Sungrow vs GoodWe: Which Solar Battery Brand is Better for Your Home?

Solar power is a sustainable and practical alternative to ever-increasing energy costs. While it may require a hefty investment due to substantial upfront costs, you can maximise your system’s efficiency and savings through the use of—you guessed it—a solar battery. When it comes to energy storage, there are two contenders in Australia: Sungrow and GoodWe. Both brands are top picks in terms of performance, efficiency, and durability, but which one is right for your home or business? In this Sungrow vs GoodWe comparison guide, we explore which solar battery is the better fit for your needs, expectations, and budget.

Brand Overview: Sungrow and GoodWe

China-based Sungrow has been around since 1997, developing and manufacturing renewable energy solutions such as solar inverters and energy storage systems. Established and well-known across the globe, Sungrow has a strong reputation for its cutting-edge solar technology. While already prominent for its solar inverters, Sungrow’s entry into battery storage systems has also proven to be a fruitful venture. 

GoodWe is also a China-based company and another international powerhouse in solar solutions. Like Sungrow, it is best known for its range of solar inverters and solar batteries. The PV inverter manufacturer and smart energy solution provider was founded in 2010, giving Sungrow the edge in terms of seniority; however, GoodWe has quickly attained a reputation for its advanced solar products with a focus on smart energy management. 

Solar Battery Range and Models

Both GoodWe and Sungrow offer a range of models to cater every unique needs. 

GoodWe Solar Battery Models

For residential customers, there are three main models available. Guaranteeing longevity, all of their batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell chemistry.

Lynx Home U Series: A low voltage battery solution that’s only compatible with GoodWe’s ES and SBP inverters. It is available in 5.4 kWh with up to six modules you can opt to combine to reach a total capacity of 32.4 kWh.

Lynx Home F Series: The F Series is compatible with GoodWe EH and ET inverters, however, it can only be ground mounted. Compared with other solar batteries, it has a slightly lower environmental protection rating of IP55. GoodWe’s F Series is a high voltage battery solution, meaning it has a faster charging and discharging rates. Faster rates are beneficial for high-power applications, but there’s a risk for a reduced lifespan. 

Lynx F G2 Series: The G2 Series is an upgrade of the F Series, although both are high voltage and share the same appearance and stackability features. The difference is that the F G2 Series utilises newer battery modules individually rated at 3.2 kWh. Additionally, it includes a minimum of 2 modules (6.4 kWh), which can be extended and stacked to up to 9 modules (28.8 kWh). 

Sungrow Solar Battery Models

As of this writing, Sungrow has two solar battery series to choose from: 

SBR Series: The SBR Series is noteworthy for delivering up to 100% usable energy, meaning you can utilise the entire battery capacity. It supports three to eight modules per unit with a capacity range of 9–100 kWh. 

SBH Series: The SBH series is designed for small commercial or large residential applications since additional modules can be stacked to reach 40 kWh. Just like the SBR battery, the SBH Series also has an environmental rating of IP55.

GoodWe Solar Battery Features

GoodWe is dedicated to enhancing its existing solar technology, including its energy storage systems. Here are some of the reasons why getting a GoodWe solar battery may be beneficial for you: 

Stackable Modules: Providing greater flexibility as owners can easily scale energy capacity by adding up to eight modules on top of each other. This is ideal for those who are looking to increase their energy storage capacity in the future. 

Long Lifespan: The Lynx A and U batteries guarantee long-lasting performance with their enduring lifecycle of up to 6,000 cycles. 

High Compatibility: Improving its versatility is its ability to work with a wide range of Goodwe inverters.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4): Its usage of Lithium Iron Phosphate, currently the most popular battery chemistry, means that your energy storage system is safe and reliable. Lithium Iron Phosphate is trusted thanks to its stable characteristics and high depth of discharge. 

Sungrow Solar Battery Features

Sungrow’s solar batteries offer efficient and reliable energy storage solutions for homes and businesses in Australia. Here are some of its beneficial features: 

Modular and Stackable Design: Just like GoodWe’s stackable modules, Sungrow allows users to add capacity based on their changing needs. 

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4): This battery cell technology is known for its safety and durability, giving your energy storage system a substantial quality boost. 

High Round-Trip Efficiency: Sungrow’s solar batteries have a high efficiency of over 95%, mitigating energy loss during use. 

Ease of Installation: Placement options are more flexible, as Sungrow batteries can be mounted either on the wall or on the floor. It’s also plug and play, meaning no cables required between battery modules.

Durability and Performance: Sungrow vs GoodWe

GoodWe is a global brand best known for providing high efficiency and reliable performance; however, Sungrow has a slightly better overall efficiency ratings. The latter’s advanced hibernation technology also improves efficiency by maintaining the battery’s state of health. 

In terms of safety and durability, both brands use the LiFePO4 chemistry, which is the newly preferred option for its enhanced safety and longer lifespan. LiFePO4 batteries are also more environmentally friendly than other battery types. 

Warranty and Cost Comparison: Sungrow vs GoodWe

GoodWe is the slightly more affordable option here, with a cost per kWh installed ranging from $850 to $1,000. Sungrow, meanwhile, has a price range of around $900 to $1,100 per kWh installed. In terms of warranty, both GoodWe and Sungrow offer a 10-year product and performance warranty.

Which Solar Battery Is Right For You? 

Both Sungrow and GoodWe are excellent options. Their discrepancy in terms of features and performance isn’t that significant, so your decision might hinge on specific preferences. 

Sungrow has been in the industry way longer than GoodWe, so if a longstanding reputation and wider global experience are important factors for you, Sungrow is the better choice. Sungrow also has a greater presence in the Australian solar market than GoodWe.

But if you’re after a brand that offers fast-evolving technology and a diverse battery lineup, GoodWe is the one. Even better, GoodWe batteries are slightly cheaper than Sungrow’s—a welcome bit of news for homeowners looking for cost-effective solar solutions.