Figuring out which battery storage system you should use for your home or business isn’t straightforward. Most people haven’t delved into the market before, and those who have often have out-of-date knowledge. 

If you find yourself in this position, this guide will help. It explores how to choose a suitable battery storage system for your property, running through factors such as capacity, efficiency, warranty, and brand reputation. 

Capacity

Capacity is the most significant consideration when choosing solar battery units. It tells you how much the product can store (usually measured in kWhs). 

Storage capacity matters because it determines how long your battery can operate before running flat. Choosing the right capacity can prevent running out of electricity when needed, while avoiding overspending on a unit that’s too big for your requirements. 

Checking your daily electricity usage lets you figure out how much energy you require. Modern smart meters, utility bills, and energy monitors show you the watthour consumed and the cost, so jot down this information over a few days and calculate the average (building in extra capacity to be safe). 

Usually, homes require around 20-30 kWh daily to keep them running (without mains power). However, you may need to go higher or lower than this, depending on your home setup, household size, and how much electricity you use. 

Wolf River Electric recommends using the following formula when sizing your solar battery especially if you have an existing solar that is capable to offset 100% of your usage. Formula:

(annual energy consumption (kWh) / 365 days) x 60% = recommended battery size in kWh

This formula allows us to divide your annual energy usage by the number of days in the year to calculate your average daily consumption. We then multiply the daily consumption by 60% to identify a safe required capacity to keep your home powered through the evening, night, and early morning—until the solar system comes back online to recharge the batteries and supply your home’s loads. This approach is suitable for approximately 80% of homes in the U.S.

Of course, this formula might not fit all scenarios, especially if your evening consumption is twice that of your daytime use or if your nighttime use exceeds your daytime consumption. In such cases, the logical approach is to evaluate your actual energy consumption during periods without sunlight.

Warranty

The best battery storage options also come with great warranties. While modern systems are more reliable than ever, these guarantees cover you if something goes wrong in the first few years of operation. 

Most warranties for home and business energy storage last 10 years. However, some premium options allow you to enjoy warranties up to 15 years. 

Coverage usually specifies: 

  • The battery’s condition–whether it continues working mechanically and electrically
  • The minimum capacity–usually 70% of the as-new capacity

For example, the warranty will cover you if the battery loses its condition (through a manufacturing fault and pay for losses if the unit falls below the minimum guaranteed storage figure (a number set by the producer). 

Sometimes, manufacturers limit the charging cycles you can subject the unit to before voiding the warranty or the processed energy. Therefore, always check the small print to see what it says. It will generally say you have coverage for: “10 years or 6,000 cycles–whichever comes first.”

Efficiency


Efficiency is another factor to consider when choosing a battery storage system for your home or business. This metric tells you how much energy return you get from your unit after charging and discharging (as a percentage). Because batteries store energy in DC format each solar backup battery will have a built-in or an external inverter to convert energy to AC current for use or DC current for storage/battery charging. This conversion naturally results in efficiency losses by current inversion. 

Higher efficiency means less waste and more value from solar cells (or mains supply if charging from the grid). High-quality units often have an efficiency of 90% or more. This metric means that for every 10 kWh of input they store, 9 kWh is usable electricity. 

Top-tier premium battery models offer efficiencies exceeding 95%. These often have special materials inside to reduce energy loss during transmission or as it leaves the battery, while also cutting down on waste heat. 

Brand Reputation

Finally, brand reputation should also play a role when choosing the right storage systems for your home or business. Well-regarded companies are less risky and often sell higher-quality products. 

Evaluating brand reputation requires seeking real user reviews on issues like reliability and support. You want to know whether the vendor will help you if something goes wrong with your system. 

Certifications and industry accreditations are good signs. These indicate that the business making and installing the battery are a part of the sector and know what to do. 

Ultimately, brand reputation matters because it ensures you get the product reliability you expect when investing significant cash. Finding trustworthy manufacturers and installers is critical. 

Now You Should Know How To Choose The Right Battery Storage System For Your Home Or Business

Reading this business/home battery guide, you should better understand how to choose the right battery for your property. Fortunately, most systems are plug-and-play, allowing you to avoid many of the technicalities that come with selection. Sometimes, installers will choose for you, based on your calculated capacity and warranty/efficiency requirements.