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Solar batteries are rapidly becoming essential for anyone looking to save money on energy costs, reduce their reliance on the grid, or gain energy independence and go fully off-grid. However, with a range of options available, understanding the factors that influence their cost is critical to making a smart investment.
From capacity and battery chemistry to installation labor and additional features, this article will help you navigate the choices to find the right solution for your energy storage needs.
Let’s get started.
What Is the Average Cost of a Solar Battery?
The average cost of a solar battery varies enormously with capacity, battery chemistry, brand, features, and installation cost. So, an easier way to look at it is in terms of its price per kWh of capacity.
That typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per kWh, with some brands going higher but seldom cheaper. This means that if you need a 10kWh whole-home off-grid system, you will pay about $10,000 to $15,000 after installation.
However, there is another option for those looking for a home backup system that isn’t integrated into your household electrical or you are looking for a camping or traveling option. In these cases, you can DIY with a smaller stand-alone system that doesn’t need to be wired into your home.
For instance, a 4kWh portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 will cost a fair bit less than $1,000 per kWh. Then, you can charge it up with your high-quality EcoFlow Rigid Solar Panels, and you will have hassle-free, clean, green, and free power for many years.
Perhaps the best part of a system like this is that you can easily expand it with extra batteries and integrate it into your household electrical system with an EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2. That way, you can start with a more affordable option and grow your system into a robust, complete, off-grid solution.
What Impacts the Cost of a Solar Battery?
Capacity
This is fairly obvious, but the bigger the batteries, the more expensive they will be. How much capacity you buy depends entirely on how many kWh of energy you need. This depends on how big your home is, how many people live there, and how many and what types of appliances you run. It also varies with whether your batteries are for backup power, traveling, or a full off-grid solution.
Battery Chemistry
Different battery chemistries are more or less expensive than others, depending on the materials that go into them or just how long they have been around. Newer, safer, better LiFePO4 chemistries used to cost quite a bit more than traditional lead acid simply because they were new. However, prices have dropped dramatically in recent years.
Longevity
Cheap models like lead acid have a much shorter lifespan than newer LiFePO4. The nice thing is that LiFePO4 can be found for nearly the same price as lead acid nowadays. Even if you still pay a little bit more for your LiFePO4, you will save enormously in the long run because you may have to replace a lead acid battery 3-5 times before you have to replace a LiFePO4 model just once.
Brand
The brand you choose can also significantly impact the price. Buying cheap batteries from unknown brands might seem cost-effective, but warranties, customer service, and manufacturing quality are unknown. It’s an important investment, so skimping on quality is not advisable. Buy from a well-known, reputable brand that backs its product with good warranties.
Features
Not all models have essential built-in features, which may cost you more on additional components or replacements in the long run. For instance, simple storage models lack a built-in inverter, which is critical for converting the stored DC electricity to the AC electricity that most appliances and devices need, forcing you to purchase a separate inverter.
Another essential feature is a battery management system that prevents overcharging and undercharging and handles the discharge, optimizing it and enhancing the battery’s lifespan.
Labor Costs and Local Markets
Labor also impacts the installation price. Labor depends on which installer you choose and the local market. If demand is high, installers may charge more for their stock products. In that case, you can order your own batteries.
Solar Panels
Another factor to consider is whether you are getting it with solar panels and the cost of those panels. When you purchase a whole system, labor will be much less than buying the panels and adding storage later.
The final cost depends on the number of solar panels, their type (monocrystalline or polycrystalline), their make and model, and their size and power rating. Small, cheap panels will give you a cheaper overall price.
However, you need to match the right-sized panel array with the right-sized battery, or you will limit your input and potential output. Make sure you choose batteries and panel capacities that work together to maximize output.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra contains a powerful 6kWh battery that is expandable to a fantastic 90kWh. To keep a powerful system like that topped up, you want top-quality monocrystalline panels like the EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel.
Is a Solar Battery Worth the Cost?
Solar batteries are absolutely worth the cost. Those found in EcoFlow Solar Generators provide renewable energy options for backup power in emergencies, portable power for travel and off-grid adventures, and even complete energy storage solutions for off-grid homes.
Solar generators work by converting solar energy into electrical energy on photovoltaic panels. The batteries inside the generators store that energy so that it can be used anytime, whether the sun is shining or not. Newer LiFePO4 batteries last for many years, offering long-term energy solutions that are clean and green.
The best part is that since they generate electricity using nothing but sunshine, your energy will be free for at least 20 years after the solar payback period. With savings like that, it’s not whether or not they are worth the cost; the question is, how can anyone not afford to get them?
Final Thoughts
Solar batteries are a smart investment for backup power, off-grid living, and long-term energy savings. Choosing the right model depends on your energy needs, budget, and preferred features. High-quality options like EcoFlow DELTA Solar Generators come in a wide range of expandable capacities to suit anyone’s needs.
Their superior durability, reliability, advanced features, and long lifespans make them a cost-effective solution for green energy storage. Get ready to harness the sun’s power and start your journey toward energy independence.