Owning a solar power grid in your home is a really great idea; it allows you to produce your own electricity without having to worry about electricity bills and guarantees you certainty in electricity even if the National Power Grid is down.

If you decide to install solar panels, you will realize two issues: one, on cloudy days, your panels might not generate enough electricity for you and two, on very sunny days, they might generate a surplus that has nowhere to go.

What’s the solution?

Solar Batteries!

Solar batteries allow you to store excess energy generated from the panels for later use. With them installed, you can use solar power at night or even on cloudy days. In fact, a good solar battery and a high-performing solar panel system can make you 100% energy-independent and off the grid for life.

In this post, we explored the 17 best solar batteries in the market and came up with a list to help you decide which one to purchase. Whether you are looking to get a solar battery, replace an existing one or just gain knowledge for when you are ready to go renewable, you are in the right place. 

Sit tight; let’s dive in

If you are in a rush, here are the 5 best solar batteries to buy today:

•   Tesla PowerWall2: Overall Best Solar Battery
•   Enphase IQ: Best Low Power Option
•   LG RESU Prime: Best Round Trip Efficiency
•   SunPower SunVault: Best For High Energy Consumption
•  Generac PWRcell: Best For Capacity Upgrades and Scalability

Key Features to Look for When Buying a Solar Battery 

If you are about to purchase a solar battery, here are some crucial factors to consider. They will influence your choice of the type to buy.

These features were the features we used to make this list and assign the rankings.

They are:

Capacity and Power

 A battery’s capacity refers to the quantity of electricity stored in the battery, typically measured in kilowatts. On the other hand, a battery’s power refers to the quantity of electricity supplied by the battery over time and is measured in amps.

Here’s what you need to know: a battery with a high power rating and a low capacity rating will supply electricity for shorter periods. This type is best for homes with many appliances that drain electricity, e.g. freezers.

However, a battery with a low power rating and a high capacity rating will supply electricity for longer periods. This type is best for low-energy-consuming homes. You can check these on the specifications of the solar battery you want to buy.

Life Span and Durability

Most solar batteries have a lifespan of 2 to 16 years as opposed to the lifespan of solar panel systems, which is up to 35 years. Consider buying something that will not require frequent replacement.

Lead-acid batteries tend to be the least durable, while flow batteries tend to last the longest.

Round Trip Efficiency

This refers to the amount of electricity stored that you are allowed to use after a full charge of the battery. For example, if 10 kWh of electricity is stored in a battery, and it can only output 9 kWh, the round-trip efficiency of the battery is 90%.

Always buy solar batteries with a higher round-trip efficiency because they are more economical.

Cost

No doubt; cost is one of the critical factors when choosing a solar battery; while everyone wants the best, the best tends to be the most expensive, too, so it’s best to get something within your budget that also performs to the best of your expectations.

Warranty

The warranty is the manufacturer’s assurance that the product will perform well and within expectations for a given period. When shopping for a solar battery, you should look at the warranty and return policy to ensure they protect your investment if something goes wrong.

Compatibility

Compatibility means ensuring the solar batteries’ wiring matches the solar panel systems you have installed. There are typically two types: AC coupled or DC coupled; inform the dealer what type of panel system you might be using so they can recommend a compatible battery.

The 17 Best Solar Batteries In The Market

 1.   Tesla Powerwall 2

We checked around, and the best solar battery in the market is the Tesla Powerwall 2. Tesla is known for its innovative and cutting-edge designs, and they spared no effort in their solar battery design. The battery has a sleek, beautiful rectangle design that almost looks futuristic.

It has a usable capacity of 13kWh and a 90% round-trip efficiency, which means this marvel of engineering can keep your power running even in the dead of night and in the winter.

The other good thing about the Powerwall solar battery is that you can seamlessly integrate it with other Tesla products through an app, and it can be AC-coupled with any type of solar inverter. The model comes only in this size, which is the 13kWh model, but if you want a larger power backup, you can get more of the same model and stack up their charges.

Pros

•       Warranty- A generous 10-year warranty
•       Moderate Price
•       Compatible with most Solar Panel Systems
•       Can be monitored using the Tesla app

Cons

•       Limited Availability
•       Available in only one capacity and size
•       Customer service complaints
•       Must be installed by a Tesla Certified Professional

Price Range: $9000 – $13,000

Best For: Best Overall Solar Battery

Rating: 9/10

2.   Enphase IQ

Coming in at 2nd place is the Enphase series, the Enphase IQ, to be specific. The IQ series comes in four models, with the capacity increasing with each model, with the highest being the 10T model at 10.08kWh, which is considerably powerful for a household. The Enphase solar batteries are some of the best in the world, and they have a 96% round-trip efficiency and 100% DoD (Depth of discharge) to prove it.

