Best Solar Battery Products
The best solar battery products you need to know in 2022 are the Sonnen ECO 5, Discover 48V Lithium, Tesla Powerwall, Crown CR430 FLA, and FullRiver DC400-6 with a sealed AGM battery. These batteries are excellent for storing solar energy for later use.
With advances in battery storage technology, many people are looking to upgrade their solar systems. But there are many solar storage systems in the Australian market. So, it’s beneficial to learn about them to make an informed purchase.
This post will discuss the top solar battery products in 2022.
Read on to understand why these products stand out and how to make an informed solar battery purchase.
What’s a solar battery?
A solar battery is a battery charged with energy from the sun. It is an extra component in your solar PV system that stores energy for later uses, like in the evening.
Although solar batteries are similar to car batteries, they are not the same because they perform different functions. A car battery will help you start your car’s engine, but it cannot meet the needs of a solar-powered household.
Solar PV systems connected to the electricity grid allow property owners to continue receiving electricity during off-peak hours when the solar panels can’t meet their needs. At peak production, excess energy will be sent back to the grid.
But when you have a solar battery, it can store the surplus and power your home during off-peak hours.
Can you go off-grid with solar batteries?
You can go off-grid with solar batteries if your electricity usage is around 5 to 15 kilowatt-hours per day. If your energy consumption is above this range, going off-grid may cause you to lose the comfort you used to enjoy. Solar batteries are an excellent way to save costs on electricity bills.
To go off-grid, you need to change how you use electricity to become hyper-efficient or purchase a large solar-plus-storage system.
Best solar battery systems in 2022
| No# | Make & Model | Category | Capacity | Cost per kWh (AU) |
| 1 | Discover 48V Lithium Battery | Best Overall Off-Grid Battery | 7.395kWh | $6,479 |
| 2 | Sungrow SBP4K8 | Best small battery up to 5kWh | 4.8kWh (max 3 modules) | $4,000+ |
| 3 | Tesla Powerwall | Best AC-coupled battery system (retrofit) | 13.5kWh (max 3 modules) | $10,800 |
| 4 | Sonnen ECO 5 | Best all-in-one battery system for homes | starts from 5 kWh (2 modules) up to 15 kWh maximum (8 modules) | $15,000 |
What kind of battery is best for a solar system?
Lithium-ion batteries are the best options for a solar system because of their excellent energy-saving trait. They have high charge and discharge efficiencies and supply more cycles than lead-acid. Other types of solar batteries include Nickel Cadmium and Sodium Nickel Chloride.
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-ion batteries are among the most-used options for solar systems worldwide. Unlike other battery types with a three-stage response to a battery charge, Lithium-ion batteries have a unique voltage range and a two-stage response to charging. You can charge them with a voltage regulator charge controller.
Lithium-ion batteries have a low self-discharge, but it’s not a good idea to charge them long-term. This low-maintenance solar battery has a long lifespan but costs more than lead-acid.
This battery is excellent for delivering ancillary services to the grid, as it can supply more cycles than lead-acid. However, it may need a protection circuit for current and voltage regulation.
Pros
- Low self-discharge rate
- High energy density
- Low maintenance
- High cell voltage
- Variety of types available
- No requirement for priming
Cons
- Requires protection
- Not very affordable
Lead Acid
Lead-acid batteries are popular energy supply sources for off-grid areas. These batteries are famous for their high power and discharge current but low energy. They are toxic by nature, so it’s best to dispose of them correctly after use.
Lead-acid batteries take about 14 hours to charge completely.
They come in two different types for solar panels: valve-regulated (VRLA) and flooded lead-acid batteries. The VRLA has two different types gel (for cold temperatures) and absorbed glass mat (for warm temperatures).
VRLA batteries are sensitive to temperature, and this is a major challenge if you’re looking for a permanent alternative to your grid supply. The flooded lead battery needs proper ventilation and water to function.
Pros
- Comes in all shapes and sizes
- Can withstand long term inactivity
- Does not require any maintenance
- Long life cycle
- Offers the best value for power and energy per kWh
- Highly reliable
Cons
- Can cause harm to the environment if not properly disposed
- Low self-discharge
Nickel Cadmium
Nickel-cadmium batteries can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. This low-maintenance battery type offers different sizes and performance levels and a long lifespan. It is not the perfect choice for permanent off-grid supply because of its high discharge rate and low energy density.
It is toxic and thus requires to be disposed of properly to prevent harm to our environment.
Pros
- Affordable
- Fast recharging
- Fast and simple charge, even after prolonged storage
- A high number of recharges possible
- Long shelf life
- A high number of charge/discharge cycles
- Good load performance
Cons
- Can cause harm to our environment if not disposed of properly
- Not a permanent solution due to high discharge rate and low energy density
Sodium Nickel Chloride
Also known as ZEBRA cells, Sodium Nickel Chloride batteries are known for their zero emissions and high recyclability. This battery type makes for an excellent backup choice for grid supply due to its high energy density. It requires no maintenance or ventilation.
