Energy storage systems (ESS) might all look the same in product photos, but there are many points of differentiation. What power, capacity, system smarts actually sit under those enclosures? And how many of those components actually comprise each system? The number of options – from specialized component providers to all-encompassing ESS + smart circuit functionality – is unwieldy and often hard to pin down. The Solar Builder Energy Storage System Buyer’s Guide is here to cut through the noise.
This ESS Buyer’s Guide is a comprehensive list of what each brand is offering in the residential and C&I space heading into . We sent a questionnaire to every manufacturer to ascertain their top product and what components are included. Is it a hybrid inverter with a roster of battery partners? Is the battery included? What about the energy management or smart circuits?
Below are all of the answers we received. They are listed in alphabetical order. To improve readability a bit we divided them into groups:
A big focus this year was also UL certification. We asked if each product was listed to UL , and for a link to the certification documentation. Not many provided the link, but some did – look for that in the tables.
As part of our Energy Storage System Buyer’s Guide, we asked manufacturers to explain A testing, and what installers should keep in mind when installing ESS and batteries listed to UL . The UL certification focuses on the safety and performance of energy storage systems (ESS) and their components. The UL certification and A test results are very often used in conjunction to show the safety and efficacy of battery storage. UL A testing evaluates the risk of fire propagation in energy storage systems by determining if a thermal event in one battery module can spread to others.
Test results “guide the need for safety measures like fire barriers, ventilation systems to handle gases or heat, fire suppression systems for larger installations, and recommended spacing between battery units or nearby structures to reduce fire risk,” says Jon Proffitt, Head of Business Development, Home Solutions SMA America.
“Some ESS systems have location restrictions, requiring outdoor installation or fire-rated enclosures. In some cases, batteries must also be protected from direct impact with the use of specific mounting or enclosures. In other cases, systems may include monitoring or shutdown mitigation such as self-activated fire extinguishers, and installers must follow installation and commissioning guidelines.”
“Under UL , Ed 3, the A testing is a requirement, along with more stringent testing for communicating batteries and seismic,” says Sequoya Cross, VP Energy Storage, Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions. “All batteries that want to achieve UL will need to complete the module level testing. Unit level testing is an additional step to advise on spacing and install location.”
“The intent of this test is to prove that within a system as installed there is no risk of propagation from battery to battery, and that the surface temperature of what the unit is installed on does not exceed 175°F,” Cross says. “Additionally, there cannot be any explosion hazards or flaming beyond the outer dimensions of the BESS unit. If the unit meets all of these requirements, no further testing is required.”
Beyond cell, module and unit level tests, manufacturers can conduct system level testing that incorporates fire suppression mechanisms to prevent flaming outside of the test area and explosion risks. Once the tests are concluded a report is generated on the results and delivered to the manufacturer and NRTL. These tests are evaluated for the UL certification.
“UL listing simplifies several steps in the process. It tells installers the system meets a minimum standard in the industry, streamlines the project acceptance process, and eliminates the need for field testing of components,” says Rich Law, Sr. Engineer – ESS Technical Solutions (CCI), Sungrow. “When the latest UL standards and ULA test results are conducted by a certified third-party tester and successfully passed, it provides the installer confidence the system was designed by the OEM to meet quality and safety standards widely utilized by the energy storage industry.”
What should installers keep in mind when looking at UL certification and A testing results?
Eli Chu, Product Manager from Pytes Energy says installers should focus on:
Gas Release Data: Review any information on hazardous gas emissions during a thermal runaway event. Understand the gases that may be released and their potential hazards. Ensure the installation design includes adequate ventilation to mitigate the risk of gas emissions and/or buildup.
Minimum Spacing: Review specific recommendations for minimum clearances required between ESS units and walls or between multiple ESS units to prevent fire spreading. Installers should ensure these recommendations are followed to mitigate the potential for thermal runaway propagation within a system.
The NFPA 855 gives the standard as 3ft in separation distance, but if the battery is properly tested, the manufacturer can specify shorter distances.
“If a battery doesn’t need less than 3 feet of separation between each 20 kWh unit, or is installed outdoors, the additional testing is compulsory,” Cross says. “However, most battery companies want to go through this extra step to provide the most flexibility of their products for installers.”
The certification is also inclusive of the installation manual and requires that installers follow the instructions in order to achieve a UL certified installation. “Additionally, AHJ’s may have different requirements based on their building and fire codes that may limit or allow different installations beyond what UL and the install manual state due to building density, construction and fire risk,” Cross says.
AC and DC ESS: Under UL , Ed. 3 there is also modification for battery systems to have AC or DC ESS certification. An AC ESS is inclusive of named/specific inverters. For DC ESS, the battery does not rely on the inverter to perform safety functions under UL A, and that it can stand alone to perform all of the requirements. This allows the DC ESS to be installed with any inverter that has met its own safety certifications such as UL .”
Regarding installation guidance for UL listed batteries, Jane Curtis, CEO of Renon Power says there may be the following differences:
Discerning between UL listed batteries and unlisted, illegal batteries, is of utmost importance in the market in . If you want to know why we focused so much on , be sure to listen to our recent Solar Builder Buzz podcast.
System components
Key features: The WallMount All Weather battery includes weather-tight quick connects, 600A internal busbars, and E-Stop for emergency shutdown. Dual fire arrestors provide thermal runway protection, and the LCD touchscreen simplifies monitoring. The system’s Weather Optimization Mode can automatically charge the battery based on local weather forecasts, helping to prevent power loss during inclement conditions. By sourcing batteries separately, users can expand their energy storage capacity as needed without overhauling the entire system. This scalability makes it an ideal solution for both residential and light commercial applications, future-proofing investment and enabling smart energy management.
Operating modes: Battery Backup Mode, Working Mode, Weather Optimization Mode. For larger systems, Parallel Sync allows users to monitor multiple inverters on a single screen, ensuring real-time oversight and efficiency.
Where can it be installed: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.
Battery integrated or sourced separately? The batteries can be sourced separately, but the system was designed with EG4’s PowerPro WallMount All Weather 280Ah batteries in mind to ensure seamless integration and performance.
