Top 5 best energy storage facilities – energy storage ranking 2024!
Do you want to choose the best energy storage for 2024? We invite you to our "energy storage ranking", in which we focused on capacity, efficiency and costs of use. Here you will find specific recommendations that will help you choose an energy storage system that suits your needs.
The most important information
- Energy storage, consisting of key elements such as an inverter and a battery, allows for the storage and effective use of surplus energy generated by photovoltaic panels, offering energy independence and power supply security.
- The energy storage ranking for 2024 takes into account the efficiency, reliability, and diverse offers of various manufacturers, emphasizing the importance of quality, functionality, and the ability to scale and integrate data energy storage systems.
- In order to maximize savings and energy independence, when choosing an energy storage facility, important factors include daily energy consumption, compatibility with the PV installation, system efficiency and the possibility of co-financing with programs such as 'My Electricity 6.0'.
Energy storage components: inverter and battery
The energy storage consists of two key components: an inverter and a battery. An inverter, also known as an inverter, is responsible for converting the direct current generated by solar panels into alternating current, which is necessary to power electrical appliances in our homes or businesses. The battery, in turn, stores the accumulated energy, which we can use when the energy production from photovoltaic panels is not sufficient.
Hybrid inverters can work simultaneously with the power grid or, in the event of its failure, create an independent off-grid installation using batteries and photovoltaic panels. Thanks to this, we can enjoy uninterrupted power supply even in emergency situations. All-In-One solutions combine a PV inverter with batteries and often include software that helps them work together and avoids compatibility issues. Such systems allow you to save on installation and service costs, ensure an aesthetic appearance and safe use at home.
A standard energy storage system (ESS) includes a hybrid inverter that regulates energy production from PV panels and manages battery charging and discharging. Thanks to this, we can effectively manage the collected energy, minimizing losses and maximizing the energy efficiency of our system. In the next chapter, we will take a closer look at the characteristics of batteries used in energy storage.
Characteristics of batteries in energy storage
Batteries used in energy storage differ in manufacturing technology, number of charging cycles and charging and discharging power. The most commonly used batteries are lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries, which offer high performance, long service life and relatively fast charging times, although they are more expensive compared to other types such as lead-acid batteries. Flow batteries are gaining popularity due to low component costs and scalability, storing energy in two liquid chemical solutions separated by a membrane that allows for ion exchange.
The power of flow batteries depends on the size and shape of the cell, while the energy stored depends on the size of the tanks. Hybrid flow batteries combine the features of conventional batteries and flow batteries, where one active substance is stored in the electrochemical branch and the other as an electrolyte liquid. An example of a modular energy storage is the Huawei LUNA2000 battery, which allows for power expansion from 5 to 30 kWh, using lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) cells.
The number of charging cycles is a critical indicator of battery longevity, with the average value recommended by most battery manufacturers exceeding 5,000 cycles. The expected life of the energy storage capacity after 10 years of use, assuming 1 charge-discharge cycle per day, ranges between 60% to 80%. The Pylontech US5000 energy storage device has a low self-discharge rate, allowing it to be stored for up to six months without the need for recharging, which can have a positive impact on the number of life cycles.
Moving on, we will discuss the role of the inverter as the brain of energy storage.
Inverter – the brain of the energy storage
The inverter is a key device in energy storage systems. Its main function is to convert the direct current generated by solar panels into alternating current, which is necessary to power electrical appliances in homes or businesses. This device enables options such as guaranteed power supply, the implementation of dynamic energy tariffs and easy and intuitive monitoring via the application.
Energy storage systems act like large batteries, storing the solar energy produced, allowing it to be used when needed, with the inverter playing a key role in this process. The key element enabling the energy storage to work as an emergency power source is the hybrid inverter, which decides about charging the storage and drawing energy from it. Thanks to this, we can enjoy uninterrupted power supply even in the event of a power grid failure.
Now we will move on to our ranking of the best energy storage facilities for 2024.
Ranking of the best energy storage facilities 2024
The energy storage ranking for 2024 is intended to present building owners with the most advantageous solutions in the field of electricity storage. Our ranking takes into account various brands and models to help you choose the right manufacturer and a specific device tailored to the user's individual needs. The manufacturer's credibility, financial stability and product warranty policy are key factors taken into account when assessing energy storage.
