Batteries
Off-Grid Energy Australia uses a range of battery technologies from leading Australian and International suppliers – that are designed for a range of stationary battery storage applications. The right battery technology for you will depend on your application and requirements. Batteries must be carefully sized and cared for to ensure a long system life and worthwhile investment.
Scroll down for information on lithium-ion, sealed gel, flooded lead acid, flow, and saltwater battery technologies.
Please see our Hybrid Systems and Off-Grid Systems pages for system pricing and further details.
Contact us today on 1300 334 839 or email info@offgridenergy.com.au
Lithium-ion
L-ion batteries have a number of advantages for stationary storage applications, including a higher energy density and the ability to deeply discharge. Reputable lithium-ion batteries are expected to last +10 years provided they have a good battery management system (BMS) and remain at mild temperatures. L-ion is relatively new to larger stationary applications such as off-grid and on-grid hybrid battery systems, however, major global manufacturers with extensive l-ion experience including Samsung, LG-Chem, BYD, Sony and Tesla have all brought high performing lithium batteries to the renewable energy industry in recent times. The highest quality lithium-ion batteries need to be used to ensure safety and reliability.
The range of lithium battery options on the market is extensive – a selection of these can be found on the Battery Finder.
Tesla
BYD BBOX
LG-CHEM
SIMPLIPHI
POWERPLUS ENERGY
SONNENSCHEIN@HOME / BMZ
Tesla Motors developed the Powerwall2 – a 13.5kWh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack which stores solar for improved self-consumption and some backup power. Powerwall 2 comes with an in-built battery inverter, a web based monitoring platform, and a separate ‘Gateway’ enclosure containing a 1 phase grid isolation contactor to isolate selected circuits in a blackout.
The Tesla Powerwall2 is designed for properties that have grid connected solar systems with sufficient ‘excess solar production’ – enough at least to recharge the battery for nighttime consumption.
The Powerwall2 is not currently suitable or warranted for fully offgrid applications.
For detailed information and pricing visit our Tesla Powerwall2 Page
BYD’s Battery-Box is the name of 3 lithium battery solutions designed to pair with compatible battery inverters: Battery-Box HV, Battery-Box Res and Battery-Box Pro.
Each version ideal for different applications has been designed for maximum cycle-life, performance and safety (certified to international standards including TUV, UL and CE and RCM).
Their RESU6.5, RESU10, RESU10H storage units are designed for grid connect hybrid solar self-consumption when paired with compatible battery inverters.
For off grid applications LG’s powerful rack mounted 6.5kWh M48126P3S lithium modules are ideal when paired with compatible offgrid inverter/chargers. These 48V modules can be paralleled to achieve larger capacities, and include an impressive discharge current rate (essential for most standalone applications).
The 24V-48V 3.5 kWh 60 Amp Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) batteries are also different to most l-ion products thanks to an internal BMS in each battery – which means there is no communications-bus requirement or associated battery inverter/charger compatibility limitations.
It is modular, lightweight and scalable, and is priced at the high end of the l-ion scale.
An inbuilt BMS and no control cables means these 3.3kWh batteries can be paired with most battery inverter/chargers.
Sealed Gel
A proven battery chemistry in off grid storage applications, VRLA battery banks are sealed, require less maintenance than wet cell batteries, have superior charge current handling, lower installation cost, and high recharge efficiency. Using a reputable brand, correct sizing, suitable housing, and appropriate battery management, VRLA battery banks have shown to last up to 15 years. The high autonomy (back up storage needed at times of low energy input or increased demand) of the VRLA batteries still makes them the ideal solution for off-grid applications.
SONNENSCHEIN
BAE
BATTERY ENERGY
Flooded Lead Acid Batteries (‘Wet-Cells’)
Flooded Lead Acid Batteries are a lower initial cost proven performer in standalone applications that are properly sized and regularly maintained by experienced persons. Wet cells need regular maintenance in the form of checking the electrolyte level, adding distilled water to prevent drying out, regular cell top surface cleaning, and regular boost charging to overcome acid stratification. Under Australian regulations wet-cells must also be segregated from all other equipment, requiring their own storage enclosure to meet strict safety guidelines.
EXIDE TECH
Other Battery Technologies
New batteries are coming onto the market almost weekly, so keeping track of them all can be tricky. To check out an updated list on battery products, check out the Battery Finder.
FLOW
SALTWATER
On-Grid Systems
On Grid Battery Storage Systems, also sometimes referred to as Hybrid Battery Systems are a great option if you already have a grid connection but are looking for greater energy independence
Which System Is Right For Me?
There are so many options out there for on grid, and off grid storage systems. The right system for you will depend on your energy situation, your location, and what you want to achieve from battery storage.
Off-Grid Systems
Off-grid power systems supply electricity to properties that are not connected to the public electricity network. These systems are often referred to as “stand-alone power systems” (SAPS).