Battery partnerships: The18kPV inverter is also compatible with batteries from other manufacturers with ongoing updates to ensure compatibility. This extensive battery compatibility allows users to customize their energy storage system to meet specific needs, ensuring efficient and reliable performance across various applications.
Where to buy: Signature Solar, Current Connected, Greentech Renewables, Off-Grid Distribution, Off-Grid Depot, ABC Supply Co., Shop Solarkits, Canadian Off Grid Depot, Zonna Energy
System components:
Key features: The IQ8 Microinverters, along with the IQ Battery 5P, can perform a quick system reboot even with a fully depleted battery. Once the sun starts shining again, the system is able to perform a Sunlight Jumpstart to restart the battery and restore the system’s functionality without any intervention. The system is designed with advanced grid management features that align with a utility rate structures like NEM 3.0. The Enphase Energy System uses advanced AI algorithms to maximize cost savings by storing energy when rates are low and selling energy back to the grid at peak rates, based on the homeowner’s usage patterns. Enphase’s AC coupled battery enables the system to upscale the battery and PV capacity independently. IQ Battery 5P has integrated BMS with voltage, temperature monitoring and cell balancing
Operating modes: AI Optimization Mode, Self-Consumption Mode, Full Backup Mode
Where can it be installed: The IQ Battery 5P supports indoor and outdoor installations, and they can be both wall-mounted or floor-mounted (using the IQ Pedestal)
Battery integrated or sourced separately? AC Coupled battery with DC Battery and bi-directional microinverters are sold as a single product.
Battery partnerships: DC Battery (cell pack) is designed by Enphase and is sourced from Enphase-qualified 3rd party sources.
Where to buy
System consists of:
Key features: The FranklinWH energy management system can be expanded for larger applications and is engineered to endure diverse climates. The aGate intelligently integrates and balances battery, solar, generator and grid power to provide stable energy to the home while minimizing grid charges. The FranklinWH App introduces Smart Control functions, voice commands, and energy data analysis, empowering users to optimize energy usage through customized scheduling and enhanced monitoring via Smart Circuits. aGate’s UL Certified PCS function and 280 A busbar eliminate the need for Main Panel Upgrades. The aGate and app streamline installation with Bluetooth commissioning and other features to save installation time.
FranklinWH’s aPower 2 has combined high power with high reliability. The aPower 2 can operate in a wide temperature range of -4F to 130F, making it suitable for almost any climate. With a slim profile and vertical LED status light running, the aPower 2 boasts a modern design that will fit into any home. A fan-less convection with whisper-quiet operation provides significantly quieter and more reliable battery operations. One aPower 2 can often provide complete home backup due to its robust capabilities, including a 10 kW discharge rate and 8 kW charge rate. It can be stacked for larger applications, reaching up to 225 kWh or 15 units per aGate.
Operating modes: Self-Consumption, Time of Use, Emergency Backup
Where can it be installed: Wall or floor mounted
Where to buy
System components:
Key features: Aside from the system’s impressive storage capacity and power output, PWRcell 2 also features advanced integrations with other Generac products, transforming system monitoring and backup capabilities and creating the ultimate home energy ecosystem. Adding a Generac home standby generator up to 26 kW can create a “bottomless battery” in case of extended outages. An integrated ecobee smart thermostat not only provides a convenient in-home display where anyone can view outage details and battery status, but it can also automatically adjust temperature set points during an outage to preserve stored energy and extend backup duration even further.
Operating modes: Self-Consumption; Backup Power
Where can it be installed: Indoors or Outdoors (in accordance to local codes and requirements)
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Integrated
System components:
Key features: GM Energy’s offerings were created so customers could purchase select product bundles that align with their specific energy needs and budget. The system is fully complete when combined with one of GM’s seven V2H-capable EVs that can keep power on for days. Other product bundles include the GM Energy Storage Bundle, which is for customers who do not yet own a GM EV, but still want the comfort of more energy resilience. This bundle includes only the PowerBank, HomeHub and Inverter. Another bundle is the GM Energy V2H Bundle, which includes the Home Hub, PowerShift charger, Inverter and Dark Start battery.
Where can it be installed: Indoor or Outdoor on a stand and wall mount.
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Integrated in the GM Energy PowerBank, which can be combined with the battery of GM EVs.
Where to buy
System components:
Key features: Fortress focused on higher voltage architecture, and included innovative battery temperature management. They also purpose-built the hybrid inverter and Smart Energy Panel for the system. Fortress is so confident in how the Avalon functions, that it is offering a 15-year warranty on the battery – extendable to a 25-year with replacement – if you finance the system through them. Each battery module has active heating and a fire suppression system built in. The active heating contributes to the longevity of the battery unit by wrapping the cells with a heater. Once the temperature goes below a setpoint, the heating turns on, and it uses the battery power. This expands operating temperature range.
System components
Key features: The HIONE has a max. efficiency of 97.6% and CEC efficiency 97.0%. Double MPPT trackers, up to 32A current and a DC/AC ratio up to 150%. Both the HIONE and AIONE have built-in dry contact flexibly set to earth fault alarm, load control, or generator control. Both have integrated arc fault protection and rapid shutdown functions. They support wall-mounted or floor-standing installations. The HBX-LV series is a type of deep cycle high capacity LFP battery with improved safety, long lifespan, and optimized user experience.It is designed with a NEMA Type 4 rating for more flexible and easier installation, with wall-mounted and floor-standing installation options.It has superior performance with up to 10 kWh for a single unit and a maximum of 80 kWh in parallel, which can meet the residential electricity demand.
Operating modes: Self-Consumption mode/Economy mode/Full backup mode/Pure Off-grid mode
Where can it be installed: indoor/outdoor
Battery provider: Hoymiles
System components
Key features: No need to install another box, as this system covers all your energy management needs in one. The advanced smart meter provides real-time load and generation data with zero-injection control. The ATS ensures near-instantaneous transition to backup power during outages. Manufactured with automotive-grade safety standards, the batteries ensure top-tier protection and reliability. The wide operating temperature range (14℉~122℉) guarantees reliable performance in extreme conditions. The inverter has a robust 200A passthrough breaker and a maximum input voltage of 600V, designed for high power applications. Safety is a priority with the inclusion of a smoke detection system and a pressure valve.
