There are hundreds of solar battery options in Australia. Between off-grid, high-voltage, low-voltage, hybrid and the many other storage options, it’s no wonder Aussies are unsure which choice to make.
So to make the choice easier, we’ve rounded up six of the best budget-friendly solar batteries under $10,000.
1. BYD Battery-Box LVS
The BYD Premium LVS is an excellent addition to any home or business. BYD designed this solar battery storage with flexibility in mind, with a total capacity ranging from 4-256kWh (kilowatt-hour). This amount of storage is plenty for at-home or commercial use.
Each 4kWh battery costs around $3,000. So you can get up to 12kWs of solar battery storage without going over budget. This amount of storage is enough for the average 5kW solar system most homeowners have.
| Pros | Cons |
| 10-year warranty Easy to match battery storage to power needs Reliable enough for off-grid setups Mobile app system monitoring Suitable for outdoor installation in covered areas100% usable battery storage | Only works with specific inverters (but the list is long) Can’t be used with other models Full battery towers can be quite tall. May struggle to produce enough power when appliances first run. |
2. Huawei LUNA2000
Huawei’s LUNA2000 solar battery storage provides owners with a unique high-voltage system whose modules run independently. This setup aims to increase the lifespan of each module and prevent battery malfunctions from derailing the system. Plus, this lack of dependency means you can add new batteries to the system—even after many years.
Each 5kWh battery costs about $4,000, meaning you’ll need to spend $8,000 for the average solar system. While 10kWhs worth of solar battery storage is a little low, it’s the bare minimum we’d recommend for most owners.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-voltage systems won’t need to draw power from the grid when large appliances startCompact, slim designBuilt-in fire avoidance technology10-year performance warrantyEnergy optimiser to maximise usable energy | Maximum capacity of 30kWh, making them more suitable for domestic useOnly compatible with Huawei invertersMost homes will need at least two batteries for sufficient output |
3. LG Chem RESU
LG Energy Solutions is a leader in solar battery storage, so quality is guaranteed. The LG Chem RESU range provides the largest battery sizes on our list, making installation simpler. This solar storage range is suitable for off-grid systems as the capacity is large enough. However, you’ll need to choose from the low-voltage range.
These days, it’s possible to find LG RESU 13kWh solar storage for under $10,000, making them one of the most budget-friendly options.
| Pros | Cons |
| Additional features to improve reliabilitySuitable for semi-outdoor installation, e.g. carports and verandahsOff-grid friendly if you don’t use a tonne of energy10-year warranty | The chem RESU range is a little olderIt’s only possible to use two batteries at any timeIs only compatible with a few different invertersLarge batteries can be difficult to move |
4. SonnenBatterie Hybrid 9.53
Hybrid batteries solve the inverter compatibility issue that plagues many battery manufacturers.
While a single 2.5kWh battery is small enough, the stack size for a decent capacity system can be quite large. However, Sonnen’s battery design helps it blend into the background.
A single 2.5kWh battery will set you back just under $9,000. This cost is why most people choose a larger system, like the 15kWh storage option, which costs just over $15,000. However, avoiding the need for an additional inverter may be worth going slightly over budget.
| Pros | Cons |
| 10-year warrantyHighly efficient batterySpace-saving hybrid systemBetter for the environment than most solar batteriesEasy to integrate with existing panelsSleek design helps it blend into surroundings | Not suitable for outdoor installationMore expensive than $10,000 for a reasonable capacityNeeds a reliable internet connection for updates and monitoring to maintain warrantyAdditional protection features cost more |
5. GoodWe Lynx Home U Battery
GoodWe’s Lynx U battery is the best option if you want to maximise capacity on a budget. While affordable, the Lynx Home U solar storage packs an impressive feature list, including automatic reboots that save you from needing to reset the system yourself.
A single 5.4kWh battery will cost you about $3,100, meaning you can get a whopping 16.2kWh of storage capacity for under $10,000.
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly10-year warranty with 70% minimum performance (higher than the typical 60%)Easy installation and setupIP65 rating meaning battery is suitable for outdoor installation | Maximum of 32.4kWh storage so they’re not suitable for commercial useOnly compatible with GoodWe inverters |
6. Enphase AC Battery
Last on our list is the Enphase AC battery. It’s great for homes that don’t need much storage or as an add-on to an existing system. The Enphase AC battery can integrate with other models—which many other batteries can’t.
However, one of the main features of the battery is its size. Weighing only 25kg and measuring 39cm at its longest, it’s suitable for the tightest spaces.
Enphase AC batteries cost just under $2,000 for a 1.2kWh unit, meaning you can only get 6kWh worth of solar storage for $10,000.
| Pros | Cons |
| Works with any inverterCan integrate with other battery models10-year warranty with 80% minimum performanceMinimalist design | Unsuitable for off-grid systemsExpensive for large installations |
Avoid Feeding Precious Energy Back Into the Grid With Solar Battery Storage
Your energy company always gets the better deal when you feed power into the grid. They pay you below-market rates for unused electricity, then turn around and mark it up when you need to use it at night.
So to make the most of your solar system, it’s a good idea to install a battery system that stores excess power for when you need it most.
Unsure which battery option is best for you? Then get in contact with our solar specialists who’ll help you find the best option.