The Enphase IQ is also one of the most popular solar batteries, with one major advantage of using it being its ability to pair with both solar and gas generators. The battery has a straightforward installation procedure, advanced monitoring, and tracking power usage. If you want something more durable and easier to access than the Tesla Powerwall, the Enphase IQ series is your stop.

Pros

•       You can increase output by stacking modules
•       Pairs with solar and gas generators
•       Up to 15-year warranty
•       Can work in diverse climates
•       Long-lasting and safe battery chemistry

Cons

•       Additional costs for more warranty coverage
•       Must be used with an Enphase Inverter
•       Not suited for high power-consuming homes

Price Range: $8000 upwards, depending on the model purchased

Best For: Best Lower Power Option

Rating: 8/10

3.   LG RESU Prime

LG has an amazing reputation for exceptional products, and they did not disappoint here. The LG RESU Prime series is the “most efficient” solar battery with a whopping 97% roundtrip efficiency. The series features DC coupling, which explains its efficiency as it’s charged directly by the solar panels.

It comes in two models, 10H and 16H. The models are stackable to create 32 kWh of storage capacity in case you want a more powerful energy output and use heavy electrical appliances.

The warranty period is relatively standard, reaching up to 10 years of coverage, and the RESU Prime is much easier to find and purchase in the market than most other brands on this list.

Pros

•       Very high round trip Efficiency; up to 97%
•       Smaller models are perfect for homes with low energy needs
•       Scalable Design
•       Slimmer and more compact than other solar batteries
•       Compatible with most solar panel systems

Cons

•       Loses round-trip efficiency very fast
•       Not suitable for hot climates
•       Below-average warranty coverage
•       One unit is not suitable for high-power-consuming homes

Price Range: $8,000 – $16,000 (including installation)

Best For: Best Round Trip Efficiency

Rating: 8/10

4.   SunPower SunVault

This is one of the most popular brands on this list, and Sunpower has produced some of the best solar batteries in the world. They offer their solar batteries in two options for residential usage: The SunVault Storage 13 with 12 (kWh) capacity and the SunVault Storage 26 with a 24-kWh capacity.

The SunVault solar batteries have an 85% roundtrip efficiency, which is good but pretty average compared to other brands on this list. They also offer a 10-year warranty, which is basic, but the terms of their warranty are much better than those of the other brands that preceded it.

The high usable capacity means these batteries can take on whatever you throw at them, even if everyone in your house turns the dryer on simultaneously. It is especially effective when paired with SunPower Equinox solar panels.

Pros

•       Very high Usable Capacity
•       Comes in two different sizes and models
•       Uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell technology for longer battery life

Cons

•       Lower Round Trip Efficiency than most other models
•       A bit costly compared to other models
•       The company website does not provide DoD information
•       Exclusively only works with SunPower solar panel systems

Price Range: $17,000 – $20,000 (with installation)

Best For: Best for High Energy Consumption

Rating: 8/10

5.   Generac PWRcell

Coming in at 5th place is the Generac PWRcell series, which comes in 4 customisable options. This solar battery comes sold in a cabinet form, which protects it from harm.

One battery cabinet holds between 9 and 18kWh of storage Capacity, which is expandable in increments of 3kWh, making upgrades easy. You can install up to two cabinets for a total of 36kWh. The fantastic thing about the solar battery is that it gives you free rein in customisations.

One of its remarkable features is its ability to operate in various modes, including backup power, self-supply, etc., making it versatile and customisable for your energy needs.

Pros

•       Easily Scalable
•       Good performance and efficiency
•       Customizable
•       Ability to manage energy loads with ease
•       Comes with a durable protective cabinet

Cons

•       Poor performance in high-temperature areas
•       Low DOD (Depth of discharge)
•       Higher price than most other models here

Price Range: starts at $10,000

Best For: Best For Capacity Upgrades

Rating: 7.9/10

6.   Panasonic Evervolt

You can’t have a list of the best solar batteries without mentioning the Panasonic Evervolt. It’s undoubtedly one of the best solar batteries you can buy in the energy industry.  This particular battery is available in capacities of 9, 13.5, and 18kWh, with the flexibility to extend by a capacity of 4.5kWh. The Panasonic Evervolt is referred to as the most stackable solar battery by customer reviews.