Operating modes: Self-Use, Feed-In, Backup
Where can it be installed: Indoor & Outdoor
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Battery integrated on the system
System consists of: Full Energy Storage System – AC coupled, grid-tied residential system.
Key features: LG Electronics Home 8 is an AC-coupled residential energy storage system, designed for compatibility with or without solar integration. It delivers a continuous 7.5kVA AC output and peaks at 9.0kVA for 10 seconds, offering increased power. A single Home 8 has a total of 15.8 kWh, (14.4 kWh useable) capacity that has an additional 1.4 kWh built in reserve to accommodate automatic dark start and available manual dark start capability that can avoid service calls to recover/replace over discharged batteries. The LG ESS Home 8 is backed by up to a 10-year top of class 59.8Mwh throughput warranty. Homeowners can monitor home energy use and control the system modes via the ThinQ App, while installers utilize EnerVu for fleet monitoring. Built-in 7-inch touch screen HMI display
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Integrated
System consists of:
Key features: What makes the Mango Power M stand out from other products is its modular design, an all-in-one approach that makes it a lot easier and faster to install or upgrade at any time. Battery capacity can be upgraded on a modular basis, it comes ready for Solar out of the box without additional boxes required and has Built-in ATS / AGS / RSD Transmitter / Breakers. The high capacity of Mango Power M (20kWh) is supported by a high efficiency of 97.5%, Maximum Power Point Trackers are 3（two strings combined and its Solar Input is 18kW. Water and dust resistant and Meets North American safety and EMI standards. The Mango Power M offers easy expansion from 15kWh to 80kWh. Stack up to 10 inverters, increasing the output to an impressive 120 kW.
Operating modes: On-Grid Power: 12kVA/240V &10.4kVA/208V24kVA(500ms) peak power, Backup Power: 12kVA/240V &10.4kVA/208V, Continuous power: 24kW/240V &15.6kW/208V Peak power, Seamless backup transition
Where can it be installed: indoors or outdoors
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Sold together, modular and expandable
Battery partnerships: CATL LFP
Where to buy
System components
Panasonic EVERVOLT Home Batteries: Lithium iron phosphate batteries, can provide up to 72 kWh of usable storage capacity for whole-home power.
Panasonic EVERVOLT SmartBox: Energy management device connects the battery, grid power, and solar PV system all in one place. SmartBox controls the connection to the grid and provides a seamless transition to backup power during power outages. SmartBox also provides control of up to six loads to optimize your energy consumption and prolong battery life.
Panasonic EVERVOLT Hybrid Inverter: Converts DC power from solar panels to AC power to energize home loads. It combines a battery and solar photovoltaic inverter into one unit. The new hybrid inverter allows up to 15.2kW of DC input with three MPPT.
Key features: The Panasonic EVERVOLT Home Battery System’s compact design improves the installation process for Panasonic’s Authorized Installers. Installers can easily install a battery system a variety of ways including indoors, outside or mounted to a wall. Installers can seamlessly integrate the battery with a new or existing home energy system, both DC and AC suited, for a smooth installment. The EVERVOLT is equipped with an integrated transmitter to ensure an easy installation of rapid shut down devices for safe PV array connections. Stackable and lightweight, installers can effortlessly connect up to four units together for additional energy storage. Available in three sizes including 9 kWh, 13.5 kWh, and 18 kWh to meet an installation company’s growing customer energy demands.
Operating modes: back-up mode, self-use mode, time-of-use mode and custom modes
Where can it be installed: Indoors or outdoors
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Integrated within the system
Where to buy
For more examples, download the EVERVOLT Case Studies Special Report
System components
Key features: Q.HOME CORE offers scalable storage capacity from 10 kWh up to 80 kWh and comes in a modular design for easy and fast installation. In the event of grid outage, the system is capable of utilizing 100% of the inverter’s power rating to backup the chosen loads of your home. Remote monitoring using the Q.HOME web portal or Q.HOME ESS mobile app is included. In the first half of , Qcells will roll out its new generation All-in-One Battery System which pairs seamlessly with Qcells’ new AC Module.
Operating modes: Can be installed in 3 configurations: Solar, Grid Support, Backup. Operating modes include automatic self-use, export limiting, time-of-use and seasonal scheduling functions.
Where can it be installed: Floor or wall mounted, indoor or outdoor (recommended out of direct sunlight, under eaves), ≤m above sea level.
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Integrated
Where to buy: Select Greentech Renewables and SolWel distributor locations.
System components
Key features: SMA Home Storage installation is made easier with built-in connectors and flexible mounting options (wall or floor) for both indoor and outdoor locations (IP65 rated). With its slim profile, SMA Home Storage is designed for versatile installations, keeping space-saving in mind. Battery units are modular (4.72kWh), and scalable — 9.43kWh to 18.86 kWh per battery tower and up to 75.44kWh (with 4 towers in parallel). SMA offers flexible backup solutions for different budgets, ranging from partial to full home backup options. With U.S. based service and support, combined with SMA Smart Connected premium monitoring, peace of mind comes standard. System setup is quick and easy using the SMA 360° app.
Operating modes: Backup, Self-Consumption, TOU Optimization, Zero-Export, Zero-Import, VPP / Demand Response Ready. Depending on use-case, it is possible to have more than one operating mode active at a time
Where can it be installed: Indoors or outdoors (IP65 rated). Wall or floor mount
Battery integrated or sourced separately? SMA inverters and batteries are sold separately. SMA Home Storage may only be paired with the Sunny Boy Smart Energy.
Battery partnerships: SMA supports market-specific compatibility lists for various inverter products.
Where to buy
System components
Savant Power Inverter: The Savant Power Inverter is a 12.5kW split phase hybrid PCS inverter with a 100A MID. It includes two built-in MPPTs for DC-coupled solar, as well as support for AC-coupled solar and automatic generators. The Savant Power Inverter can be installed in parallel offering up to an 800A MID configuration with 100kVA of discharge power.
