Best Home Solar Battery Systems

Australian Edition

Home storage batteries have been on the market for many years, with numerous varieties and sizes available. This review highlights the leading batteries available for various household and off-grid solar systems. For those new to solar, see our introduction to battery storage, including the pros and cons of home batteries. Also, see our introduction to different types of solar systems, including grid-tie, off-grid and hybrid systems.

Best home solar battery systems 2024: Sigenergy, BYD Powerplus LiFe, Sungrow SBR, FranklinWH.

Battery capacity explained

Battery size or capacity is measured in kWh (kilowatt-hours). This is the total amount of energy a battery can store. However, the usable capacity may differ from the total battery capacity. Generally, the usable capacity is limited to 80 to 90% of the total battery capacity to increase the lifespan and avoid a potential battery shutdown at very low charge levels. For example, a lithium battery with a 10kWh total capacity may have its usable capacity limited to 80%. Therefore, 8kWh of energy can be discharged daily. However, the remaining 10 to 20% is often available in emergencies, such as a prolonged blackout, depending on how the system is programmed. Learn more about battery cycling and how to increase the life of your battery.

How long a battery lasts is directly proportional to how much energy you use. Most households generally use less than 1kW continuously to power lights, TVs and computers. However, when cooking using induction or heating using electric heat pumps, the power consumption typically increases to 2 or 3kW.

Example: A 10 kWh battery with 80% usable capacity can provide 1 kW of power for 8 hours (or 2 kW for 4 hours).

---

Best Home Solar Batteries 2024 - Summary Table

What size battery do I need?

Unfortunately, the one-size-fits-all approach is often taken when it comes to sizing a battery, which can lead to poor performance and not meeting the consumer’s expectations. This is typically due to two main reasons:

• Undersized batteries - do not have enough capacity to meet the overnight household energy requirements.

• Oversized batteries - the solar array doesn’t have sufficient power to charge the battery, typically during the winter months.

To avoid these issues, a battery should be selected and sized according to several important factors, including solar array size (existing or new), system type (on-grid or off-grid), backup power requirements, and most importantly, the evening or overnight energy consumption (kWh). You can use our free solar and battery sizing tool to help determine the correct size battery for your needs. Fortunately, most modern battery systems are modular and scalable so that they can be sized accordingly. With this in mind, we selected the best batteries according to the six following categories:

Battery comparison criteria

Selecting the best battery is difficult due to the many system types or configurations available, each with different performance characteristics. Another layer of complexity is the compatibility issue - many lithium batteries are designed to work with a specific type of hybrid inverter. For example, high-voltage or HV batteries can only be used with an HV-compatible hybrid inverter, while others, such as the Tesla Powerwall 2, are AC-coupled batteries utilising inbuilt inverters which enable them to be retrofitted to a home with an existing solar system. Then, there are modular, rack-mount battery systems designed to work with powerful off-grid inverter-chargers.

With this in mind, selecting the best battery is not straightforward as all battery systems need to be judged on a range of criteria, including:

• Compatibility - With inverters and existing systems

• Modularity - Scalable storage capacity (kWh)

• Power - Continous and peak power ratings

• Cycle life - capacity loss over time

• Warranty - Manufacturers warranted life

• Cost - Battery upfront cost

This might sound overwhelming, but luckily, we have done the hard work for you by performing our own comprehensive testing and gathering feedback from many experienced solar professionals to determine the best battery for each application.

Battery cost comparison

Home battery storage costs vary widely depending on the brand and battery capacity (kWh), costing between $650 and $1100 per kWh installed. For example, a typical 10kWh home battery, excluding inverter, will cost around $7000, plus installation. While an AC-coupled battery, such as the 13.5kWh Tesla Powerwall 2 or FranklinWH, will cost around $13,000, plus installation.

A complete rooftop solar and battery installation, including a 10kWh battery, compatible hybrid inverter and an 8 to 10kW solar array, would typically cost between $15,000 and $22,000, depending on the inverter size, solar panel brand and complexity. Battery prices vary significantly in different countries depending on the exchange rate. Australia is lucky to be one of the world leaders in home battery installations due to having access to a wide variety of affordable batteries from Asia, plus numerous options from Europe and North America.

For a detailed comparison of the upfront and operational costs of various lithium home batteries, see the in-depth analysis of the leading lithium battery systems in the detailed home battery storage review.

---

Sungrow SBR Battery

Best High-voltage Battery System

Sungrow Power Supply Co. was founded by Cao Renxian, a professor at Hefei University of Technology, driven by a vision to enhance electricity access in rural western China through renewable energy sources. This commitment to advancing renewable energy access laid the cornerstone for one of the most successful solar inverter companies globally. Today, Sungrow is one of the world's largest inverter manufacturers, specialising in research and development, manufacturing, and power systems for wind energy, battery storage, electric vehicles, and solar PV systems. Most notably, Sungrow inverters and batteries have proven themselves as some of the best performing and most reliable systems available.

Sungrow SBR Battery specifications

New Sungrow SBH high-power battery system

• Type: DC-coupled battery (High Voltage)

• Chemistry: Lithium LFP cells

• Capacity (SBR): min 3 modules or 9.6kWh with 100% usable capacity

• Capacity (SBH): min 4 modules or 20kWh with 100% usable capacity

• Power: SBR = 5.7kW continuous (3 modules), SBH = 14kW (4 modules)

• Cycle life: approx 4500 cycles (12+ years) - Ref warranty doc

• Price: $7200 for 9.6kWh or approx $750 per kWh

• Warranty: 10 years to 70% minimum retained capacity.

• Compatibility: Sungrow hybrid inverters only

Sungrow SBR Battery Score

• Compatibility: 5/10

• Modularity: 8/10

• Power: 7.5/10

• Cycle Life: 8.5/10

• Warranty: 8.5/10

• Cost: 8/10

The high-voltage Sungrow SBR battery system has emerged as one of the most popular home batteries in Australia and overseas due to its easy setup and installation, competitive pricing, and compatibility with popular Sungrow SH-RT & SH-RS hybrid inverters. The SBR system is scalable and efficient thanks to the lower conversion losses achievable at higher voltages. Each SBR module has a 3.2kWh capacity and is stacked on a base unit with a BMS head unit used as a communication hub to the inverter. One clever feature is the slide-in DC isolator, eliminating the need for an external DC isolator. The battery modules are built using Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) cells, generally considered the safest and longest-lasting battery chemistry. LFP cells contain no Cobalt, meaning they are more sustainable and do not involve controversial mining activities, unlike lithium MNC cells used by other manufacturers.

---

Franklin Whole Home

Best AC-Coupled Battery System

FranklinWH, founded in 2019, is a relatively new company focused on developing innovative home energy management and storage solutions. Based in Silicon Valley, FranklinWH aims to enhance home energy resilience and efficiency through its advanced, all-in-one smart energy storage systems. The company’s primary offering is a sizeable 13.6kWh battery storage system called the Franklin Whole Home solution, designed to compete directly with the popular Tesla Powerwall 2 system of the same capacity. Like the Powerwall 2, the Franklin system is an AC-coupled battery system, meaning it can seamlessly connect to almost any existing solar inverter or microinverter system. However, Franklin has integrated several smart load control and power management features to get an edge over the competition.

FranklinW Whole Home Specifications

• Type: AC battery system

• Chemistry: Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) cells

• Capacity: 13.6kWh with 100% usable capacity

• Power output: 5kW continuous, 10kW peak

• Cycle life: approx 4400 cycles or 12 years - Ref warranty doc

• Warranty: 12 years to 70% minimum retained capacity.

• Price: AU$13,200 inc backup aGate = $960 per kWh

• Compatibility: Any solar inverter or microinverter
  

The Franklin system combines a 13.5kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery with a 5kW integrated inverter and energy management system called the aGate, similar to the Powerwall 2 Backup Gateway but with several additional unique features, including the Smart Circuits module, allowing manual and scheduled control of specific circuits. Built-in energy management also allows for intelligent load prioritisation, enabling homeowners to control which appliances receive power during outages and preserve energy for critical needs. For battery expansion, the aGate also enables up to 15 Franklin battery units to be connected in parallel offering up to 204kWh of storage capacity.

Franklin Whole Home Score

• Compatibility: 10/10

• Modularity: 7/10

• Power: 7.5/10

• Cycle Life: 9/10

• Warranty: 9/10

• Cost: 7.5/10

Additionally, The Franklin Whole Home offers an optional backup generator integration to enable the operation and control of a standby generator (or an Electric Vehicle with V2L) during prolonged outages. This alternative backup AC source controller works in tandem with solar and battery power to deliver a continuous and reliable energy supply, ensuring that critical circuits stay active using all available energy sources. In addition to offering comprehensive blackout protection, the Franklin system is backed by an industry-leading 12-year warranty with solid service and a very good reputation.

