As the world increasingly shifts towards renewable energy sources, solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular option for both residential and commercial settings.
However, one of the key challenges in using solar power is storing the energy generated during the day to use at night or during cloudy days. This is where solar batteries come in, as they provide a way to store excess energy for later use.
With so many solar battery companies on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. This blog post will explore some of the best solar battery companies and what makes them stand out from the crowd.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to invest in a solar battery for your home or a business owner looking to switch to solar energy, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose Solar Batteries?
One of the biggest advantages of solar batteries is that it allows you to store the energy you produce for use at a later time.
Let’s take a look at a few benefits of solar batteries:
1. Energy Independence
A solar battery is an integral component of an entirely solar-powered home. The battery may store energy during the day and use it at night to power the lights for the entire evening. A solar battery system can also serve as an emergency backup for your off-grid solar system during power shortages.
2. Electric Bill Savings
Solar power batteries, which harness the sun’s energy, can assist consumers in powering their homes. They will be able to buy less from the grid and save money on their electric bill.
With net metering, your utility will credit your electric bill for any excess solar power you transmit to the grid, which will help offset some of your future energy bills. If your utility offers full-retail net metering, installing a solar battery makes little economic sense.
A solar battery makes more economical sense if your utility charges by the hour. Electricity prices vary depending on the time of day with time-of-use pricing. With a battery, you can use your stored energy when electricity is most expensive, resulting in larger electric bill savings.
3. It Reduces Carbon Footprint
Solar energy can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels while protecting the environment. Solar batteries produce solar energy when exposed to sunlight, which may then be utilized to power gadgets or recharge a laptop or phone battery.
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Is A Solar Battery Right For Your Home?
Solar batteries are an excellent investment for homes that reside in locations prone to power outages or where utilities do not provide full-retail net metering. They are also the most effective approach to optimizing the quantity of renewable energy used in your home.
In areas with full-retail net metering, most households do not opt to couple their system with solar batteries – it simply isn’t worth it. Installing a battery will raise the overall cost of their solar system while providing the same savings they would have received without a battery.
Solar batteries supply clean, relatively green, renewable energy to your home that would otherwise have to originate elsewhere. Some localities also provide incentives or rebates to help offset the costs of adding a solar battery to your system. If you qualify for the federal solar tax credit, you may save up to 30% on your battery installation.
How To Choose The Best Solar Battery
There are several solar battery companies in the market. Some are pretty old,, while some are relatively new. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best solar battery before finalizing with the company.
1. Capacity & power
The entire amount of electricity a solar battery can store is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Most home solar batteries are “stackable,” which means you can combine numerous batteries with your solar-plus-storage system to increase capacity.
While capacity indicates the size of a battery, it does not indicate how much electricity it can produce at any particular time. You must consider the battery’s power rating to obtain the complete picture. A power rating in the context of solar batteries is the electricity a battery can deliver simultaneously. Kilowatts are the units of measurement (kW).
A battery with a high capacity and a low power rating would provide a small amount of electricity (enough to power a few critical items) for an extended period. A modest capacity and high power rating battery might power your house for a few hours.
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2. Consider depth of discharge (DoD)
A battery’s depth of discharge (DoD) relates to how much of its capacity has been utilized. For best performance, most manufacturers typically provide a maximum DoD. For example, if a 12 kWh battery has a DoD of 90%, you should not use more than 9 kWh before charging it. A greater DoD indicates you’ll be able to use more of your battery’s capacity.
Because of their chemical nature, most solar batteries must always maintain a charge. When you utilize all of a battery’s charge, its useful life is drastically reduced.
15 Best Solar Batteries Companies
Here is a list of 15 of the best solar battery companies in the US:
- Powerwall (Tesla)
- SunPower SunVault
- Sonnen Eco
- AIMS Power
- Sun Xtender
- BBI
- Enphase IQ
- Simpliphi Power
- Enersys
- Hupsolar
- Power-sonic
- Generac PWRcell
- LG Chem RESU-10H
- U.S. Battery
1. Powerwall (Tesla)
Tesla Motors manufacture power wall devices limited to home and off-grid use. The production facility was first located inside Tesla’s Fremont factory, however it was eventually relocated to Gigafactory 1 in Nevada, USA. Powerwall has grown to be one of the top firms to manufacture lithium-ion batteries, with a warranty of more than ten years.