Savant Power Storage 20 Battery: The Savant Power Storage 20 Battery is a 20 kWh LiFePO4 storage system. Each Savant Power Storage 20 Battery can support up to two Savant Power Inverters, allowing for an increased solar capacity. The cabinet and modular battery tray design make installation faster and simpler. Up to eight Power Storage 20s can be installed for 160 kWh of combined storage.
Key features: The Savant Power Storage 20 is an all-in-one performance battery and inverter solution that’s powerful yet simple to install. Scalable to handle electrical services up to 800A across multiple units, the Power Storage 20 delivers clean reliable energy to every circuit in the home. Combine with Savant Load Management to provide automatic load shedding capabilities on grid loss or at various state of charge (SoC) levels. With long battery life and 10-year warranty, you can rest assured that you’ll always have power where you need it when you need it.
Operating modes: Self Sufficiency/ Meter Zero Mode/ Excess Solar to Grid/ Storm Watch/ Off-Grid
Where can it be installed: Indoor/ Outdoor (NEMA4)
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Battery integrated
Battery partnerships: N/A – Savant batteries only
Where to buy: ABC Supply Co. Inc., ECO Direct, Greentech Renewables, Platt Electric Supply, Soligent, Stellavolta, Supplied Energy, Ultimate Integration, Wave Electronics, Zonna Energy
System consists of:
Key features: The SolarEdge Home Battery system offers an exceptionally efficient, streamlined energy storage solution designed for reliable, high-power output over extended periods. Leveraging DC-coupled technology, it eliminates the need for multiple AC-DC conversions, boosting annual power savings with up to 10 days of free power generation. The system delivers industry-leading 94.5% round-trip efficiency, and with DC oversizing up to 200%, it maximizes every ray of sunlight. Installers and homeowners benefit from faster setup and fewer wiring requirements, thanks to wireless inverter-battery communication and flexible mounting options (wall or floor, indoor or outdoor). This system also supports stacking up to three batteries per inverter on a single breaker, minimizing installation hassle and often bypassing main panel upgrades (MPUs). Configurable for storage-only, partial, or whole-home applications, SolarEdge’s battery solution ensures adaptable, lasting energy security.
Where can it be installed: Indoor / outdoor rated
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Integrated
Where to buy: Greentech Renewables, Baywa r.e., Soligent, Sonepar, Krannich, Wesco, ABC Supply
Full spec sheets: Home Battery | Home Hub | Power Optimizers | Backup Interface
System components:
Key features: Solar-plus-storage system tracking, commissioning, monitoring, control, communication, and collaboration solution for solar professionals overseeing multiple installations. With EI Professional, you can track, manage, monitor and control your large or small portfolios of solar installations all in one place. Centralized access to the entire portfolio with one subscription fee for unlimited users. The EI Professional Software package enables real-time visibility of energy flows of systems with Tigo and third-party inverters. Obtain a comprehensive overview of all your solar installations on a single screen. Remote Battery Management enables controlling solar-plus-storage system behavior and saves costs. Tailor battery usage and charging through versatile options like Time of Use, Self-consumption, and Backup. Status view shows Enhanced comprehensive equipment health status and information, down to the individual batteries and modules. View a history of physical changes (e.g., swapping equipment) or alerted events for a streamlined root cause analysis.
Operating modes: Supports load shift, self-consumption and backup
Where can it be installed: IP56/NEMA4 rated for outdoor and indoor installations.
Battery integrated or sourced separately? EI Battery building blocks are modular and sold separately but offer plug-and-play compatibility with other members of the Tigo EI Residential solar-plus-storage solution.
Where to buy
System components: ELS-11.4K is to be combined with a Low Voltage DC Battery in a closed-loop communication setup.
Key features: APstorage PCS, together with a compatible battery (not offered by APstorage), becomes a complete and independent AC coupling storage solution for residential PV installations. It can be used with any new or already installed PV systems without changing equipment in place. APstorage will help home-owners to optimize their utility bill, offering full flexibility to manage their Electrical consumption.
Operating modes: Backup Mode, Self-Consumption Mode, Time of Use Mode
Where can it be installed: Indoor or outdoor with overhang.
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Sourced separately, but APbattery can be purchased with APsystems, manufactured in partnership with UZ. APbattey has closed loop communication with inverter.
System components
Key features: The GEN24 Plus is one of the fastest inverters to install and commission on the market today. The standard GEN24 that can be upgraded to the GEN24 Plus at any time via an over the air software update. A built-in outlet backup mode called PV-Point and an essential backup mode allows customers to back-up their critical loads. The Fronius Smart Meter allows the energy storage system to perform self-consumption optimization, export limitation, and gives a more granular approach to monitoring the home energy usage. The Fronius Smart Meter WR can enroll customers in performance-based incentives like SREC, with a 0.5% accuracy. Whether it’s a sudden blackout or a planned outage, the Essential Backup Load Unit offers peace of mind, so customers can trust that they’ll always have the power they need when it matters most.
Operating modes: Essential Backup, PV-Point Backup, On-Grid, Import Only, Export Only, No Exchange
Where can it be installed: Indoors/Outdoors
Battery integrated or sourced separately: Sourced Separately
Battery partnerships: BYD
Wirentech Product Page
Where to buy: BayWa r.e., Krannich, The Powerstore
On-Demand Webinar: Unveiling the Future with Fronius GEN24
System components
Key features: The GoodWE hybrid solar + storage products were designed to optimize the installation and commissioning. All code compliance requirements are already included, such as rapid shutdown, Arc-Fault detection interruption. Multiple ways to monitor the system by the installer and user, with flexible connection to the internet, from LAN, Wi-Fi, 4G. The product is integrated and compatible with several batteries available in the US market, including the GoodWE Lynx. Allowing the installer to have flexibility of installation. System ranges from 5KW to 11.4 KW. Output voltage 120/240V split phase. CEC efficiency 97%. Max. Output Apparent Power 2-time nominal for 10s
Operating modes: Self-consumption, Backup, Time of Use
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Sourced separately
Battery partnerships: LG
Where to buy: Greentech, Krannich, GoGreenSolar, EcoDirect, The Power Store, Edges, Supplied Energy, NAZ Solar Electric
System components
Key features: The Lumin Smart Panel is a force multiplier for any home energy system, extending battery backup and enhancing control. It’s integrated with major solar storage brands, enabling fewer batteries to power more circuits for longer through dynamic and customizable load management. Its retrofit-ready design and universal compatibility with all energy systems simplify installation, saving installers time and reducing truck rolls.
