades.
- Efficiency: The percentage of energy that can be stored and retrieved from the battery.
- Warranty: The length of time the manufacturer guarantees the battery’s performance.
Additional considerations for the best solar battery in Australia:
- Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your existing solar inverter and other home systems.
- Installation: Consider the complexity and cost of installation.
- Scalability: The ability to add more solar batteries as your energy needs grow.
- Monitoring and control: The level of control and monitoring offered through a mobile app or other interface.
- Brand reputation: Consider the reputation and reliability of the manufacturer.
Understanding solar battery reviews
Customer reviews and expert insights are invaluable when choosing a solar battery. Look for:
- Performance: Real-world data on reliability and efficiency.
- Support: Strong after-sales service and warranty handling.
- Scalability: The ability to expand your system over time.
It’s important to consult with a solar energy professional to determine the best battery solution for your specific needs.
Please note that solar battery technology constantly evolves, and specific specifications may change.
Types of solar batteries
There are various kinds of batteries that can be used on solar systems. The term type describes the chemical content of a battery. Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used, but you’ve probably heard of lithium-ion batteries, gel batteries, deep cycle batteries, and many others.
The solar industry offers more than different batteries to store extra energy. Lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries are the two battery types used most frequently in home solar power systems.
Lead-acid solar batteries
Lead-acid batteries require frequent recharge and a lower depth of discharge (DoD). These battery types are uncommon for homeowners who want to use solar energy continuously.
Still, they can be a good backup option in a power outage. Lead-acid batteries come in two varieties: sealed lead-acid and flooded lead-acid batteries. While the latter doesn’t require as much maintenance as the former, the former has a longer lifespan.
What does DoD mean?
The depth of discharge (DoD) of a battery represents the proportion of the battery’s total capacity that has been discharged.
A battery’s lifespan will decrease the more it is charged and discharged. A battery should usually only be partially discharged because doing so significantly reduces the battery’s usable life. Many battery manufacturers offer a maximum DoD ideal for the battery’s performance.
For instance, if a 10 kWh battery’s manufacturer advises a maximum DoD of 80%, you should only consume up to 8 kWh from the battery without recharging. You can see why DoD is significant to take into account: a higher DoD allows you to utilise more energy stored in your battery. Nowadays, a DoD of 100% is advertised on many contemporary lithium ion batteries.
Lithium-ion solar battery
Lead-acid batteries are older; lithium-ion batteries are often lighter and smaller. They typically have a minimum lifespan of 10 years and a longer DoD. The fact that lithium-ion batteries require less maintenance than many of the alternatives is another benefit.
Lithium-polymer battery
These are similar to lithium-ion batteries. However, they are frequently more expensive and last less time. They are safeguarded against overcharging or leakage, which is a bonus.
Deep-cycle battery
These solar batteries work well to maintain a steady stream of electricity over a longer time.
Saltwater battery
These saltwater-based solar batteries are a more natural and green alternative because they use water rather than oil as the electrolyte. The lifespan of saltwater batteries is often very lengthy, and they require no maintenance.
Solar gel battery
Solar gel batteries are a wonderful choice for solar owners who travel frequently. These batteries are perfect for RV owners or anyone who want to travel with a solar battery because they don’t have to stay upright and can move around quickly.
What criteria should I compare when buying the best solar battery?
Before investing in one of the many solar power options available, you need to know what you want. List some important categories to distinguish the good from the bad.
- Solar battery storage capacity and size: The battery’s capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), determining how much energy it can store. The right size depends on your household’s energy usage and the size of your solar system.
- Cycle life: The number of times a solar battery may be fully charged and drained before the performance starts to suffer is referred to as its cycle life. Getting a solar battery with a high cycle life is preferable to get the most out of your investment.
- Warranty: These days, a solar battery has a lifespan of about 10 years, but check for restrictions and local warranty support.
- Functionality & Efficiency: This gauges the battery’s efficiency throughout one cycle. Batteries require energy, just like many other things in your house. It implies that they will consume part of the energy they store. The percentage of electricity you can recover from the battery after using the energy it requires is known as round-trip efficiency. If a typical 10 kWh battery only allows you to draw out 8 kWh, then its round-trip efficiency is 80%. Since round-trip efficiency only considers one battery cycle as opposed to a battery’s whole lifespan, it differs from DoD.
- Cost: It is best to shop around and pick a solar battery that suits your budget because solar batteries might range in price.
- Usable storage capacity: The energy your battery can hold at once, expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), is its capacity. The typical solar battery has a 10 kWh capacity.
Learn more about Solar Battery Buying Guide: How to Make the Right Decision.
How to make the right and best solar battery selection
When choosing the best solar battery storage solution for your home or business, it is essential to assess your energy consumption patterns, budget, and future energy needs. Factors like battery lifespan, warranty, and efficiency significantly determine which solar battery storage solution best suits your requirements.
Step-by-step guide for best solar battery selection
- Evaluate your energy needs: Look at your current energy usage and decide how much energy you need to store for nighttime or during outages.
- Determine battery size: Select a battery with sufficient capacity to meet your needs without overpaying for excess storage.
- Consider backup capabilities: If energy security is important, choose a battery with reliable backup capabilities to keep essential devices running during grid outages.
- Look for efficient technologies: Lithium-ion and lithium-iron phosphate batteries are the most efficient and durable, making them ideal choices for long-term use.
- Check warranties: A good warranty ensures your investment is protected and the system performs well for years.
Learn more about Solar Battery Buying Guide: How to Make the Right Decision.
Benefits of utilising solar battery storage
- Energy independence: Solar batteries enable you to use your solar power around the clock, reducing or eliminating your reliance on the grid.
- Lower electricity bills: Storing excess energy allows you to use your solar power during peak pricing periods, helping to reduce energy costs.
- Backup power: Solar batteries can provide a reliable backup source of electricity in the event of a power outage.
- Environmental benefits: Solar battery storage reduces the need for fossil-fuel-based energy, contributing to lower carbon emissions.
- Increased property value: Homes with solar batteries and energy-efficient systems tend to have higher resale values.
Take your time choosing the ideal solar battery for your needs because solar panels can last up to 30 years. Your energy independence will rise, your monthly electricity bills will drop, and your solar panel system’s effectiveness will grow thanks to a solar battery.
Energy Matters has a nationwide network of trusted local installers ready to provide you with up to 3 Free Solar Quotes. Complete our quick quiz and begin your solar journey today! What’s more, Energy Matters can help you make an informed decision and the perfect option on the suitability of a solar battery with our Solar Power and Battery Storage Calculator.
Looking to save extra with solar and battery storage?
Looking to save extra with your Sungrow, GoodWe or Tesla Powerwall 2 installed solar battery*? Origin and Energy Matters have teamed up to provide customers with an additional way to save and make money!
Join Origin Loop VPP as an Origin electricity customer and earn a $200 bonus! Earn $1/kWh during peak demand by letting them draw on your battery-stored solar energy.
You’ll also enjoy a 13 c/kWh feed-in tariff^ and enjoy full transparency through the Origin app. No lock-ins; leave anytime, and your yearly energy export is capped at 200kWh. Win-win for you and the grid!
If you already have solar and a battery*, then sign up today! If you don’t, get up to 3 obligation-free quotes by getting in touch with us right away.
Let Energy Matters help you go solar
Choosing the right solar battery is a significant step towards energy independence and sustainability. With so many options available, making the best choice can feel overwhelming.
Energy Matters is here to simplify the process, offering solar expert advice and tailored solutions. Get started today by requesting up to 3 free solar quotes from our network of trusted solar installers.
