Last updated: January 18th, 2024 at 08:13 am
Investing in solar batteries for energy storage is a wise decision that can provide a multitude of benefits, such as improved reliability, decreased energy costs, and heightened sustainability. And whether you’re considering installing solar panels or already have them, a solar battery should be an essential part of your system. However, many people find it challenging to understand battery storage systems, including how they work, which one is the best in the market, and their cost. In this article, we will explore which solar battery is best in the UK market and which one would best suit your needs.
Choosing a solar battery involves considering multiple factors such as battery capacity, cost, efficiency, and suitability for your needs. Here, we will discuss these factors in a comprehensive and step-by-step manner. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the world of solar batteries.
What is a Solar Battery and How it Works?
A solar battery, like any other battery, is used to store energy. But the concept of solar energy is often considered as a battery which stores the excess amount of energy produced by your solar panels and uses the stored energy when needed. This comes in extremely handy during the evening and night when your solar panel isn’t able to generate enough power. The benefits of a solar battery speak for themselves, but the question of which solar battery is best in UK is the million-dollar question. Here, you will find the answer to this question.
Which Solar Battery is the Best in the UK in 2023
Choosing the perfect solar battery for your needs can be a daunting task, but fear not, as the best fit for you will depend on a variety of factors. Do you want one that can store a lot of energy or one that’s affordable? Whatever your preferences may be, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the top solar batteries that are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations, with each one boasting a unique set of advantages in different areas.
Tesla Powrwall 2.0
No debate can be had over the quality and efficiency of the Tesla Powerwall batteries – they are arguably the best in the market. Boasting incredible storage capacity and impressive depth of discharge, the Tesla Powerwall sets the standard for others to follow.
The Tesla Powerwall 2.0 features an AC lithium-ion battery, making it exceptionally compatible with a wide range of solar panels. Not only that, it looks great and operates quietly. Compared to batteries with a similar price tag, the Tesla Powerwall offers superior storage capacity and a significantly higher usable capacity.
| Specification | Value |
| Dimensions | 1150x755x 147 mm |
| Weight | 114kg |
| Depth of discharge | 100% |
| Warranty | 10-years |
| Storage capacity | 14 kWh |
| Usable capacity | 13.5 kWh |
| Max power output | 5.0 kWh |
| Cost | £9,000 |
Huawei Luna 2000-10
What sets the Luna 2000 apart is its ability to provide maximum battery storage capacity in a limited space. With its slim design of only 150mm, it’s easy to install in your garage or under the stair-space, saving you valuable space.
But that’s not all. The Luna 2000 is also waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor installation, and its durable construction ensures that it can withstand harsh, rainy weather. You can rest easy knowing that your energy storage system is secure and protected from the elements.
The Huawei Luna comes in a 5kW module, but it’s expandable up to 10kW, allowing you to customize your energy storage needs. And if that’s not enough, the capacity of a single tower Luna module can be increased up to 15kW, giving you even more flexibility and power.
| Specification | Value |
| Dimensions | 670 x 150 x 960 mm |
| Weight | 139.6 kg |
| Depth of discharge | 90% |
| Warranty | 10-years |
| Storage capacity | 10 kWh |
| Usable capacity | 9 kWh |
| Max power output | 5.0 kWh |
| Cost | £6,700 |
Powervault 3 –
For those seeking energy independence, finding the perfect solar battery can be a complex assignment. Luckily, the Powervault 3 has emerged as a game-changing option, particularly for those who want to live off-grid. The Powervault 3 offers an impressive balance between storage capacity and portability, making it an ideal choice for those who want a powerful battery without sacrificing mobility. While there are batteries with higher capacities available, the Powervault 3 strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a truly versatile option.