Operating modes: Smart Power Mode (manage loads running on a backup energy source during a grid outage), Custom Schedules (optimize energy use around time-of-use rates and demand charges), Manual Control (users turn circuits on or off and adjust priorities as needed)
Where can it be installed: The Lumin Smart Panel can be installed indoors or outdoors, near the existing load center of a home.
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Sourced Separately
Battery partnerships: SolarEdge, Enphase, Tesla Powerwall, Franklin WH, EG4
Where to buy: Greentech Renewables, Rexel, RENVU, U.S. Renewables Solutions, Signature Solar, Wesco, SUNRGY, PowerStore
The S6 High Voltage (HV) Hybrid | Power classes ranging from 3.8 to 11.4kW. The system leverages an open ecosystem, meaning it can work effectively with several industry leaders in battery, RSD, MLPE and racking technologies to reduce long-term costs and elevate scalability. Easily add on capacity or storage or deploy shade mitigation when it’s needed. Realize systems that perform and operate longer, with high input ratings and wide operating voltage windows. Battery partnerships: UL Listed with Pytes, PylonTech, Soluna, HomeGrid, Dyness, EndurEnergy, Soluna, BYD, LG
S6 Low Voltage (LV) Hybrid *new* | The S6 Low Voltage (LV) Hybrid features a string current of up to 20A, perfectly matching large, high-efficiency, and bifacial PV modules. Features a 10-second, 200% surge power backup overload capability, along with six customizable charge/discharge time settings. This solution also includes generator connectivity and automatic generator On/Off control. Includes 200A pass-through capacity. The inverter allows for stacking up to six units in parallel, enabling a single installation to reach 96kW. Additionally, it features an intelligent AC coupling scheme, facilitating easy upgrades to existing grid-connected systems. Battery partnerships S6 low-voltage: At launch, our partners will include Pylontech, Discover, Soluna, HomeGrid, Pytes, EndurEnergy, Simpliphi
SolisHub is the Microgrid Interconnect Device (MID) for the PV, batteries, generator, grid, and home loads. It acts as both a 200A pass-through, manual bypass switch and an intelligent load manager. SolisHub makes whole-home backup possible by allowing the integration of multiple inverters for greater PV power output and battery storage capacity. SolisHub allows up to 200Z continuous backup power with integrated autotransfer and manual disconnect. It also provides generator integration, allowing for automatic whole-home backup when available PV and battery power are not sufficient to support all of the home loads.
Operating modes: Partial or Whole Home Back Up Options; Self Use, Export Priority, Peak Shaving, Off-grid , Backup , Time-of-Use (TOU)
Where can it be installed: NEMA 4X so indoor or outdoor applications are supported
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Sourced Separately
Where to buy
The new SimpliPHI 6.6 home battery is designed by installers for installers. Stackable and wire-free, the batteries simply stack together and install in minutes. The RapidStak connector includes all power and communications – no wires, DIP switches or pin-outs needed. Outdoor rated, the SimpliPHI 6.6 battery can be installed indoors or out, on a wall or on the ground. Our inverter agnostic approach means that installers can choose an inverter based on their preference.
Key features: The SimpliPHI 6.6 battery is UL A tested and certified to UL Edition 3. The RapidStak connectors feature alignment guides that ensure the batteries are properly connected and eliminate the chance for reverse polarity.
The EG4 WallMount All Weather battery offers 14.3 kWh of storage with a 200A max continuous discharge, making it ideal for outdoor use. It has an integrated self-heating feature, is backed by a 10-year warranty and is EMP-hardened, protecting it from natural and human-caused electromagnetic pulses. It is equipped with a 200A battery management system (BMS), supporting over cycles at 80% depth of discharge, providing up to 82.6MWh of energy production over its lifetime. Its innovative Emergency Stop (E-Stop) function allows users to instantly shut down all batteries and inverters with rapid shutdown capabilities at the press of a button. The battery pairs seamlessly with EG4 inverters, and features weather-tight quick connects, 600A busbars, E-Stop for emergencies, dual fire arrestors, closed-loop communication, and a touchscreen for easy monitoring.
The GoodWe high-voltage battery Lynx Home FH-US Series is a perfect match for residential energy storage systems in North America. It is compatible with GoodWe ES-US/SBP-US/A-ES/A-BP inverters and offers a wide capacity range from 9.6 kWh to 19.2 kWh per cluster, providing comprehensive energy storage options to meet demanding project requirements from self-consumption optimization to backup power. The stackable self-detecting modules make the system especially simple to install and maintain.
The HomeGrid HV Stack’d Series is designed to deliver a true whole-home backup with up to 15 kW of continuous power. Its modular, floor-standing system scales from 9.6 to 38.4 kWh, allowing installers to tailor setups to meet customers’ exact needs and expand with additional stacks or modules as needed. Our plug-and-play setup enables a quick 30-minute installation and commissioning, saving time and maximizing profitability. With its efficient design and seamless integration, the HV Stack’d Series provides a scalable and reliable backup power solution for any home or small commercial project.
Designed for seamless integration with any third-party solar inverter, providing unmatched flexibility and performance in energy storage systems. With an IP67-rated enclosure for durability and dual AC/DC II/II surge protection, it ensures safety and longevity in both residential and commercial installations. The system supports cloud-based monitoring through Wi-Fi or 4G, offering real-time data for optimized management. Ideal for retrofitting existing solar systems or building new setups, the Battery Module guarantees efficiency and reliability in any energy solution.
