SBP

How to Shortlist Batteries

A practical framework for narrowing down your battery options in Perth, WA.

Step 1: Check WA Readiness
Ensure the battery qualifies for local incentives
CEC Approved

Check the Clean Energy Council approved battery list

Synergy SSL Listed

Required for DEBS export rates and Battery Rewards VPP

SAA Accredited Installer

Verify your installer is accredited for the specific brand

Step 2: Match Your System Type
Different batteries suit different solar setups
New Solar + Battery Install

Consider DC-coupled or all-in-one systems for maximum efficiency

Best options: Tesla Powerwall 3, BYD HVM, Sungrow SBR, SolarEdge Energy Bank
Adding Battery to Existing Solar

AC-coupled batteries work with any existing inverter

Best options: Enphase IQ Battery, Alpha ESS, Fronius Reserva
Microinverter Systems (Enphase)

Enphase batteries integrate seamlessly with Enphase microinverters

Best option: Enphase IQ Battery 5P
Step 3: Size for Your Needs
Match capacity to your usage patterns
Small (5-8 kWh)

Covers evening usage for low-consumption households (15-20 kWh/day)

Medium (10-14 kWh)

Typical family home with evening + morning coverage (20-30 kWh/day)

Large (15+ kWh)

High usage homes, pools, EVs, or backup requirements (30+ kWh/day)

Don't Oversize

A battery that's too large won't cycle fully, reducing lifespan and ROI. Use our calculator to find the optimal size for your usage pattern.

Step 4: Consider Backup Needs
Not all batteries provide blackout protection
Whole-Home Backup

Tesla Powerwall 3, Fronius Reserva, Alpha ESS - can power entire home during outages

Partial Backup

Most batteries - requires separate backup panel for essential circuits only

No Backup

Some DC-coupled systems - battery only works when grid is available

Step 5: Compare Warranties
Look beyond the headline years
Throughput Limits

Most warranties specify total energy throughput (e.g., 37.8 MWh). Calculate if this matches your expected daily cycling over the warranty period.

Capacity Retention

Typically 60-70% at end of warranty. Higher retention means better long-term value.

Local Service

Check if the brand has Australian service centers and parts availability in WA.