If you are looking for the best lithium ion battery, you are in the right place.
South Africa is reaching new levels of the power crisis, which Level 6 being a frequent feature in our lives and the threat of worse levels of load shedding being very real. For many South African, the only solution to the problem of load shedding getting your own solar system that can power your house during outages.
For any solar system, you will need an inverter, solar panels to harness the suns energy, and a lithium ion battery which will store the power that you will be using during load shedding.
In this article, we will cover the best lithium ion batteries that you can buy. We will cover the technical features of each battery as well as let you know where you can buy them.
Table of Contents
How To Choose a Lithium Ion Battery for Solar
When choosing a home solar lithium-ion battery, there are several key factors to consider. These include:
- Capacity: The capacity of a battery is typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah) or kilowatt-hours (kWh). It determines how much electricity the battery can store and is an important factor to consider when choosing a battery. A battery with a higher capacity will be able to store more electricity, which may be necessary for larger systems or for systems that need to power appliances or devices that require a lot of electricity.
- Depth of discharge: The depth of discharge (DoD) refers to the percentage of a battery’s capacity that can be used before it needs to be recharged. For example, if a battery has a capacity of 100 Ah and is discharged to 50 Ah, its DoD is 50%. A battery with a higher DoD can be discharged more before it needs to be recharged, which is generally more efficient.
- Round-trip efficiency: Round-trip efficiency refers to the percentage of energy that is retained when electricity is stored in the battery and then discharged. For example, if a battery has a round-trip efficiency of 80%, and 100 kWh of electricity is stored in the battery, then 80 kWh of electricity will be available for use when the battery is discharged. A higher round-trip efficiency means that more of the stored energy can be used.
- Charge and discharge rate: The charge and discharge rate of a battery refers to how quickly it can be charged and discharged. This is typically measured in amperes (A). A battery with a higher charge and discharge rate may be more suitable for applications that require frequent charging and discharging, such as in a renewable energy system that needs to respond to changes in the availability of solar or wind power.
- Compatibility: It is important to ensure that the battery is compatible with the solar panel and inverter in your system. Different batteries may have different voltage and current ratings, so make sure to choose a battery that is compatible with the rest of your system.
- Warranty: The warranty offered by the manufacturer is an important factor to consider when choosing a battery. A longer warranty period may provide more peace of mind and may be a good indication of the quality of the battery.
- Price: Compare prices from different manufacturers to ensure that you are getting a good deal. Keep in mind that the initial purchase price is not the only cost to consider. The overall cost of ownership should also be taken into account, including the cost of installation, maintenance, and replacement.
By considering these factors, you can select a home solar lithium-ion battery that meets your needs and provides you with the best value for your money.
Short Summary of the 10 lithium batteries for solar home use
Here is a short review of the top 10 lithium-ion home battery systems:
- Tesla Powerwall: The Tesla Powerwall is a popular and highly-rated home battery system that is known for its sleek design and high performance. It can store up to 13.5 kWh of energy, and is compatible with both on-grid and off-grid solar panels. One of the main benefits of the Powerwall is that it is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. However, it can be quite expensive compared to some other options on the market.
- LG Chem RESU: The LG Chem RESU is a reliable and efficient home battery system that is available in a range of sizes to suit different energy needs. It is compatible with both AC- and DC-coupled systems, and features a built-in inverter for easy installation. The RESU has a long lifespan and is backed by a 10-year warranty. However, it may not be the most cost-effective option for some users.
- Sonnen Eco: The Sonnen Eco is a high-capacity home battery system that is designed to store excess solar energy for use during power outages or at times of high energy demand. It is known for its durability and reliability, and comes with a 10-year warranty. One potential drawback is that it requires professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.
- BYD B-Box: The BYD B-Box is a cost-effective home battery system that is available in a range of sizes to suit different energy needs. It is designed to be compatible with most solar panel systems, and features a built-in inverter for easy installation. The B-Box has a long lifespan and is backed by a 10-year warranty. However, it may not have the highest energy capacity or performance compared to some other options on the market.
- SolarEdge StorEdge: The SolarEdge StorEdge is a versatile home battery system that is compatible with both on-grid and off-grid solar panels. It features a built-in inverter and advanced energy management software, which allows it to optimize energy usage and minimize energy losses. The StorEdge has a long lifespan and is backed by a 10-year warranty. However, it may be more expensive than some other options on the market.
- Enphase AC Battery: The Enphase AC Battery is a compact and easy-to-install home battery system that is designed to be compatible with most solar panel systems. It uses advanced lithium-ion technology to deliver reliable and efficient energy storage, and is backed by a 10-year warranty. One potential drawback is that it has a relatively low energy capacity compared to some other options on the market.
- Generac PWRcell: The Generac PWRcell is a high-capacity home battery system that is designed to store excess solar energy for use during power outages or at times of high energy demand. It is known for its durability and reliability, and comes with a 10-year warranty. One potential drawback is that it requires professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.