Key features: The AC Battery features a battery module that offers a seamless plug-and-play solution compatible with any third-party solar inverter. The modular LiFePO4 batteries provide scalable capacity up to 21.2 kWh, ensuring reliable backup power for both residential and commercial applications. It supports both partial home and whole home backup, offering flexibility for diverse energy needs. Manufactured with automotive-grade safety standards, the batteries ensure the highest levels of protection and reliability. The system comes complete with an advanced smart meter, automatic transfer switch (ATS) and a built-in Battery Management System (BMS), meaning no additional external box is required. With an IP67-rated design and advanced surge protection, this system guarantees long-term durability and safety. It also supports cloud-based monitoring via Wi-Fi or 4G for real-time energy management. Whether you’re upgrading your storage or enhancing backup power, this AC Battery solution delivers unmatched versatility and simplicity.
PowerCube-M5A-180-64/704V-L15 | The Pylontech M5A 180 is a high-density LFP battery, featuring a capacity of 245 Ah and 15.68 kWh at a nominal voltage of 64V per module. Regarding performance, it achieves a depth of discharge of 98% and a charge/discharge efficiency of 97%. In terms of safety, the battery has been certified at the cell level by the ULA standard, underscoring its reliability and safety in demanding applications.
PYTES-HV is a high-voltage battery storage system that utilizes Tier 1 Automotive Grade A LiFePO4 cells, offering enhanced safety and reliability for energy storage solutions. It features a self-developed, field-proven BMS, ensuring optimal performance and protection, while maximizing longevity. The HV simplifies installation, reducing setup time and complexity. Its modular, rack-mounted design provides ultimate flexibility, allowing for scalable configurations to meet the various storage needs of virtually any type of system. Additionally, the system is equipped with an integrated Wi-Fi module, enabling remote monitoring, battery status checks, alarm notifications, and firmware upgrades.
Key features: One-Key Start functionality for effortless system activation. Cable-Free design between modules enables quick and easy installation, with a 30 kWh system taking less than 15 minutes to set up. Extensive Certifications including IEC , UN 38.3, UL, and UL A, demonstrating a strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. Renon’s proprietary Cloud platform and mobile App provide seamless system monitoring, maintenance, and one-key upgrades for hassle-free ownership. High Output Power capacity of up to 15 kW, meeting the power needs of even large family load. Scalable Capacity Range from a compact 10.02 kWh up to a versatile 912 kWh, allowing the system to be precisely tailored to diverse energy storage requirements.
Components:
Operating modes: Charging/Discharging/Back up mode
Where can it be installed: IP65 for both indoor and outdoor
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Battery integrated
Where to buy
The Pylontech A-Omni-UL is an All-in-One C&I ESS 20ft container solution based on a DC V platform. The system includes two PCS units managing six clusters of batteries separately, and includes an independent temperature management system, a confluence box, and BMS. For fire safety, this product utilizes perfluorohexanone and is also equipped with smoke alarms, hydrogen detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and temperature sensors. For thermal management, it is handled by a dual duct air-cooling system to effectively control battery temperature and ensure consistency.
Key features: The Pylontech A-Omni-UL is an All-in-One C&I ESS 20ft container solution utilizing Pylontech M5A180 battery modules. This product offers flexible expansion capabilities from 1MWh to 2MWh, tailored to meet specific demands. Thanks to its superior structural design, it provides ease of installation and maintenance. In terms of safety certifications, the A Omni UL has received several major global certification such as CE, UL, and GB for the system level, and ULA certification for the cell level. Also, it is compatible with 50+ global popular inverter brand.
Operating modes: On grid / Off grid: Peak Shaving/Energy Shifting/Self-Consumption
Where can it be installed: Commercial Building/Industrial Park/Mine/Farming Land/Hospital/etc
Battery integrated or sourced separately? Integrated. Self Design & Self Manufacturing
Where to buy
Container Parameter
PCS Parameter
The system consists of: Ready to install liquid-cooled battery energy storage system with one (2-hour version) or two (4-hour version) battery cabinets, and a PCS cabinet. Liquid cooling provides two years longer battery service life and 15% higher discharge capacity, while maintaining less than 2.5 degree C delta between cells. Flexible installation eliminates the need for underground conduit installation, and up to 60% reduction in installation time.
Key features: Sungrow safety standards exceed North American standards with millisecond level fault detection and second-level circuit cutoff to avoid arc hazards.
Operating modes: Self-consumption, Feed-in Priority, Backup, Off-grid, Time-of-Use, and Hybrid, depending on the energy storage system and its intended use
Where can it be installed: This product is specifically designed for the United States and Canadian markets, but similar products are available worldwide.
Battery integrated or sourced separately? The system is designed, engineered, and sold as a packaged design. It is not intended for sale as separate battery and PCS units. The system controller, auxiliary power supply, and communications require both BESS and PCS to work as one.
Battery partnerships: REPT, CATL.
Where to buy: Greentech Renewables (CED) or Direct
System components
Key features: The Savant Power Storage 50 is a high-performance battery and inverter solution that’s powerful yet simple to install. Scalable to handle electrical services up to 800A across multiple units, the Power Storage 50 delivers clean reliable energy to every circuit in the home. Combine with Savant Load Management to provide automatic load shedding capabilities on grid loss or at various state of charge (SoC) levels. With long battery life and 10-year warranty, you can rest assured that you’ll always have power where you need it when you need it.
Operating modes: Self Sufficiency/ Meter Zero Mode/ Excess Solar to Grid/ Storm Watch/ Off-Grid
Where can it be installed: Indoor
Battery integrated or sourced separately: Battery integrated
Battery partnerships: None – Only Savant Batteries Supported
Where to buy: ABC Supply Co. Inc., ECO Direct, Greentech Renewables, Platt Electric Supply, Soligent, Stellavolta, Supplied Energy, Ultimate Integration, Wave Electronics, Zonna Energy
Battery connectors are critical components that facilitate the transfer of electrical energy between the battery cells and the application. They must be designed to handle high currents, minimize power losses, and provide secure and reliable connections. Battery connectors come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different types of batteries and applications.
