Best Solar Batteries of 2024

Best Solar Batteries of 2024

What is the best solar battery overall?

After extensive testing, we have selected the Bluetti EP900 Home Battery Backup as the best overall solar battery for 2024, surpassing the Tesla Powerwall. The EP900 system impressed us with its power, warranty, modular design, and price transparency. It's important to note that our evaluations are based on a backup power scenario. Not all batteries offer a one-size-fits-all solution. The EP900 is a strong option for home use, but another model might better align with your specific energy needs.

For more information, visit our website.

If you have rooftop solar panels, they might generate more energy than you can use immediately. Utilities may pay for this excess energy through net metering, but you can also store it in a battery for later use. A fully charged battery allows you to avoid peak charges under time-of-use rates, reduce utility dependency, utilize solar energy at night, and have a reliable power source during blackouts.

I've spent considerable time examining battery specification sheets and consulting industry experts to understand how these systems function and what matters most for homeowners. This led to a scoring methodology (detailed below) focused on home backup purposes. If your primary aim is time-of-use offset or joining a virtual power plant, then our top picks might not fit your needs. Given the high investment in home batteries, it's vital to explore all options and get multiple quotes from installers before making a decision.

Can solar panels save you money?

Curious about how solar can impact your home? Provide some basic details below, and we'll give you an immediate free estimate of your energy savings.

Best Solar Batteries of 2024

1. Bluetti EP900 Home Battery Backup
Best overall

The EP900 Home Battery stands out with its powerful and modular design. Offering three capacity options and a remarkable 9 kW output at any size, the system is priced transparently on Bluetti's website. However, it is slightly less efficient than some competitors.

• Performance: 6/10
• Warranty: 8/10
• Capacity & Modularity: 9/10

Pros:

• High power output
• Solid warranty
• Modular design
• Transparent pricing

Cons:

• Lower round-trip efficiency
• Lower depth of discharge

The EP900 features an inverter stacked on Bluetti's B500 battery units. The setup offers a capacity ranging from 9 kWh with two units to 39.6 kWh with an additional system. The 9 kW power output is consistent across all capacities and doubles to 18 kW with two systems. It comes with a 10-year warranty and an 80% end-of-warranty capacity guarantee. Although slightly cheaper than similar options, it has lower depth of discharge (90%) and round-trip efficiency (85%) ratings.

For more details, visit OMMO.

2. Tesla Powerwall 3
Best well-rounded battery

The Tesla Powerwall 3 improves upon the Powerwall 2, maintaining a 13.5 kWh capacity but almost doubling the power output to 11.5 kW. It lacks modularity, price transparency, and robust customer support and is available in only one size.

• Performance: 8/10
• Warranty: 10/10
• Capacity & Modularity: 6/10

Pros:

• Unlimited cycle warranty
• Well-rounded performance and efficiency

Cons:

• Limited modularity
• Insufficient customer support

One Powerwall holds 13.5 kWh, and you can add another for more capacity. The Powerwall 3, like its predecessor, should offer an unlimited cycle warranty. Its power output is significantly improved, with a continuous output of 11.5 kW. The round-trip efficiency is 89%, and the available customer support leaves more to be desired.

3. Enphase IQ Battery 5P
Best lower capacity battery

The IQ Battery 5P offers solid performance in a 5 kWh capacity, delivering up to 7.68 kW peak power and 3.84 kW continuous power. However, it falls short in price transparency and modularity but shines with robust customer support.

• Performance: 7.5/10
• Warranty: 7/10
• Capacity & Modularity: 6.5/10

Pros:

• High power output
• Excellent customer support
• Good performance specs
• Competitive price

Cons:

• Non-modular design
• Lack of price transparency

The IQ Battery 5P offers 5 kWh capacity with solid 90% round-trip efficiency and 98% depth of discharge. It comes with a 15-year warranty and multiple robust customer support options. Since it's non-modular, capacity expansion requires purchasing additional batteries.

4. Generac Pwrcell
Best modular battery

The Generac Pwrcell offers a modular design, making it a top choice for those seeking flexibility. It consists of small battery modules housed in a cabinet and boasts high round-trip efficiency. However, its depth of discharge, warranty, and price transparency could be improved.

• Performance: 6/10
• Warranty: 5/10
• Capacity & Modularity: 9.5/10

Pros:

• Modular design
• Good performance and efficiency
• Robust customer support

Cons:

• Must be paired with solar panels
• Low depth of discharge
• Lack of price transparency

The Pwrcell's modular setup allows incremental increases in capacity, with each cabinet holding 9 to 18 kWh, expandable to 36 kWh. It features high round-trip efficiency (96.5%) but a depth of discharge (84%). The 10-year warranty is less than stellar, and the price is not publicly listed.

5. SolarEdge Home Battery
Best warranty

The SolarEdge Home Battery stands out with its unlimited cycle warranty and high round-trip efficiency. It has some drawbacks in modularity, price transparency, and customer support options.

• Performance: 7.5/10
• Warranty: 10/10
• Capacity & Modularity: 4/10

Pros:

• Excellent warranty
• High round-trip efficiency
• Good overall performance

Cons:

• Poor customer support options
• Non-transparent pricing
• Lacks modularity

The SolarEdge Home Battery offers 9.7 kWh of usable capacity and boasts a standout unlimited cycle warranty. With a 94.5% round-trip efficiency and a 100% depth of discharge, it offers reliable performance. However, it's not modular, requiring additional units for capacity upgrades.

Explore options at OMMO.

How do solar batteries work?

Solar batteries store excess electricity generated by solar panels, saving energy that can be used when the panels aren't producing, such as at night or during cloudy weather. The stored energy can also provide power during outages and help offset expensive electricity rates.

Pros and cons of solar batteries

Solar batteries have both advantages and disadvantages. They can lower electricity costs, offer backup power during outages, and reduce grid dependency. However, they are often expensive and might require multiple units depending on your home's needs.

• Backup power during outages
• Offset high electricity costs
• Reduced reliance on the grid
• Easier monitoring of energy consumption

• High cost
• Might require purchasing multiple batteries

How to choose the best solar battery for your home

When selecting a solar battery, your budget will likely be a major factor, but consider other aspects like the battery's capacity, output, and intended use. Modular batteries offer more flexibility for future upgrades. Compare warranties, as most lithium-ion batteries last 10-15 years. Evaluate all your options and seek quotes from multiple installers to make an informed decision.

For more details on products, visit OMMO.

Visit 600W Storage Battery for more information, and get professional guidance.