Sungrow vs GoodWe: Which Solar Battery Brand is Better for Your Home?
GoodWe vs Sungrow: Which Solar Battery Brand is Better for Your Home?
Solar power is on the rise as an alternative to ever-increasing energy costs. While it may require a significant up-front investment, you can maximise your system’s efficiency and savings thanks to a solar battery. Storing your excess energy generated by your panels means you get off the grid during peak hours, power your house at night and during blackouts, and sell electricity back to the grid.
When it comes to energy storage, two top contenders in Australia are Sungrow and GoodWe. Both brands are great picks for performance, efficiency, and durability, but which one is right for your home? In this comparison guide, we’ll look at which solar battery is the best fit for your energy needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Brand Overview: GoodWe vs Sungrow
Established and well-known worldwide, Sungrow has a strong reputation for its cutting-edge solar technology, while GoodWe has quickly earned a reputation for its advanced solar products, with a focus on smart energy management. Let’s break down the main features of each solar battery manufacturer.
| Feature | GoodWe | Sungrow |
| Efficiency | 3.2 kWh, 5.4 kWh, 6.6 kWh, 16.5 kWh units | 3.2 kWh, 6.2 kWh units |
| Scalability | 6 to 9 units | Up to 8 units |
| Compatibility | Limited compatibility, works best with GoodWe technologies | Works in bespoke setups |
| Outdoor rating | IP55/IP65 | IP55 |
| Approximate Cost/usable kWh | $1,011 | $759 |
| Warranty | 10 years, 4,000 cycles, minimum capacity of 70-80% | 5 years, 4000 cycles, minimum capacity 70% |
| Rebate value | 10kWh battery = $3,544 | 10kWh battery = $3,544 |
| Technology | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) |
| Inverter | Built-in | Sold separately |
Solar Battery Range and Models
Both GoodWe and Sungrow offer a range of models to cater to different needs.
GoodWe Solar Battery Models
For residential customers, there are three main models available. With a long lifespan, all of their batteries use lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) 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 that can be combined to reach a total capacity of 32.4 kWh.
Lynx Home F Series: Compatible with GoodWe EH and ET inverters; however, it can only be ground-mounted. GoodWe’s F Series is a high-voltage battery solution that offers faster charging and discharging rates across 6.6 kWh units up to 16.5 kWh. Faster rates are beneficial for high-power applications, but there’s a risk of a reduced lifespan.
Lynx F G2 Series: Seen as 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 stacked to a maximum of 9 modules (28.8 kWh).
GoodWe ESA Series: An all-in-one home energy storage system with an integrated inverter, designed for fast installation and a clean setup. The ESA Series offers scalable storage, smart energy management, and reliable backup power, making it ideal for homeowners seeking simplicity, efficiency, and long-term performance.
Sungrow Solar Battery Models
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 IP55 environmental rating.
GoodWe Solar Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of getting a GoodWe solar battery.
Pros
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 deliver long-lasting performance with a lifecycle of up to 6,000 cycles.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4): Its use 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 for its stable performance and high depth of discharge.
Cons
Compatibility: While there’s some benefit to built-in inverters, if you’re adding to an existing system, the battery is compatible only with a GoodWe inverter.
Cost: Slightly more expensive compared to other batteries in the same category.
Warranty: Unclear wording regarding coverage of transport and labour costs; rates and maximums are at the manufacturer’s discretion.
Sungrow Solar Battery Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Sungrow solar battery:
Pros
Modular and Stackable Design: Sungrow allows users to add capacity as their needs change.
High Round-Trip Efficiency: Sungrow’s solar batteries achieve over 95% efficiency, 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 are required between battery modules.
Cons
DC-connection: Not a good option if you already have solar installed without a hybrid inverter.
Warranty: Excludes labour, freight, and waste disposal associated with claims after 5 years.
New installations: Battery additions must be manually balanced or commissioned to match, which can be a technical constraint.
Troubleshooting and Installer Tips
GoodWe batteries can be installed indoors and outdoors, but don’t have built-in fire suppression or modular battery balancing, which can limit future prodding and safety precautions. The stackable batteries mean they’re quite flexible and easy to install.
Sungrow units are much lighter at 25kg than some brands, such as Tesla’s Powerwall. One installer can complete an installation on their own, while two installers would be required to lift the Powerwall. This can lower costs and help to make expansion easier in the future.
Which Solar Battery Is Right For You?
Both Sungrow and GoodWe are excellent options. Their differences in features and performance aren’t significant, so your decision might hinge on specific preferences.
GoodWe is a reputable brand in the industry, offering excellent, cost-effective solar solutions. Their batteries are ideal for customers who already have a GoodWe inverter system, as compatibility with other manufacturers can be challenging.
If you’re all in on the brand, you can manage the GoodWe battery, solar, and EV charger through a single app, which is convenient. The warranty is a little unclear for those who like to know what’s covered, and their relative newness as a manufacturer operating in the battery space since 2021 can be seen as positive or negative, depending on your preferences.
Sungrow is a well-established brand, and the combination of the Sungrow inverter and battery is a solid option for those looking to start from the ground up without an existing system. Their cost-effective solutions aren’t at the premium end of the scale, but their modular flexibility means you can easily add to your Sungrow system as your needs change.
The 10-year warranty is a bit less comprehensive than those offered by some other brands, but it’s still a solid option for those who want a reliable, well-established brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which solar battery is more flexible for installation, Sungrow or GoodWe?
GoodWe batteries are floor-standing models, which can limit placement options if you’re tight on space. In comparison, Sungrow batteries offer more flexibility with wall-mounted and floor-standing options and are lightweight, allowing one person to carry out the installation on their own.
GoodWe vs Sungrow: Which Solar Battery Provides Higher Efficiency?
GoodWe batteries are high efficiency and reliable, but Sungrow has slightly better overall efficiency ratings. If your storage needs are smaller, GoodWe is a solid choice, but Sungrow’s smart hibernation technology optimises efficiency and reduces consumption during periods of low demand.
Is Sungrow or GoodWe Better for Safety and Reliability?
Both brands use LiFePO4 chemistry, the leading battery technology, so they’re similarly matched in terms of safety and reliability. GoodWe prioritises safety during scalability, so larger systems are stable and reliable. Sungrow uses remote diagnostics and smart hibernation to enhance safety, reliability, and lifespan.
For Scalability, Which Brand Is Better: GoodWe or Sungrow?
GoodWe batteries can scale up to 32.4 kWh, making them ideal for larger homes with higher energy storage requirements. Sungrow is more geared towards residential use, so its designs are compact to fit into bespoke setups and come in slightly smaller capacities, offering greater flexibility to increase energy availability while maintaining high efficiency.
Which Battery Is Best for a Small Home?
Depending on your needs, Sungrow offers affordable, reliable solutions, while GoodWe balances cost and performance. GoodWe can be a solid option if you want a system from the ground up, while Sungrow offers small units for greater flexibility in meeting your energy needs, which may be lower in a small home.
