Top 10 solar batteries in the Australian market.
A solar storage battery stores excess electricity for use at a later date. Using the best solar batteries to store electricity at peak times is a great way to save money on your electricity bills.
Initially, the majority of solar power systems did not include batteries as part of the package. This was because the excess energy that a solar power system created was pumped directly back into the electricity grid. However, recent technical innovations have seen this change, that excess energy can now be stored for use during peak times. As a result, batteries are now an important part of the modern solar power system.
If you installed a solar power system to your home that didn’t include a battery, it is now possible for you to retrofit one into your existing system. Alternatively, if you are looking to install a whole new system to your house, it is a good idea to select one with a high-performance solar storage battery.
Best Solar Batteries currently out there:
Here are some of the best options currently available to you in the Australian solar storage battery market.
#1 Empower Elektrobank
The ElektroBank is a hybrid solar PV inverter and lithium-ion battery. This cool new design also includes a water-heater controller feature and comes as a grid-integrated device.
Our Best Choice
The all-in-one design delivers allows Empower to boast of having the lowest cost per warranted kWh solar storage system in Australia. The battery itself automatically adjusts battery charging and discharging to minimize peak period consumption.
| Price | $12,980 incl. GST and installation in NSW |
| Visit | https://empowerenergy.com.au/solar-battery-storage/ |
| Capacity | 14kW |
| Price per warrantied kWh | Lowest cost: Includes inverter and installation cost |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Power Output | 3kW continuous |
| Efficiency | 94% |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Size | 60cm x 100cm x 21cm |
| Weight | 95 KG |
#2 Tesla Powerwall
Designed by American engineering giants, Tesla, the Powerwall came to the Australian market in 2016. It is usually installed as part of a package deal along with solar panels and inverter, but it can be purchased individually for a retrofit.
Small and Compact
This lithium-ion battery is small and compact compared to many competitors and comes with a 10-year performance warranty. It is known for being low maintenance and easy to install. With its 14kWh capacity and 5 kWh output this is one of the most powerful batteries on the market…hence the name.
| Price | $8,750 |
| Visit | https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/powerwall |
| Capacity | 14 kWh |
| Price per warrantied kWh | $0.23 |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Power Output | 5 kW continuous, 7 kW peak (10 seconds) |
| Efficiency | 90% |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Size | 115cm x 75cm x 15cm |
| Weight | 125 KG |
#3 Enphase AC Battery
This is a versatile and affordable lithium-ion battery.
The Enphase comes at a low cost, however, when you factor that the average solar system will probably require two to three batteries to achieve optimum performance, the cost does increase. It also comes with a 10-year-performance warranty.
Easy installation
With its easy installation, this battery represents a great option for retrofitting to an existing solar power system. It is compatible with most solar systems and despite its low power output, it can be stacked to create the ideal combination for your particular system.
| Price | $2,000 |
| Visit | https://enphase.com/en-au/products-and-services/storage |
| Capacity | 1.2 kWh |
| Price per warrantied kWh | $0.48 |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Power Output | 260W per module |
| Efficiency | 96% |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Size | 39cm x 32.5cm x 22cm |
| Weight | 25 KG |
#4 Redflow ZCell
Australian company, Redflow have developed an alternative to the industry standard lithium-ion battery. Their Zinc bromide Flow battery is said to be chemically safer than its counterpart.
Expected Energy Warranty
Originally designed for use on the commercial market, their batteries are still a little bulky in size and weight. The ZCell comes with a 10-year warranty and can discharge 100% of its stored energy, which is unheard of in the industry.
The Redflow is one of the first battery companies to offer an “energy throughput” warranty. This provides a warranty based on the total expected energy output of the battery as opposed to its expected cycle life.
| Price | $12,600 |
| Visit | https://redflow.com/ |
| Capacity | 10 kWh |
| Price per warrantied kWh | $0.35 |
| Battery Type | Zinc Bromide Flow |
| Power Output | 3kW continuous, 5kW peak |
| Efficiency | 80% |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Size | 115cm x 100cm x 50cm |
| Weight | 290 KG |
#5 LG Chem RESU 10
Global electronics powerhouse, LG currently accounts for almost 50% of Australia’s solar battery market. The LG Chem RESU 10 is one of three storage battery options from this well-respected retailer.
Fits Many Power Systems
LG’s 48V series batteries are available in sizes of 3.3kWh, 6.5kWh and 9.8kWh. This variety in size and capacity means LG provide a viable option for almost any home power system.