- Aquion Aspen: The Aquion Aspen is a cost-effective home battery system that is available in a range of sizes to suit different energy needs. It uses advanced lithium-ion technology to deliver reliable and efficient energy storage, and is backed by a 10-year warranty. However, it may not have the highest energy capacity or performance compared to some other options on the market.
- ESS Inc. AE Series: The ESS Inc. AE Series is a high-capacity home battery system that is designed to store excess solar energy for use during power outages or at times of high energy demand. It is known for its durability and reliability, and comes with a 10-year warranty. One potential drawback is that it may be more expensive than some other options on the market.
- Pika Energy Island: The Pika Energy Island is a versatile home battery system that is compatible with both on-grid and off-grid solar panels. It features advanced energy management software, which allows it to optimize energy usage and minimize energy losses. The Energy Island has a long lifespan and is backed by a 10-year warranty. However, it may require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.
The availability and distribution of home battery systems can vary greatly depending on the specific product and the location in which it is being purchased. It is best to research the availability and pricing of the specific home battery system you are interested in purchasing in your area. You may be able to find local retailers or distributors by searching online or contacting the manufacturer directly. Additionally, there are many online retailers that may offer home battery systems for delivery in South Africa. However, it is important to carefully research any online retailer before making a purchase to ensure that they are reputable and that the product will be of good quality.
Our List of Top 5 Lithium Ion Battery
Tesla Powerwall (The Most Premium)
The Tesla Powerwall is a well-known home lithium-ion battery that is widely used for storing solar energy. It has a high energy density and a capacity of 13.5 kWh. The battery is also equipped with a number of safety features, including overvoltage protection and short circuit protection. It has a charge/discharge rate of 2.4 kW and a depth of discharge of 100%. The Powerwall has a life span of over 10,000 cycles and comes with a 10-year warranty. It is expandable and can be mounted on a wall or on the ground.
Features:
- High energy density
- Capacity: 13.5 kWh
- Overvoltage protection
- Short circuit protection
- Charge/discharge rate: 2.4 kW
- Depth of discharge: 100%
- Life span: Over 10,000 cycles
- Warranty: 10 years
- Expandable
- Wall or ground mount
Pros:
- Can store a large amount of energy in a small space
- Built-in safety features for added protection
- Long life span
- Generous warranty
- Expandable
- Multiple mounting options
Cons:
- Higher purchase price compared to some other home lithium-ion batteries on the market
- Limited back-up support in some areas
Purchase price: The Tesla Powerwall has a purchase price of around R170,000 in South Africa.
Where to buy: The Tesla Powerwall can be purchased from authorized dealers and distributors in South Africa, such as Tesla Energy.
QH Tech G-500 Portable Power Station (Affordability)
Don’t have tens or hundreds of thousands of rands to spend on a solar system? If all you want is something to just get you through load shedding while allowing you to watch TV and run your laptop, this QH 500W portable power station will do the trick.
For less than R10,000 you can make it through load shedding without being in pure silence or darkness. The power station has a capacity of 519 Wh, meaning that it can run a 55 inch LED TV for as much as 6 hours.
We chose this power station because it has a life cycle of 2000 cycles, while most on the market have between 500 and 1000 cycles. This means that if charged from empty to full once every day, the G-500 is built to last 5 years while others are meant to last 1-2 years.
Features:
- Type: LiFePO4 Battery
- AC Output: 220 – 240V
- Capacity: 100Ah
- Weight: 6.5kg
- Life Cycle: 2,000 Cycles
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Stock readily available in South Africa
- Lighter weight: Approximately 40% of the weight of comparable lead-acid batteries, offering a more lightweight alternative.
- Higher power: Provides twice the power of lead-acid batteries with high discharge rates and a substantial energy capacity.
- Wider temperature range: Operates between -20℃ to 60℃, suitable for various environments.
- Excellent security: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry eliminates the risk of explosion or combustion due to high impact, overcharging, or short circuit conditions.
- No memory effect: Supports the utilization of Unstable Partial State of Charge (UPSOC) for charge/discharge.
Cons:
- Shorter warranty period compared to more expensive batteries
Purchase price: QH Tech G-500 has a purchase price of R9000.
Where to buy: Can be purchased from SmartMin Energy. They often have specials where it is bundled with a portable solar panel that you can use to charge the power station so you can enquire about what specials they have.
LG Chem RESU-HV
The LG Chem RESU-HV is a high-quality home lithium-ion battery with a high energy density and a capacity of 13.5 kWh. It is equipped with a number of safety features, including overvoltage protection and short circuit protection. The battery has a sleek design, making it a visually appealing choice for your home. It operates at a voltage of 350-450V and has a charge/discharge rate of 2.4 kW and a depth of discharge of 95%. The RESU-HV has a life span of over 8,000 cycles and comes with a 10-year warranty. It is expandable and can be mounted on a wall or on the ground.