Key features: Engineered to handle high currents, allowing for efficient energy transfer and reduced power losses. Designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. User-friendly with mechanisms that prevent accidental disconnections. Contact made of copper alloy finished with silver and approved according to UL to warrant the best electrical contact with more than 100 operations of mechanical connection and disconnection (without load). On the wiring side, options for conductor cross-sections from 10mm² to 95mm². On the mating part, a busbar where the conductor can be easily connected on the device by means of a cable lug. Color coded connectors (orange = positive; black = negative) on both the connector and the mated busbar connection. Connectors are key coded on both sides to alleviate the possibility of user error. A locking mechanism to fasten the plug and the socket.
Tags: APsystems, Briggs & Stratton, Discover, Enphase, Fortress Power, FranklinWH, Generac, GM Energy, Goodwe, HomeGrid, Hoymiles, HYXiPOWER, LG, Mango Power, Morningstar, Panasonic, QCells, Savant Power, SMA America, SolarEdge, Solis, Tigo EnergyIn the last year, nearly two-thirds of solar.com customers paired their solar panels with a home battery energy storage system (aka BESS). Why? Because home battery storage has something to offer everyone—from backup power to bill savings to self-reliance.
With this in mind, there is no single “best” battery. There are different solutions to meet the varying requirements and needs of homeowners across the country.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best home battery storage products on the market today and what to look for in a battery storage system. To find a solution that best meets your needs, consult a solar.com Energy Advisor to review custom designs, proposals, and savings estimates.
Jump to a topic:
May 13, update: Congress proposed end the 30% tax credit for solar and battery storage effective December 31, . If you want battery storage for any of the reasons below, connect with a solar.com Energy Advisor to get your system designed and installed before the tax credit expires.
To find the best battery for your home, start with a goal. What problem are you trying to solve? There are three main use-cases for adding a battery storage system to your home.
Time-of-Use Shifting
Sometimes called solar arbitrage or load shifting, Time-of-Use shifting allows you to capture the excess power your solar array generates relative to what your home is consuming. It then banks this power and discharges it in the late afternoon or early evening when utility rates are typically higher and your solar array isn’t producing as much.
This cost-saving strategy also works well in areas where the net metering or buy-back rate is less than your purchase rate, and is especially true in California under NEM 3.0.
Self-Consumption
Some areas and utilities don’t actually allow solar generators to send power back to the grid. Or, if they do, they provide no value for it. In this instance, battery storage acts like a giant sponge to soak up your excess generation and discharge it in your home later to avoid buying power from your utility provider.
Resilience
With power outages from natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and ice storms occurring with greater frequency, almost every area of the US experiences periodic grid outages. And, unless you have a specifically configured system called “sunlight backup,” your solar array will shut down if there’s a grid outage (this is to code for the safety of line workers, working to re-establish power). Because of this, many homeowners choose to add a battery to provide an element of resiliency to their project so they can keep food at safe temperatures, have some lights at night, and be able to keep their phones charged.
Need to dial in your home energy goals? Connect with a solar.com Energy Advisor to explore your home’s potential for savings and self-reliance.
Evaluating the best home battery storage system goes beyond published specifications. The solar.com team also considers pricing, the bankability of the manufacturer, and the controlling software, as the best battery hardware is useless without operating controlling software to tell it what to do. And, as discussed above, different battery use cases will dictate what capacity (size) and capabilities you’ll want to look for when selecting a home battery storage system.
It’s also important to note that some utility providers offer generous rebates for homeowners to install a home battery system that’s on their approved list, and not every battery qualifies for every program.
Because there’s no perfect battery for every solution, here are the battery storage systems that solar.com Energy Advisors find work well with homeowners who invest in solar and battery.
Quick tip: If you’re unfamiliar with some of the technical terms, we left a handy guide below!
From a hardware and software perspective, the Tesla Powerwall 3 is an outstanding product. Building on the successful prior generations of Powerwalls, Tesla continues to pack a lot of value in a high-feature set, high-capacity product. Because the Powerwall 3 has an integrated inverter built in, if you install a Powerwall 3 with your solar array, you can eliminate the need for a standalone solar inverter.
Tesla Powerwall 3 tech specs
Feature Measurement Usable capacity 13.5 kWh Peak power 185 LRA (75% higher than Powerwall 2) Continuous power 11.5 kW Warranty Up to 10 years Round-trip efficiency 90% Depth of discharge 100%Things to consider about the Powerwall 3
As of early , demand for the Powerwall 3 is far outpacing supply, which is creating significant lead times and delaying installations. It’s for this reason that solar.com energy advisors are not currently recommending the Powerwall 3 to homeowners, although we can still quote and arrange installation if requested.
The leading inverter company, not surprisingly, offers a fantastic home battery storage solution in the Enphase IQ Battery 5P. This smaller capacity battery comes in at a lower price point than larger capacity competitors, and can often get the job done in Time-of-Use shifting applications for bill savings. And, the Enphase app provides powerful insights in a user-friendly format.
Enphase IQ 5P tech specs
Feature Measurement Usable capacity 5 kWh Peak power (3 seconds) 7.68 kW Continuous power (with solar) 3.84 kW Warranty Up to 15 years Round-trip efficiency 90% Depth of discharge 98%Things to consider about the Enphase 5P
The downside is, of course, lower capacity means less availability for power if the grid goes down. But, if you live in an area with a relatively stable grid that isn’t prone to long-duration outages, the 5P might just get the job done. And, if you like the Enphase ecosystem but the 5P is too small? Enphase offers a 10C battery, which offers higher capacity.
Franklin is a relatively new entrant to the home battery storage space but has quickly cemented its position as offering a sleek all-in-one package that’s simple to install and provides “whole home” backup. What makes Franklin’s aPower2 a great option for resiliency applications is that it can be integrated with almost every solar inverter (great if you already have solar and want to add battery storage), AC power generator, or the grid itself.
The aPower2 is a 15kWh capacity battery that offers 10kW of continuous output, which means you can power just about anything as long as you have enough charge in the battery. The aPower2 is controlled by the aGate, which runs your charge and discharge algorithms, and feeds information to Franklin’s well-designed app.