The small and lightweight batteries are a great option for people looking to install a new solar power system. However, they can not be purchased individually which means a retrofit is impossible.
| Price | $8,800 |
| Visit | https://www.lgchem.com/us/main |
| Capacity | 10 kWh |
| Price per warrantied kWh | $0.30 |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Power Output | 5 kW continuous, 7 kW peak (3 seconds) |
| Efficiency | 95% |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Size | 48cm x 45cm x 23cm |
| Weight | 75 KG |
#6 Fronius
Austrian manufacturer Fronius has several options in solar battery storage. Their batteries range from 4.5kWh to 12 kWh in capacity and are known for their efficiency and depth of discharge.
Their high-performance lithium battery comes with an impressive life expectancy of 20 years, however, the company only offers a 7-year warranty at best.
Good for Complete Systems
Fronius batteries come with a solar inverter built-in, so they are incompatible with many existing solar systems. As a result, they represent a better option for customers looking for a complete system as opposed to those looking to retrofit a battery to their existing system.
| Price | $20,000 |
| Visit | https://www.fronius.com/en-au/australia/ |
| Technology | Lithium iron phosphate battery |
| Warranty | 7 years when registered online |
| Price per warrantied kWh | $0.81c |
| Usable capacity | 9.6kWh |
| Efficiency | >90% |
| Power | 6.4kW |
| Cycle life | 8,000 at 80% depth of discharge |
| Weight | 176kg |
| Dimensions | 955mm x 570mm x 611mm |
#7 Deep Cycle System
These Australian made lithium-ion batteries are available in both 5 and 10 kWh systems. At 27 cents per warrantied kWh, they offer good long time cost value which is protected by a 10-year warranty.
Light and Compatible
The battery itself is one of the most lightweight on the market and relatively easy to install. The DCS model is also compatible with a wide range of inverters and therefore a great retrofit option.
This is one of the most versatile and price competitive batteries on the market.
| Price | $9,998 |
| Visit | deepcyclesystems.com.au |
| Capacity | 10 kWh |
| Price per warrantied kWh | $0.27 |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Power Output | 5.12 kW continuous, 10.24 kW peak. |
| Efficiency | 98% |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Size | 78cm x 55cm x 22cm |
| Weight | 100 KG |
#8 ELMOFO E-Cells ALB52-106
Going with another Australian based company, ELMOFO batteries have positioned themselves as a good mid-range option for the consumer who is looking to customize.
Continuous 5 kWh Power
The amusingly named ELMOFO E-Cells is small and light and provides a continuous 5 kWh power output. It has an exceedingly high 40 kWh peak output which is unheard of in the industry but not necessarily important for the efficiency of your system.
It has a warranty of 10 years and is compatible with most systems which makes it a great option for those who want to customize or retrofit their solar power system.
| Price | $8,190 |
| Visit | e-cells.com.au |
| Capacity | 5.5 kWh |
| Price per warrantied kWh | $0.51 |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Power Output | 5kW continuous, 40 kW peak |
| Efficiency | 96% |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Size | 37cm x 32cm x 23cm |
| Weight | 41 KG |
#9 Sonnenbatterie Eco 9.43
Australian company ZEN Energy has teamed with German solar engineering firm Sonnen Batteries to provide an extensive product range to the Australian market.
Good for First-Timers
Originally a commercial retailer, they now offer several residential battery options as part of their all in one battery inverter package. This means that they are not the best option for retrofitting to an existing system, but they do provide a good, if expensive, option for first time solar installation.
| Price | $16,500 |
| Visit | https://sonnen.com.au/sonnenbatterie/ |
| Capacity | 13.5kWh |
| Price per warrantied kWh | $0.34 |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Power Output | 3.3kW |
| Efficiency | 95% |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Size | 67cm x 186cm x 23cm |
| Weight | 200 KG |
#10 Trinabess Powercube 2.0
The Powercube was designed to be a good retrofit option with existing solar panels. However, it is only compatible with its own inverter so it is not 100% customizable.
Good Lifetime Value
This is a battery that offers good lifetime value and with its size should not pose any problems with installation. It matches up power-wise with most of the options on the market and would be a good choice for most homes.
| Price | $9,790 |
| Visit | http://www.trinaenergystorage.com/ |
| Capacity | 9.6 kWh |
| Price per warrantied kWh | $0.31 |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Power Output | 3kW continuous |
| Efficiency | 94% |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Size | 60cm x 100cm x 21cm |
| Weight | 95 KG |
Rapidly Growing Industry
This is only a brief breakdown of the leading battery manufacturers and retailers. It is a good guide but in no way comprehensive.
The Australian solar power industry is growing at a rapid rate. As a result, more and more options are becoming available.
If you have any questions or concerns concerning solar batteries or solar power in general, please contact us and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments sections below.