The standard warranty period for energy storage is 10 years, but these terms may vary in terms of capacity degradation resulting from operation. The durability of energy storage facilities and maintaining their capacity over time depend on the quality of workmanship and method of operation. The assessment of energy storage facilities was based on important factors such as the breadth of the manufacturer's offer, capacity and battery charging speed.
In the rest of the article, we present detailed information about the best energy storage facilities for 2024.
Victron Energy + Pylontech US5000
Victron Energy combined with the Pylontech US5000 battery is one of the best energy storage systems on the market. The Pylontech US5000 battery is a 48 V lithium-ion module with a capacity of 4.8 kWh, equipped with a built-in battery management system (BMS) that controls the operation of the cells in terms of voltage, current and temperature. This makes the system not only efficient, but also safe to use.
It operates in the temperature range from -10 °C to 50 °C, which allows it to be used in high-power applications with limited space and load-bearing capacity. It has a compact design and a weight of 39.7 kg for a single unit, which facilitates installation and maintenance, as well as ensuring low failure rate.
It is possible to connect up to 16 Pylontech US5000 battery units in parallel, which allows you to scale the capacity and extend the power supply time.
Fronius GEN24 + BYD HVS
The Fronius GEN24 combined with the BYD HVS energy storage is another excellent option on the market. Thanks to the Solar.web application, users can monitor and verify the profitability of their photovoltaic installation, which confirms the advanced integration and monitoring capabilities of this system. However, it should be mentioned that to fully use the monitoring application, you need to pay a subscription of approximately PLN 100 per year.
The comparison of the Fronius GEN24 inverter with the BYD HVS energy storage system ranks among the best energy storage units, which highlights its efficiency and attractiveness on the market. Such a system ensures not only efficiency, but also reliability, which is crucial for long-term use.
SolarEdge Home Hub + SolarEdge Home 48V BAT
The SolarEdge Home Hub system is designed to optimize energy management in real time, enabling better use of solar energy - thanks to the use of power optimizers. Combined with the SolarEdge Home 48V BAT energy storage system, this system ranks high in the ranking of the best energy storage systems, which proves their high position on the market.
Advanced integration and monitoring capabilities make SolarEdge Home Hub + SolarEdge Home 48V BAT an excellent choice for those who want to maximize the potential of their photovoltaic installation.
AlphaESS + SMILE-BAT 8.2 kWh
The energy storage system consisting of the AlphaESS inverter and the SMILE-BAT battery with a capacity of 8.2 kWh is also included in our ranking of the best energy storage systems.
This solution is characterized by high performance and reliability, which makes it an attractive choice for many users.
Hypontech + Pylontech Force H2
In the ranking of energy storage units from various brands, the Hypontech set combined with the Pylontech Force H2 energy storage unit was also ranked. This combination provides high efficiency and is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable energy storage system.
SofarSolar + Sofar AMASS 10 kWh
The SofarSolar energy storage unit combined with the Sofar AMASS 10 kWh energy storage unit was included in the 2024 ranking of the best energy storage units, which highlights their importance on the market. Thanks to its high efficiency and reliability, this system is an ideal choice for people who want to make the most of photovoltaic energy.
Goodwe + LYNX HV
Goodwe, combined with the LYNX HV energy storage facility, is included in the ranking of the best energy storage units for 2024, which proves their high position and customer trust. This system is characterized by reliability and high efficiency, making it an excellent choice for long-term investments.
RCT Power Storage DC + RCT Power Battery
RCT Power products are characterized by high durability, which ensures reliability in long-term use. The RCT Power energy storage system offers the possibility of modular expansion, so it can be scaled depending on the growing needs of users.
RCT Power Storage DC and RCT Power Battery were included in the ranking of the best energy storage units for 2024, confirming their position on the market. Compared to other brands, RCT Power Storage DC and RCT Power Battery stand out due to the advantages of reliability and expandability, which may be a key criterion for users when choosing an energy storage device.
Criteria for selecting an energy storage facility
To match the energy storage to the actual electrical demand in the household, it is recommended to first determine the daily energy consumption based on electricity bills. The energy storage capacity for a single-family house usually ranges from 3 to 10 kWh, but in the case of higher energy demand and the power of the photovoltaic installation, systems up to 20 kWh can be considered.
