Benefits of a Solar Battery
Installing a solar energy storage system such as a solar battery is a smart and financially viable decision in most cases.
Solar batteries offer a continuous supply of energy in case of a utility power outage. This means you don't have to rely as much on your utility. A solar battery backup system is a great solution if you live in an area where outages are frequent or the grid is unreliable. This can be of a high value in the Northeast where winter poses a challenge to grid lines and in Texas where grid reliability became the focus during the snowstorm of Winter 2021, not to mention the frequent issues Texas homeowners face during heat waves and imposed energy rationing.
In addition to the power reliability batteries provide, there are many solar storage incentives that utilities pay you for having a battery installed. For example, many Massachusetts and New Hampshire utilities, such as Eversource and National Grid, pay you for tapping into a portion of your solar battery energy when energy demand is peaking through a program called ConnectedSolutions.
In Rhode Island, National Grid offers a very generous battery incentive for installing a solar battery through ConnectedSolution. Homeowners with these batteries can expect around $1,200 annually for the first 5 years.
In Texas, some utilities may pay a rebate for solar systems coupled with solar batteries.
Established in 2006, Enphase is a solar manufacturing company out of Northern California. They manufacture batteries, inverters, and other solar accessories. Above all, Enphase creates award-winning battery technology to optimise output and provide one of the industries best performing clean energy systems.
Originated in 2010, Sonnen is a German engineering company. They are the largest residential battery company in Europe. In 2016, Sonnen brought its innovative designs and services to North America and established roots in the United States. Since then, they have been delivering some of the highest quality and longest lasting energy storage systems in the world.
Comparing the Products
Three key components of an effective solar battery are usable capacity, efficiency, and degradation. First, usable capacity is the total amount of usable electricity that a battery can hold. Next, the battery's round-trip efficiency refers to the amount of energy that can be used after charging and then discharging the battery. Finally, degradation tells us how quickly the battery's storage capacity decreases over time. In addition, the battery's warranty is also a key indicator of the overall quality of the battery. The higher the number of warranty cycles, the more life you will get from your battery.
SonnenCore
The SonnenCore is an AC-coupled lithium iron phosphate battery. It is easily installed, ultra-quiet, and long-lasting. In addition, this battery has a 10 year warranty and 10,000 warranty cycles. This means that you can really get the most life out of this battery. Also, the degradation is 7%, and it has a usable capacity of 10.0kWh. Lastly, this battery has 85% round-trip efficiency.
Energy Encharge 10
Similarly, the Energy Encharge 10 is also an AC-coupled lithium iron phosphate battery. It is a reliable, smart, and simple energy storage system. In addition, the Encharge battery has a warranty of 10 years. However, its warranty cycles do not compare to the SonnenCore. The Energy Encharge 10 only has 4,000 warranty cycles compared to the 10,000 that SonnenCore has. Although, the warranty cycles are not as high, the round trip efficiency is 89% and the usable capacity is 10.08 kWh. Additionally, the degradation sits at 3%, which is lower than the SonnenCore.
| Brand | Sonnen | Enphase |
|---|---|---|
| Model | SonnenCore | Energy Encharge 10 |
| Usable Capacity | 10.0kWh | 10.08kWh |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium Iron Phosphate | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
| Peak Power | 8.6 kW |
5.7 kW |
| Continuous Power | 4.8 kW |
3.84 kW |
| Round-trip efficiency | 85% | 89% |
| Degradation | 7% | 3% |
| Warranty | 10 yr | 10 yr |
| Warranty Cycles | 10000 |
4000 |
| Customer Support & Experience | Inferior | Better |
Which Battery is Better?
When it comes to choosing between Sonnen Sonnencore and Enphase Encharge batteries, it's important to consider the differences in their specifications. One major factor is the power output, which is crucial when running multiple appliances simultaneously. Sonnen has a higher power peak and continuous power output, making it a better choice for those with higher energy demands, such as running an AC unit and a pool pump simultaneously.
However, other factors such as warranty cycles and cost should also be taken into consideration. Sonnen may be more expensive than Enphase, but it may also offer more value in the long run due to its higher number of warranty cycles.
Installer's perspective: Although Sonnen boasts certain advantages in its specifications, the company has struggled to maintain high-quality control and provide adequate customer service in recent times. This has regrettably resulted in Sonnen falling behind its competitors in terms of the overall customer experience.
As a certified installer of Sonnen, Enphase, LGChem, and Panasonic premium batteries, NuWatt Energy can help you choose the right solution for your home. Our team can guide you through the benefits and disadvantages of each battery and help you make an informed decision that meets your specific needs.
Would you like to learn which battery is the best option for you?
You can reach us at 1-877-772-6357 or contact our NuWatt Solar Consultants by filling out the form below.