Powerwall products are a complete solution for homes and small businesses that require no upkeep. Its long life, low prices, safe touch feature, flexible installation, sturdy design, and smart connect function that informs you when the sky is cloudy make it the greatest offer on the market.
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2. SunPower SunVault
SunPower is well-known for its high-efficiency solar panels and has one of the most storage options in our comparison. Its high-capacity LFP battery ensures more efficiency and longevity than other choices.
SunPower Sunvaults are available in two sizes to meet your energy needs: SunVault Storage 13 and SunVault Storage 20. The 13 model has a 12 kWh functional capacity and a 6.8 kW continuous power rating. The 26 model is the largest LFP battery in our assessment, with 24 kWh capacity and 8 kW of continuous output.
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3. Sonnen Eco
The Sonnen Eco has the most battery sizes on our list of best solar companies, making it easy to match the power output of your solar panel installation.
Sonnen Eco batteries have a DoD of 90% and a round-trip efficiency of 81.6%. These batteries are larger and heavier than ordinary solar batteries, weighing between 394 and 830 pounds for the smallest battery.
Sonnen offers a 10-year warranty with a 70% guarantee at the end of the warranty period. Its battery has a 10,000-cycle warranty, substantially higher than the standard 4,000 to 6,000-cycle warranty.
Sonnen Eco batteries are available from Sonnen-certified partners and installers in the United States.
4. AIMS Power
AIMS Power, based in Nevada, claims to be an industry leader in inverter products since 2001. In terms of products, AIMS Corp successfully supplies Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) deep cycle batteries and Gel Cells.
AGM solar batteries are exceptionally reliable and require no maintenance in solar inverters. AIMS is one of the best manufacturer of solar batteries in the United States.
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5. Sun Xtender
Sun Xtender, with its headquarters in California and Concorde Battery Corporation as its parent company, has been a prominent presence in the United States since 1987, developing deep-cycle AGM batteries for grid-connected systems.
Sun Xtender’s thicker grids, manufactured from a lead, tin, and calcium alloy with grain refiners, set it apart from the competition. This ensures corrosion resistance and long float life and cycle capabilities.
6. BBI
Battery Builders Inc., founded in 1950 and headquartered in Chicago, has maintained its beginnings by manufacturing top-grade lead-acid batteries in the United States. The batteries are unique because they are highly inexpensive, recyclable, and require very little maintenance.
Their warranty dealers promise complete installation, disposal, and repair service and comprehensive maintenance programs. Their full-power low-maintenance batteries (FPLM) are the most cost-effective on the market. The output capacity of the solar batteries developed here is in the range of 170-1360Ah.
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7. Enphase IQ
Enphase IQ is renowned for producing high-quality inverters. This technique is implemented into its solar battery, the Enphase IQ (previously known as the Enphase Encharge).
Their battery is compatible with existing solar systems and offers software with information about your power usage.
Their batteries work with Enphase inverters. Enphase IQ batteries are available through the Enphase sales team, online shop, or solar panel installers.
8. Simpliphi Power
The next company on our list of best solar battery companies provides a full discharge of the units without regard for the thermal problems of the lithium-ion packs.
Simpliphi Power, based in Ohai, California, seeks a healthier environment without sacrificing performance. Power storage is available for both on-grid and off-grid applications. Their batteries may be relied with remarkable tolerance even in the world’s harshest and hottest climates, with an efficiency of up to 98%.
9. Enersys
Enersys is another worldwide company in Pennsylvania that provides energy solutions for industrial consumers. It was founded in 1999.
Despite the production of chargers and other battery accessories, the use of various technologies in solar batteries has not been compromised.
VLA, GEL, AGM, SLA, and lithium-ion technologies have created high-quality solar batteries with output capacities ranging from 207 to 3170Ah. With 32 manufacturing locations worldwide, Enersys is a rising star in the market.
EnerSys maintains its spot as one of the top battery manufacturers in the US by providing customers with world-class products and services, achieved via total employee involvement, teamwork, and supplier partnerships.
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10. Hupsolar
This well-known US-based solar battery company sells deep-cycle solar batteries online and offers free shipping inside the United States.
It promises the longest warranty in the industry due to the prominent benefits of superior efficiency, improved reliability, longer life, environmental friendliness, easier installation, and hassle-free maintenance.
HupSolar collaborates with Enersys to manufacture solar batteries, which it sells online with detailed output capacity.
11. Power-sonic
Specializing in all of four solar battery types, VLA, GEL, SLA, and AGM, Power-sonic continues to be a potential leader in the battery business with over 46 years of experience and in possession of ISO 9001 certification.
Its spill-proof architecture, high discharge rate, and cost-effective components emphasize its global impact and significant presence in the United States. The renewable batteries manufactured in San Diego, California, are shipped to over 70 nations with perfect satisfaction.
Power-sonic batteries are produced using the latest technology and equipment to meet users’ demands.
12. Generac PWRcell
The only DC-coupled battery on this list is the Generac PWRCell. It has the highest round-trip efficiency of any other examined option, at 96.5%.
The continuous power rating of each model varies. The M3 model produces 3.4 kW, the M4 produces 4.5 kW, the M5 produces 5.6 kW, and the M6 produces 6.7 kW.
The PWRcell battery’s round-trip efficiency of 96.5% is its defining feature. However, it has a DoD of 84%, which is lower than most of the batteries we tested.
13. LG Chem RESU-10H
The LG Chem RESU-10H is a popular solar battery backed by one of the world’s most reputable electronics companies. It is compatible with existing solar systems and can be stacked for increased storage capacity. At 94.5%, the LG RESU-10H has one of the greatest round-trip capacities for an NMC battery.
The LG Chem RESU-10H is an excellent choice for houses with low energy requirements. It has the smallest useful capacity of the batteries we tested, at 9.8 kWh.
Customers can add up to 32 kWh of storage capacity by combining numerous batteries. The battery has a 5 kW continuous power rating.
The LG Chem RESU-10H has a round-trip efficiency of 94.5%, among the highest of the NMC batteries we tested. It has a 90% DoD.
Compared to other batteries, LG Chem’s guarantee is a tad underwhelming. Even though the manufacturer provides an industry-standard 10-year warranty, there is a low throughput clause of 22.4 MWh.
The battery has a typical end-of-warranty capacity guarantee of 60%, which is lower than the other batteries on this list.
14. U.S. Battery
Based in Corona, California, this company flaunts its batteries for the better, with its deep cycle batteries cutting the market edge.
Batteries for golf cars, marine use, AGM batteries, powerful flooded lead acid batteries, and dependable off-grid solar systems for home solutions to store energy for night-time use make the company a viable industry player.
It manufactures a variety of types for a wide range of applications. The solar batteries’ output capacity range from 35Ah to 1250Ah.
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
The cost of a solar battery depends on the type and size of the battery selected. In general, lead-acid batteries have a lower initial price to the consumer than lithium-ion batteries.
However, depending on how the batteries are used, purchasing a lithium-ion battery may save money in the long run.
Depending on the size and power of the battery, a single lead-acid battery might cost between $200 and $800, or possibly more.
Multiple lead-acid batteries may be required to power an entire residence. The average cost of installing a residential lithium-ion solar battery system falls in the $7,000 to $14,000 range.
Nickel-cadmium and flow battery prices vary greatly depending on the size and scale of the installation. These batteries are not commonly found in residential buildings.
Because of the cost, durability, size, stability in harsh temperatures, and disposal needs when replaced, they are better suited to commercial/industrial environments.
Factors That Determine the Lifespan of Your Battery
Factors like the type of battery you install, how often you use the solar battery, and where the battery is stored, significantly impact how long the battery lasts.
Let’s take a look at a few factors that determine the lifespan of your battery:
1. How Often You Use the Batteries
After a few years, you’ve probably noticed that your laptop or smartphone battery doesn’t last as long between charges. A fully charged battery might have lasted 12 hours when it was new. It now lasts three minutes.