---

BYD Premium LVS & HVM

Best Modular Home Battery System

BYD is now the world's third-largest battery manufacturer and one of the leading innovators in lithium battery technology. The Chinese company, first established in 1995, makes Lithium battery systems using LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cells due to the increased safety, stability and lifespan compared to other lithium chemistries. BYD pioneered the modular tower battery concept, with the first generation stackable system launched in 2017, and now boasts a range of modular batteries for high (HV) and low-voltage (LV) systems.

BYD LVS and HVM Battery specifications

The Fronius GEN24 inverter and BYD HVM are an excellent combination for residential energy storage.

• Type: DC battery system

• Chemistry: Lithium LFP prismatic cells

• Capacity: LVS = 4.0kWh per module up to 256kWh, HVM = 2.76kWh per module up to 66kWh

• Power: LVS = 3.3kW per module, HVM = 5kW per module

• Cycle life: up to 6000 cycles (claimed)

• Price: LVS = $760 per kWh (US$530), HVM = $810 per kWh (US$580)

• Warranty: 10 years to 60% minimum retained capacity.

• Compatibility: Fronius, Selectronic, SMA, Victron, Sungrow, Goodwe, Solis.
  
  

BYD HMV Battery Score

• Compatibility: 8.5/10

• Modularity: 10/10

• Power: 8/10

• Cycle Life: 8.5/10

• Warranty: 8/10

• Cost: 7.5/10

The LVS Premium series is a low-voltage (LV) 48V modular tower battery system designed to cater for different energy storage requirements. The LV tower system uses a battery monitoring unit (BMU) to manage and control each 4.0kWh module. Usable capacity is 100%, and up to 6 modules can be installed per tower for a total of 24kWh. For greater storage capacity, multiple towers of 4 modules can be linked together with a maximum of 16 towers, or 256kWh. Note, while the usable capacity is listed at 100%, the real-world capacity will be lower due to common inverter voltage limitations and inbuilt protection to prevent black-start events, which often occur when the battery is drained below 10% state of charge. The BYD Premium LVL series has a much larger 15.4kWh capacity and is designed for larger off-grid, grid-tie and even off-grid energy storage applications. While not technically stackable, it is modular and scalable up to an impressive 983kWh, close to 1.0GWh. The BYD high voltage (HV) batteries are available in two voltage options (HVM and HVS) for different energy storage requirements, depending on which hybrid inverter is used. A popular combination, shown above, is the Fronius GEN24 inverter and BYD HVM battery. Learn more in the detailed BYD battery review.

---

PowerPlus Energy LiFe Premium

Best Off-Grid Battery System

Based on direct experience and feedback from many professional off-grid designers and installers, the self-managed lithium batteries from Powerplus Energy in Melbourne, Australia, stood out as the leading choice for off-grid solar systems. The highly scalable rack mount batteries are available in various sizes and voltage options to suit all kinds of on-grid or off-grid installations. The latest offering in the 48V range is the Life4838P battery featuring 3.8kWh of storage, a new smart BMS, a 63A dual pole circuit breaker and an improved warranty.

Self-managed lithium batteries are a popular alternative to the many managed(*) lithium battery systems from manufacturers such as BYD and Pylontech. Self-managed lithium battery systems do not require a communication connection (CAN-bus) with the inverter and are compatible with almost all leading off-grid inverters. These batteries can be used as a drop-in replacement for older lead-acid battery banks. We should also note that most self-managed battery modules can be ‘hot-swapped’ and replaced without shutting down the system if there is an issue.

(*) Managed lithium battery systems are very reliable but can be problematic, especially at a low state of charge (SOC) and very low temperatures. However, managed batteries provide a higher level of monitoring at the module and cell levels.

Powerplus Energy Life4838P Specifications

• Type: DC battery system (self-managed)

• Chemistry: Lithium (LFP) cells

• Capacity: 3.8kWh with 100% usable capacity (80% DoD for warranty)

• Power output: 3kW continuous, 3.3kW peak (per 48V module)

• Cycle life: 3500 to 5000 cycles (based on DoD)

• Price: approx $2,900 = AU $760 per kWh (US$520)

• Warranty: 10 years to 70% minimum retained capacity.

• Compatibility: Most 48V off-grid or hybrid inverters

PowerPlus Energy Score

• Compatibility: 9/10

• Modularity: 10/10

• Power: 8/10

• Cycle Life: 8/10

• Warranty: 8.5/10

• Cost: 7.5/10

The modular lithium batteries from Powerplus Energy feature high-performance lithium Ferro phosphate (LFP) cells, widely known as the longest-lasting and most stable battery chemistry, backed by a 10-year warranty from a local, reputable manufacturer. Being Australian-based with relatively low volumes, they are not available overseas. However, production volume is increasing with the larger manufacturing facility now in operation. Powerplus Energy also offers similar, more affordable ECO 4.0 and 4.7kWh battery options.