The size of the photovoltaic installation should be well matched to the capacity of the energy storage, because a storage facility that is too small will not be able to store all the excess energy, and one that is too large may lead to additional costs and underutilization. The total connection power, i.e. the sum of active power consumed or introduced into the local energy network, cannot exceed the connection power of the facility or 50 kW in the context of installing energy storage in a photovoltaic system.
Modern energy storage systems offer an efficiency level of 90% or higher, which means that only a small part of the energy is lost during the charging and discharging processes. Without energy storage, a home typically uses around 20% of real-time electricity produced, while a well-matched PV and energy storage installation can raise self-supply rates to over 50%, allowing for the use of surplus energy.
Emergency power supply and energy storage
Electricity storage combined with photovoltaic installations increases energy security in the event of a grid failure, enabling it to function as an independent backup power source. Energy storage units, which store electricity, are equipped with advanced security technologies and can quickly switch to battery power in less than 10 ms, ensuring continuity of power supply and ensuring power supply security.
In practice, energy storage systems can provide power for up to several days, especially if consumption is limited to essential devices. The long-term benefits of energy storage are not only the ability to avoid interruptions in energy supply, but also increased energy independence of residents exposed to frequent network failures.
Energy storage and financial savings
Annual average savings resulting from the use of energy storage are estimated at approximately PLN 4,500, and according to reports from some users, the reduction in energy expenses can reach almost ten times. Energy storage facilities enable efficient energy consumption, including surplus energy, without the need to use external electricity suppliers, which is particularly important in the summer months when the production of energy from renewable sources is the highest.
Energy storage systems are optimized to use free energy from photovoltaics, ensuring safety in the event of power outages. In an energy storage facility, the installation of an energy storage system can be included in the costs of thermal modernization of the building, which allows for deduction from the tax base with the possibility of obtaining a tax relief of up to PLN 53,000.
Installation and service of energy storage facilities
After signing the contract, our partners will come to install the energy storage, and this installation does not require any construction works. Before installing the energy storage, the consultant offers free selection of the best solution and provides an installation quote. Energy storage facilities can have a modular structure that allows for expansion with new batteries and improvement of the system.
An energy storage manufacturer typically offers a 10-year product warranty, ensuring long-term service and after-sales service. Thanks to this, we can enjoy peace of mind and be sure that our system will operate reliably for many years.
Possibilities of co-financing energy storage
It is worth considering available subsidy programs, such as 'Moj Prąd', which can significantly reduce the costs of purchasing energy storage. The 'My Electricity 6.0' program offers a maximum subsidy of PLN 16,000 for the purchase and installation of energy storage with a capacity of at least 2 kWh, with a total program budget of PLN 400 million.
To apply for funding under the 'My Electricity 6.0' program, investors must submit an application by the specified deadline, which for the 2024 edition will start in September 2024 (read more). Energy advisors offer support in obtaining subsidies for energy storage systems, helping in selecting the appropriate system, submitting applications and conducting the investment process.
Summary
To sum up, energy storage is a key element in electricity management, especially in the context of the growing popularity of renewable energy sources. The presented ranking of the best energy storage facilities for 2024 allows you to choose the right solution that will meet the individual needs of users, while ensuring energy security and financial savings.
Understanding how these systems work, what benefits they can bring and what are the possibilities of financing them is crucial to making an informed decision about investing in energy storage. Whichever system you choose, this investment will bring long-term benefits, both financially and ecologically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main components of energy storage?
The main components of an energy storage device are an inverter and a battery, which are necessary to store and manage electricity. This may be important in the context of renewable energy installations.
What are the most commonly used types of batteries in energy storage?
The most commonly used types of batteries in energy storage are lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate, due to their high efficiency and long life.
What are the financial benefits of having an energy storage facility?
Having an energy storage facility brings financial benefits, such as savings on electricity bills, the ability to deduct the costs of thermal modernization of the building and obtaining subsidies from programs such as 'My Electricity'. This action can bring real savings to people interested in investing in energy storage.
Can energy storage provide emergency power?
Yes, energy storage can act as an independent backup power source, ensuring continuity of power in the event of a power grid failure.
What are the possibilities of co-financing energy storage?
Possibilities of co-financing energy storage include various programs, such as 'Moj Prąd', which offer subsidies for purchase and installation.