Pros
- Broad operating temperature range
- No fire risk
- Fully recyclable and non-toxic
- Does not need a cooling system
Cons
- Low expected cycle life
- More expensive cost-per-kWh than lithium-ion batteries of similar capacity
What you should check when buying a solar battery storage system
Some important criteria for choosing an excellent battery for your solar storage system include round-trip efficiency, capacity, and solar battery life.
Depending on what you hope to use the system for (backup or main supply), you can choose which kind of solar battery would best serve you.
Round-trip Efficiency
A solar battery’s round-trip efficiency is the amount of energy you get from your battery after it consumes its share of the stored energy. The best solar batteries have the highest percentage of round-trip efficiency. That’s why Lithium-ion solar batteries are the best, with about 95 per cent round-trip efficiency.
Batteries with a high round-trip efficiency have a high conversion rate of solar power to electrical energy. The implication is that you won’t need too many solar panels and batteries, depending on how you configure the system.
Capacity
A solar battery’s capacity is the amount of electrical power it can store at once. The heavier the battery, the higher the capacity. Lithium batteries have a high energy density, giving them more capacity than all lead-acid batteries.
For instance, two lithium-ion solar batteries can power 5.1kW, but you will need about eight lead-acid batteries to get the same job done. Lithium-ion batteries are great for hard-to-reach because they allow you to fit more capacity into less space.
Charge rate
The charge rate measures the speed at which a solar battery is refilled when connected to a charger. It is a function of capacity and is expressed in fractions.
Solar battery life and warranty
A solar battery’s life indicates its ability to preserve its capacity. Your battery backs up from a discharge in one charge cycle, which measures its lifespan. A warranty shows that you can depend on a brand or product, and solar batteries are not an exception.
Depth of discharge (DoD)
The depth of discharge is the part of the battery’s capacity that you can use before harming its lifespan. Generally, you don’t consume 100% of the battery’s capacity. The recommended DoD for optimal battery usage is a minimum of 40 per cent. If a battery has a 10kWh capacity and 40% DoD, you shouldn’t consume more than 4kWh before recharging it.
Lithium-ion and sodium nickel chloride batteries have a DoD of 80 per cent.
The DoD of lead batteries is 50 per cent, and nickel-cadmium batteries are rated at 15 per cent.
The best batteries for solar power storage
Your choice of battery for solar power storage depends on different factors such as budget, application, and expectations for upkeep. The best battery to meet your needs depends on your lifestyle demands.
Here’s a list of some top solar batteries for solar power storage:
Best AC coupled battery (retrofit) – Tesla Powerwall 2
With a 13.5 kWh energy capacity, the Tesla Powerwall 2 is one of the best on-grid solar batteries you will ever come across. It weighs 251.3 lbs (114 kg) and has a Round-trip efficiency of 90%. This lithium-ion battery comes with an inverter and system controller.
If durability is what you are looking for, you can’t go wrong with the Tesla Powerwall 2. The battery is equipped with a dust and water resistance feature. It costs about AU$10,800 plus $1,800 for a backup gateway.
Tesla Powerwall 2 standout features:
- Seamless backup transition
- 13.5kWh usable storage capacity
- 10-year warranty
- Advanced liquid thermal management system
- AC coupled battery with integrated charger/inverter.
Best small battery up to 5kWh – Sungrow SBP4K8 battery
Sungrow SBP4K8 is a single moderate-sized lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 4.56 kWh. If you need a solar battery to install outdoors, the SBP4K8 stands as a perfect choice. It can withstand temperatures from -10 degrees to 45 degrees Celsius.
The SBP4K8 comes with smart hibernation technology to keep the battery healthy in the long run. This battery is well-rounded as far as efficiency, capacity, and features are concerned. It costs about $4000.
Here are some standout features of the SungrowSBP4K8 battery:
- 95% Round-trip efficiency
- One-click firmware updates
- Simple setup for multiple batteries
- Usable capacity of 4.56 kWh
- Smart hibernation technology
- Resistant to extreme temperatures
- Remote monitoring
Best Overall Battery for homes – 5kWh Sonnen ECO 5 smart battery storage system
Sonnen is one of the most-talked-about solar batteries in the Australian solar market. The Sonnen ECO’5 system is similar to the Tesla Powerwall 2. It’s an AC coupled lithium-iron-phosphate battery that features a built-in power inverter.
The Sonnen ECO 5 AC battery has a 5kWh capacity between 5 kWh ( with 2 modules). If you are looking for an excellent retrofit option, the Sonnen ECO is perfect. You can buy one for about $15,000.