Other reliable off-grid battery options

Due to limited distribution, not all countries can access Powerplus Energy batteries. However, there are several other trusted high-performance, self-managed lithium batteries available, including GenZ, AERL, and the unique long-life Zenaji Aeon lithium titanate batteries, which are other options available in Asia and Australia. In North America, EG4, SOK and Discover AES batteries are very well regarded. Learn more about off-grid batteries in the off-grid solar system review.

---

Sigenergy SigenStor

Best All-In-One Battery System - BESS

Founded in 2017 by the leading engineers from Huawei group, Sigenergy was relatively unknown until the launch of the innovative, all-in-one Sigenstor energy storage system in 2023. Since its inception, Sigenergy has developed a diverse product range that includes high-capacity batteries, hybrid inverters, and smart energy management tools designed for residential and commercial applications. However, the company’s recent boost in popularity was due to the introduction of the first home DC bidirectional EV charger to be fully integrated into a home battery system, placing it as a leading innovator in EV charging and Vehicle-to-home (V2H) storage technology.

Sigenergy Battery Specifications

• Type: All-in-one BESS with optional Bidirectional charger

• Chemistry: Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP)

• Capacity: 5 kWh or 8 kWh battery module options

• Power output: from 5kW to 30kW continuous power output.

• Cycle life: approx 4000 cycles - Ref warranty doc

• Price: $7,500 for 8kWh battery plus 6kW inverter & aGate = $680 per kWh (US$440)

• Warranty: 10 years to 70% minimum retained capacity.

Sigenergy Sigenstor Score

• Compatibility: 7/10

• Modularity: 10/10

• Power: 9.5/10

• Cycle Life: 8/10

• Warranty: 8/10

• Cost: 9/10 (includes solar inverter)

The complete Sigenergy energy storage system consists of an Energy Controller (Hybrid inverter) together with modular, stackable battery units, an optional bidirectional DC charger and a gateway (HomeMax) unit for energy management, grid isolation and off-grid operation, including backup generator control.

The hybrid system is available in an impressive range of sizes with up to 12kW single-phase and 30kW three-phase varieties, meaning it can power even the largest households or small commercial businesses when coupled with adequate battery capacity. With the larger 10 and 12kW single-phase models featuring 4 MPPTs (solar string trackers), the solar capability is very good, enabling multiple strings with a wide operating voltage range and high 20A input current rating for larger, more powerful solar panels. Smart load controls

The Lithium LFP battery modules are stacked together in the sleek-looking tower system, enabling up to 48kWh per stack using six 8kWh modules. For larger commercial systems, up to 20 Sigenstor towers can be connected in parallel, offering up to 960kWh of total energy storage capacity.

Other quality BESS systems

There are many other great all-in-one BESS systems available, including the new Tesla Powerwall 3, which is a very close contender regarding backup power and features but falls short due to only being offered as one battery size and power rating, which does not fit all households budget or energy requirements. Other notable BESS options include the Sonnen hybrid system and the Australian-made Redback smart hybrid system, which was the previous winner in this category.

---

Battery life and degradation explained.

Most home energy storage batteries installed around the world are less than eight years old, so real-world performance and degradation data is incomplete. However, data gathered so far via the testing and monitoring of various (lithium) home battery systems suggests an 8 to 15+ year lifespan. The life of a battery is generally determined by the depth of discharge and the number of charge and discharge cycles, or total energy throughput (kWh). All batteries lose capacity over time, with the end-of-life generally after a lithium battery has lost around 30% of its original capacity; based on the data gathered and the manufacturer’s warranty specifications, this will generally occur after ten years. However, lithium battery cell technology is constantly advancing, and some batteries, such as the Lithium Titanate (LTO) variety from Zenaji, are designed to last over 20 years. See our article on lithium battery life, which explains how to maintain a battery to increase lifespan.

ITP battery test centre results showing battery degradation over time - Image credit ITP renewables

ITP Renewables, based in Canberra, Australia, conducted battery performance tests from 2016 to 2022. The accelerated testing program performed in a variable climate-controlled lab to simulate real-world conditions produced some fascinating results, with only two battery systems (Sony and PylonTech) passing all tests without issues or premature degradation. Based on the final results from ITP, battery end-of-life is estimated to be 3000 to 4500 cycles or 9 to 12 years. For more information about the different lithium battery types, see our detailed Home Battery Storage Guide.

---