It is floor-mounted and can easily be installed in many more places and connected to increase the usable capacity drastically. It has an impressive 12-year warranty, and when it comes to performance, it competes with the best on this list.

Pros

•       Easy to install
•       Modular design that can easily be expanded with more units
•       High Storage Capacity
•       Flexible AC and DC configurations

Cons

•       Very Expensive

Price Range: $15,000 – to $20,000 including installation

Best For: Best Stackable Solar Battery

Rating: 7/10

7.   Sonnen Eco

If you want a solar battery with many customisation options, then the Sonnen Eco models are your answer. Each battery has 81.6% round-trip efficiency and 90% DoD, which is pretty good compared to most other options. Each battery has a 10-year warranty and an expansive warranty coverage that can only compete with the likes of the TESLA Powerwall.

It comes in seven battery options that can be customised to assure you of a very high usable capacity. The only complaint you might have is that it ranks pretty low in terms of efficiency.

Pros

•       Excellent Warranty
•       Multiple modular options for easy customisation
•       Large usable capacity
•       Integrated smart energy management software

Cons

•       Low Efficiency
•       Heavier than other models
•       Expensive
•       Not suitable for homes with limited space or indoor installations

Price Range: $13,000 to $16,000

Best For: Best For Customization

Rating: 7/10

8.   LG ESS Home 8

Coming in at 8th position is yet another LG product, specifically the LG ESS Home 8. This solar battery comes with a 14.4 kWh of usable capacity and a 90% round trip efficiency, making it suitable for high energy-consuming homes.

While less popular than the RESU models, this is a great solar battery for your home, and it allows connections with up to four batteries to drastically increase your storage capacity.

Pros

•       Good for high energy-consuming homes
•       Average warranty
•       Sleek and modern design

Cons

•       Expensive
•       Limited Modularity

Price Range: $10,000 – $12,000

Rating: 6.8/10

9.   Hanchu ESS

This brand isn’t as famous as the rest, but it does serve its purpose and performs well to its capacity.

This battery, one of the best solar batteries, comes in two models, the 3.2kWh and 9.4kWh Home L Series battery options, with integrated app management that allows you to check and regulate your power consumption. It has a much lower capacity than other batteries on this list, but this might be the best option if you are looking for something for a small household.

Pros

•       Advanced Safety Features
•       High DoD
•       Sleek design
•       Online monitoring available

Cons

•       Expensive
•       Requires Professional Installation

Price Range:  $5000 upwards

Rating: 6/10

10.  Alpha Smile-B3-Plus

Suppose you are looking for a solar battery perfect for the average household with a moderate budget to spare and average electrical appliance usage. In that case, the Alpha Smile-B3-Plus is the solar battery for you.

The battery has a storage capacity of 4.79kWh, which can be expanded with 6 batteries to gain a total usable capacity of up to 30kWh. The battery is affordable and is best suited for families with low to average-sized budgets to splurge on a solar battery.

Pros

•       Cheap
•       Expandable usable capacity by adding more batteries
•       High depth of discharge

Cons

•       Low usable capacity
•       Low warranty coverage

Price Range: Up to $4000

Rating: 5.7/10

Best For: Best For Price

11. Huawei Luna 2000-10 

If you don’t have much space in your home, this is the best solar battery for you. Huawei produces some of the best solar batteries in the world, but the Luna series is a unique offering in their models.

The Huawei Luna 2000-10 can easily be housed indoors, under the stairs, and easily accessed for installation and maintenance because of its petite size. It also has a very high depth of discharge of 100% and a 5kWh usable capacity, which is suitable for that size.

Pros

•       Very easy to install and maintain
•       Perfect for small spaces

Cons

•       Only works with Huawei Inverters
•       Low Storage Capacity
•       Low Warranty Coverage

Price Range: $1600 to $4000

Best For: Best for small spaces

Rating: 5.5/10

12. Moixa Smart Battery

This battery is only so special for one feature called Gridshare. Gridshare allows you to sell excess energy in your Moixa Smart Battery back to the National Grid. With this feature enabled, you only pay 50% of your electricity costs and would be placed on an unlimited warranty. Isn’t that cool?