Additionally, the Powervault 3 comes with a warranty of ten years or a minimum of 6,000 cycles, providing peace of mind and ensuring that you’ll be powered for years to come.
| Specification | Value | ||||
| Dimensions | 120 x 98 x 25mm to 177 x 98 x 25mm | ||||
| Weight | 129 to 279 | ||||
| Depth of discharge | 100% | ||||
| Warranty | 10-years | ||||
| Storage capacity | 4.1kWh | 8.2kWh | 12.3kWh | ||
| Usable capacity | 4.1kWh | 8.2kWh | 12.3kWh | ||
| Max power output | 3.3kWh | 5.5kWh | 5.5kWh | ||
| Cost | £4,740 | £7,020 | £9,420 | ||
Key stats
- The Powervault 3 can be discharged up to 100%, making it highly efficient.
- The higher capacity versions, especially the 20.5kWh option, are perfect for off-grid living.
- The Powervault 3 offers an excellent balance between portability and storage capacity, making it a versatile option for those on the move.
- Cost: available from 4500 pounds.
Enphase Encharge 10T
Looking for the ultimate all-in-one solar battery solution? Look no further than the Enphase Encharge 10T! With its cutting-edge technology, this top-ranked battery offers numerous benefits that set it apart from the competition. One of the key advantages of the Enphase Encharge 10T is its ability to manage your entire home energy system, not just your solar panels. This means you can switch seamlessly between grid, solar, battery or even generator power, depending on your needs.
And that’s not all – the Enphase Encharge 10T is also the perfect solution for power outages. It can automatically detect when grid power is down and immediately switch to battery power to keep your home up and run.
With the Enphase Enlighten app, you can easily track your power usage and storage, so you always know how much energy you’re using and how much you have left.
| Specification | Value |
| Dimensions | 1283 x 188 x 775 mm |
| Weight | 156.7 kg |
| Depth of discharge | 100% |
| Warranty | 10-years |
| Storage capacity | 10.5 kWh |
| Usable capacity | 10.5 kWh |
| Max power output | 5.7 kW |
| Cost | £8,374 |
Solax
If you’re looking for an affordable battery system, then Solax is the best option for you. It’s ideal for homes with lower energy consumption and storage needs. The Solax system works efficiently and comes with a healthy and long-lasting warranty of ten years or 3,000 cycles.
Although the Solax system may have a shorter lifespan compared to other batteries available in the market, it’s still a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for something relatively affordable right now.
| Specification | Value |
| Dimensions | 338.8 x 445 x 110 mm |
| Weight | 25 kg |
| Depth of discharge | 95% |
| Warranty | 10-years |
| Storage capacity | 3.5 kWh |
| Usable capacity | 3.1 kWh |
Generac PWRcell
The Generac PWRcell battery stands out in the market due to its impressive potential power output of up to 11 kWh. This means that you can power more appliances simultaneously than with any other battery in the market.
Moreover, the PWRcell is a modular unit that allows you to adjust its capacity according to your specific needs. With a maximum power output of 34 kW and a storage capacity of up to 36 kWh (with over 91% usable capacity), the Generac PWRcell is an excellent choice for maximum power and storage.
It is important to note that the PWRcell can only be installed standing up indoors. The battery comes with a 10-years warranty.
| Specification | Value |
| Dimensions | 559 x 254 x 1727 mm |
| Weight | 208 kg |
| Depth of discharge | 96% |
| Warranty | 10-years |
| Storage capacity | 9–34 kWh |
| Usable capacity | 17.28 kWh |
| Max power output | 11 kW |
| Cost | £10,000 |
Fox Ess
Fox Ess battery is an excellent lithium-ion solar batteries brand that works wonderfully for storing extra power generated by solar panels. Fox Ess batteries are great for homes that don’t have a lot of extra room because of how little they are and how efficiently they’re designed. They can be set up with minimal effort because of their lightweight.
Fox Ess battery storage systems are well-known for their exceptional performance thanks to their high energy density and long lifespan. These batteries are cost-effective because of their compact size and long lifespan (up to 15 years with regular maintenance).
