SolarEdge Battery Review

SolarEdge is a leading brand in the renewable energy sector, providing a range of products, including power optimisers, inverters, and solar panel batteries. While the company was most known for its DC inverters and power optimisers, it has quickly gained a reputation as a reliable provider of batteries.

The SolarEdge Energy Bank battery is one of the company’s flagship products, offering a range of features and an impressive warranty – but is it the right battery for your solar panel system?

Find out here with our complete review of the SolarEdge Battery.

Key features and specifications:

1. Capacity and Scalability: The SolarEdge Energy Bank has a usable capacity rating of 9.7 kWh and releases 5 kW of power. While the energy storage capacity won’t rival more powerful batteries, you can add other SolarEdge batteries for when your energy needs increase.
2. DC-Coupled: SolarEdge specialises in DC products, and this battery’s USP is its DC-coupled design. Most other batteries use AC coupling, but the SolarEdge battery doesn’t require extra energy conversions, which promotes system efficiency.
3. Compatibility: The battery is compatible with SolarEdge power optimisers and inverters, allowing you to create a unified unit that simplifies system management.
4. Backup Power: The Energy Bank also offers backup power when you lose access to the grid, ensuring you can still run appliances and have the lights on. It will provide this backup support for up to 45 hours.
5. Smart Features: SolarEdge’s monitoring platform gives users actionable insights into their usage, storage and energy generation requirements.
6. Long Warranty: All SolarEdge batteries come with a 10-year warranty, and their lifespan is over 10,000 cycles. The warranty covers unlimited cycles and a 70% minimum capacity retention after 10 years.

SolarEdge Home Battery pros

When looking for an energy storage system, it’s essential to consider whether the battery meets your needs. The SolarEdge home battery offers a variety of benefits, making it a viable solution if you have other products from the company or want reliable battery storage.

Performance

Engineered for high performance, the SolarEdge battery offers round-trip efficiency rates of 94.5%, which are mostly attributable to the DC-coupled design. Users can expect fewer energy conversion losses as the technology optimises energy flow from the panels to the battery.

Put simply, DC-coupled battery storage stores and uses more power than traditional AC-coupled systems. The battery also has a continuous power output of 5kW, more than enough to run your household appliances.

Seamless integration

If you have existing SolarEdge monitoring systems and inverters, the battery will integrate with them, allowing you to create a seamless energy ecosystem. While some solar panel battery systems present some challenges, the battery is designed to combine seamlessly with other products.

While you’ll need the help of a professional installation service, the process is usually straightforward, saving you money on labour costs.

Sophisticated monitoring system

SolarEdge batteries come with real-time monitoring systems, where you can monitor your usage and identify any patterns.

Advanced tracking isn’t just about saving money; it also empowers you to take control of your energy supply and make decisions. You can set up the app to provide instant notifications and maximise your return on investment.

Low maintenance

As with all of the company’s products, the SolarEdge battery is manufactured to last. With advanced technology features and a durable design, it requires minimal maintenance.

Even if there are any issues, the monitoring system will send an alert to your SolarEdge app so you can fix it immediately.

Potential drawbacks

With so many innovative brands within the solar energy industry, SolarEdge has plenty of competition. Before making a decision, it’s vital to consider the potential drawbacks of these batteries.

Compatibility issues

The SolarEdge Energy Bank is designed to integrate with the company’s single-phase inverter. If you have a different setup, you might need to explore other solar batteries or upgrade the system.

While some batteries can integrate with multiple solar inverters, SolarEdge is somewhat lacking in this area. It’s not a problem if you have the inverter and energy optimiser, but your overall costs will quickly increase if you need to install other SolarEdge products.

Dependence on SolarEdge system products

SolarEdge batteries are compatible with the company’s monitoring systems and inverters, which can be an advantage if you already have these systems in place. However, installing the systems comes at an extra cost, which means you depend on SolarEdge products.

People who prefer more flexibility with their energy storage system might be best off with an alternative solution.

Installation

While the installation process is relatively simple, you’ll need professional support. A certified installer can integrate the battery with your SolarEdge Energy Hub Inverter, but the process can be complex if you don’t have an existing setup.

Failing to work with a professional installation service can increase costs and damage the battery’s components. However, most solar batteries require specialist support, and opting for Green Finance Plans means you can split the cost of installation, servicing, and repairs.

How much will a new SolarEdge battery cost?

The cost of your SolarEdge home battery depends on multiple factors, including whether you have an existing SolarEdge inverter installed. The battery alone costs between £5,666 and £6,477, depending on where you purchase it.

You’ll need to factor in installation costs, which vary depending on which company you use. The battery isn’t the cheapest option, but many other batteries have higher upfront costs. Remember, there are also renewable energy grants that reduce your solar power expenses.

Is the SolarEdge home battery right for your needs?

The SolarEdge battery offers a range of benefits for any home, including its long lifespan and impressive energy storage capacity. The extended warranty demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in these batteries, which can be valuable investments during power outages.

If you already have SolarEdge inverters and energy-optimising systems, installing a battery could save money and help you achieve energy independence. Households that prefer more flexibility or have other inverters installed might benefit from an alternate energy storage solution.

As experts in the solar industry, Hometree can help you upgrade your home and benefit from everything solar panel installation has to offer. We provide a full-service solution and can advise you on which battery suits your needs.

Please get in touch today for a free quote.