The 5kWh Sonnen ECO 5 battery has the following features::
- All-in-one battery system for homes
- 81.6% Round-trip efficiency
- 2.25 kWh usable capacity for each module (total capacity of 5.0 kWh)
- 10,000 cycles or a 10-year warranty
Best Value Off-Grid Battery for Homes – Crown CR430 FLA Battery
The Crown CR430 flooded lead-acid battery offers the best value for off-grid systems. It is great for people who are comfortable with hands-on DIY projects. This battery offers capacity and reliability at a great price.
Here are some standout features of the Crown CR430 FLA Battery:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Higher density lead oxide on the plates
- Lower internal resistance due to one-piece solid cast design
- Superior performance
- Long battery life and uniform consistency
Best battery for energy resale – Discover 48V Lithium Battery
The Discover 48V Lithium Battery stands as an excellent choice for people looking to sell the energy generated by their solar panels. Utility companies charge more during peak use time (in the evening). That is the best time to sell energy generated by your solar PV system.
The Discover 48V Lithium battery is perfect for this type of use. It has an energy storage that holds daytime energy so that you resale it to the utility company for a profit. This battery has a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries.
The Discover 48V Lithium battery is better than many other battery types in terms of affordability. It protects you from future changes in your utility rates. It is highly recommended for people living in places with high demand charges, time-of-use rates (TOU), or no net metering.
Discover 48V Lithium Battery standout features:
- 15 per cent more efficient than lead-acid batteries
- Integrated Battery Management System
- Delivers 95% of its capacity at high and stable voltages
- 1/3 the weight of their lead-acid battery
- High performance
- No negative effects from Partial State of Charge (PSOC)
Best Off-Grid Battery for Vacation Homes – Fullriver DC400-6 AGM Battery
The Fullriver DC400-6 AGM Battery is an excellent choice for off-grid vacation homes that are not regularly visited. It requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect since you won’t be on-site most of the time. This battery has a low capacity, but this is good since you don’t need year-round storage.
The Fullriver DC400-6 AGM Battery is affordable, making it good for a property where you won’t spend much time.
Here are some standout features of the Fullriver DC400-6 AGM Battery:
- Long cycle life and low internal resistance
- Superior cranking performance
- Deep Cycle VRLA battery with the high reserve capacity
- Amperage: 415AhmAh
- Voltage: 6
Best for RV/mobile system – Crown 6CRV220 SLA
Designed for remote and mobile applications, the Crown 6CRV220 is a high-powered quality battery. It offers quality and performance at an affordable price. This highly durable battery is safe and easy to install.
The Crown 6CRV220 comes with a full three-year warranty. If you need a battery for RV and mobile systems, the Crown 6CRV220 is an excellent choice.
Features of the Crown 6CRV220 SLA battery:
- Grid plate block battery
- Reserve capacity: 105 / 75
- Valve regulated lead-acid batteries
- Maintenance-free
- Capacity: 20 / 220 Ah
The best off-grid solar batteries
Some of the best off-grid solar batteries on the market are Battle Born LiFePO4 and Fullriver AGM sealed lead-acid batteries. These batteries come to arrive fully charged and ready to go.
Battle Born LiFePO4
Battle Born LiFePO4 lithium-ion batteries are popular for their cost-effectiveness, versatility, and ease of installation. They are useful in off-grid applications such as golf carts, powering campers, and boats. The manufacturer, Battle Born, focuses on producing nontoxic, renewable energy.
Battle Born LiFePO4 lithium-ion batteries charge very quickly. Their unlimited mounting capability differentiates them from lead-acid batteries. The Battle Born LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery comes with a 10-year warranty and costs about $949.
Features of the Battle Born LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery:
- 100A continuous output, 200A surge output
- LiFePO4 Chemistry
- Ten-year warranty
- Lightweight and versatile
- Lithium-ion technology
- Safe, non-toxic, and renewable
Fullriver AGM sealed lead-acid battery.
The Fullriver AGM is a top choice thanks to its low internal resistance and high reserve capacity. It offers the safety and convenience of valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) sealing technology. This deep-cycle battery is excellent in terms of performance.
With dual top terminals, you have more installation flexibility, enabling recreational and industrial deep-discharge applications. The Fullriver AGM battery costs about $639.
Features of the Fullriver AGM sealed lead-acid battery:
- High capacity and long life
- Enhanced electrolyte retention maximises capacity
- True deep cycle construction for long life
- Superior conductivity
- Rugged construction, shock and vibration resistant
- Safe operation of batteries
- Sealed to prevent acid leakage
The top cheap solar batteries
Some of the most reliable and affordable solar batteries on the market include Universal Power Group deep-cycle VRLA battery, Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, and Weize 12V deep-cycle AGM battery.
Universal Power Group deep-cycle VRLA battery
The Universal Power Group deep-cycle VRLA battery is versatile, durable, and affordable. It stands as a perfect choice for mobile charging systems or home solar power storage. With its SLA/AGM technology, the Universal Power Group deep-cycle VRLA battery is spill-proof and low maintenance.
