Sonnen solar batteries reviews
Based on 44 ratings Aus Ranking
- 5 star 40
- 4 star 3
- 3 star 0
- 2 star 0
- 1 star 1
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Sonnen is a German brand that has attracted quite a bit of attention in Australia, partly due to manufacturing (well, assembling) batteries in South Australia (at one point - not currently).
Founded in 2010, Sonnen GmBH was one of the first suppliers of lithium ion solar batteries for home use in Germany. These days, sonnen is 100% owned by Shell (Shell Overseas Investment B.V.).
About sonnenBatterie Evo
Unveiled in early December 2021, the sonnen Evo battery offers 10 kilowatt-hours of usable storage and 5 kilowatts continuous power. Aside from a power boost compared to sonnen's previous home battery, other improvements include the Evo can be installed outdoors and has built-in backup capabilities. Available since 2022, you can learn more about sonnen's latest home energy storage product in our sonnenBatterie Evo review.
About sonnenBatterie Eco
Sonnen's flagship product prior to the Evo was sonnenBatterie Eco (yes, the weird caps situation is annoying), which translated simply means 'sun battery' - clever, huh? For some reason, things always sound cooler in German.
The sonnenBatterie Eco is an all-in-one unit - sort of. It includes AC battery inverter built-in but requires a solar inverter. The unit can be AC coupled or DC Coupled with 3-phase hybrid variant.
Various capacities are available, for example the 9.43 - which actually has 15kWh nominal capacity, 13.5kWh of which is usable (same as Powerwall 2). The 9.43 has pretty low power output capabilities, a maximum 3.3kW.
You can view more specifications on our battery comparison table.
SonnenFlat
Sonnen battery owners in NSW, QLD (Energex region), SA, ACT, TAS and VIC have the option of joining sonnenFlat, which enables them to receive a guaranteed annual allowance of electricity from the mains grid for a fixed monthly fee, with supply charge included.
Pricey Batteries, But Okay
At the prices Sonnen charges, its batteries (like many others) currently won’t pay for themselves under realistic conditions within the warranty period (10 years or 10,000 cycles, whichever comes first) if purchased directly from the company.
Cheaper prices can be had from the company's partners; but you'll still need to crunch the numbers to determine if a Sonnen battery is right for you financially-speaking.
A significant reduction in cost would certainly help Sonnen achieve its stated vision of a "world in which everyone is able to cover their energy needs with decentralised and clean energy sources".
Another disadvantage, depending on your situation, is the sonnenBatterie Eco is indoor-rated only - it can't be installed outside, but the arrival of the Evo solves that. Other than that, we haven't found much to complain about, except for some of Sonnen's claims from time to time that we've found to have been a little optimistic.
The products are good and the company seems stable - so if you're happy to fork out the extra cash and are aware of its limitations, a Sonnen battery could be a suitable energy storage solution in your situation.
If you're an Australian Sonnen owner, your opinion of your system would be valued by other visitors this page - please leave your rating and review.
Sonnen Solar Battery Reviews
We now need to find an energy retailer that pays a better feed in price than AGL.
Bought From: Energy Buster Show additional information
Bought From: Solar Dynamics Show additional information
Bought From: Helcro Solar Show additional information
It has been some weeks since the team completed the battery install, and well, what can we say about the experience? Go for it! We are not regretting our decision!
Throughout the entire process, Kik Electrics, and the very supportive Justin Raymond, were great! Justin provided us with the full information and knowledge that we required to gain the most from installing a battery/backup system. He also coped very well with all of our questions!! Justin was also very supportive regarding the application to the then relevant Victorian rebate scheme. The installation team were diligent, informative, and completed the install with minimal disruption. They provided post fitting knowledge on how to operate the system to maximize the efficiency with our expected use. They were efficient and friendly and really did tidy up, and left our place spotless.
If anyone out there is looking for a competent, capable, informative, and supportive team, you will not go wrong with Kik Electrics!!
Bought From: KIK Electrics Pty Ltd Show additional information
Bought From: Essential Solar Show additional information
Bought From: Ingot Energy Show additional information
Bought From: Solaire Connect Show additional information
Bought From: Tindo Solar Show additional information
However our move to one energy source, electricity and that source rapidly increasing in costs, I believe the time is right to install now to avoid additional peak rate costs.
So far the battery has proven to meet / match our evening peak load for meal preparation and air conditioning, helping us to make our home comfortable at no additional operating costs.
Bought From: RK Solar And Consulting NSW Show additional information
Bought From: Sapphire Solar Show additional information
Bought From: Solar Wholesalers SA Show additional information
Love the app, can easily track remotely
Sonnen monitoring made contact when battery offline
Bought From: Kozco Energy Group Show additional information
Bought From: Solar Wholesalers Show additional information
Bought From: Green Solar Energy NSW Show additional information
Bought From: Smart Energy Answers Sydney O Show additional information
Bought From: Natural Solar Show additional information
Bought From: RK Solar And Consulting NSW Show additional information
Bought From: RK Solar And Consulting NSW Show additional information
Bought From: Natural Solar Show additional information
Bought From: DQ Electrical Show additional information
Bought From: NRG Solar SA Show additional information
Bought From: Natural Solar Show additional information
That in itself, is a bonus !
Bought From: Green Solar Energy NSW Show additional information