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 Off-Grid Systems pages for system pricing and further details.

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 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 is recognisable as the worlds largest lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle manufacturer, with operations in more than 50 countries.

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).

Download the BYD Battery Box brochure

LG-Chem have developed a range of high quality lithium-ion battery products for stationary applications.

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).

Download the LG Chem Rack Mount battery brochure

Download the LG Chem RESU battery brochure

SimpliPhi are a battery of choice for the US defence forces and film industry, where reliability and safety in extreme conditions is essential.

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.

Download the SimpliPhi brochure

The Sonnenschein@home ESS 7.0 and ESS 9.0 (manufactured by BMZ Germany) integrates high performance lithium-ion (NMC) cells with an advanced battery management system (BMS) that is compatible with SMA, Selectronic and Victron battery inverter/chargers. The BMZ batteries have a very high discharge current (making them ideal for offgrid applications), and can be paralleled up to a maximum of 12 units (~100kWh).

Download the Sonnenschein@home ESS 7.0-9.0 brochure

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.

The Sonnenschein A602 and Solar Block range of German manufactured sealed gel VRLA batteries are a proven choice for stationary power systems world wide.

Download Sonnenschein A602 brochure

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.

The Energystore battery from Exide Technologies has a proven track record in Australian RAPS. It has been performing in remote and harsh areas of Australia for over 10 years.

Download the GNB Energystore Brochure

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.

The ZCell from Redflow is an innovative flow battery that can deliver 10 kilowatt hours (kWh) of stored energy each day, harvesting energy from your solar panels or lower-cost off-peak power, for use when you need it.

Download the Redflow ZCell Brochure