In specs, the Moixa is quite basic; it comes with a 4.08kWh usable capacity and an 85% depth of discharge. This product is basically there for its cool Gridshare feature

Pros

•       Gridshare option reduced electricity cost by 50%
•       Unlimited warranty coverage with Gridshare
•       Cheap

Cons

•       Low Usable Capacity
•       Not fit for large households

Price Range: $3,500 – $4000

Best For: Warranty Coverage

Rating: 6/10

13.  Canadian Solar EP Cube

The Solar Cube is a relatively new addition to the solar battery market and hasn’t gotten much popularity or customer base. But it might just be what you are looking for. With a customisable storage capacity ranging from 9.9 kWh to 19.9 kWh in a single unit, it might be flexible to serve your energy needs.

The most miniature set can provide 9.9 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy storage, and you can expand it up to six modules for a total capacity of 19.9 kWh. If you are power-consuming, you can install up to six units and reach a capacity of 119.9 kWh.

Pros

•       Easy to install and expand
•       High Durability
•       Strong Power Output
•       Good warranty

Cons

•       Expensive
•       Requires a lot of space for high-power output

Price Range: $12,000 to $15,000

Rating: 6/10

Best For: Best For Modularity

14.  Bluetti EP900 Home Battery Backup

Although not as efficient as other batteries on this list, the Bluetti is an ingenious invention. It’s an inverter stacked on top of Bluetti’s B500 battery units. The system’s storage capacity depends on how many units are installed, with two battery units giving you about 9kWh.

It has a 10-year product warranty with an 80% guarantee at the end of the warranty and a relatively low 85% round trip efficiency, which is significantly lower than that of its peers.

Pros

•       Modular Design
•       Good warranty policy

Cons

•       Low Round Trip Efficiency
•       Low Depth of Discharge

Price Range: $10,000

Rating: 6/10

15. Franklin Home Power

This is one of the best solar batteries in the world and can handle both heavy power consumption and power surges from heavy-duty appliances like a freezer.

Combining three 13.6 kWh aPower batteries, the Home Power system can provide up to 40.8 kWh of usable energy and large surges like an AC or freezer or both simultaneously.

It has an impressive 12-year warranty coverage and a 100% death of discharge, which is quite a plus considering how unpopular it is.

Pros

•       Can handle heavy power usage and power surges
•       Modular
•       Good warranty coverage

Cons

•       Heavier than other models on this list
•       Only one size available
•       Expensive

Price Range: Up to $18,000

Rating:  7/10

16.                Redback Tech Smart Hybrid

The Redback is a powerful all-in-one system with up to 11.4kWh of usable capacity. It might not be as popular as the other brands, but it has proven to have a very high performance and can handle your house’s power demands.

Pros

•       All in one system
•       Good storage capacity

Cons

•       Not so popular

Price Range: $9,000 to $19,000

Rating: 5/10

17.                Delta BX6.3

Last but definitely not the least. This particular model has a little bit of all the good things: it’s moderately priced, extensively tested for safety and has an inbuilt meter to monitor and track the battery functions. Any malfunction and you will be alerted. The battery has a total capacity of 6.3 kWh, a 10-year warranty and 98% DoD, which is quite impressive.

Pros

•       Built-in monitoring
•       High Depth of Discharge
•       Extensively Tested
•       Cheap

Cons

•       Low Storage Capacity

Price Range: $4,500 – $5,000

Rating: 4.5/10

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between solar batteries and regular batteries?

A1: Solar batteries store energy generated from solar panels and are built to handle the fluctuating power from solar panels, unlike regular batteries, which cannot adjust to fluctuating energy inflow

Q2: How long do solar batteries typically last?

A2: They last between 5 to 15 years, but factors like type of battery, usage and environmental conditions influence the time.

Q3: How do I choose the right size solar battery for my home?

A3: It depends on your energy usage, solar panel system size, and backup power needs. I recommend talking to a solar energy expert or technician for advice.

Q4: Are solar batteries environmentally friendly?

A4: They are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels, and most are recycled after usage.

Q5: Can I expand my solar battery system later?

 A5: Yes, you can, as most solar batteries are modular, allowing for the installation of multiple units.

Q6: Can I run my house on solar battery backup power only?

A6: Yes, but it’s costly and depends on factors like energy usage, solar panel generation capacity, battery capacity​​ , etc.​​.

Q7: What are the different types of solar batteries?

A7: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery types are the most popular. LFP batteries are safer and cooler, whereas NMC batteries have more energy but are hotter​​.

​Conclusion

And that brings us to the end of the article; I hope you have decided on the type of solar battery you will buy now.

If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments below; we would love to read them.

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