Prices, Specs, and Reviews
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. When the sun is not shining, solar systems cannot produce electricity. As a result, solar batteries are a popular energy storage solution for solar systems. Homeowners can save green energy when they need it most, including grid outages, bad weather, or any time your system is not producing solar power. However, batteries aren’t essential for a solar panel system, and they do increase the cost of going solar.
We looked at the top-selling and most popular home solar batteries to determine the best options on the market today. Here’s our review of the best solar batteries you can find in 2023.
When selecting the best solar battery, you should look for capacity, duration, battery type, and cost.
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| Battery | Capacity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| LG RESU | 9.8–16 kWh | $5,000–$11,000 |
| Panasonic EverVolt | 17.1 kWh | $13,000–$20,000 |
| Sonnen Eco | 5–20 kWh | $6,100–$30,000+ |
| SunPower SunVault | 13–39 kWh | $16,000–$26,000+ |
| Tesla Powerwall 2 | 13.5 kWh | $9,200–$14,200 |
*Price does not include solar battery labor costs. Installation costs vary based on battery features and manufacturer and can cost several thousand dollars.
Let’s examine the leading batteries available for home solar energy systems. These products are all manufactured by companies that provide strong warranties and produce high-quality energy storage systems.
LG is a Korean company known for its durable electronics. It is one of the largest lithium-ion battery manufacturers. There are two types of LG RESU batteries — the LG 16H or 10H Prime. Each type has 95% efficiency, which is how much the battery can supply your system after considering the amount of energy it takes to function. LG guarantees that its RESU solar batteries will maintain a 70% minimum capacity for 10 years.
EverVolt is modular, so you can pair multiple batteries for additional storage capacity. Using the EverVolt app, you can manage your battery charge levels, energy consumption, and backup power on the go. Known for its electric car batteries, Panasonic guarantees that its home solar batteries will maintain a 60% minimum capacity at the end of its 10-year, 6,000-cycle warranty.
Sonnen is a German battery manufacturer that allows you to select a battery size in a range of options to fit your home energy needs. The Sonnen eco all-in-one battery system contains an inverter and can easily fit in an indoor area, such as your garage. Sonnen storage batteries are a popular option for residential and small commercial solar battery banks. Plus, they have a 10-year or 10,000-cycle warranty.
SunPower is a trusted name in high-quality, efficient solar panels. The SunVault solar battery seamlessly integrates with the SunPower Equinox system to provide a whole-house green energy solution. The SunVault monitoring app lets you view battery performance data and manage your energy storage preferences. This solar energy storage system has an impressive 10-year warranty with unlimited cycles. It guarantees the battery will maintain 70% minimum capacity and includes labor for repairs.
The Tesla name is associated with advanced clean energy products, including its sleek electric vehicles (EVs). This home solar energy storage battery is 90% efficient and has an impressive battery warranty. Tesla guarantees the Powerwall 2 will maintain 70% minimum capacity at the end of 10 years with unlimited cycles.
There are several important considerations to examine when selecting a battery for your home solar system, including storage capacity, peak output, continuous power, cost, warranty terms, and roundtrip efficiency. Just like a battery for your home electronics, it’s critical for solar batteries to hold their charge for extended periods and provide power when you need it most.
It is also important for solar storage batteries to integrate well with other solar energy components. An experienced solar energy installer can design an energy storage system that merges with your solar equipment. Choose Energy can connect you with a solar battery installer near you.
Until about a decade ago, most solar batteries were lead-acid, like the ones found in most gas-powered cars. However, these batteries have a relatively short lifespan and require regular maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries have become popular in electronics, EVs, and solar storage batteries because they are compact, charge quickly, and last for many years.
Most advanced lithium-ion solar batteries fall into two categories: Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) or lithium ferrophosphate (LFP). Just like there are pros and cons to solar energy, there are also positives and negatives to each solar battery chemistry. The best home storage battery for your household likely depends on your energy goals and project budget.
Because there are advantages to both NMC and LFP battery chemistries, each type is widely used in home solar energy storage systems. If you want a compact battery, a lower upfront cost, and the ability to endure colder temperatures, an NMC battery is a good choice. However, if durability, safety, and a longer lifespan are top priorities, LFP solar batteries are best.
Should I get a solar battery?
You must install batteries if you want your solar panel system to provide power during outages. Unfortunately, adding solar batteries will increase the cost of your solar system significantly, but you can still recover 30% of it with the solar tax credit. Solar systems with batteries are also popular for off-grid homes.
What are the common misconceptions about solar batteries?
A common myth about solar batteries is that if the power goes out, a solar battery will run your whole house for a long period of time. A solar battery will allow primary functions to continue, such as the blower on the furnace, LED lights, and refrigerator. However, even with a full charge, the best solar batteries will power most homes for a limited period, especially in cloudy weather. Therefore, most solar homeowners prioritize which electric loads to run during power outages.
Can I add a battery to my solar panel system later?
Yes, you can retrofit your existing solar system by adding batteries. However, AC-coupled solar batteries are easier to incorporate with existing solar systems without replacing your existing inverter because they contain a built-in inverter. Some of the leading AC-coupled batteries are the Panasonic EverVolt, Sonnen eco, and the Tesla Powerwall.
What else should I know about solar batteries?
Your solar installer will likely have a preferred solar battery. If you decide to get a solar battery storage system, you may want additional information on the battery that comes with your solar PV system. Other common questions to ask your installer about solar batteries include:
