Clean Energy Review

Reviews
Deep Dive - ReneSola Review

ReneSola is recognised by Bloomberg New Energy Finance as a Tier 1 manufacturer and offers
top quality panels at very affordable prices.
Sep 8, 2015
Best solar panels review

Review of the best and most popular solar panels on the market.
Panel Review Summary

Information
What are mono silicon, poly silicon and thin film solar panels?
Introduction into solar panel technology.
Aug 24, 2014
Deep Dive - ReneSola Review

September 8, 2015
Quality and Value
Martin Newkirk
Jason and I visited the Australian head-office of ReneSola in Melbourne to catch up with their
very knowledgeable Marketing Manager, Samir Jacob. Sitting around a table made out of a
Virtus II solar panel, Samir gave us the low down on ReneSola. The company started in China in
2005 as a silicon wafer manufacturer for solar panels. In 2007 they began producing their own
ReneSola branded panels, and in 2008 they were listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
ReneSola is now a true global powerhouse with production facilities in Turkey, South Africa,
India, Taiwan as well as China, and over 30 offices worldwide across North America, South
America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. They also still sell silicon wafers to other solar
panel manufacturers around the world.
ReneSola is recognised by Bloomberg New Energy Finance as a Tier 1 manufacturer (more
about that here) and offers top quality panels, but the company does not focus on producing
super high efficiency panels like Sunpower, BenQ and FirstSolar. As discussed in our Best Solar
Panels Review article, there is seldom need to pay premium pricing for high efficiency. Quality
and efficiency are not always related, and its rare for consumers to be financially better off by
paying premium prices to maximise a roof space. In my opinion consumers are almost always
better off to buy a quality system at a good price, thereby getting the best payback period or
getting the biggest system for their money. Consumers can also be convinced to pay a premium
based on the country a panel is manufactured in. However, as we have seen more and more,
panels and wafers manufactured in China without a doubt offer premium quality (think Trina and
Yingli) at a good price.
Its important to note that whilst ReneSola panels may not be super high efficiency, the Virtus
II temperature coefficient (Tco) is one of the lowest we have seen at -0.40%/C. We will talk more
about temp. coefficient in another article, but in short this measurement tells us how well the
panel will perform in hot temperatures, and Virtus II gets a big tick here. Another important
factor that all quality panels must have is to be PID free. All ReneSola panels imported to
Australia are certified PID free.
Samir Jacob with a frameless solar panel from ReneSola
There are a few panel manufacturers on the market that offer similarly good value (like Trina and
Canadian Solar), but ReneSola takes this a step further by also selling good value inverters and
balance of system products as full packages to retailers (and in Australia directly to installers).
That makes it easy to get all your products from one place and to have one point of contact for
any warranty issues. ReneSola has teamed up with a number of inverter manufacturers under the
Replus brand name, including an all-in-one hybrid model. In the next couple of months they will
also offer Alpha ESS energy storage solution which will work with the hybrid inverter for a solar
with battery storage solution. ReneSola has engineers around the world which work with a team
in China to ensure these OEM offering are up to the companys standards, and meet regulator
requirements in different regions. Whilst we like that ReneSola is working with these inverter
companies, we would prefer for the products not to be rebranded. Rebranding makes it difficult
to know exactly what you are buying and difficult for a customer to check out reviews and
information on the original manufacturer and product.
There is lots to like about ReneSola and the way they operate. They focus on manufacturing a
single successful product (polycrystalline solar panels) and incorporate quality products from
other manufacturers into their product offerings. This seems to make business sense and ensure
quality and value. ReneSola may not offer super high efficiency, or a panel manufactured in the
US or Europe, but what they do offer is a very high quality panel at a very reasonable price.
Best Solar Panels Review

May 15, 2015
Marty Newkirk
For a summary table of our panel review and our Solar Specialist's ratings click here.
It is more difficult to distinguish between high quality panels than it is inverters, because panels
are a much simpler technology, and they look very similar. However, ourSolar Specialists have
had a lot of experience with many different panels, and do have their favourites. Our three main
considerations for deciding on the best panels are quality, service and value, check out my article
on our criteria when rating solar products for more on that.
There are a few solar manufacturers that do stand out in terms of quality and performance.
Sunpower (USA), which offers a much higher than standard 25 year product warranty and BenQ
Solar (Taiwan) both offer modules that have over 20% efficiency, compared to a standard 250W
module that is around 15.4%. But high efficiency is expensive and I dont think worth paying for
unless you lack roof space. Another two premium panels are QCells (now owned by Hanwha)
and REC (a Norwegian company that manufactures in Singapore). QCells is well regarded as
high quality but also has a high price tag. REC offer very good panels that many solar
professionals in the blogosphere love, they are in the medium to high price bracket.
Our Solar Specialists like a range of panels. Brett Hekman of Rockys Electricalthinks Phono is
the best panel available and also offers the best value. John OBrien of Eko Connect really likes
the build quality of the LG including details like the junction box. He says its ahead of its
time. Trina Solar (who make the Trina Honey) stand out to me in terms of great performance for
a good price. Its the favourite of two other Specialists as well, and gets 9/10 for quality. OBrien
says its high performing, is a proven manufacturer and offers great value for money.
Other panel manufacturers that some of our Specialists think are decent quality and value are ET
Solar, Jinko, TDG and ReneSola. Also a special mention to Yingli, which is the largest panel
manufacturer in the world and Suntech, which used to be the biggest but has fallen from grace
since having some financial problems though is still well regarded.
Dont be put off by a panel just because I havent mentioned it here, there are a lot of good
quality panels out there. Having said that do your due diligence especially when buying a panel
that hasnt been recommended. There are poor quality panels out there made with substandard
materials. The last thing you want is water getting into your panels or some other fault occurring
that just shouldnt happen in a well made panel.
Don't forget to check out our solar panel review summary page for more information including
local service centres, efficiencies and whether the manufacturers are public companies listed on a
stock exchange.
Leave a comment and let us know what your favourite panels are.
What Are Mono Silicon, Poly Silicon And Thin Film Solar Panels?
August 24, 2014
Luke Boyden
Solar panels (or solar modules) are assemblies of individual solar cells housed within a
supporting structure or frame. The solar cells (also known as Photovoltaic Cells or PV cells)
generate electricity when they are exposed to light. As a general rule the more light which falls
on the solar panel the more electricity is produced. It is a common misconception that heat helps
generate electricity from solar panels, in fact the opposite is true, heat actually decreases the
electrical power of a solar panel.
There are a number of different technologies used to create solar panels. PV cells have been
produced since the 1950s and for a long time silicon was the only technology used. However,
over the past decade or so new technologies have been developed to compete with silicon. Thin
film technology made huge progress in the 2000s and came very close to overtaking silicon as
the main technology. However, just as thin film pricing started to beat silicon pricing, the cost of
silicon panels plunged dramatically, largely on the back of mass production beginning in China.
Now (in 2014) we are starting to see very high efficiencies for thin film technology and the price
is again starting to compete with silicon. Other technologies are also coming on board and we
will see prices continue to drop and efficiencies continue to rise on the back of that.
Types of panels and cells

Crystalline Silicon Cell Types
Mono-Crystalline
Silicon produced as a single crystal with a continuous internal structure is used for monocrystalline cells. This type of silicon is manufactured into a large cylindrical ingot and then thinly
sliced to create wafer cells. These manufacturing processes demand greater resources than polycrystalline cells and so generally cost more, but do offer slightly higher efficiency.
Poly-Crystalline
More correctly known as multi-crystalline is silicon made from multiple crystals that give a
distinct flaky appearance. This type of silicon can be manufactured in square ingots and is less
resource intensive to produce..
The process of producing poly-crystalline wafers has improved to a stage now in 2014 where by
the efficiency and performance of a poly-crystalline panel is comparable to that of a monocrystalline panel but at a cheaper cost.
Thin-Film
Made by deposition of exceptionally thin layers of photovoltaic material on a substrate, thin film
technology employs a range of materials including silicon, cadmium, copper, amongst others to
create a solar cell. Both rigid and flexible thin-film modules can be created, allowing solar
generation to be better integrated into products and buildings compared to crystalline silicon.
Multi-Junction
Most photovoltaic cells use one main material with specially chosen impurities added, to convert
energy from the light into electricity. These cells can only use a certain part of the light spectrum
(i.e. specific wavelength, or colour) to convert light energy to electricity. Multi-junction cells
have different material combinations that allow them to convert more of the received light
energy into electricity. The cells are produced in a similar manner to thin-film cells, but are more
complex to manufacture and are much more expensive. MJ cells can achieve a significantly
higher efficiency than conventional solar cells (up to 40% compared to 15-25%).
Hybrid/Off-Grid Inverter And Solar Energy Storage Review

October 28, 2015
Jason Svarc
With the new generation of hybrid solar inverters, complete hybrid energy storage systems and
battery storage options now available on the market, we at CER have put together a summary of
what's available and what's up and coming. Since hybrid inverters use very similar technology to
off-grid inverters many of these systems can be used for off-grid installations as well. For those
who are not up-to-date with solar energy storage and self-use of solar energy here is an
introduction into solar power systems and how hybrid solar works.
As with an off-grid system there are many important features to consider when selecting a hybrid
inverter or complete hybrid energy storage system. To make it easier we have also created
the hybrid/off-grid energy storage selection guidehighlighting the key features and specifications
which should be considered.
Unfortunately to complicate things further there is no one standard type of hybrid system
available, some have integrated solar and battery storage while others can be coupled with
existing grid-connected solar inverter/s to form a flexible AC-coupled system. Then there are allin-one hybrid inverters with in-built solar chargers and separate battery storage options.
Therefore due to the complex nature of these systems we have divided our review into four
categories:
1. Interactive And Solar Inverter Combination
2. Hybrid System With Built-In Battery Storage
3. All-In-One Hybrid Solar Inverters
4. Battery Systems - Energy Storage

For easy viewing of all products listed see the Hybrid Inverter and Battery System summary
pages for direct comparison:
To see an in depth article on different battery systems available see ourcomplete battery storage
comparison and review here - The Tesla Powerwall compared to leading lithium and sodium
based batteries LG Chem and Aquion, plus proven lead-acid and advanced lead-carbon batteries
in the solar hybrid battery challenge!
1. Hybrid Interactive And Solar Inverter Combination

July 2, 2015
Interactive or multi-mode inverters are capable of operating in on-grid (hybrid) or off-grid modes
and can be used to create both AC and DC coupled systems. The Interactive and solar inverter
combination is the most common configuration and together form a typical AC coupled solar
installation. These high end systems can also be expanded to work with multiple solar inverters
or other energy generation systems in different locations to form independent micro-grids. SMA
and Selectronic have long been regarded as the leaders in this field, however in the US Outback
would be considered number one as they have optimised there Radian series inverters to work
with the common split phase homes.
The Solar inverter can be almost any standard unit but it is usually either the same brand
or is compatible with the interactive inverter to enable communication between the two
inverters to optimise battery charging (this is very important for off-grid installations but
not critical for hybrid systems).
The interactive inverter is the heart of the system and acts as a battery inverter/charger
and complete energy management system, incorporating clever software to optimise
energy use through features such as load shifting and peak-shaving. These inverters
supply power to the loads in the same way as an off-grid inverter but also monitor grid
connection (import and export power) and can be setup to automatically start and run a
back-up gen-set (generator). In addition these inverters are capable of handling very high
surge loads and can pass through additional power directly from the grid if the batteries
are low or the load is very high. This pass through powercapability has many advantages
but in particular it can enable the entire home to be powered through the inverter without
the need to separate essential and non-essential loads or circuits.
The following list explains in detail the features and specifications of the various interactive
inverters available. Since the solar inverter can be almost any type we will focus only on the
interactive inverter.
See the full inverter summary list here for easy direct comparison.
SP-Pro From Selectronic
Selectronic based in Melbourne, Australia is one of the largest off-grid/hybrid inverter

manufacturers. Selectronics interactive inverters provide a basis for efficient, high-end, hybrid
and off-grid power systems. Selectronic has teamed up with two european solar inverter
manufactures - ABB and Kaco, which manufacture unique solar inverters designed to be used in
conjunction with the SP-Pro.
Basic specifications: (5 sizes available)
Type: Interactive and solar Inverter (AC coupled)
Use: Solar storage, back-up (UPS), off-grid
Solar Array Size (Solar input): n/a
Sizes available (power output): 3.0kW, 4.5kW, 5.0kW, 7.5kW, 20kW
Pass through power: 15kW (highest in class)
Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, lithium-ion (refer to manufacturer)
Battery System Voltage: 24V, 48V, 120V
Features:
Very high pass through power capability
Very high surge power output
Battery temperature monitoring for longer battery life
Battery sense monitoring and mid string sensor for accurate battery charging (lead-acid
Gel and AGM)
Very powerful and user friendly software package with remote access
Unique pre-charge feature for safer startup
Generator auto start and monitoring
Complete battery storage option also available (Australia only)
AC / DC coupling capability
3-phase capability
Note:
Separate solar inverter or solar DC regulator required
Full off-grid capability when used with Kaco or ABB solar inverters
Additional generator contactor required if used with dual AC sources.
Price bracket High
Sunny Island From SMA
SMA Solar Technology is a German solar energy equipment supplier founded in 1981. It is the
world's largest manufacturer of solar inverters. SMA is represented in 21 countries on four
continents and is renowned for their high quality and service.
Type: Interactive Inverter and solar Inverter combo
Sizes available (power output): 2.3kW, 3.3kW, 4.6kW, 6.0kW
Pass through power: 11.5kW
Battery System Voltage: 48V
Features:
High pass through power capability
High surge power output
Powerful software package with remote monitoring
Generator auto start and monitoring (optional)
Dual AC inputs (grid and generator)
Very good IP54 weather rating
3-phase capability
Note:
Full capability when used with SMA or compatible solar inverters
External automatic transfer switch required to enable battery backup
When configured as a hybrid inverter, grid isolation (backup mode) is not instantaneous 2-3 sec delay.
Price bracket High
Conext XW & XW+ From Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a well known, large European corporation and a leader in electrical
product development and manufacture. Focusing on designing and developing products for the
solar power conversion chain.
Sizes available XW (power output): 4.0kW, 4.5kW, 6.0kW
Sizes available XW+ (power output): 5.5kW, 6.8kW
Pass through power: 14kW
Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, Lithium-ion (XW+ only)
Battery System Voltage: 24V & 48V
Features:
Programmable software with remote access
3-phase capability
Note:
Full capability only when used with Schneider solar inverters & regulators.
No built-in battery state of charge (SOC) control system
Difficult to configure for hybrid self-use installations
Price bracket Medium/High
Radian Series By Outback Power Systems
Outback Power Systems is a North American company based in Arlington, WA, and have been
producing high quality renewable energy products since 2001. Outback is also an innovative
designer and manufacturer of reliable power electronics for renewable energy applications
including solar, wind, micro-hydro and battery based energy systems.
Sizes available (power output): 4.0kW, 8.0kW
Pass through power: 3.6kW, 7.2kW
Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, Lithium-ion
Features:
Dual AC inputs (Generator & grid)
Split phase - 120/240V (North America)
Pass through power capability
Powerful software package and advanced communications
Note:
Additional Coupling unit required to enable AC coupling
Full capability when used with Outback regulators.
Only available in North, Central and Latin America.
ECOmulti By Victron Energy
Victron Energy founded in 1975 in Almere, Netherlands, has grown to become an international
high quality manufacture with a wide product range including battery chargers, sinewave
inverters, inverters-chargers, DC/DC converters, transfer switches, battery monitors, charge
controllers and more.
Basic specifications: (1 size available^)
Use: Solar storage, back-up (UPS)
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 1.8kW-3.2kW
Sizes available (power output): 2.5kW (êxpandable)
Compatible Battery types: Integrated lithium iron phosphate 2.3kWh
Features:
All-in-one unit includes batteries and system management.
Simple installation
High surge power capability
Compact unit
Additional battery storage available (êxpandable)
Note:
Separate solar inverter required
Full capability only when used with Victon solar Inverters
Low total energy storage capability
Price bracket Medium

MultiPlus By Victron Energy*
* no grid feed-in
Type: Inverter/charger (coupled with DC solar regulator/s)
Solar Array Size (Solar input): N/A
Sizes available (power output): 0.7kW, 1.3kW, 1.6kW, 2.4kW, 4.0kW
Pass through power: 3.6kW - 11.5kW
Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid or lithium
Battery System Voltage: 12-48V
Features:
Economical Inverter/charger option (no grid interaction)
Med-High surge power output
Generator auto start and monitoring available
Dual AC outputs for non-essential loads (high-power units only)
3-phase capability
Note:
Full capability only when used with Victron regulators and system control panel.
Limited capability for for hybrid self-use installations
Price bracket Low/Medium

2. Complete Hybrid Systems With Built-In Battery Storage
July 2, 2015
Complete hybrid systems with integrated energy storage are very simple to install and offer an
attractive solution which eliminates the need to select and match individual components. These
systems combine an inverter/charger, solar inverter, battery modules and energy managements
system all in one unit. All available systems at this stage use lithium-ion batteries but only the
Bosch, Fronius and Alpha systems are upgradable to enable future expansion.
These complete all-in-one systems may be very convenient but they do have some limitations,
the main being the limited inverter power output and no pass-through power capability. This
mean your home may require separation of essential and non-essential loads. Also be aware that
some of these systems (Samsung) have no UPS function so no power is available during a
blackout, although if grid outages are very rare then this may not be an issue.
The following list explains in detail the features and specifications of the various hybrid systems
available. Also see the full hybrid inverter and energy storage system summary list here for easy
direct comparison.
BPT-S 5 Hybrid From Bosch*

* No longer available
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services,

active in the fields of automotive technology, energy and building technology,
industrial technology and consumer goods.
Basic specifications:
Type: Complete system with built-in battery storage
Use: UPS and self-use
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 5.0kW
Sizes available (power output): 5.0kW
Pass through power: None
Battery type and capacity: Lithium-ion, 4.4kWh - 13.2kWh
Battery System Voltage: N/A
Features:
All-in-one unit including solar inverter, batteries and system management.
Simple installation
Compact unit
Long battery life
Note:
Low surge power capability
One size only
Can only be used with Bosch lithium-ion battery modules.
Price bracket High
Fronius Symo Hybrid By Fronius International
Fronius International is an Austrian company which began in 1945 designing and building
welders. Fronius is now highly active in the fields of welding technology, photovoltaics and
battery charging technology. It is claimed that Fronius and Teslahave partnered to offer the
Powerwall in combination with the Fronius Symo Hybrid inverter as an integrated solution for
residential PV systems.
Use: self-use and back-up (UPS)
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 5.0kW, 6.5kW,
Battery type and capacity: Fronius Battery: Lithium-ion, 4.5kWh 12kWh
Battery System Voltage: TBA
Features:
All-in-one unit - plus batteries
3-phase inverter
DC coupling of storage
Long battery life - 8000 charging cycles (claimed)
Inverter with IP65 protection (weather rated for outdoor installation)
Note:
Only Fronius Solar Battery can be used.
Was claimed to be compatible with the Tesla Powerwall battery - TBA
3-phase only - single phase to be released late 2016
back-up power enabled via "emergency power button"

Samsung SDI By Samsung Group
Samsung is a South Korean multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Samsung

Town, Seoul. Samsung SDI began developing lithium-ion battery storage technology in 2000
and is now using this technology to design and develop eco-friendly energy solutions.
Use: self-use, back-up version now available
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 6.6kW,
Sizes available (power output): 5kW
Battery type and capacity: Lithium-ion, 3.6kWh, (5.8kWh add-on ESS)
Battery System Voltage: n/a
Features:
All-in-one unit including solar inverter, batteries and system management
Additional storage can be added
Compact unit
Long battery life
Note:
UPS and backup capability with add-on ESS
Price bracket Medium/high
PowerLegato By AU Optronics Corp (BenQ)
AU Optronics (AUO) is an international company with global operations spreading across

Taiwan, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, USA, and Europe. AUO's solar business has been
adopting BenQ Solar as its brand name to offer high efficiency, reliable solar products that are
easy to install.
Use: Self-use, UPS
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 2.7kW, 4.5kW
Sizes available (power output): 2kW, 3kW
Compatible Battery types: Integrated lithium-ion
Features:
Simple installation
Compact unit
Long battery life
Note:
AlphaESS By AlphaESS
AlphaESS based in Jiangsu, China, have been developing economical energy storage solutions
since 2012 and have distributed products in European and Australian markets. AlphaESS
provides an integrated smart energy management system controller, hybrid inverter and battery
modules in one complete unit.
Use: self-use, UPS, off-grid
Compatible Battery types: lithium-ion modules, 5kW-19.2kWh
Features:
All-in-one unit including, inverter, batteries and system management.
Simple installation
Powerful software and advanced communications
Note:
Additional battery storage also available (expandable)
No additional pass through power
3. All-In-One Hybrid Inverters

May 5, 2016
The simplest and most economical type of hybrid Inverter is the all-in-one inverter. The all-inone unit contains a solar inverter, charger and battery inverter together with software which can
be programmed to determine the most efficient use of your available energy.
All-in-one hybrid inverters although easier to install do have some limitations, in particular the
limited surge power output. Also most of these inverters have nopass through power capability
so most installation will require separation of essential and non-essential loads. It is worth noting
that if using an all-in-one inverter with a lead-acid Gel or AGM batteries only the Redback and
Sungrow inverters have temperature monitoring to optimise battery charging. PowerRouter from
Nedap has been recalled in Australia and the Voltronic inverters (MPP solar and Infini hybrid)
have been reported to have some quality and reliability issues.
For direct comparison of all inverters & systems see the complete Hybrid all-in-one inverters
comparison table here
SolaX X-Hybrid From Suntellite Group
Suntellite Group headquarters is located in Zhejiang University national park with two major
manufacturing plants in China. Manufacturer of solar cells, panels, inverters, solar racking and
LED lighting technology.
Type: All-in-one hybrid inverter
Use: Self-use, back-up (UPS) version now available
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 3.0kW, 3.7kW, 5.0kW
Size (power output): 1.3kW (up to max charging 4 units = 5.2kW)
Pass through power: n/a
Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, lithium-ion
Features:
Battery manager unit optional (up to 4 units can be added at a later stage)
Simple installation as per on-grid inverter (no essential load separation required with selfuse version)
All-in-one unit
Note:
Two models available - Self-use and back-up (UPS) version
Power supply not instantaneous (output ramps up to meet load - self-use version)
Must be installed in a weather rated enclosure or indoors
No battery temperature monitoring (Lead-acid only)
Price bracket Low/medium
Axpert By Voltronic Power , Also Branded As Giant

Power And MPP Solar
Voltronic Power Technology Corp headquartered in Taiwan is a large scale ODM UPS and
Inverter manufacturer in Taiwan and China. With over 20 years experience in manufacturing
UPS systems and Inverters Voltronic Power is dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and
introducing a complete line of UPSs, inverters and power products to the demanding power
market.
(4 sizes available) (PWM & MPPT options also available)
Type: All-in-one hybrid inverter (no grid feed-in)
Use: Back-up (UPS), self-use and off-grid
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 0.5kW - 3.0kW
Features:
Very simple all-in-one hybrid option
Programmable software
Recently added generator start feature
Note:
No grid feed-in capability
Med surge power output (2 x power output for less than 1 sec)
No battery temperature monitoring
No battery state of charge (SOC) controls
Cooling fan turns on at low loads (can be noisy)
Some reliability issues have been reported
Price bracket Low
Voltronic Power Infi ni Hybrid Inverter, Also Branded

As Giant Power And Omnik
Voltronic Infini & MPP Solar hybrid inverter video review

market.
Sizes available (power output): 3.0kW, 10kW 3-phase
Features:
All-in-one unit
Economical hybrid option
Note:
No battery state of charge (SOC) control
Price bracket Low/Med
Redback Smart Hybrid From Redback Technologies
Redback Technologies is an Australian startup company based in Queensland which has

developed an economical integrated hybrid inverter. To do this they have teamed up with a high
quality Chinese manufacturing firm to deliver a quality product at an affordable price.
Use: Back-up (UPS), self-use and Off-grid
Max Solar Array Size (Solar input): 6.0kW
Pass through power capability: 9.6kW (40A)
Compatible Battery types: lead-acid, lithium-ion (Pylon Tech and LG chem battery
modules)
Features:
All-in-one unit
Very high IP65 weather rating (can be installed outdoors)
Integrated isolators including DC battery circuit breaker
Integrated AC/DC connector shielding & cover.
Programmable software with remote monitoring (app)
Wifi included
Note:
Med surge power output (1.5 x power output for 10 sec)
Integrated AC and DC circuit protection.
Lithium battery option/s also available.
Growatt SP2000 From Growatt New Energy Co.
Growatt New Energy Technology Co. has been manufacturing solar inverters since 2010 and is
a well known global company with manufacturing based in China, specialising in cost-effective
inverters.
Type: All-in-one hybrid inverter (DC coupled)
Use: Self-use
Sizes available (power output): 2.0kW (peak 3.8kW)
Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid and Lithium-ion. Max 1okWh
Features:
All-in-one unit
Note:
Battery capacity limited to 10kWh
DC coupled configuration - Installed between solar array and solar inverter
No pass through power capability
Goodwe SE Series From Goodwe Power

Also branded as Z21 through Zeus Appollo and RePlus through
Renesola
GoodWe (Jiangsu) Power Supply Technology Co. Ltd is a very large Chinese manufacturer
funded by the renowned electronics industry JXT Group. JXT Group is one of the Chinese
largest electrical connector manufacturers, and a supplier of Apple and Samsung mobile
components. With a large R&D centre, it secures a complete product line and reliable products.
Use: back-up (UPS), self-use, Off-grid
Pass through power: TBA
Features:
All-in-one unit
Very high IP65 weather rating
Programmable software with remote monitoring (app)
Wifi included
Note:
Med surge power output (1.5 x power output for 10 sec)
Battery capacity max - 500Ah (24kWh)
Also branded as Z21 hybrid through ZeusAppollo and RePlus Hyrbid through ReneSola
Sungrow SH 5K From Sungrow Power Supply Co.
Sungrow Power Supply Co.Ltd. founded in 1997 is long standing Chinese company and has
become a leading manufacturer in the global PV inverter industry being ranked as the 2nd largest
PV inverter manufacturer in the world in 2013. The companys products range from gridconnected PV inverters, wind power converters, and distributed power supply.
Use: Self-use only
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 5.1kW (dual MPP tackers)
Features:
All-in-one unit
Very high IP65 weather rating
4 x digital inputs and 1 x digital output
Wifi (optional) with remote monitoring
Note:
Low surge power output (Not specified)
No UPS or back-up capability
PowerRouter From Nedap #

# No longer available
Nedap is a long standing technology company based in the Netherlands. Their flagship hybrid
inverter the PowerRouter was introduced into the European market in 2009 and is now
distributed worldwide.
Use: UPS, self-use and off-grid
Sizes available (power output): 3.0kW, 3.7kW, 5.0kW
Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid only
Features:
All-in-one unit
Battery manager unit optional (allows batteries to be added later)
Note:
Low surge power output
Low pass through power capability
Have had a recent recall and some reliability issues
4. Battery System - Energy Storage

July 2, 2015
Modern battery storage systems used for solar hybrid installations comprise of either sealed leadacid or lithium based batteries however we will focus on the newer lithium batteries in this
article.
For a detailed comparison of the leading lead-acid and lithium battery systems see the complete
battery comparison and review here.
Most lithium batteries are housed within a battery module containing sensors and a dedicated
battery management system (BMS). The BMS is essential to monitor battery voltage, state of
charge and cell temperature (thermal monitoring). Note: most battery systems will require an
additional hybrid or Interactive Inverter to create a complete a hybrid system so the overall
installation cost will be generally higher than expected. The 6.4kWh Tesla Powerwall shown
below is a unique 'DC coupled' battery system which must be fitted together with a compatible
inverter to function.
For direct comparison of all battery systems including real cost $ per kWh see the
complete battery system comparison table -
RESU 6.4 EX By LG Chem

LG Chem Ltd often referred to as LG Chemical is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea and was
the 13th largest chemical company in the world by sales in 2014. LG Chem completed
development and began mass production of Koreas first lithium-ion batteries back in 1999. At
the end of 2011, LG Chem was the worlds third-largest maker with an annual production
capacity of 1,000 million cells and is also a supplier of automotive battery for electric vehicles
such as the Chevrolet Volt and Ford Focus electric.
Basic specifications: (1 battery size available)
Type: Energy storage - Battery system
Use: Self-use (Off-grid when used with an appropriate inverter)
Power output: 2kW (5kW peak)
Battery System Voltage: 51.8V (48V)
Battery type & size: Lithium NMC (lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt) 6.4kWh
Usable capacity: 80% - 5.12kWh
Features:
Attractive battery module with integrated charger.
High surge/peak power output.
Expandable with up to 2 x 3.2kWh units - Max 12.8kWh
Claimed 6000 cycles at 90% DOD (to EOL 60% capacity)
Note:
No DC to AC inverter included.
Compatible hybrid inverters: Goodwe, Redback, SMA Sunny island, Solax X hybrid
Price bracket Med
NeeoQube By Akasol
Akasol Engineering was founded in 2008 by leading members of Akasol e.V. and the Schulz
Group in Germany and is now one of the world's leading suppliers of solutions for high
performance battery systems. Akasol have one of the most state-of-the-art test environments in
Europe for analysis and testing energy storage technology.
Battery type & size: Lithium NMC - (lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt) 5.5kWh
Usable capacity: TBA
Features:
Stackable up to 5 units - 27.5kWh
Compatible with SMA and Nedap Inverters
Note:
Price bracket High
Powerwall By Tesla
Tesla is an innovative company based California, USA specialising in electric vehicles such as
the model S and advanced lithium battery technology. Headed by the well known entrepreneur
Elon Musk, Tesla is now known as a world leader in energy storage tehnology and is
constructing the worlds largest battery manufacturing facility known as the Gigafactory which is
predicted to reduce the cost of lithium-ion storage batteries by up to 30% once fully operational
in 2018.
Basic specifications: (2 battery sizes/types available)
Use: Self-use only
Power output: 2kW (3.3kW peak)
Battery System Voltage: 350-450V DC*
Battery type & size: Lithium - NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) 6.4kWh
Features:
Integrated charger, BMS and DC-DC converter.
Only outdoor weather rated battery on the market.
Liquid thermal cooling.
Note:
No DC to AC inverter included
Compatible inverters - Fronius Symo Hybrid (3 phase), SolarEdges StorEdge (single

phase)
Future updates to allow additional units to be connected in parallel
DC coupled with the solar array
Price bracket High for Aus (low for US)
Extra 2000 By Pylon Technology Co.
Shanghai Pylon Technologies Co., Ltd. is the leading chinese supplier and manufacturer of
Lithium LiFePO Cell batteries. Producing a huge range of battery systems including High
Energy LiFePO Cells, Telecom Backup Lithium Battery, Lithium UPS Battery, Car Starter
Battery and Electric Vehicle Lithium Batteries.
Use: Self-use (UPS when used with an appropriate inverter)
Battery type & size: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)- 2.4kWh
Features:
Compact battery module with integrated charger & BMS.
Expandable with up to 4 x 2.4kWh units
Compatible with Redback, SolaX and many well known Inverters
Note:
Low surge/peak power output.
Price bracket Low
E-KwBe 5.6 By GCL
GCL (Golden Concord Holdings Limited) based in Hong Kong is an huge international
company which is recognised as the worlds largest provider of solar cells. The E-KwBe is the
first battery released under the subsidiary GCL system integration technology Co.
Basic specifications: (2 battery sizes available)
Type: Energy storage - Battery system (2.5kWh & 5.6kWh)
Power output: 3kW (continuous & peak)
Battery type & size: Lithium NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) - 7kWh
Features:
Expandable (TBA)
Compatible with Goodwe SE hybrid inverters
Note:
Relatively low cycle life (2000 cycles)
Two sizes available - 2.5kWh & 5.6kWh
Price bracket Low
Lithium Ion (LiFePO4) By Iron Edison
Iron Edison Battery Company based in Colorado, USA, was founded in 2011 and is a world
leader in advanced Nickel-iron (Ni-Fe) battery technology. Claiming to have an expected life of
twenty five years. The Iron Edison Lithium-Ion series of storage batteries are designed for solar
PV and renewable energy applications under critical and harsh conditions.
Basic specifications: (Many battery sizes available)
Battery type & size: Lithium (LiFePO4) - 8.3kWh
Features:
Battery module with integrated charger.
Stackable up to 48kWh
Compatible with many common inverters & regulators
Note:
Price bracket Med
AHI Battery Modules By Aquion Energy
Aquion Energy is headquartered in Pittsburgh, with a manufacturing facility in Westmoreland,

Pennsylvania. Aquions Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) battery systems are optimized for
stationary, long duration daily cycling applications, including off-grid and microgrids, energy
management, and grid-scale energy storage applications. The batteries utilize non-corrosive
reactions at the anode and cathode to prevent deterioration of the materials. The water-based
chemistryresults in a nontoxic and non-combustible product that is safe to handle and
environmentally friendly.
Basic specifications: (Modular battery system)
Power output: 8.1kW (9.7kW peak) - M100 series module
Battery type & size: Each Individual S20 stack is 2.4kWh (The M100 module is made
up of 12 x S20 stacks for total 25kWh)
Usable capacity: 100% - 2.4kWh (only over low 24hr discharge rate)
Features:
Battery module with integrated protection
100% Depth of Discharge available
Stackable up to MWh storage capacities
Non-toxic materials
Note:
High energy to weight ratio - 113kg per stack
Requires inverters with programmable charge voltage parameters which can operate in
wide voltage window (40-60V)
May require additional battery management system to operate.
Price bracket Med
Zcell (ZBM2) by Redflow
Redflow, now an International company started in Australia with a manufacturing facility in the
US produces one of the worlds first domestic flow battery systems called the Zcell (based on the
previous version Redflow ZBM2 battery). The unique zinc bromide flow battery technology was
developed by the University of Queensland and is capable of 100% discharge and can withstand
partial or no charge for prolonged periods of time without degradation.
Use: Self-use, Off-grid when used with an appropriate inverter
Power output: 3.0kW (5.0kW peak)
Battery type & size: Zinc Bromide flow battery - 10kWh
Usable capacity: 100% - 10kWh
Features:
Unique flow battery system with integrated protection
Safe, fire retartant system
High temperature tolerance
10 year warranty
Note:
High energy to weight ratio - 240kg per unit
DC-DC conversion efficiency of 80%
Requires inverter with programmable charge voltage parameters which can operate in
wide voltage window (40-60V)
Price bracket High
Best Solar Inverters Review :June 6, 2015

updated June 2015
Marty Newkirk
For a summary table of our inverter review and our Solar Specialist's ratings click here.
For most people it is hard to distinguish between the many solar inverter manufacturers on the
market, it's difficult even for people in the industry. We've interviewed many experienced
installers in order to determine what their opinions are on the most popular solar inverters, below
I will discuss the results and highlight a few of my favourites. The three main considerations we
asked our installers to focus on are quality, service and value. Check out our article on our
criteria when rating solar products for more on the rating process. This article is going to discuss
string and micro solar inverters, not hybrid or off-grid inverters. For a review of hybrid and offgrid systems follow the link, and for an intro into inverters see our solar and hybrid
inverters article.
String inverters
Popular string inverters can be placed into two broad categories, "premium" and "value". These
categories are based on our Specialists' feedback as well as the inverter's price range. All
inverter brands have faults occasionally, it is not just how often faults occur that distinguish a
"value" inverter manufacturer from a "premium" inverter manufacturer but also how well they
deal with faults and how likely they are to be around in the future. Build quality (how the
inverter looks, sounds and feels) is also important, as is monitoring and functionality and ease of
installation.
Still standing out at the top of the "premium" list is the SMA. It is clearly the most widely used
and highly rated in terms of quality and service by our Solar Specialists who cite SMA's
reliability and service as it's standout features. SMA is a German company which has been
around since 1985, it offers Sunny Boy single phase and also Sunny Tripower (3 phase up to
25kW). Austrian built Fronius and Italian made ABB (formerly Aurora) are strong contenders to
SMA. Both owned by industrial giants they are the favourites of a number of our Specialists,
although Fronius gets higher ratings than the ABB. Fronius has recently upgraded all of its
inverters to the very slick looking and easy to install and service snap inverters, the solar
inverter models are the Galvo, Primo and Symo. Two more industrial giants moving into solar
inverters are Schneider Electric and Bosch, their models should be in the "premium" range as
well, however our Specialists in Australia have not had enough to do with them yet for us to pass
judgment. Let me just say that the Bosch inverters look stunning and have some great
functionality.
The "value" category is more crowded than the premium. What links the "value" inverters is that
they are a good option for a cost effective solar system that will likely serve you well for the
lifetime of your system. However, there is some risk involved in that if you do have a problem
with the inverter often the service and support is poor, and the manufacturer is smaller and less
reputable with more risk of them disappearing in future. Growatt and Delta are both widely used
by our Specialists and get reasonably good ratings for both quality and service. The SMA owned
Zeversolar gets ok quality feedback, but their service really lets them down. SolaX is quite new
to the market so we don't have a lot of feedback to go on, but initial reports are promising.
JFY has been around for a long time, and whilst they are very widely used and are very cheap,
the Specialists report poor quality and performance. Samil Power was a large player in the
Australian market, but seem to have nearly disappeared (along with their service). I should also
mention GoodWe, which is a large player internationally but is not widely used in Australia so
we don't have much feedback on them.
ABB has been my preferred premium inverter for some time, because it is a high quality inverter
but is cheaper than both SMA and Fronius. I really like the new Fronius inverters though, besides
looking great they have excellent monitoring options and also if a fault occurs they can be
serviced on the spot by a trained installer, rather than having the whole unit replaced. In terms of
value inverters I think there are a few decent options each with pros and cons. I like Delta
because it has been around for a long time and offers a wide range of inverters (including micros)
with 10 year warranties (most manufacturers offer 5 years). Whilst they have had problems in the
past with high fault rates, it looks like their new RPI model has fewer faults than past models. I
also like Zeversolar simply because it is owned by SMA, it is one of the few "value" inverters
with the backing of such a big company, which means there is less risk in it disappearing as
many others have. However, whilst I have only had to deal with one fault, the experience was
very painful, SMA do not deal with Zeversolar warranty issues.
Microinverters
Micros are very popular in the US market with two quality manufacturers, Enphase and
SolarBridge, based there. They are becoming more popular in Europe, and Enphase in particular
now has a significant presence in Australia too. Enphase are highly rated by our Specialists for
their reliability and monitoring. Hansen Paule from Ozone only installs micros on jobs he sells
and says SolarBridge stand out because they are as good quality as Enphase and the inverter is
already connected and tested with the panel making for easy installs and one point of contact for
service. APS is also widespread in the Australian market, however it receives less glowing
reviews with installers sighting high number of faults and poor service. I spoke with an APS
technician recently who informed me that the latest APS model has less faults than previous
ones.
A number of string inverter manufacturers are making microinverters as well including SMA,
ABB, Samil Power and Delta. They are not widely used in Australia though and our Specialists
have not got much feedback. A note about microinverter value - the up front cost of
microinverters is higher than that of string inverters, however microinverter manufacturers claim
that this is outweighed by higher performance and monitoring, for more info see our
microinverter article.
For our Solar Specialists ratings on most of the major inverter manufacturers on the market, and
for further details to help distinguish between manufacturers, check out our solar inverter
summary page. Also see our full listing and summary of available hybrid & off-grid inverters
and systems review.
Hybrid/Off-Grid Energy Storage Selection Guide

June 3, 2015
There are many specifications to consider when selecting an off-grid or hybrid inverter or
complete hybrid system with built in energy storage, so to make it easier we have explained the
key features below:
Size; Power output (continuous) Some hybrid inverters are available in several
different sizes determined by the continuous power output rating in kW. The inverter should
be matched (sized) to the loads and power demand of the appliances it will be
powering. Depending on the application this is often the most important specification to be
considered when selecting a hybrid inverter especially when using a hybrid inverter as a
back-up power source for dedicated or essential loads.
Surge/peak power output This is very important for off-grid systems but not always
critical for a hybrid system. However if you plan on powering high surge appliances such as
water pumps, compressors, washing machines and power tools the inverter should be able to
handle the high surge loads.
Solar Array Size (Solar input) - Some but not all hybrid systems have an in-built solar
inverter/regulator as well. If the hybrid system contains an integrated solar inverter (such as
a hybrid system with built-in battery storage or all-in-one hybrid inverter) this will
determine the maximum size solar array which can be used with the system. The high end
interactive inverters can work with multiple solar inverters and therefore can accommodate
much larger solar arrays which can also be expanded at a later stage if required.
Pass through power This enables the inverter to supply additional power from the grid
under high loads, when the batteries are low and when solar energy is not available. The
ability to pass through additional power from the grid (or generator in an off-grid system)
can greatly simplify the installation by not requiring separation of essential and nonessential loads. Note:Generally only high end interactive inverters can pass through
additional power from the grid or be connected to a back-up generator.
Compatible battery type Since the up-front cost of lead-acid batteries (Gel, AGM &
flooded) are usually lower than lithium batteries it is worth checking which battery type can
be used with the inverter, especially when up-front system cost is a concern. Lead-acid
batteries although much cheaper, are larger, heavier and can emit gases which require
ventilation, whereas lithium-ion batteries are lighter, more compact and are generally
considered as safe to store inside. Also check the lithium battery communication type is also
compatible with the selected inverter.
Battery Voltage - All hybrid inverters are designed to be used with a specific nominal
battery voltage, the most common being 48V. Since most lithium battery systems are 48V
this is not a problem, however many small capacity inverters use 12V or 24V so may only
be compatible with lead-acid batteries of the same voltage. Note: Unlike many solar DC
regulators, hybrid inverters cannot work with multiple battery voltages.
Battery capacity (if applicable) The battery capacity, measured in kWh, is the total
amount of energy a battery system can store. However depending on the battery
specifications not all of this energy is usable. Common Lead-acid deep-cycle batteries
(AGM & Gel) can only be discharged daily to 40-50% of total capacity, whereas Lithium-
ion and new generation battery technologies can be discharged up to 90%. Therefore the
battery type and capacity selected should be able to cover the peak energy needs. Exampleif
your peak energy use (usually in the evening from 6-11pm) is 8kWh then you would require
a 16-20kWh Lead-acid battery system to cover peak use.
Software and Energy management - To enable a hybrid system to correctly optimise

energy use and prolong battery life, a high level of power management and battery
monitoring is required. The software used to run hybrid systems thus requires advanced
energy management and monitoring capabilities. Interactive inverters typically have the
most advanced software packages. These systems also incorporate specialised battery
monitoring and temperature sensors to prolong battery life (in reference to lead-acid
batteries). Complete systems with built-in battery storage also utilise advanced energy
management systems and sensors. However some of the all-in-one hybrid inverters have
limited capabilities which can result in reduced battery life and less efficient use of stored
energy.
What Are Microinverters? Benefits And Drawbacks

May 18, 2014
Microinverters (micros) are newer to the market than string inverters and are fast becoming very
popular. In the US in 2013 more than half of all new solar installations used micros. They have
many benefits over string inverters, but also have a significantly higher upfront cost. In this
article I will look at whether it is worth paying that extra money.
Let me first briefly explain what a microinverter is. For an understanding of the basics of how
solar works click here. A microinverter is an inverter designed to be attached to, or on the railing
behind, one or two solar panels at the array. As opposed to a string inverter which is usually
attached to a wall some distance from the array. Being attached to an individual panel means that
a panel works independently from the rest of the array, and DC power is converter to AC
immediately. A solar panel with a microinverter attached during manufacturing is called an AC
module, there are some additional benefits of AC panels which I will mention.
Below I will explain the benefits of micros, then mention the drawbacks and what type of
microinverter to avoid. Lastly I will discuss when its best to use micros, and what my favourite
micro brands are.
Note: that any benefits of this technology only apply to good quality microinverters. There are
poor quality micros on the market that should be avoided.
Better performance
Another advantage of inverters being attached to each panel is that even seemingly identical
solar panels output different amounts of power. In a string inverter situation, panels are wired
together in strings, and the output of the entire string is brought down by any poor performing
panels. Panels can under-perform other panels for a number of reasons; shade from trees or
power lines, soiling from dust and leaves, ageing and degradation at different rates and
temperature differences are all factors. Microinverters allow all panels to output their maximum
power, and not be brought down by neighbouring panels. Another advantage of this is being able
to place panels on any part of a roof, they do not have to be primarily in one section as with a
string inverter system.
Monitoring
Micro systems offer better system monitoring than string inverters, because micros can be
monitored at an individual panel level. Often a homeowner will be able to see the performance of
the system as a whole, but the installer will have a separate login where they can monitor all their
systems at a panel level and are warned when any are under-performing. Enphase for one also
monitors all of their systems worldwide from their headquarters in the US. This allows an
excellent opportunity to monitor fault conditions and continue to improve their product.
Reliability
Most microinverters, including Enphase and SolarBridge, have been rigorously tested in extreme
weather conditions. These units are designed to outlast the life of a solar panel, and have a
warranty to back that up. Most microinverters come with a 25 year warranty, compared to a
standard 5 years for string inverters. Again, bear in mind that this is only relevant with high
quality microinverters. A poor quality microinverter with a 25 year warranty is still not worth the
hassle of having to deal with failures on a regular basis.
Microinverter systems have no single point of failure, which is particular important in a large
system with many panels. It means that unlike with string inverter systems, if one panel or
microinverter has a fault the rest of the system is unaffected.
Temperature note:
Enphase monitored the performance of their products in the 2014 Adelaide, Australia summer,
which had the most consecutive days over 40C (104F) in its recorded history and peaked at
45.9C (115C). Because of the advanced monitoring of their inverters, they were able to announce
that No Enphase Microinverter across Australia shut down due to temperature during this
period. SolarBridge also has very stringent testing of their inverters and have performed well in
hot and freezing temperatures. It cannot be inferred that all micros are up to this standard
though.
Safety, AC v DC
In a rooftop string inverter system DC electricity is sent from the roof top, usually through roof
or wall cavities to an inverter which then converts the DC electricity to AC electricity. In a
microinverter system panels still produce DC power but it is converted to AC immediately, right
there on the roof. This is important because it is voltage from DC electricity that is more likely to
cause arcing when a wire is damaged, which in turn can cause fires. DC voltage of 300-600 as in
a string inverter system can also be life threatening if a human makes contact with a live circuit.
It is very important to bear in mind that fire from any solar system is very unlikely, especially if
proper care is taken during installation to protect wiring. However, when installing a solar
system on a family home or business you want to reduce any risk to an absolute minimum.
Investment
Microinverter manufacturers argue that whilst the upfront cost of their technology is dearer than
string inverters, they are better value over time. It stands to reason that if micros allow for greater
performance and output of your solar system and are more reliable, then over time they will have
a better pay back. Whether they do and if so by how much, depends on many factors including;
difference in cost to string inverter system, shading and soiling of system, and electricity tariffs.
Additional AC module (panel) advantages

AC modules (panels with micros attached in manufacturing) have some advantages in addition to
detached micros. I will focus on SolarBridge as they are the leader in AC modules and not all AC
modules have the same testing and quality procedures.
SolarBridge have partnered with a number of panel manufacturers, from the highest quality to
more affordable mid-range panels. SolarBridge inverters and the panels they are mounted to are
tested as a unit in the manufacturing process, ensuring that the products work together. The panel
manufacturer then sells the unit with a single warranty, meaning that if anything goes wrong with
a unit in future there will only be one contact point (no passing the buck as can happen).
Another significant advantage for installers, is the speed at which they can install an AC module.
As the inverters have already been mounted to the panels, installers simply need to lay the panels
on the roof and plug them together. This may also translate to installation cost savings for
consumers, depending on whether installers wish to pass on the reduced labour cost.
Drawbacks and what to avoid

A factor that must be considered when looking at microinverters is that there are far more units
in one system than with string inverters. In a 5kW system using 250W panels and micros on each
panel, there will be 20 inverters. Which means that if the micros being used have the same failure
rate as a mid range string inverter, there is 20 times more chance of a failure than with that string
inverter. So, if you decide to use micro inverters you must use the best quality, because you
cannot afford for them to fail as often as a mid range string inverter.
Which brings me to my second point; cost. The upfront cost will be more expensive as
mentioned before. On smaller sytems (2-3kW) micros are less of a premium than string systems,
because instead of having one string inverter you have 8-12 micros. But on a 5kW system, the
cost difference becomes greater as one string inverter becomes significantly cheaper than 20
micros.
Lastly, another reason to get the highest quality micros is that because micros are mounted to
panels on roofs they are subject to much greater weather extremes than string inverters, which
are usually placed in protected areas. Most microinverters are tested and built for these weather
extremes, but some are simply not cut out to withstand these pressures.
Conclusion
There are many advantages to using microinverters and particularly AC modules. However, if
using micros you must use the best quality, and this can mean a considerable upfront cost
difference to a string inverter system. If the cheapest system with the shortest payback period is
required then a string inverter is probably called for. If you are looking for the highest quality,
safest and best performing system, then high quality microinverters should be strongly
considered. If a roof has multiple aspects or shading issues micros are a big advantage. Also, on
commercial systems where monitoring and high output is required micros can offer significantly
greater payback over the life time of the system.
As is probably evident from this article, my favourite micro brands are SolarBridge and Enphase.
Perhaps this is because they market themselves better, but they also have the biggest market
share and a solid track record. There are a few string inverter manufacturers that have started
making micros, based on the high quality of their string inverters I would be confident SMA and
Aurora microinverters are good quality. Remember, for the reasons I have mentioned above,
microinverters need to be of the highest quality. Whatever you choose ensure the units have been
rigorously tested in extreme conditions and have a very strong track record.
This summary table data is compiled from surveys of solar technicians,
they have rated the quality and service of the largest and most common
inverter manufacturers from 1 to 10. 1 being very poor, 10 being excellent.
Find out more about our rating criteria here.
Hybrid Energy
Storage
Systems And
Inverters
Summary
The following table of hybrid/off-grid inverters and energy storage systems is divided into
four catagories:
1. Hybrid interactive and solar inverter combination
2. Complete hybrid system with built-in battery storage
3. All-in-one hybrid inverter
4. Battery system - energy storage
Released Aug 2015 - V5.0
Other Features:
Batt Temp Mon = Battery temperature monitoring for longer battery life (Gel and AGM Lead Acid)
Load Shifting = Enabling off-peak charging of batteries to be used during peak times
Peak Shaving = Also called peak lopping is the ability to reduce peak demend.
Hybrid/Off-Grid Inverter And Solar Energy Storage Review

October 28, 2015
With the new generation of hybrid solar inverters, complete hybrid energy storage systems and
battery storage options now available on the market, we at CER have put together a summary of
what's available and what's up and coming. Since hybrid inverters use very similar technology to
off-grid inverters many of these systems can be used for off-grid installations as well. For those
who are not up-to-date with solar energy storage and self-use of solar energy here is an
introduction into solar power systems and how hybrid solar works.
As with an off-grid system there are many important features to consider when selecting a hybrid
inverter or complete hybrid energy storage system. To make it easier we have also created
the hybrid/off-grid energy storage selection guidehighlighting the key features and specifications
which should be considered.
Unfortunately to complicate things further there is no one standard type of hybrid

system available, some have integrated solar and battery storage while others can be
coupled with existing grid-connected solar inverter/s to form a flexible AC-coupled
system. Then there are all-in-one hybrid inverters with in-built solar chargers and
separate battery storage options. Therefore due to the complex nature of these systems
we have divided our review into four categories:
1. Interactive And Solar Inverter Combination
2. Hybrid System With Built-In Battery Storage
3. All-In-One Hybrid Solar Inverters
4. Battery Systems - Energy Storage

For easy viewing of all products listed see the Hybrid Inverter and Battery System
summary pages for direct comparison:
To see an in depth article on different battery systems available see ourcomplete

battery storage comparison and review here - The Tesla Powerwall compared to
leading lithium and sodium based batteries LG Chem and Aquion, plus proven leadacid and advanced lead-carbon batteries in the solar hybrid battery challenge!
1. Hybrid Interactive And Solar Inverter Combination

July 2, 2015
Interactive or multi-mode inverters are capable of operating in on-grid (hybrid) or off-grid modes
and can be used to create both AC and DC coupled systems. The Interactive and solar inverter
combination is the most common configuration and together form a typical AC coupled solar
installation. These high end systems can also be expanded to work with multiple solar inverters
or other energy generation systems in different locations to form independent micro-grids.
SMA and Selectronic have long been regarded as the leaders in this field, however in the US
Outback would be considered number one as they have optimised there Radian series inverters to
work with the common split phase homes.
The Solar inverter can be almost any standard unit but it is usually either the same brand or is
compatible with the interactive inverter to enable communication between the two inverters to
optimise battery charging (this is very important for off-grid installations but not critical for
hybrid systems).
The interactive inverter is the heart of the system and acts as a battery inverter/charger and
complete energy management system, incorporating clever software to optimise energy use
through features such as load shifting and peak-shaving. These inverters supply power to the
loads in the same way as an off-grid inverter but also monitor grid connection (import and export
power) and can be setup to automatically start and run a back-up gen-set (generator). In addition
these inverters are capable of handling very high surge loads and can pass through additional
power directly from the grid if the batteries are low or the load is very high. This pass through
powercapability has many advantages but in particular it can enable the entire home to be
powered through the inverter without the need to separate essential and non-essential loads or
circuits.
The following list explains in detail the features and specifications of the various interactive
inverters available. Since the solar inverter can be almost any type we will focus only on the
interactive inverter.
See the full inverter summary list here for easy direct comparison.
SP-Pro From Selectronic
Selectronic based in Melbourne, Australia is one of the largest off-grid/hybrid inverter

manufacturers. Selectronics interactive inverters provide a basis for efficient, high-end, hybrid
and off-grid power systems. Selectronic has teamed up with two european solar inverter
manufactures - ABB and Kaco, which manufacture unique solar inverters designed to be used in
conjunction with the SP-Pro.

Type: Interactive and solar Inverter (AC coupled)
Sizes available (power output): 3.0kW, 4.5kW, 5.0kW, 7.5kW, 20kW
Pass through power: 15kW (highest in class)
Features:
Battery sense monitoring and mid string sensor for accurate battery charging (lead-acid Gel and
AGM)
Very powerful and user friendly software package with remote access
Unique pre-charge feature for safer startup
Generator auto start and monitoring
Complete battery storage option also available (Australia only)
3-phase capability
Note:
Full off-grid capability when used with Kaco or ABB solar inverters
Additional generator contactor required if used with dual AC sources.
Price bracket High
Sunny Island From SMA
SMA Solar Technology is a German solar energy equipment supplier founded in 1981. It is the
world's largest manufacturer of solar inverters. SMA is represented in 21 countries on four
continents and is renowned for their high quality and service.

Features:
Powerful software package with remote monitoring
Very good IP54 weather rating
3-phase capability
Note:
Full capability when used with SMA or compatible solar inverters
External automatic transfer switch required to enable battery backup
When configured as a hybrid inverter, grid isolation (backup mode) is not instantaneous - 2-3 sec
delay.
Price bracket High

Conext XW & XW+ From Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a well known, large European corporation and a leader in electrical
product development and manufacture. Focusing on designing and developing products for the
solar power conversion chain.

Sizes available XW (power output): 4.0kW, 4.5kW, 6.0kW
Sizes available XW+ (power output): 5.5kW, 6.8kW
Pass through power: 14kW
Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, Lithium-ion (XW+ only)
Battery System Voltage: 24V & 48V
Features:
3-phase capability
Note:
Full capability only when used with Schneider solar inverters & regulators.
No built-in battery state of charge (SOC) control system
Difficult to configure for hybrid self-use installations
Radian Series By Outback Power Systems
Outback Power Systems is a North American company based in Arlington, WA, and have been
producing high quality renewable energy products since 2001. Outback is also an innovative
designer and manufacturer of reliable power electronics for renewable energy applications
including solar, wind, micro-hydro and battery based energy systems.

Pass through power: 3.6kW, 7.2kW
Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, Lithium-ion
Features:
Dual AC inputs (Generator & grid)
Split phase - 120/240V (North America)
Powerful software package and advanced communications
Note:
Additional Coupling unit required to enable AC coupling
Full capability when used with Outback regulators.
Only available in North, Central and Latin America.
ECOmulti By Victron Energy

Use: Solar storage, back-up (UPS)
Sizes available (power output): 2.5kW (êxpandable)
Compatible Battery types: Integrated lithium iron phosphate 2.3kWh
Features:
All-in-one unit includes batteries and system management.
Simple installation
High surge power capability
Compact unit
Additional battery storage available (êxpandable)
Note:
Separate solar inverter required
Full capability only when used with Victon solar Inverters
Low total energy storage capability

MultiPlus By Victron Energy*
* no grid feed-in


Type: Inverter/charger (coupled with DC solar regulator/s)
Solar Array Size (Solar input): N/A
Sizes available (power output): 0.7kW, 1.3kW, 1.6kW, 2.4kW, 4.0kW
Pass through power: 3.6kW - 11.5kW
Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid or lithium
Battery System Voltage: 12-48V
Features:
Economical Inverter/charger option (no grid interaction)
Med-High surge power output
Generator auto start and monitoring available
Dual AC outputs for non-essential loads (high-power units only)
3-phase capability
Note:
Full capability only when used with Victron regulators and system control panel.
Limited capability for for hybrid self-use installations

2. Complete Hybrid Systems With Built-In Battery Storage
July 2, 2015
Complete hybrid systems with integrated energy storage are very simple to install and offer an
attractive solution which eliminates the need to select and match individual components. These
systems combine an inverter/charger, solar inverter, battery modules and energy managements
system all in one unit. All available systems at this stage use lithium-ion batteries but only the
Bosch, Fronius and Alpha systems are upgradable to enable future expansion.
These complete all-in-one systems may be very convenient but they do have some limitations,
the main being the limited inverter power output and no pass-through power capability. This
mean your home may require separation of essential and non-essential loads. Also be aware that
some of these systems (Samsung) have no UPS function so no power is available during a
blackout, although if grid outages are very rare then this may not be an issue.
The following list explains in detail the features and specifications of the various hybrid systems
available. Also see the full hybrid inverter and energy storage system summary list here for easy
direct comparison.
BPT-S 5 Hybrid From Bosch*

* No longer available
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services, active in
the fields of automotive technology, energy and building technology, industrial
technology and consumer goods.
Use: UPS and self-use
Battery type and capacity: Lithium-ion, 4.4kWh - 13.2kWh
Battery System Voltage: N/A
Features:
Simple installation
Compact unit
Long battery life
Note:
One size only
Can only be used with Bosch lithium-ion battery modules.
Price bracket High

Fronius Symo Hybrid By Fronius International
Fronius International is an Austrian company which began in 1945 designing and building
welders. Fronius is now highly active in the fields of welding technology, photovoltaics and
battery charging technology. It is claimed that Fronius and Teslahave partnered to offer the
Powerwall in combination with the Fronius Symo Hybrid inverter as an integrated solution for
residential PV systems.

Use: self-use and back-up (UPS)
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 5.0kW, 6.5kW,
Battery type and capacity: Fronius Battery: Lithium-ion, 4.5kWh 12kWh
Battery System Voltage: TBA
Features:
All-in-one unit - plus batteries
3-phase inverter
DC coupling of storage
Long battery life - 8000 charging cycles (claimed)
Inverter with IP65 protection (weather rated for outdoor installation)
Note:
Only Fronius Solar Battery can be used.
Was claimed to be compatible with the Tesla Powerwall battery - TBA
3-phase only - single phase to be released late 2016
back-up power enabled via "emergency power button"
Samsung SDI By Samsung Group
Samsung is a South Korean multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Samsung

Town, Seoul. Samsung SDI began developing lithium-ion battery storage technology in 2000
and is now using this technology to design and develop eco-friendly energy solutions.
Use: self-use, back-up version now available
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 6.6kW,
Sizes available (power output): 5kW
Battery type and capacity: Lithium-ion, 3.6kWh, (5.8kWh add-on ESS)
Battery System Voltage: n/a
Features:
All-in-one unit including solar inverter, batteries and system management
Additional storage can be added
Compact unit
Long battery life
Note :
UPS and backup capability with add-on ESS
Price bracket Medium/high

PowerLegato By AU Optronics Corp (BenQ )
AU Optronics (AUO) is an international company with global operations spreading across

Taiwan, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, USA, and Europe. AUO's solar business has been
adopting BenQ Solar as its brand name to offer high efficiency, reliable solar products that are
easy to install.
Use: Self-use, UPS
Sizes available (power output): 2kW, 3kW
Compatible Battery types: Integrated lithium-ion
Features:
Simple installation
Compact unit
Long battery life
Note:

AlphaESS By AlphaESS
AlphaESS based in Jiangsu, China, have been developing economical energy storage solutions
since 2012 and have distributed products in European and Australian markets. AlphaESS
provides an integrated smart energy management system controller, hybrid inverter and battery
modules in one complete unit.
Use: self-use, UPS, off-grid
Compatible Battery types: lithium-ion modules, 5kW-19.2kWh
Features:
All-in-one unit including, inverter, batteries and system management.
Simple installation
Powerful software and advanced communications
Note:
Additional battery storage also available (expandable)

3. All-In-One Hybrid Inverters
May 5, 2016
The simplest and most economical type of hybrid Inverter is the all-in-one inverter. The all-inone unit contains a solar inverter, charger and battery inverter together with software which can
be programmed to determine the most efficient use of your available energy.
All-in-one hybrid inverters although easier to install do have some limitations, in particular the
limited surge power output. Also most of these inverters have nopass through power capability
so most installation will require separation of essential and non-essential loads. It is worth noting
that if using an all-in-one inverter with a lead-acid Gel or AGM batteries only the Redback and
Sungrow inverters have temperature monitoring to optimise battery charging. PowerRouter from
Nedap has been recalled in Australia and the Voltronic inverters (MPP solar and Infini hybrid)
have been reported to have some quality and reliability issues.
For direct comparison of all inverters & systems see the complete Hybrid all-in-one inverters
comparison table here
SolaX X-Hybrid From Suntellite Group
Suntellite Group headquarters is located in Zhejiang University national park with two major
manufacturing plants in China. Manufacturer of solar cells, panels, inverters, solar racking and
LED lighting technology.

Use: Self-use, back-up (UPS) version now available
Size (power output): 1.3kW (up to max charging 4 units = 5.2kW)
Features:
Battery manager unit optional (up to 4 units can be added at a later stage)
Simple installation as per on-grid inverter (no essential load separation required with self-use
version)
All-in-one unit
Note:
Two models available - Self-use and back-up (UPS) version
Power supply not instantaneous (output ramps up to meet load - self-use version)
No battery temperature monitoring (Lead-acid only)

Axpert By Voltronic Power , Also Branded As Giant Power And MPP
Solar
market.
Basic specifications: (4 sizes available) (PWM & MPPT options also

available)
Type: All-in-one hybrid inverter (no grid feed-in)
Solar Array Size (Solar input): 0.5kW - 3.0kW
Features:
Very simple all-in-one hybrid option
Recently added generator start feature
Note:
No grid feed-in capability
No battery state of charge (SOC) controls

Price bracket Low
Voltronic Power Infini Hybrid Inverter, Also Branded As Giant

Power And Omnik
Voltronic Infini & MPP Solar hybrid inverter video review

market.

Sizes available (power output): 3.0kW, 10kW 3-phase
Features:
All-in-one unit
Note:
No battery state of charge (SOC) control
Price bracket Low/Med

4. Battery System - Energy Storage
July 2, 2015
Modern battery storage systems used for solar hybrid installations comprise of either sealed leadacid or lithium based batteries however we will focus on the newer lithium batteries in this
article.
For a detailed comparison of the leading lead-acid and lithium battery systems see the complete
battery comparison and review here.
Most lithium batteries are housed within a battery module containing sensors and a dedicated
battery management system (BMS). The BMS is essential to monitor battery voltage, state of
charge and cell temperature (thermal monitoring). Note: most battery systems will require an
additional hybrid or Interactive Inverter to create a complete a hybrid system so the overall
installation cost will be generally higher than expected. The 6.4kWh Tesla Powerwall shown
below is a unique 'DC coupled' battery system which must be fitted together with a compatible
inverter to function.
For direct comparison of all battery systems including real cost $ per kWh see the
complete battery system comparison table -
RESU 6.4 EX By LG Chem
LG Chem Ltd often referred to as LG Chemical is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea and was
the 13th largest chemical company in the world by sales in 2014. LG Chem completed
development and began mass production of Koreas first lithium-ion batteries back in 1999. At
the end of 2011, LG Chem was the worlds third-largest maker with an annual production
capacity of 1,000 million cells and is also a supplier of automotive battery for electric vehicles
such as the Chevrolet Volt and Ford Focus electric.

Battery System Voltage: 51.8V (48V)
Battery type & size: Lithium NMC (lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt) 6.4kWh
Features:
Expandable with up to 2 x 3.2kWh units - Max 12.8kWh
Note:
Price bracket Med

NeeoQube By Akasol
Akasol Engineering was founded in 2008 by leading members of Akasol e.V. and the Schulz
Group in Germany and is now one of the world's leading suppliers of solutions for high
performance battery systems. Akasol have one of the most state-of-the-art test environments in
Europe for analysis and testing energy storage technology.

Battery type & size: Lithium NMC - (lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt) 5.5kWh
Features:
Stackable up to 5 units - 27.5kWh
Compatible with SMA and Nedap Inverters
Note:
Price bracket High
Powerwall By Tesla
Tesla is an innovative company based California, USA specialising in electric vehicles such as
the model S and advanced lithium battery technology. Headed by the well known entrepreneur
Elon Musk, Tesla is now known as a world leader in energy storage tehnology and is
constructing the worlds largest battery manufacturing facility known as the Gigafactory which is
predicted to reduce the cost of lithium-ion storage batteries by up to 30% once fully operational
in 2018.
Basic specifications: (2 battery sizes/types available)

Use: Self-use only
Battery System Voltage: 350-450V DC*
Battery type & size: Lithium - NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) 6.4kWh
Features:
Integrated charger, BMS and DC-DC converter.
Only outdoor weather rated battery on the market.
Liquid thermal cooling.
Note:
No DC to AC inverter included
Compatible inverters - Fronius
Symo Hybrid (3 phase), SolarEdges StorEdge (single
phase)
Future updates to allow additional units to be connected in parallel
DC coupled with the solar array
Price bracket High for Aus (low for US)

Extra 2000 By Pylon Technology Co.
Shanghai Pylon Technologies Co., Ltd. is the leading chinese supplier and manufacturer of
Lithium LiFePO Cell batteries. Producing a huge range of battery systems including High
Energy LiFePO Cells, Telecom Backup Lithium Battery, Lithium UPS Battery, Car Starter
Battery and Electric Vehicle Lithium Batteries.

Battery type & size: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)- 2.4kWh
Features:
Compact battery module with integrated charger & BMS.
Expandable with up to 4 x 2.4kWh units
Compatible with Redback, SolaX and many well known Inverters
Note:
Low surge/peak power output.
Price bracket Low

E-KwBe 5.6 By GCL
GCL (Golden Concord Holdings Limited) based in Hong Kong is an huge international
company which is recognised as the worlds largest provider of solar cells. The E-KwBe is the
first battery released under the subsidiary GCL system integration technology Co.
Basic specifications: (2 battery sizes available)

Type: Energy storage - Battery system (2.5kWh & 5.6kWh)
Power output: 3kW (continuous & peak)
Battery type & size: Lithium NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) - 7kWh

Features:
Expandable (TBA)
Compatible with Goodwe SE hybrid inverters
Note:
Relatively low cycle life (2000 cycles)
Two sizes available - 2.5kWh & 5.6kWh
Price bracket Low

Lithium Ion (LiFePO4) By Iron Edison
Iron Edison Battery Company based in Colorado, USA, was founded in 2011 and is a world
leader in advanced Nickel-iron (Ni-Fe) battery technology. Claiming to have an expected life of
twenty five years. The Iron Edison Lithium-Ion series of storage batteries are designed for solar
PV and renewable energy applications under critical and harsh conditions.
Basic specifications: (Many battery sizes available)

Battery type & size: Lithium (LiFePO4) - 8.3kWh
Features:
Battery module with integrated charger.

Stackable up to 48kWh
Compatible with many common inverters & regulators
Note:
Price bracket Med
AHI Battery Modules By Aquion Energy
Aquion Energy is headquartered in Pittsburgh, with a manufacturing facility in Westmoreland,

Pennsylvania. Aquions Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) battery systems are optimized for
stationary, long duration daily cycling applications, including off-grid and microgrids, energy
management, and grid-scale energy storage applications. The batteries utilize non-corrosive
reactions at the anode and cathode to prevent deterioration of the materials. The water-based
chemistryresults in a nontoxic and non-combustible product that is safe to handle and
environmentally friendly.

Power output: 8.1kW (9.7kW peak) - M100 series module
Battery type & size: Each Individual S20 stack is 2.4kWh (The M100 module is made up of 12
x S20 stacks for total 25kWh)
Usable capacity: 100% - 2.4kWh (only over low 24hr discharge rate)
Features:
Battery module with integrated protection

Non-toxic materials
Note:
High energy to weight ratio - 113kg per stack
Requires inverters with programmable charge voltage parameters which can operate in wide
voltage window (40-60V)
May require additional battery management system to operate.
Price bracket Med
Zcell (ZBM2) by Redflow
Redflow, now an International company started in Australia with a manufacturing facility in the
US produces one of the worlds first domestic flow battery systems called the Zcell (based on the
previous version Redflow ZBM2 battery). The unique zinc bromide flow battery technology was
developed by the University of Queensland and is capable of 100% discharge and can withstand
partial or no charge for prolonged periods of time without degradation.

Use: Self-use, Off-grid when used with an appropriate inverter
Power output: 3.0kW (5.0kW peak)
Battery type & size: Zinc Bromide flow battery - 10kWh

Usable capacity: 100% - 10kWh
Features:
Unique flow battery system with integrated protection
Safe, fire retartant system
High temperature tolerance
10 year warranty
Note:
High energy to weight ratio - 240kg per unit
DC-DC conversion efficiency of 80%
Requires inverter with programmable charge voltage parameters which can operate in wide
voltage window (40-60V)
Price bracket High

Complete Solar Battery Review
May 20, 2016
Jason Svarc
UPDATE 1 - May 2016 - price reductions and specification changes
UPDATE 2 - July 2016 - Powerwall specification changes and warranty; with the long
awaited spec's released it appears the Powerwall is behind other high performance battery
systems already available.
UPDATE 3 - Aug 2016 - Powerwall warranty change (ref Powerwall section) and LG chem
spec's update. Cost per kWh comparison now includes battery efficiency factor.
Battery storage systems combined with residential solar are being touted as an energy revolution,
a game changer, a renewable energy saviour, or simply as a way for people who are sick of
paying high electricity prices to lower their bills. In Australia there is a great incentive to store
solar energy as the feed-in tariff has been reduced to as little as 5c per kWh or less, while the cost
to purchase electricity is an average of 28c per kWh and rising. This has become a driving force
and great incentive to store solar energy rather than send it to the power grid for little return.
The Lineup:
Tesla Powerwall Lithium NMC
LG Chem RESU Lithium NMC
Pylon Tech Lithium Iron Phosphate
Aquion Hybrid Ion Sodium-Ion
Narada Lead-Carbon
BAE Gel Lead-Acid
Basic summary - continue down page for full results:
Background
Batteries for energy storage in buildings have been around for a long time in both stand-alone
(off-grid) and commercial back-up (UPS) power systems, however over the last few years
domestic energy storage in the form of hybrid solar systems have started to gain momentum,
even with the relatively high cost of batteries. Many hybrid and off-grid solar installations still
use the traditional vented or sealed (gel or AGM) lead-acid batteries, but over the last two
yearslithium batteries have really started to take hold with many large companies such as LG and
Samsung releasing lithium based battery systems. Of course the biggest boost in interest came
with the announcement of the Tesla Powerwall, this was when the mainstream population
became aware of the possibility of home energy storage. But is the Powerwall really going to
meet these high expectations, especially with growing competition from well established
companies such as Narada in China, LG Chem, BAE in Germany and newer technologies such
as the Aquion sodium-ion and redox flow batteries?
We compared the Powerwall with the recently released LG Chem lithium battery which is
considered the leading competitor to the Tesla Powerwall.
In this article we will try to compare both new and old battery technologies using a number of
criteria. A direct comparison is not as easy as it sounds as each battery chemistry behaves
differently under different conditions which can either prolong or decrease the life of the battery.
The primary aim is to compare each of the batteries storage capacity measured in kWh over the
cycle life of the battery, but we will also try highlight the key advantages and disadvantages of
the various systems available. We will not be looking at unsealed (flooded) lead-acid batteries, as
these require high levels of maintenance and any cost savings can be outweighed by regular
maintenance work required throughout the life of the battery.
To do an accurate comparison we compared the Powerwall with the recently released LG Chem
lithium battery which is considered the leading competitor to the Powerwall in Australia,
together with the better known and widely used lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery
modules by the large Chinese manufacture Pylon Technologies.
Although one innovative company which has managed to manufacture a new battery chemistry
at a competitive price is Aquion Energy
The newer lithium based batteries are also lined up against the leading gel lead-acid based
batteries from BAE and the advanced lead-carbon battery recently released by Narada. There are
also many new batteries technologies currently being developed but few are suitable for
residential applications or have moved to the high-volume production level required to become
price competitive. One innovative company which has managed to manufacture a new battery
chemistry at a competitive price is Aquion Energy. For this reason the sodium-ion based
Aqueous Hybrid Ion battery system was also added to the list. The Redflow (Zinc bromide)
flow battery also appears to be a very promising and unique new battery technology with many
benifits but will not be included in this comparison until a later release.
Note: There are many well established companies manufacturing gel lead-acid based batteries
but we selected the high end German BAE solar PVV battery to represent the sealed lead-acid
batteries due to the high cycle life and deep discharge capability.
To accurately compare all the leading battery technologies currently available we have selected
several key criteria listed in order of importance below.
Comparison Criteria:
1. Price per kWh (upfront cost)
2. Depth of discharge (DOD) usable energy
3. Cycle life Number of complete charge cycles
4. Power output Max continuous and peak output
5. Round trip efficiency Charge/discharge losses
6. Size and Weight Energy density
1. The first key criteria is price per kWh, since upfront cost and payback time is the most
important aspect for most consumers.
2 -3. The second and third criteria really go hand in hand as battery life is almost always directly
proportional to the depth of discharge (DOD). This means that the further a battery is discharged
the shorter the battery life. The available energy or DOD on a daily cycle (charged and
discharged every day) is usually specified by the manufacturer and the cycle life in years is based
on this DOD value. However, the end of life (EOL) of a battery is not always clear as a battery
doesn't just suddenly stop working after a certain number of cycles. Almost all battery
technologies new and old slowly loose capacity over time and the industry standard is to
determine the EOL once battery capacity has dropped to 80%. Remember the battery is still
usable after this, it just doesn't hold as much energy. To complicate this further in a real world
there are many variables including temperature, rate of discharge and incomplete charge (partial
state of charge) so the performance and life of a battery system can be significantly altered. As a
general guide the newer lithium and sodium based batteries are designed to be discharged up to
70-90% total capacity while the traditional lead-acid (gel & AGM) batteries are generally not
discharged lower than 40-50% unless in emergency backup situations. For those in the industry
this is a relatively standard assumption. See our battery article for more specific information.
4. Following this we have the continuous and peak power output. This can be very important
depending on the type of inverter you are using and the application, for example off-grid
installations will usually require a higher peak power output as you do not have the grid available
to assist in high load (power output) situations.
5. Next is round trip efficiency, this is the charging and discharging efficiency or losses during
cycle use. Unfortunately, due to the laws of physics the transfer of energy from one form to
another (in the case of batteries from electrical to chemical energy) will always result in some
losses. Generally, charge/discharge losses from a lead-acid based battery is close to 20% while
most new lithium based batteries are closer to 10%.
6. You may be surprised but I have put weight or energy density last. This is simply because I
consider it rather irrelevant in a stationary situation, however if this comparison was for electric
vehicles it would probably be on top of the list.
Sustainability - Environmental impact

Of course there are other factors which should be considered such as recyclability, temperature
tolerance and safety. As more and more battery systems are installed recyclability will become a
major issue which I have discussed in a new section at the end of this review.
The Contenders:
Note: The cost per kWh figures are based on the price of the battery from various
distributors. Due to highly variable Australian dollar we have used the standard US
dollar. More importantly the estimated prices do not include the cost of the solar array, inverter,
installation and other associated costs such as rewiring switchboards or solar array circuits.
Tesla Powerwall:
The Powerwall is now only available as a 6.4 kWh unit (previously listed as 7kWh). Also we
should mention the 10kWh 'backup' model will not be released due to low sales. The
Powerwall uses the lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cellchemistry which has been used
in electric and hybrid vehicles for some time. It features an integrated battery management
systems (BMS), liquid thermal management and DC to DC converter. Initially promoted with the
capability to link multiple powerwalls together for homes with greater energy requirements, but
unfortunatley this feature is not yet available (may need to wait for the second generation
Powerwall). Interestingly it is designed to be connected between the solar array and the inverter
and so accepts a high DC voltage input of 350-450V which is unusual for a battery storage
system. Also under this configuration the system would not operate during a blackout unless
installed in conjunction with a compatible hybrid inverter (TBA).
Warranty Controversy:
The original warranty was 10 years but only under certain conditions... UPDATE: Detailed
specifications of cycle life were removed which in summary specified a max of 5.4kWh usable
for the first 740 discharge cycles or 2 years and reduced capacity for the remainder of the 10 year
warranty. This was replaced with " this Limited Warranty does not cover normal degradation of
your Powerwalls energy capacity over time" See updated Warranty certificate. This is a very
broad statement of which there is no definition of the term normal degradation.
It should be noted that most Lithium battery manufacturers arealso yet to be proven and have
not provided detailed warranty specifications to the same level as Tesla so we will give the
benefit of the doubt and assume 5.4kWh usable energy for 10 years.
COST $: After shipping from the US, import duty, taxes and distributor mark-up the cost has
increased significantly to around AU$7000.
5.4kWh usable for 3650 cycles - estimated

Power output Continuous = 2.0kW, Maximum Peak= 3.3kW
Round trip efficiency (claimed) = 92.5%
Powerwall = US$3500 (AU$7000) Cost per usable kWh = US$932
LG Chem RESU:
The LG Chem Residential Energy Storage Unit (RESU) is a 6.4kWh lithium battery module
which is the same capacity as the Tesla offering but is significantly smaller and has been
available since mid 2015. It is also reported to the same use lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt
(NMC) cellchemistry as the Powerwall. It is housed in a compact enclosure with integrated BMS
and is claimed to last an impressive 6,000 cycles at 90% depth of discharge and 10,000 cycles at
80% DOD. However we discovered this was to a 60% retained capacity (EOL) as opposed to the
standard 80% so we have equated to approx 4000 cycles, although this is still an impressive life
of 10+ years. The battery module operates at the nominal voltage of 51.8V and has a continuous
power output of 2kW although it can manage a sizeable peak output of 5kW.
The system can be upgraded to a total of 12.8kWh with up to two 3.2kWh expansion units. LG
Chem states these are expected to be slightly more than 50% of the RESU 6.4Ex price. Warranty:
TBA
5.7 kWh usable for 4000cycles to 80% retained capacity (EOL) - estimated
Power output Continuous @ 48V bank = 2.0kW, Maximum Peak = 5.0kW
Round trip efficiency (claimed) = 95%
6.4kWh LG RESU = US$4800 (AU$6500) Cost per usable kWh = US$844
PylonTech Extra2000:
The Pylon Technology Co. Extra series lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) or LFP batteries were
some of the first lithium based battery modules available which enclosed both the lithium cells
and battery management/control system in one simple compact unit. Available in standard rack
size, 2.4kWh modules with a touch screen interface allows easy setup and monitoring together
with connections for multiple units in parallel. The modules are often re-branded and used by
several large solar manufactures and distributors including SolaX, Canadian Solar and Redback
Technologies.
Lithium-ion phosphate is generally considered the most stable of all the lithium battery
chemistries especially at elevated temperatures above 40 degC (common in Australia) which is
highlighted by the high battery cut-off temperature of 60 degC. Cycle life is also very high at a
claimed 4,000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge to 80% retained capacity (EOL). The battery
module operates at the nominal voltage of 48V and has a continuous power output of 2.0kW over
a short discharge duration of 1 hour. Warranty: 2 years
1.92kWh usable for 4000cycles to 80% retained capacity (EOL)
Power output Continuous @ 48V bank = 2.0kW, Maximum Peak 2.2kW
Round trip efficiency (claimed) = 92% - estimated
Extra2000 = US$1100 (AU$1520) Cost per usable kWh = US$617
Aquion Energy:
Aquion Energy started mass manufacturing an advanced sodium-ion (saltwater) battery system
early in 2014. Aquion developed the solution now patented Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI)
chemistry using abundant, nontoxic materials and modern low cost manufacturing techniques.
They are the first battery manufacturer to have met all the stringent criteria to obtain cradle-tocradle certification which means that they are possibility the most environmentally friendly
batteries currently available.
In addition, unlike many other battery technologies Aquion claims the AHI battery system is very
tolerant to abuse with the ability to stand at a partial state of charge with minimal or no
degradation. The Aquion battery is also the only battery we have seen which is able to be
discharged to 100% without any detrimental effects on the life of the battery or loss of capacity.
However, one major drawback as the full capacity can only be obtained at a relatively slow
discharge rate of 20 hours (C20) which is not optimal for all hybrid situations with a full
discharge more likely to be over 12 hours or less. The batteries are available in individual stacks
of 2.4kWh with a nominal voltage of 48V. The claimed life is 3000 cycles to 70% retained
capacity (EOL). Warranty TBA. If we assume a faster discharge and round trip efficiency of
70%, using these specifications we can assume:
1.7kWh usable for 2500cycles to 80% retained capacity (EOL)
Power output Continuous = 0.45kW (4 x stacks = 1.8kW), Maximum Peak = 0.96kW per stack
Round trip efficiency (estimated) = 70% (based on 12 hour discharge rate - C12)
2.4kWh module = US$1150 (AU$1600) Cost per usable kWh = US$675
Narada Lead-Carbon:
ZHEJIANG Narada Power Source Co. is a Chinese based company primarily focused on power
system and energy storage solutions. The REXC series Lead-Carbon based battery technology
uses a nano carbon material with high capacitance and highly conductivity on the negative
electrode. The company claims this combines the advantages of both lead acid batteries and
super capacitors to enable faster recharge. The lead carbon battery technology provides not only
a higher energy density, but also high power, rapid charge and discharge, and longer cycle life
than traditional lead-acid batteries. However, the batteries are only currently available in large
6V and 12V modules so multiple strings of batteries would be required for usable capacities
above 6kWh which is not ideal for large system but suitable for most domestic hybrid setups.
Also the rated capacity can only be obtained at a very slow discharge rate of 100 hours (C100)
which is not optimal for a hybrid situation with full discharge more likely to be over 12 hours or
less. Although the claimed cycle life of 3000 cycles can be obtained at high temperature of
40degC so in theory they should last longer at lower temperatures.
Warranty 2 years
48V bank = 4 x 12V 200Ah (C12) = 4.0kWh usable for 3000cycles to 80% retained capacity
(EOL)
Power output Continuous @ 48V bank = 5.0kW, Peak up to 10kW
Round trip efficiency (estimated) = 80% (based on 12 hour discharge rate - C12)*
4 x 12V 200Ah batteries = US$2600 (AU$3600) Cost per usable kWh = US$650
BAE Gel Lead-Acid:

BAE Gel Secura batteries are high quality German made lead-acid based batteries designed
specifically for off-grid and hybrid installations. BAE manufacture a wide range of batteries of
various sizes and voltage configurations but for this review we will focus on the Gel Secura PVV
solar range. BAE have been manufacturing lead-acid based batteries for more than 100 years and
the latest Gel Secura PVV battery design uses an advanced tubular-plate electrode with woven
polyester gauntlet and solid grids in a corrosion-resistant lead-calcium alloy. The fully sealed
maintenance free battery design utilizes the VRLA technology and have been proven to perform
in harsh conditions and elevated temperatures. The Secura PVV batteries are single 2V cells
therefore require battery configurations of either 12 or 24 batteries in series to create a battery
bank nominal voltage of 24V and 48V respectively, refer to ourbattery article for more
information.
The Secura PVV batteries are available in a vast range of sizes ranging from 140Ah up to a
massive 4940Ah which in turn enables a wide variety of battery bank capacities up to a 235kWh
however we selected the smaller 770Ah (C25) battery for the comparison (610Ah @ C10). BAE
batteries are capable of deep discharges to a maximum of 80% total capacity but for the purpose
of this article we will use a DOD of 50% which according the specifications will provide 3000
cycles to end of life (EOL).
Warranty: 2 years
48V bank = 24 x 2V 610Ah = 14.6kWh usable for 3000cycles to 80% retained capacity
(EOL)
Power output Continuous @ 48V bank = 5.0kW, Peak up to 9kW or higher**
Round trip efficiency (estimated) = 80% (based on 10 hour discharge rate - C10)
24 x 2V 350Ah batteries = US$9300 (AU$12800) Cost per usable kWh = US$635

**Continuous and Peak power output of a lead-acid battery bank depends on battery capacity
chosen, up to (235kWh @ 48V) and so power output could be rated as high as 100kW.
Results Summary:
Upfront Cost per kWh - usable energy (US$)
(prices based on Australian distributor prices, not US RRP)
Tesla Powerwall - US$932 per kWh (10 year life) 85% DoD
LG Chem RESU US$844 per kWh (11 year life) 80% DoD
PylonTech Extra2000 - US$617 per kWh (11 year life) 80% DoD
Auqion Energy - US$675 per kWh (8 year life) 100% DoD
Narada REXC - US$650 per kWh (8 year life) 50% DoD
BAE Secura PVV - US$635 per kWh (8 year life) 50% DoD
Cost per kWh per year over battery life (US$)

(prices based on Australian distributor prices, not US RRP)
Cost per kWh per year over battery life (US$) including battery efficiency
factor*
* Battery efficiency factor is the round trip efficiency of the battery during the charging and
discharging cycle in which some energy is lost.
Conclusion:
UPDATE: With a comparison based solely on cost per kWh the Pylon Technologies battery is
now the clear winner. Although it is important to note there are several assumptions used and
true performance in real world conditions may vary significantly. With the updated Powerwall
specifications the Tesla battery now appears to offer much lower value for money, however it is
the only battery unit which is fully IP67 (outdoor) weather rated and the only battery to
incorporate an liquid temperature management system which may prove to prolong battery life
over time. Note: if this comparison was based on US price of $3500 not the Australian
Powerwall price then the results would be far different with the powerwall being much closer to
the Pylon Tech price.
The LG chem battery comes in second when considering cost per kWh over the life of the
battery. The LG is also the lightest and most compact, coming in at close to half the size and
weight of the Powerwall and is able to be expanded up to 12.8kWh capacity. If limited space is
an issue then the LG-chem or Pylon Tech batteries would be the best option.
Besides the cost per kWh figure there are many important factors to consider when selecting a
battery storage system such as compatibility with your existing solar setup (if installed) and
energy storage requirements. For example some households will use far more peak energy than a
single 6.4kWh battery can provide and may require multiple units. This would rule out the
Powerwall ascurrently it cannot be expanded with multiple units in parallel unlike the LG and
Pylon Tech systems. Also depending on your location, solar panel orientation and solar
insolation (available sun energy) the solar system may not be able to charge a large battery
system.
Continuous power output of the lithium batteries can also be quite limited as highlighted in the
above chart, although as mentioned multiple battery modules (LG and Pylon Tech) can be linked
together in parallel to provide greater power output, however this is still rather limited. If a high
capacity (above 12kWh) and high output system is required then lead-acid based batteries (BAE
or Narada) are still the best option.
Another important consideration is many hybrid and off-grid inverters are optimised for charging
lead-acid batteries and some lack the compatible communications to charge/monitor a lithium
battery management system (BMS). For example the communications used by the Pylon Tech
batteries are not compatible with all hybrid inverters while the LG Chem battery operates on the
widely used CAN-bus comms standard which the SMA Sunny island, popular Goodwe and
Redback hybrid inverters also use. See here for full hybrid/off-grid inverter details and reviews.
For this reason it is recommended that you purchase a hybrid kit (battery and inverter combo)
which is known to be compatible.
Some examples are:
- SolarEdge and Powerwall
- Sungrow SH5K and LG Chem
- Sola X hyrbid and Pylon Tech
- Redback Technologies and Pylon Tech
- Selectronic SP PRO and BAE, Narada or Aquion
- SMA Sunny Island and LG Chem or Narada
Going Off-Grid?
Whilst the lithium batteries seem to be the most cost effective solution and excellent for most
hybrid applications if you are setting up an off-grid system then lithium batteries are generally
undersized or not always compatible with many of the dedicated off-grid inverters. Lead-acid
batteries such as those from BAE and Narada would be the best option for most large off-grid
installations while the Aquion batteries are best suited to constant discharge applications.
For information about designing a solar powered home refer to the building off-grid guide on our
other site. You don't have to build an 'earth ship' made from used car tires and straw to have a
solar powered off-grid home.
Battery Recycling And Sustainability:

With an ever increasing number of battery installations around the world comes the inevitable
problem of recycling the batteries once they have reached the end of their usable life. In the case
of lead-acid based batteries this is not a big issue as the infrastructure and recycling collection
centres are already in place in most countries, enabling the Lead, plastic and electrolyte to be
extracted and recycled relatively easily.
The Aquion Sodium-ion (salt water) battery system is possibly the only battery which has
been designed with sustainability in mind. With a unique non-toxic chemistry they are the first
battery manufacturer to have met all the stringent criteria to obtain cradle-to-cradle certification
for sustainability. Also since Aquion batteries are manufactured using abundant materials they
are not be likely to suffer any material shortages due to high demand.
Lithium batteries on the other hand are the obvious Achilles heal with most manufactures
admitting they are either not yet technically capable or simply unable to recycle the lithium cells.
The problem really lies in the complex lithium chemistries being manufactured of which there
are many variations. Some cells are in powder form, others coated onto metal foil, all of which
must be somehow separated. At present the safest Lithium combination is lithium iron phosphate
(LiFePO4 or LFP for short) which is also one of the few lithium batteries which can be recycled.
Lithium cells are also much smaller and often incorporate electronic management systems and
thermal sensors which will also need to be disassembled. Then there is the limited supply of raw
materials such as Lithium, although this may lead to greater incentives to recycle as the raw
material cost will no doubt rise as the demand increases.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND REVIEWS:

For more information to help you understand hybrid inverter technology and select the
appropriate inverter or battery for your installation, see our introduction to solar & hybrid
inverters
For more reviews on hybrid solar - Hybrid inverters and energy storage systems
What Is A Hybrid Solar System?

May 15, 2015
Jason Svarc
A hybrid solar system is basically a grid-connected solar system with battery storage. Hybrid
systems generate power in the same way as a grid connected system but have the ability to store
the excess solar energy generated in a battery (click here for more information on how solar
works).
Why store the solar energy you generate? A common reason is due to many governments around
the world reducing the solar feed-in tariff (money or credit received for feeding solar energy into
the electricity grid). This resulted in it becoming less economical to install a traditional gridconnected system as most residential consumers are working during the day and are not home to
utilise the solar energy directly. In this situation the solar energy is often fed to the electricity grid
for very little return. A hybrid system enables you to store the solar energy generated within a
battery bank which gives you the ability to use it when you're home during the evening (when
the cost of electricity is typically at peak rate).Since the peak electricity rate in some countries is
three to four times the solar feed-in rate a hybrid system can greatly reduce your electricity costs.
Many hybrid systems are also able to operate as a backup power system (UPS) to provide limited
power during a blackout.
The ability to store and use your solar energy when desired is referred to as self-use or selfconsumption. It works in the same way as an off-grid power system but the battery capacity
required is far less, usually just enough to cover peak consumption (12 hours or less) as opposed
to 3-5 days as with a typical off-grid system.
Advantages:
Stores & saves solar or cheaper off-peak energy.
Allows use of solar energy during peak times (self-use or load-shifting)
Power available during a grid outage or blackout UPS
Enables advanced energy management (ie. peak shaving)

Enables energy independence
Reduces power consumption
Disadvantages:
Higher cost than on-grid solar. Mainly due to the high cost of batteries.
Larger more complex installation requires more room and higher install cost.
Battery life of 6-15 years.
Can limit how many appliances you can run at the same time (depending on the type of hybrid
inverter and its capability)
HYBRID INVERTER TYPES:

The following section will first discuss the basic all-in-one hybrid inverter types followed by the
more advanced grid interactive hybrid inverters. Refer to our hybrid system summary for the
full model list of available hybrid inverters and complete hybrid energy storage systems.
NOTE: To add battery storage to an existing grid-connected solar installation generally requires
an additional grid-interactive inverter as described in part 2.
1. All-in-one hybrid inverter:

The simplest and most economical type of hybrid Inverter is the all-in-one inverter. The all-inone unit contains a standard on-grid solar inverter, battery charger and battery inverter together
with electronics which can be programmed to determine the most efficient use of your available
energy.
There are 2 main types of all-in-one inverters:

1.1 All-in-one (no UPS): This is the most basic kind of hybrid inverter and works much like a
grid feed solar inverter but also enables storage of solar energy in battery system for self-use.
The main disadvantage of this type of Inverter is that is does not contain an automatic grid
isolation device and cannot continue to supply power when there is a blackout, commonly
known as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) function. Although if grid stability is not an
issue then this simple hybrid inverter could be an good economical choice.
AVAILABLE INVERTERS:
PowerRouter, SolaX, Growatt, (Samsung hybrid system including batteries)
1.2 All-in-one UPS:

This more advanced all-in-one hybrid inverter can be used as both an on-grid hybrid or off-grid
inverter as it has UPS function built-in. Under normal operation it can supply power to the home
(designated power circuits) and excess power can be fed into the grid. If there is a blackout or the
grid becomes unstable the unit will automatically switch over to battery supply and continue to
operate independently from the electricity grid (usually in less than half a second).
AVAILABLE INVERTERS: Redback, SolaX, Omnik, Goodwe ES series
All-in-one hybrid inverter system layout
2. Grid interactive Inverter:

Until recently (before cheaper all-in-one hybrid inverters) most hybrid systems consisted of two
different inverters which worked together to form an AC coupled system; a typical solar
inverter and a sophisticatedinverter/charger, known as an interactive inverter. This creates a
highly flexible energy management system which can work with multiple solar inverters and
other energy sources such as wind or backup generators to optimise energy use and ensure power
is always available during a blackout.
The Solar inverter can be almost any standard unit but it is usually either the same brand or is
compatible with the interactive inverter to enable communication between the two inverters to
optimise battery charging.
The interactive inverter is the heart of the system and acts as a battery inverter/charger and
complete energy management system. This interactive inverter essentially charges the batteries
and supplies power from the batteries to the loads in the same way as an off-grid inverter. It also
controls the supply of power to and from the grid (grid-connection), monitors power usage and
can be used to automatically start and run a back-up generator. In addition these inverters are
capable of handling very high surge loads (electric motors, compressors, etc) and can pass
through additional power directly from the grid if the batteries are low or the load is very high.
The key features of an interactive inverter are below:

Off-grid/hybrid battery inverter to supply power.
Multi-stage battery charger.
Automatic AC transfer switch (UPS function)
High surge load capability
Generator control Auto start / stop.
Remote monitoring.
Grid feed-in when excess power is generated.
Peak shaving to reduce peak demand.
Load shifting and energy demand management.
Grid interactive systems are often used for off-grid and hybrid installations which require a high
level of power management. The powerful software used to run Interactive inverters enable
advanced energy management and monitoring, plus data logging and PLC capabilities through
digital input/outputs and relay controls. These systems can also work with very large or smaller
battery banks and incorporate specialised battery monitoring and temperature sensors to prolong
battery life.
Due to the many features and advanced software the cost of interactive inverters is typically
higher than all-in-one inverters but in many applications the extra cost is worth the additional
investment as they are also generally more reliable, more efficient and enable future expansion.
AVAILABLE INVERTERS: Selectronic SP PRO, SMA Sunny Island, Schneider Conext,
Outback Radian Series (US).
Grid interactive UPS system layout
Please refer to our hybrid inverter and system review for the full list of hybrid systems and
inverters currently available.
Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Batteries - Flooded, AGM & Gel VRLA:
September 9, 2014
Jason Svarc
Lead-acid deep cycle batteries are the most common battery used for solar off-grid and hybrid
energy storage, as well as many other applications. They can be either a single cell battery (2V)
or be made up of a number of cells linked together in series to operate at a required voltage. For
example a 12V lead acid battery is made up of 6 x 2V cells in series. The most common battery
voltages available are 2V, 6V and 12V.
There are several different types of lead-acid deep cycle batteries available. The three main
varieties are listed below:
Flooded lead-acid (vented)
Valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA)- Absorbed glass mat (AGM)
Valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA)- Gel electrolyte (Gel)
The most basic type is the flooded battery where the electrolyte (acid) is in liquid form. Until 6-7
years ago flooded batteries were the most common deep cycle battery available and are still
widely used for large off-grid systems. During the charging and discharging of a flooded battery
volatile gases are produced and are vented out of the battery to prevent the build-up of pressure.
The disadvantage of this is that over time the electrolyte level is reduced and needs to be topped
up, however this also enables the battery to be maintained and thus flooded batteries can last a
long time (up to 20 years or more) if regular maintenance is performed.
VRLA batteries (AGM and Gel) work in the same way as a flooded battery but sealed in a leak
proof enclosure with the electrolyte in a non-liquid form. VRLA batteries use a gas
recombination system which recombines the gases created during the charging/ discharging
process back into the battery. This prevents almost all losses (close to 99%) of electrolyte
through gassing. These batteries are thus non-serviceable or maintenance free as they are sealed
and there is no chance of acid spillage. This means they are much safer, easier to handle and
transport than flooded batteries.
AGM batteries store the electrolyte in an absorptive glass mat between lead calcium plates. This
is the most cost effective type of VRLA battery and has become very popular over recent years.
However cycle life (lifespan) of this type of battery can be quite low compared to flooded and
gel batteries, usually 5-10 years.
Gel batteries use a gelled electrolyte which is created using a special gelling agent to create a
thick immobilised electrolyte. The gel batteries have been known to perform very well under
high discharge rates and generally last longer than AGM batteries, however they are typically
more expensive.
* There are also more advanced gel lead-acid batteries being developed but we will discuss these
in another article.
Battery Capacity:
The available energy stored in a battery is known as the battery capacity which is measured in
amp hours (Ah). All deep cycle battery manufactures will provide the total capacity of a battery
in Ah. When a battery is being discharged the amount of battery power used is known as the
depth of discharge (DOD) and the amount of energy still available is known as state of charge
(SOC). The level of DOD and SOC are directly proportional to the battery or cell voltage under
no load. A typical fully charged 12V battery will have a voltage reading of 12.7 to 13.0 volts,
where as a fully discharged 12V battery will read approximately 11.8 to 12.2 volts depending on
temperature and the age of the battery. Refer to the diagram shown below for a typical 12V leadacid battery:
Note: SOC can only be accurately measured with no load on the battery!
Battery temperature has a significant effect on SOC lower battery temperatures will reduce the
SOC and amount of energy available. However, lower battery temperature will not reduce
battery life unless the electrolyte freezes, in which case it can destroy the battery. On the other
hand high battery temperature can drastically reduce the life of a battery. The ideal operating
temperature range is 15 to 25C. Generally once the battery temperature (not air temperature) is
35C or higher then the life of the battery is reduced. The damage done is proportional to the
temperature. For example higher temperatures above 40C for a prolonged period of time can
destroy a battery with an eight year design life in as little as 1-2 years.
It is important to note that over time as the battery ages the cell voltage will slowly reduce. This
is normal and should be taken into account when reading battery SOC. In addition batteries will
slowly discharge over time if no charge voltage is applied. This is known as self-discharge and is
usually around 3-6% per month depending on the type of battery. Thus a deep cycle battery can
be left in a fully charged state for several months but should never be left in a fully discharged
state as this can cause rapid sulphation and permanently damage the battery.
Battery Banks:
A deep cycle battery bank is the combination of a number of batteries linked together in either
series or parallel. When batteries are connected in series then the output voltage increases,
whereas if they are connected in parallel the overall output current increases. By doing this the
battery bank voltage (or system voltage) can be matched to the inverter and other components.
The most common system voltages used for domestic off-grid and hybrid power systems are
12V, 24V and 48V. As a general rule the larger the system the higher the voltage used. For
example a large off-grid system will use 24 high capacity 2V batteries linked in series with
interconnecting cables to form a 48V battery bank. A smaller battery bank often used in hybrid
systems will usually be made up of a small number of 6V or 12V batteries to form a 24V battery
bank.
Battery Charging:
Charging a lead-acid deep cycle battery requires a dedicated multi-stage battery charger (in an
off-grid system the solar regulator or controller is basically the main battery charger). The
various charging stages of a multi-stage charger ensure the battery is fully charged back to 100%
without over-heating or over-charging the battery. Multi-stage chargers do this by first charging
the battery at a higher voltage for approximately 1-2 hours then reduce the charge current to
lower the voltage to what is known as the float voltage, which can be maintained indefinitely.
However it is worth noting that many cheaper chargers are essentially just float chargers and do
not charge the battery at the correct charging voltage. They are generally fine for maintaining a
battery as long as the float voltage is close to the float voltage specified by the battery
manufacture. All new hybrid and interactive inverters (off-grid) incorporate a multi-stage
charging system so this is not a concern.
Since temperature can have a huge effect on the battery state of charge, a high-end battery
charging system (inverter, regulator or controller) will have a battery temperature sensor input
and has the ability to automatically adjust the charging voltage to accommodate for cell
temperature. This is very important in hot climates as the battery can over-heat while it is being
charged, which will cause permanent damage.
Note: Never use cheap automotive battery chargers. These do not have any feedback control
about the battery voltage and should never be used for charging a deep cycle battery.
IMPORTANT: Always refer to the battery manufactures specifications and recommendations.
Each battery will have specific charging voltages which will ensure the battery operates in a safe
and reliable manner. Always use a high quality battery charger or regulator with automatic cutoff and overload protection to prevent damage and over-charging.
Energy Storage Battery Types

September 8, 2014
Jason Svarc
Lead-acid and Li-ion batteries
Batteries used in for energy storage applications, such as renewable energy systems and electric
vehicles come in many shapes and sizes and can be made up of various chemical combinations.
Lead-acid batteries are the most common battery type used in off-grid and hybrid energy storage,
however more recently lithium-ion (Li-ion) based battery systems have become available for this
purpose. Electric vehicles have long used lead-acid batteries as well, in particular for vehicles
such as electric forklifts and golf carts, as these vehicle types do not require a long range and the
high weight of lead-acid batteries is not a major concern. In contrast the rapidly growing
passenger electric vehicle market has quickly moved to Li-ion battery technology largely due to
the much lower weight of Li-ion battery packs as well as other advantages discussed later.
There are also many new advanced battery technologies becoming available such as lead-carbon,
Sodium-Ion, Ultra-batteries which combine capacitor and lead-acid battery technologies, and
flow batteries. We will release an article focusing on these new energy storage technologies in
the near future.
Lead-acid batteries (Flooded, AGM & Gel):
Lead-acid batteries are the oldest and most common type of storage battery. They have long been
considered the battery of choice for off-grid power systems due to their relatively low cost,
reliability and service life.
A deep cycle battery is a rechargeable lead-acid battery with very thick active plates and
separators made from high quality and high-density alloys. This robust construction enables the
battery to be regularly and deeply discharged up to 70% of its total capacity. The deep discharge,
charge process can be repeated hundreds of times, although if the battery is only discharged to
20-30% of its capacity it can often be repeated several thousand times. Thus the life of a deep
cycle battery is directly proportional to the amount it is regularly discharged. There are many
other factors that also affect the life of a deep cycle lead-acid battery which are explained further
in our lead-acid deep cycle battery article.
Deep cycle batteries are not to be confused with starter batteries. Starter batteries, used in
automotive applications, are designed to start a combustion engine by delivering short, high
bursts of current and are not suitable for energy storage.
Lithium-ion batteries:
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) based batteries have only been commercially available for 10-15 years and
have quickly become very popular in consumer electronics due to their lightweight and high
power density. These advantages led them to become the battery of choice for electric vehicles
and are beginning to be seen more in renewable energy storage systems. There are many
different types of Li-ion batteries available with the most common being lithium cobolt oxide
(LiCoO2), lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePO4), Lithium- manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), Lithium
Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC) and lithium polymer.
LiFePO4 batteries are generally considered the most stable and at present are the most common
type used in off-grid and hybrid solar power systems.
Li-ion batteries have a number of advantages over lead-acid batteries, as mentioned they are
much smaller and lighter for the same capacity but they are also able to be deeply discharged up
to 70% of total capacity without compromising the life of the battery. Furthermore, they can be
recharged faster and are less likely to degrade during the charging and discharging process and
so have a potential to last much longer. The fast charging capability is a huge advantage for use
in electric vehicles as the slow charging time of lead-acid has been a major drawback to
consumer uptake.
For hybrid and off-grid solar power systems the high power density of Li-ion means batteries
require much less space in a home and the battery system can be pre wired which reduces
installation cost. Furthermore Li-ion battery systems do not expel any volatile gases during
charging & discharging unlike some lead-acid batteries and so can safely be stored inside an
building without the need for complex venting systems.
Even with the advantages that Lithium based batteries bring the considerably higher cost of this
technology compared to lead-acid means it is still some way off becoming ubiquitous in
renewable energy storage. A significant factor responsible for the increased cost of Li-ion
batteries is that they can be unstable at high temperatures, thus requiring a sophisticated control
system to monitor individual cell temperatures and voltage. The control system known as a
battery management system (BMS) protects the battery from such things as over-current, overvoltage and over-temperature conditions, which can permanently damage the battery and in a
worst case scenario lead to a fire.
However the high cost of lithium batteries may soon be a thing of the past thanks to the rapidly
expanding electric vehicle market. Tesla Motors, is constructing what has been referred to as the
Giga factory to supply huge volumes of Li-ion batteries into the market with the aim of driving
down the cost of the technology. This together with mainstream car manufacturers producing
increasingly more EVs, is predicted to reduce the cost of Li-ion by up to 30% over the next 2-3
years. The cost reduction along with the growing number of solar inverter manufacturers
producing inverters with chargers compatible with Li-ion BMS's may see Li-ion widespread in
homes with renewable energy systems in the near future.
Li-ion is an emerging and rapidly changing battery technology and we will keep you updated
with technology advancements as they happen.

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Hybrid/Off-Grid Inverter And Solar Energy Storage Review

1. Interactive And Solar Inverter Combination

2. Hybrid System With Built-In Battery Storage

3. All-In-One Hybrid Solar Inverters

4. Battery Systems - Energy Storage

1. Hybrid Interactive And Solar Inverter Combination

Selectronic based in Melbourne, Australia is one of the largest off-grid/hybrid inverter

Basic specifications: (5 sizes available)

Type: Interactive and solar Inverter (AC coupled)

Use: Solar storage, back-up (UPS), off-grid

Solar Array Size (Solar input): n/a

Sizes available (power output): 3.0kW, 4.5kW, 5.0kW, 7.5kW, 20kW

Pass through power: 15kW (highest in class)

Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, lithium-ion (refer to manufacturer)

Battery System Voltage: 24V, 48V, 120V

Very high pass through power capability

Very high surge power output

Battery temperature monitoring for longer battery life

Unique pre-charge feature for safer startup

Generator auto start and monitoring

Complete battery storage option also available (Australia only)

Separate solar inverter or solar DC regulator required

Additional generator contactor required if used with dual AC sources.

Price bracket High

Sunny Island From SMA

Basic specifications: (4 sizes available)

Type: Interactive Inverter and solar Inverter combo

Use: Solar storage, back-up (UPS), off-grid

Solar Array Size (Solar input): n/a

Sizes available (power output): 2.3kW, 3.3kW, 4.6kW, 6.0kW

Pass through power: 11.5kW

Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, lithium-ion (refer to manufacturer)

Battery System Voltage: 48V

High pass through power capability

High surge power output

Battery temperature monitoring for longer battery life

Powerful software package with remote monitoring

Generator auto start and monitoring (optional)

Dual AC inputs (grid and generator)

Very good IP54 weather rating

Separate solar inverter or solar DC regulator required

Full capability when used with SMA or compatible solar inverters

External automatic transfer switch required to enable battery backup

Price bracket High

Conext XW & XW+ From Schneider Electric

Basic specifications: (3 sizes available)

Type: Interactive Inverter and solar Inverter combo

Use: Solar storage, back-up (UPS), off-grid

Solar Array Size (Solar input): n/a

Sizes available XW (power output): 4.0kW, 4.5kW, 6.0kW

Sizes available XW+ (power output): 5.5kW, 6.8kW

Pass through power: 14kW

Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, Lithium-ion (XW+ only)

Battery System Voltage: 24V & 48V

High surge power output

Very high pass through power capability

Battery temperature monitoring for longer battery life