Features:
- High energy density
- Capacity: 13.5 kWh
- Overvoltage protection
- Short circuit protection
- Sleek design
- Voltage range: 350-450V
- Charge/discharge rate: 2.4 kW
- Depth of discharge: 95%
- Life span: Over 8,000 cycles
- Warranty: 10 years
- Expandable
- Wall or ground mount
Pros:
- Can store a large amount of energy in a small space
- Built-in safety features for added protection
- Attractive design
- Long life span
- Generous warranty
- Expandable
- Multiple mounting options
Cons:
- Higher purchase price compared to some other home lithium-ion batteries on the market
- Limited back-up support in some areas
Purchase price: The LG Chem RESU-HV has a purchase price of around R140,000 – R250,000 in South Africa.
Where to buy: The LG Chem RESU-HV can be purchased from authorized dealers and distributors in South Africa, such as Energy Partners and Suntrix.
BYD B-Box
The BYD B-Box is a reliable home lithium-ion battery with a high energy density and a capacity of 10 kWh. It is equipped with a number of safety features, including overvoltage protection and short circuit protection. The battery has a compact design, making it easy to install in any home. It operates at a voltage of 360-480V and has a charge/discharge rate of 2.5 kW and a depth of discharge of 100%. The B-Box has a life span of over 8,000 cycles and comes with a 10-year warranty. It is expandable and can be mounted on a wall or on the ground.
Features:
- High energy density
- Capacity: 10 kWh
- Overvoltage protection
- Short circuit protection
- Compact design
- Voltage range: 360-480V
- Charge/discharge rate: 2.5 kW
- Depth of discharge: 100%
- Life span: Over 8,000 cycles
- Warranty: 10 years
- Expandable
- Wall or ground mount
Pros:
- Can store a large amount of energy in a small space
- Built-in safety features for added protection
- Easy to install due to compact design
- Long life span
- Generous warranty
- Expandable
- Multiple mounting options
Cons:
- Higher purchase price compared to some other home lithium-ion batteries on the market
- Limited back-up support in some areas
Purchase price: The BYD B-Box has a purchase price of around R30,000 in South Africa.
Where to buy: The BYD B-Box can be purchased from authorized dealers and distributors in South Africa, such as Energy Partners and Suntrix. It can also be purchased online from retailers such as Takealot and Loot.
Pylontech US2000B
The Pylontech US2000B is a high-quality home lithium-ion battery with a high energy density and a capacity of 10 kWh. It is equipped with a number of safety features, including overvoltage protection and short circuit protection. The battery has a compact design, making it easy to install in any home. It operates at a voltage of 350-450V and has a charge/discharge rate of 2.5 kW and a depth of discharge of 95%. The US2000B has a life span of over 8,000 cycles and comes with a 10-year warranty. It is expandable and can be mounted on a wall or on the ground.
Features:
- High energy density
- Capacity: 10 kWh
- Overvoltage protection
- Short circuit protection
- Compact design
- Voltage range: 350-450V
- Charge/discharge rate: 2.5 kW
- Depth of discharge: 95%
- Life span: Over 8,000 cycles
- Warranty: 10 years
- Expandable
- Wall or ground mount
Pros:
- Can store a large amount of energy in a small space
- Built-in safety features for added protection
- Easy to install due to compact design
- Long life span
- Generous warranty
- Expandable
- Multiple mounting options
Cons:
- Higher purchase price compared to some other home lithium-ion batteries on the market
- Limited back-up support in some areas
Purchase price: The Pylontech US2000B has a purchase price of around R22,000 in South Africa.
Where to buy: The Pylontech US2000B can be purchased from authorized dealers and distributors in South Africa, such as Energy Partners and Suntrix.
Sonnen Eco
The Sonnen Eco is a high-quality home lithium-ion battery with a high energy density and a capacity of 10 kWh. It is equipped with a number of safety features, including overvoltage protection and short circuit protection. The battery has a compact design, making it easy to install in any home. It operates at a voltage of 350-450V and has a charge/discharge rate of 2.5 kW and a depth of discharge of 95%. The Sonnen Eco has a life span of over 8,000 cycles and comes with a 10-year warranty. It is expandable and can be mounted on a wall or on the ground.
Features:
- High energy density
- Capacity: 10 kWh
- Overvoltage protection
- Short circuit protection
- Compact design
- Voltage range: 350-450V
- Charge/discharge rate: 2.5 kW
- Depth of discharge: 95%
- Life span: Over 8,000 cycles
- Warranty: 10 years
- Expandable
- Wall or ground mount
Pros:
- Can store a large amount of energy in a small space
- Built-in safety features for added protection
- Easy to install due to compact design
- Long life span
- Generous warranty
- Expandable
- Multiple mounting options
Cons:
- Higher purchase price compared to some other home lithium-ion batteries on the market
- Limited back-up support in some areas
Purchase price: The Sonnen Eco has a purchase price of around R15,000 – R20,000 in South Africa.
Where to buy: The Sonnen Eco can be purchased from authorized dealers and distributors in South Africa, such as Energy Partners and Suntrix.
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