The option to add more Fox Ess Batteries in a series configuration is a major selling point for this product. It can store up to 20.48 kWh, making it a great option for homes and companies with fluctuating energy demands.
| Specification | Value |
| Dimensions | 380 x 440 x 167 mm |
| Weight | 19 kg |
| Depth of discharge | 96% |
| Warranty | 10-years |
| Storage capacity | 10.5 kWh |
| Usable capacity | 10.5 kWh |
| Max power output | 7.7 kW |
LG Chem Resu-10H
If you’re looking for a solar battery that offers good value for money, we suggest considering the LG Chem Resu-10H. It’s a well-known choice in the market, made in South Korea. One of the highlights of this battery is its high usable capacity, which is more than 90% of its storage capacity. This means you can make the most out of the energy stored in the battery. Additionally, it’s relatively lightweight, which makes it easier to install and maintain.
If you’re on a budget or have lower energy requirements, there are options with lower capacity available that are cheaper and better suited for your needs.
The LG Chem Resu-10H comes with a warranty of at least 10 years or 6,000 cycles. Overall, this LG solar battery is a great option if you’re looking for good performance and value for your money. and If you’re on a budget or have lower energy requirements, there are options with lower capacity available that are cheaper and better suited for your needs.
| Specification | Value |
| Dimensions | 29.3 x 35.7 x 8.1mm |
| Weight | 220kg |
| Depth of discharge | 96% |
| Warranty | 10-years |
| Storage capacity | 9.8 kWh |
| Usable capacity | 9.3kWh |
| Max power output | 5.0 kW |
| Cost | £4,300 |
How to choose the Best Solar Battery?
You will have to look into several factors before choosing the best solar battery. Here are some of the factors you should consider before purchasing a solar battery.
Battery capacity
Battery capacity refers to the maximum amount of energy that a battery can store at a given time and is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The usable capacity, on the other hand, refers to the amount of energy that can actually be used from the battery. It’s important to note that the usable capacity is typically lower than the actual battery capacity because a portion of the stored energy is used to run the battery itself.
When purchasing a battery for your solar power system, it’s crucial to ensure that the battery capacity matches your solar power production. Oversized or undersized batteries may not be able to keep up with the amount of energy your system produces. In general, a 10 kWh battery is sufficient for most homeowners’ energy needs. By matching your battery capacity to your solar power production, you can maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of your solar power system.
Depth of discharge
This concept is commonly referred to as the depth of discharge (DoD), which indicates the percentage of the battery’s total capacity that has been discharged. It’s important to note that the DoD can also have an impact on the battery’s overall lifespan.
When considering which solar battery is best in UK, it’s worth noting that many battery manufacturers limit the DoD in order to ensure that the battery can operate efficiently over the long term.
Warranty
Whenever you plan to purchase a solar battery, you want to ensure that it lasts for the longest possible time. Each battery available in the market comes with a guaranteed number of cycles, which refers to one complete discharge and one complete charge of the battery.
It’s worth noting that not every use of the battery’s capacity and subsequent recharge will count as a full cycle. For instance, if you only use 60% of the battery’s capacity before recharging it, this will only count as 0.6 of a cycle. When it comes to warranties, most batteries typically come with a 10-year warranty. However, it’s important to ensure that the battery you purchase has a high number of cycle options in order to maximize its lifespan.
Operating temperature
Checking the operating temperature of a battery is an important consideration, as you wouldn’t want to find yourself in a situation where your battery stops working due to extreme temperatures. It’s crucial to choose a battery that can withstand both the highest and lowest temperatures that you may encounter in your area.
When selecting a battery, it’s important to note that some lithium-ion batteries may stop working when exposed to higher temperatures. However, there are other batteries available that are capable of functioning in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C, providing a wider range of usability regardless of the weather conditions.
Conclusion
solar batteries are an excellent investment for anyone looking to harness the power of renewable energy. With the variety of solar batteries available in the UK market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your specific needs. However, by understanding the factors that affect battery storage systems, such as capacity, cost, efficiency, and suitability, you can make an informed decision. The Powervault 3, Tesla Powerwall 2.0, and Huawei Luna 2000-10 are some of the top solar batteries available in the UK. Each battery offers unique features, making them suitable for different purposes. Investing in a solar battery will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but will also provide you with long-term energy independence and peace of mind.
