1. Types of Solar Batteries for Home Use

There are several types of solar batteries, each with its pros and cons:

Battery Type	Common Chemistry	Cycle Life	Depth of Discharge (DoD)	Cost Range
Lead-Acid (Flooded/AGM/GEL)	Lead-acid	500–1,200 cycles	50–70%	Low
Lithium-Ion	LiFePO4 or NMC	4,000–6,000+ cycles	80–100%	Medium–High
Flow Batteries	Zinc-Bromine, Vanadium	10,000+ cycles	100%	High

Recommendation for homes:
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are the most popular choice for residential systems due to their high energy density, long lifespan, and minimal maintenance.

2. How to Size Your Home Battery

Sizing your battery correctly ensures it can meet your home's energy demand. Here's a simplified method:

Battery capacity (kWh) = Daily energy usage × Backup duration

For example:

• Average home daily energy use = 10 kWh
• Want backup for 1 day
  → Recommended battery capacity = 10 kWh

Other sizing tips:

• Consider partial backup (lighting, fridge, Wi-Fi) vs. whole-house backup
• Oversize slightly to account for inverter losses and degradation

3. Key Factors to Consider

When choosing a battery, focus on the following attributes:

Factor	Why It Matters
Capacity (kWh)	Indicates how much energy the battery can store
Power rating (kW)	Determines how many appliances can run at once
Depth of Discharge	Higher DoD means more usable capacity
Cycle Life	Impacts how long the battery will last
Round-trip Efficiency	Affects how much energy is lost during charge/discharge
Warranty	Most home batteries come with 10-year warranties

4. Solar Battery Costs & Payback

Battery prices vary based on chemistry, capacity, and brand. As of 2025:

• Lead-acid: $100–$300 per kWh
• Lithium-ion: $400–$900 per kWh
• Flow batteries: $700–$1,000+ per kWh

Typical system installed cost:

• 5 kWh lithium battery: ~$3,500–$5,000 (before incentives)

Payback depends on:

• Local electricity tariffs
• Solar generation vs. usage patterns
• Incentives or rebates in your region

5. Installation & Compatibility Tips

Before purchasing, confirm the battery is:

• Compatible with your solar inverter
• Certified for safety standards (UL1973, IEC 62619, etc.)
• Installed by licensed professionals

If using an AC-coupled system (e.g., adding a battery to an existing solar setup), you may need a hybrid inverter or energy management system.

6. Brand Matters: Choose Reliable Manufacturers

Not all batteries are created equal. Prioritize well-established brands known for quality control, certifications (UN38.3, UL1973, IEC62619), and after-sales service. Some recommended global players include:

• Sunpal – High-performance LiFePO₄ home batteries with long lifespan and 24/7 support
• Pylontech – Modular and scalable solutions for home use
• BYD – Trusted globally for both lithium batteries and integrated systems

7. Final Checklist Before You Buy

✔ Is the battery compatible with your inverter/system?
✔ Does it offer adequate capacity for your needs?
✔ Is it certified for safety and performance?
✔ Can it be expanded in the future if your energy use grows?
✔ Does the supplier offer solid support and warranty?