This battery works perfectly for solar systems in small campervans, cabins, and boats. The Universal Power Group deep-cycle VRLA battery costs about $179.99 and comes with a one-year warranty.
Universal Power Group deep-cycle VRLA battery standout features:
- SLA/AGM maintenance free, spill-proof
- One-year warranty
- Long battery life
- Easy to install
- Durable
Weize 12V deep-cycle AGM battery
The Weize deep-cycle AGM battery is popular for its long service life and high performance. Thanks to its valve-regulated design, it is a perfect option for small, enclosed spaces. This battery serves many universal purposes, such as off-grid applications, uninterruptible power supply systems, trolling motors, and emergency lighting.
The Weize12V deep-cycle AGM battery has a heavy-duty, calcium-alloy grid. The manufacturer has a 30-day refund policy and offers a one-year warranty for this battery. You will find screws included in the package, which costs about $174.99.
Weize12V deep-cycle AGM battery standout features:
- Easy to install
- Long service life
- Highly durable
- Valve-regulated design
Vmaxtanks AGM deep-cycle batteries
Vmaxtanks AGM deep-cycle batteries are known for their amazing storage capacity. These batteries are maintenance-free and highly durable, thanks to quality military-grade panels. They stand as an excellent off-grid choice for residential photovoltaic solar panel systems, wind turbines, and smart chargers.
Be sure to pair the Vmaxtanks AGM deep-cycle battery with a quality inverter if you want to get the most out of it. This battery has a lifespan of about ten years and costs $289.99.
Features of the Vmaxtanks AGM deep-cycle battery:
- Superior custom built Military Grade Alloys
- Superior custom built Military Grade Alloys
- Maintenance-free
- 12-month warranty and 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- No dangerous toxic gas release
Best solar batteries for RVs
Based on longevity and buyer reviews, the best solar batteries for RVs are Trojan Battery T-105 and Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery.
4 Pack Trojan Battery T-105 Plus
Also known as a wet lead-acid battery, the four-pack Trojan Battery T-105 Plus is a deep cycle flooded battery that is great for recreational vehicles. This maroon-coloured 6-volts battery is made of Polypropylene. It is highly durable and offers superb performance.
With the Trojan’s grid technology, you have an excellent structural adhesion between the grid frame and the Alpha Plus Paste. The 4 X Trojan Battery T-105 Plus battery has a long battery life, thanks to its T2 technology.
4 X Trojan Battery T-105 Plus standout features:
- T2 technology
- Trojan’s Alpha Plus Paste
- Durable build
- Tested and approved to IEC standards
- Calcium grids
Renogy Rechargeable Deep Cycle Pure Gel Battery
The Renogy Rechargeable Deep Cycle Pure Gel Battery is durable thanks to its robust and heavy-duty build. This battery has a low self-discharge measure and is reliable.
The Renogy Rechargeable Deep Cycle Pure Gel Battery has a spill-proof, leak-proof design and requires minimal to zero maintenance.
Renogy Rechargeable Deep Cycle Pure Gel Battery standout features:
- Triplex sealed structure
- Spill-proof and leak-proof
- Long battery life
- Low discharge rate
- Maintenance-free
How many solar panel batteries do you need?
The number of solar batteries you require depends on your power usage, the size of your system, and what you’re looking to achieve with your battery. However, the most popular size of solar battery is the single unit 14kWh. It is suitable for solar systems with a size of 5 to 6.6kW.
This size is enough to keep your home running when the sun is not shining. People who want to go off-grid will need a battery 4 to 5 times bigger. This way, they will have power even on cloudy and rainy days.
Are solar batteries worth it?
You will benefit greatly from a solar battery storage solution if you live in places that experience frequent power outages. Solar batteries are also great in offering battery incentives or zero full-retail net meterings.
Pairing solar panels with batteries is becoming increasingly popular today. While there are good reasons to invest in solar batteries, it might not be the best option for people who are only looking to save money.
People living in areas that offer full retail net metering will be saving the same amount of money with or without solar batteries. In such cases, the only benefit of having a battery is peace of mind in the event of a power outage.
Conclusion
Solar batteries help store energy from your solar PV system for later use. You may also sell this stored energy to your utility company for a profit. Choosing the best solar battery can be overwhelming with the numerous options out there.
Some of the best solar battery products you need to know in 2022 are the Discover 48V Lithium, Tesla Powerwall 2, Crown CR430 FLA, FullRiver DC400-6 with a sealed AGM battery, and Sonnen ECO 5. Make sure you consider features like round-trip efficiency, capacity, and solar battery life before buying a battery.
Feel free to contact Instyle solar if you need assistance during your solar battery purchase!
Next Steps…
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