It’s no secret that solar batteries are becoming more and more popular each year.
In Melbourne, homeowners are installing solar batteries to take advantage of the state’s generous feed-in tariff scheme.
But with so many different solar battery brands and models on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for you.
So, which are the best solar batteries for Melbourne homeowners in 2022?
Here, we compare prices, features and benefits so that you can make an informed decision about which battery is best for you. Stay tuned!
Types of solar batteries
There are a variety of solar batteries available on the market in Australia, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
The most popular type of rechargeable battery for solar use is the lithium-ion battery, which can be either lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or nickel manganese cobalt (NMC).
NMC batteries have been the most common in the solar battery market. But the disadvantage of an NMC type solar battery is that it doesn’t retain the charge as well at high temperatures.
It is also more likely to catch fire if mishandled. Another drawback to NMC batteries is that cobalt is used in their manufacture, so they are not as eco-friendly as LFP batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but offer greater storage capacity and a longer lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries are also more resistant to temperature fluctuations and pose less of a fire risk.
What factors to consider when choosing a solar battery?
When choosing a solar battery in Australia, consider the following factors:
1. Capacity – The capacity of the solar battery refers to the amount of energy it can store. It’s best to choose a solar battery capacity that meets your needs.
2. Cycle Life – The cycle life of a solar battery refers to the number of times it can be charged and fully discharged before its performance begins to degrade. It’s best to choose a solar battery with a long cycle life which will allow you to get the most out of your investment.
3. Price – Solar batteries can vary in price, so it’s best to shop around and find one that fits your budget.
4. Warranty – 10 years is pretty standard for a solar battery nowadays, but check on any restrictions, and if warranty support is local.
The best solar batteries for Melbourne homeowners
Last year, the Tesla Powerwall was voted the number 1 solar battery by Australian solar installers, with an impressive 54% of the overall vote.
The Tesla Powerwall 2 is the latest version of the Powerwall and offers various improvements over the original.
If you’re looking for a solar battery that will give you the best value for your money, the Tesla Powerwall 2 is the clear winner. It has a decent 13.5 kWh capacity, which means it can store enough energy to power a regular home.
Tesla Powerwall 2
- Capacity: 13.5kWh
- Battery Technology: Lithium-Ion
- Cycle Life: 5000 cycles at 100% discharge
- Usable Capacity / DoD: 90%
- Price: $11,000 to $13,000*
- Warranty: 10 years
Other notable solar batteries include:
- Delta
- LG Chem Resu
- Sonnen Battery
- Sunny Boy Storage
- Enphase Storage
Delta
Delta’s high-capacity 6kWh solar battery offers a durable solar storage solution with enhanced safety and performance, and zero maintenance.
- Capacity: 6kWh
- Battery Technology: Lithium-Ion
- Cycle Life: 6000 cycles at 80% DoD
- Efficiency: > 97.2%
- Price: $6000
- Warranty: 10 years
LG Chem RESU
The LG Chem RESU 16H Prime is a high-capacity residential solar battery offering off-grid capability and an expandable modular design.
- Capacity: 6.5, 9.8, 13.1kWh
- Battery Technology: Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)
- Price: $8500 to $11,000
- Cycle Life: 6000 cycles at 95% DoD
- Warranty: 10 years
Sonnen Battery
The Sonnen ECO is a modular design solar battery, expandable in 2kW increments to 48kWh. The ECO is a popular retrofit choice by homeowners with an existing solar installation as it is compatible with most solar inverters.
- Capacity: 2kW-16kW
- Battery Technology: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
- Price $8,000 to $14,000
- Cycle Life: 10,000 charge cycles at 80% DoD
- Warranty: 10 years
Sunny Boy Storage
The Sunny Boy solar battery is a cost-effective residential solar storage solution compatible with most solar inverters. Its modular design means capacity can be expanded as required.
- Capacity: 2.5kW
- Battery Technology: Lithium-Ion
- Price: < $2000
- Efficiency: 97%
- Warranty: 10 years
Enphase
The Enphase AC battery™ from Enphase Energy offers the lowest lifetime energy cost for new and retrofit installations.
- Small capacity solar battery: 1.2kWh
- Battery Technology: Lithium Iron Phosphate
- Price $2,000 to $3,000
- Efficiency: 96%
- Cycle Life: 7,300 cycles at max DoD (>95%)
- Warranty: 10 years
Benefits of using a solar battery
There are several benefits of using a solar battery in Australia. Solar batteries help reduce dependence on the grid, saving money on electricity bills.
Solar batteries have many advantages for Australians. For one, they can drastically reduce your power bill by providing energy during peak times when rates are higher.
Additionally, solar batteries can offer a reliable backup power source during an outage – meaning you won’t be left in the dark (literally!) during a storm or other unforeseen event.
To learn more about how you can benefit from our solar storage solutions – contact us.
NOTE: All prices exclude installation costs.