{"id":83301,"date":"2024-05-13T11:06:04","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T01:36:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=83301"},"modified":"2024-12-19T10:07:41","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T00:37:41","slug":"modular-batteries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/modular-batteries\/","title":{"rendered":"Modular Home Batteries Explained: All The Benefits & Key Considerations"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Australian<\/p>\n

The Tesla Powerwall is renowned for being a shiny white slab of energy storage, but what if you\u2019re willing to sacrifice some style for modularity? Are modular home batteries a better choice?<\/p>\n

At SolarQuotes we’re sometimes accused of Tesla bias, but “Powerwall” has become a generic term for solar batteries<\/a>. Our installers recommend them because they just work, so there’s no escaping the fact we have to measure everything else against them.<\/p>\n

The monitoring app is great, the control software is good, backup capacity is robust. By having a single product offering, they’re also marketing a beautifully simple choice for you to make. Buy a Powerwall for 12 grand + installation, or not.<\/p>\n

The Advantages of Going Modular<\/h2>\n

The only problem with Powerwall is if you need more storage, you have to add a second 13.5 kWh Powerwall<\/a> \u00a0or nothing. In contrast, modular battery systems present a practical alternative, offering flexibility and scalability that large, monolithic batteries can’t match.<\/p>\n

Understanding Battery Types<\/h4>\n

Batteries come in various shapes and sizes, each with unique advantages. For this article, we can classify them into two categories: large single-unit systems and smaller modular units. Modular batteries, in particular, allow for incremental additions \u2014 a perfect solution for those who want to expand their system based on changing needs or budgets.<\/p>\n

\"Selectronic

Magnificent Selectronic & Fronius system with GenZ batteries stacked in a “server rack” style enclosure<\/p><\/div>\n

A Quick Dive into Battery History<\/h4>\n

Some of the first lead-acid batteries I installed for off grid systems are likely to be nearing the end of their life at 15 years of age. Others may have already been replaced, twice even, if the system was designed for an electrical demand that subsequently increased.<\/p>\n

If the electrical demand rose, you couldn’t just add a few two volt cells. The choice was either to double the size of the battery (by putting a second bank in parallel) or buy a larger set, using larger cells. Then, pay the labour to move a couple of tonnes of lead around and hopefully sell the first set to recoup costs.
\nMany people hesitated to take this step and ended up destroying expensive batteries in the process.<\/p>\n

Overworking lead acid batteries<\/a> drives them into an early grave. In contrast, today’s lithium batteries<\/a> are much more adaptable.<\/p>\n

\"large

532Ah @ C10 means these lead acid beasties are 39kg and 1.064kWh each<\/strong>. When all the links are connected it’s considered a single 25.5kWh battery weighing nearly a tonne<\/p><\/div>\n

The Shift to Lithium<\/h4>\n

Lead-acid batteries perform reliably, they offer the plodding dependability of a harnessed guide dog. In contrast, lithium batteries combine the agility of a whippet with the strength of a police K9, but these dogs have to be kept on a short leash because without proper control, they could be a little risky to themselves and the public.<\/p>\n

However, with a Battery Management System (BMS) in place, literally harnessed to every cell, lithium batteries perform exceptionally well.<\/p>\n

This precise supervision allows for the use of multiple battery units in parallel, unlike lead batteries that require careful attention to manage just two banks. With lithium, you can employ numerous small units; if one unit fails, the others carry on. This setup offers significant redundancy. Plus, you can expand your battery system gradually.<\/p>\n

Modular vs. Monolith Batteries<\/h2>\n

Monolith Systems:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Typically weigh over 100kg, requiring at least two people for installation or maintenance.<\/li>\n
  • Can be stacked if space and budget allow.<\/li>\n
  • Usually include a single gateway or controller, which saves some expense if you do expand later<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"Enphase

    Enphase is a weird medium. Physically imposing like a monolith battery but weighs 66kg and has a modest 5kWh capacity like a modular unit. Arguably the same footprint as Tesla but less than half the capacity. Image Credit: Nigel Charlesworth<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Modular Systems:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Relatively lightweight, stackable units that one person can manage.<\/li>\n
    • Start with capacities as small as 2 or 3 kWh.<\/li>\n
    • Allow for incremental capacity and cost increases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \"Sungrow

      With built in handles, adding batteries is a breeze, but it’s not a DIY job<\/p><\/div>\n

      Finn just shot a video showing how quickly a battery module can be added to a Sungrow stack:<\/p>\n