This is inconvenient, but it is unavoidable when it comes to batteries. The more frequently you charge and discharge your battery, the shorter the charge lasts.
That is why the number of years a battery will endure varies so greatly. It is determined not by how many years they have been placed, but by how frequently each solar owner uses them.
Your batteries will not last as long if you have an off-grid system that uses battery power every night instead of a grid-tied system that only uses your batteries when the electricity goes out.
Paying attention to the manufacturer’s suggested depth of discharge, or DoD, is one technique to help your batteries survive longer. DoD is the proportion of the stored energy in the battery that you use.
For instance, suppose your battery has a capacity of 13.5 kWh, and you use 10 kWh of its charge. The discharge depth would be 74%.
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2. Your battery type
Three types of batteries are commonly used in solar storage: lead-acid, lithium-ion, and saltwater. Of these three options, lithium-ion batteries will last the longest. They also offer the best storage capacity, but likely won’t be the least expensive option.
With a cycle duration several times that of other options, the extra money may be a beneficial investment, saving you money in replacement expenses in the long run.
Lithium-ion batteries also have a high DoD rate, frequently reaching 80%, so you can use more stored energy without damaging the battery.
The other favored option today is lead-acid batteries. This type of battery is inexpensive, and its high watt-hour capacity has made them a mainstay in off-grid solar systems. Unlike other options, they last for far fewer cycles, meaning their lifespan will be the shortest.
Lead-acid batteries also have a reduced DoD rate, ranging from 30% to 50%, implying that you can only use a fraction of the energy stored in the battery. While they may be less expensive in the short term, you will most likely have to replace them more frequently, which may cost you more in the long run.
The third choice, saltwater batteries, is a newcomer to the market. They use salt to store and discharge energy rather than corrosive elements, making them exceedingly safe and easy to recycle.
Saltwater batteries will most certainly outlast lead-acid batteries, but not lithium-ion batteries. They also have high DoD rates, which are similar to lithium-ion batteries.
Another thing to mull when choosing a solar battery is the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Many manufacturers will guarantee their batteries for a set number of cycles or a specific time period, which means you won’t be held responsible if you wind up with a subpar product.
3. Where you store your battery
Batteries do not do well in either excessively hot or extremely cold environments. If you can store the batteries in a garage or basement, or an area of the building that is out of the way and reasonably temperature-controlled, your storage system will last longer than if the batteries are exposed to the weather.
Warmer temperatures cause the chemical reactions in batteries to occur more quickly, reducing battery longevity by increasing wear and tear on the battery. In extreme cold, electrons slow down, and chemicals do not last as long as they should, causing the battery to drain significantly faster.
In general, lead-acid batteries are more temperature sensitive than lithium-ion batteries. Many manufacturers recommend maintaining lead-acid batteries at temperatures ranging from 40°F to 80°F.
Lithium-ion batteries can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F and temperatures as high as 140°F. However, storing them in a more moderate climate is still recommended.
Saltwater batteries work best when temperatures are between 23°F and 104°F, giving them a minor advantage over lead-acid batteries. They are not, however, as robust as lithium-ion batteries.
FAQs On Best Solar Batteries Companies
Solar batteries are devices that store electricity generated by solar panels or other renewable sources of energy. They allow homeowners, businesses, and other energy consumers to store electricity generated during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight.
There are several top solar battery companies in the market today, including Tesla, LG Chem, Sonnen, Enphase Energy, and SimpliPhi Power.
Yes, solar batteries can be used off-grid to store electricity generated by solar panels or other renewable energy sources. They are commonly used in remote locations or areas with unreliable electricity grids.
Solar batteries have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years. The lifespan of a solar battery is determined by its type, how well it is maintained, and how frequently it is used.
Conclusion
Solar batteries supply clean, relatively green, renewable energy to your home that would otherwise have to originate elsewhere. Some companies provide financing options to help offset the costs of adding a solar battery to your system.
References
- marketwatch.com – 7 Best Solar Batteries of 2023
- naturalenergyhub.com – Top 10 Solar Battery Manufacturers in USA
- forbes.com – Everything You Need To Know About Solar Batteries
- solarreviews.com – Top 4 benefits of solar batteries in 2022
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