Franklin aPower2 tech specs
Feature Measurement Usable capacity 15 kWh Peak power 15 kW (10 seconds) Continuous power 10 kW Warranty Up to 15 years Round-trip efficiency 89% Depth of discharge 100%Things to consider about the Franklin aPower2
Quoted prices are typically at the high end of the spectrum, which makes the solution from Franklin a premium choice. And while it does offer a premium user experience and feature set, the extra cost might not be warranted in all applications. Franklin is also a relatively new company, and so we have to flag whether they can survive long-term to continue to operate the app and provide warranty support. While there’s no known financial issues today (they’re privately held), the home battery storage space is notoriously challenging.
Frankly, there is a lot to consider when choosing a solar battery. The industry jargon doesn’t help, and neither does the fact that most battery features are things we don’t think about on a daily basis.
So, in this section, we’ll give a brief summary of some common battery terms and what they mean.
It’s important to understand the difference between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) batteries because DC batteries, while more efficient, can be challenging to add to an existing solar system.
This is due to differences in which type of power is generated, stored, and used in each system, shown in the table below.
System Type of current Solar panels Produce DC power Batteries Store DC power Home (lights, AC, fridge) Use AC power Utility grid Distributes AC powerExisting solar systems typically have solar inverters, which change the DC power produced by panels to AC power that can be consumed in your home or exported onto the grid. But if you want to store that AC power in a battery, it needs to be inverted again to DC power.
Each time the power is inverted, a little bit is lost during the inversion process (hence the lower efficiency of AC-coupled systems).
In a DC-coupled system, the DC power produced by the panels can be directly stored in the battery and inverted only once to be used in your home or exported to the grid.
Related to AC vs DC coupling, round-trip efficiency is a measure of how much of the original power put into the power can be retrieved later on.
As we mentioned above, a small amount of power is lost each time it is inverted from AC to DC, or likewise. So, for AC-coupled systems with multiple inversions, efficiency is typically around 85-90%, while DC-coupled systems with fewer inversions can boast up to 97.5%.
If you plan to use your battery on a daily basis to charge an EV or avoid peak time-of-use rates, small differences in efficiency can really add up.
The next thing to consider is the composition of the battery. Every battery on our list is either lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate (LFP). While similar, the differences are noteworthy. LFP batteries typically have longer lifespans and increased thermal stability (aka less heat and fire risk). They also do not use nickel or cobalt, which can be toxic and dangerous to mine.
Learn more about the different types of home battery storage here.
Batteries can also be categorized as backup versus consumption-only.
Traditionally, the main feature of solar batteries was to provide backup power for grid outages. However, as net metering policies are weakened and removed, there is a growing demand for batteries that allow homeowners to save money by storing and using their own solar production without providing backup power – known as consumption-only or non-backup batteries.
Why would anyone want this? Well, the components, programming, and labor that go into providing backup capabilities are expensive, and removing these things can reduce the cost of a battery by 20-30%.
So, consumption-only batteries enable all of the bill savings of a traditional backup battery at around 75% of the upfront cost – which can be well worth it for homeowners who aren’t concerned with grid outages.
Most batteries feature two numbers that represent their capacity to provide power.
Peak power is the measure of the battery’s ability to handle surges of power, like when an air conditioner turns on. This is a short burst of energy that can typically only be sustained for 10 seconds or so.
Continuous power is a measure of how much output the battery can sustain over long periods of time. This figure is especially important if you plan on using a battery for backup power during grid outages.
Usable capacity is a figure that represents how much power you can draw from your battery at one time. This is different from the nameplate capacity, which represents the total amount of power a battery can store.
The key difference is that draining a battery all the way down to 0% can damage the system and reduce its lifespan. It’s typically recommended to leave at least 10% of the nameplate capacity in the battery at all times to prevent damage, hence the term “usable capacity.”
Depth of Discharge is the manufacturer’s recommendation for how much power you can pull from the battery at one time relative to its total capacity. This figure ranges from 84% to 100%. Some manufacturers say “go ahead and empty the tank,” while others say it is best to keep a minimum charge of 16%.
Like solar panels – and everything else – batteries naturally degrade over time. Battery warranties guarantee a certain level of performance over a stated time frame.
For example, every battery on our list has a warranty guaranteeing that it will have 70% of its original usable capacity available after 10-15 years or a certain level of usage (measured in throughput capacity or cycles), whichever comes first.
As we’ve shown above, not all solar batteries are created equal, and the best battery is the one that serves your needs. So, it’s important to begin your search with some goals, beginning with your energy needs.
In , there are several reasons to want battery storage for your solar system. These include:
Your energy goal(s) will play a big part in dictating the best solar battery for you. For example, if your primary goal is bill savings, then you will likely be shopping for smaller batteries than if your goal is to back up your entire home.
Once you’ve used your energy goals to narrow down a few brands and models, take a deeper dive into the specifications. If you’re comparing backup batteries, pay attention to usable capacity and continuous power. If you’re comparing self-consumption batteries that will charge and discharge every day, focus on efficiency.
Finally, if you’re having trouble deciding between two battery models that check all your boxes, use the warranty offerings as a decision-maker.
While the goal is to never have to use your warranty, it can be worth the peace of mind to have a more robust guarantee on your side.
Let’s face it: Choosing a solar battery can be daunting. However, by starting with your energy goals and focusing on two or three batteries that check your boxes, it can be much easier to identify a storage system that meets your needs.
Solar.com’s best solar batteries of are a great place to start. If you’re ready to compare prices, connect with an Energy Advisor to see exactly how much solar batteries cost through installers in your area.
Solar.com’s top choices for best solar batteries in include the Tesla Powerwall3, Enphase IQ 5P, and the Frankling aPower2. However, it’s worth noting that the best battery for you depends on your energy goals, price range, and whether you already have solar panels or not.
Some of the best solar battery companies in include Tesla, Enphase, and Franklin. These companies all have a track record of producing quality products and offer some of the most robust warranties on the market.
Since solar batteries are a relatively new technology, we are still waiting to see which batteries last the longest. In , you’ll see battery makers offer up to 15-year warranties, but it’s worth paying attention to how many cycles or power output are tied to those warranty lengths.
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