Chapter 5: Solar Storage Solutions
Choosing the right solar battery system isn’t just about picking the most expensive option or the most popular brand—it’s about choosing the right fit for your energy needs, lifestyle, and goals.
In this lesson, we’ll help you cut through the confusion and focus on what actually matters. Whether you want energy backup, long-term savings, or complete energy independence, this guide will help you find the battery system that makes the most sense for your home—not someone else’s.
IN THIS LESSON
5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Battery
1. What’s Your Main Goal?
Understanding your motivation helps narrow down your options.
Want backup during outages?
→ Look for batteries with fast switchover and whole-home coverage.Trying to reduce your electric bill?
→ Choose a system that integrates with time-of-use billing to optimize savings.Going off-grid or aiming for full independence?
→ You’ll need a larger battery bank and hybrid inverter setup.
2. How Much Storage Do You Need?
Battery size is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Smaller homes or basic backup needs: 5–15 kWh
Average households with moderate energy usage: 15–30 kWh
Large homes or high usage/off-grid setups: 30–60+ kWh
Think of it like a gas tank—the bigger the capacity, the more energy you can store and use later.
3. Depth of Discharge
DoD tells you how much of your battery's total capacity you can safely use.
Higher DoD = more usable energy
Lithium-ion batteries often have 90–95% DoD
Lead-acid batteries usually range from 50–70% DoD
4. Cycle Life & Warranty
Cycle life = how many times your battery can charge and discharge
Look for warranties that cover 10 years or at least 6,000+ cycles
Quality systems will keep around 70–80% capacity at the end of warranty life
Make sure the battery you choose:
Is compatible with your existing inverter
Works with your system size and energy needs
Can be integrated into new installs or retrofit setups
Not sure? We’ll walk you through the specs—so you never have to guess.
5. Compatibility
Quick Snapshot
popular Battery Options
Brand
Type
Capacity Range
Key Benefits
Lithium Iron Phosphate
Lithium-ion
SolarEdge Home Batt
9.8–16 kWh
Seamless with SolarEdge systems
Modular (3.4 kWh+)
Enphase IQ Battery
Lithium-ion
Scalable, great for smaller homes
Whole-home backup, sleek design
Tesla Powerwall
Lithium-ion
13.5 kWh
9.8–16 kWh
Reliable, compact, long-lasting
LG Chem RESU
Lithium-ion
10–20 kWh
Don’t Just Choose What’s Popular—Choose What Works for You
Some systems look great on paper but don’t fit your lifestyle or goals. At SolarShip, we’ll never recommend a product you don’t need. Our focus is on educating first—selling second.
We’ll help you weigh all the pros and cons, not just push a product.
Same benefits as lithium ion but safer and more robust functionality
Franklinwh
Key Takeaway:
The best battery system is the one that fits your needs—not just your neighbor’s. By focusing on your usage, goals, and home setup, you can choose a system that provides real value and long-term peace of mind.
Not Sure Which Battery Fits Your Home? Let’s Find Out Together
We’ll walk you through your usage, compare options, and give you a no-pressure recommendation you can trust.
➡️ Book a custom battery consultation and get matched with the system that makes sense for you.