Solar Batteries and the Shift in Technology

A hot topic in the solar industry right now is solar batteries and their associated technologies. While there are many different technologies available, it’s more practical to focus on what’s readily available and can be installed today, rather than discussing the full range of options.

Limited Options in Ballarat’s Solar Market

For consumers in Ballarat, the current options are quite limited. If you look into local supply, the choices are often narrowed, especially for grid-connected systems, which tend to lean toward Tesla batteries or the most affordable solutions that come bundled with installer packages at attractive prices. These options are often closely tied to the inverter brands that local Ballarat installers commonly use and supply.

Evolving Solar Battery Systems: Off-Grid and On-Grid

Solar battery systems are traditionally divided into off-grid and on-grid categories, but this distinction is slowly becoming irrelevant as the latest systems can handle both applications seamlessly. In the past, on-grid solar battery systems were designed to operate only about 15% of the time and were limited to supporting emergency circuits with minimal power. However, newer systems no longer have such restrictions, offering greater flexibility and functionality across different use cases.

The Decline of 48V Systems and Rise of High-Voltage Technology

In the past, common batteries were based on 48V systems, but this technology is gradually fading out due to its labor-intensive installation process and generally lower efficiency. High-voltage systems are now dominating the market, with batteries installed in domestic settings reaching up to 1000V. As for the available technology, lithium batteries are now the only practical choice, and they are subdivided into two main types: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Lithium-ion. Both offer different advantages in terms of safety, performance, and longevity, making them the go-to options for modern solar battery installations.

Leading Brands in Solar Battery Systems

Leading brands in the market include Pylontech, Sigenergy, and Sungrow. While more options are available, these brands are the most easily accessible and commonly integrated with inverters. They support both off-grid and on-grid functionality, providing reliable solutions for various solar battery systems.

Cost Comparison of Lithium Batteries for Solar Systems

One of the most interesting topics right now is the cost of lithium batteries. For those with solar systems using 48V batteries, the price is relatively low, typically around $500 to $550 per kWh of usable battery capacity, and these systems often come with 10-year warranties. On the other hand, high-voltage batteries from major suppliers tend to be priced over $600 per kWh. However, if you purchase an entire high-voltage system with solar panels and installation, the overall cost difference may not be as significant, as there are savings on labour and parts during installation. Additionally, in Ballarat, consumers can benefit from slightly lower labour costs compared to other parts of Australia, making the overall investment more affordable.