After conducting thorough testing, the Bluetti EP900 Home Battery Backup has been selected as the best solar battery overall by CNET, surpassing the Tesla Powerwall. The EP900 system received high marks for its power, warranty, modular design, and price transparency. However, it’s important to note that the best battery for your home may vary based on individual energy needs. Solar batteries store excess electricity generated by solar panels, enabling homeowners to use clean energy during peak times, blackouts, or to offset high electricity costs.
In order to evaluate and compare the best solar batteries, CNET developed a scoring methodology based on factors like modularity, warranty, power output, round-trip efficiency, depth of discharge, price, price transparency, and customer support options. Batteries like the Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ Battery 5P, Generac Pwrcell, and SolarEdge Home Battery were also highlighted for their specific strengths such as modularity, warranty, lower capacity, and high round-trip efficiency. The choice of a solar battery should be based on the specific energy needs and goals of the homeowner.
Solar batteries work by storing excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use, providing backup power during outages, offsetting high electricity costs, and decreasing reliance on the power grid. However, they also come with some drawbacks such as high costs and the potential need for multiple batteries depending on energy usage. Factors to consider when choosing a solar battery include energy storage capacity, modularity, round-trip efficiency, depth of discharge, power output, and warranty.
Solar battery systems can be AC-coupled or DC-coupled, with AC systems involving multiple conversions of electricity, while DC systems require fewer conversions, resulting in higher efficiency. Solar batteries can also help save money by avoiding high time-of-use rates, using stored energy during peak hours, and recharging using solar or grid power. Factors like energy storage capacity, modularity, round-trip efficiency, depth of discharge, power output, and warranty should be considered when selecting a solar battery for a home.
Solar batteries can be a costly investment, ranging from $12,000 to $22,000, with smaller batteries available for less than $10,000 before installation. The cost may vary based on capacity, energy needs, and installation fees. Other reviewed batteries like the Franklin Home Power, Panasonic Evervolt Home Battery, Emporia PowerStation, SunPower SunVault, and Savant Power Storage 20 offer alternative options with varying features, warranties, and pricing. Ultimately, selecting the best solar battery requires careful consideration of individual energy needs and goals, along with consultation with local installers for personalized recommendations.
