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Sonnen Eco: Powerful and Efficient Solar Batteries
Ranked the Most Versatile Battery of 2023
Sonnen is a well-known German manufacturer that began producing solar components in 2010 and entered the US battery market in 2015. Sonnen Eco models are routinely seen in the Texas solar marketplace. The Eco line is suitable for use on cloudy days, at night, during grid outages, or to offset time of usage (TOU) electricity rates.
The Sonnen Eco solar batteries are available in a variety of size options. These batteries are stackable, allowing consumers to build storage systems that can be customized to fit every residential need…
They are backed by a solid warranty, while comparably priced to similarly equipped batteries reviewed for 2023.
Chemistry
Sonnen uses a new Lithium Iron Phosphate or LFP technology in their Eco range producing a safer, more efficient, and longer lasting battery over their competitors by relying on Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide or NMC chemistry.
The absence of Cobalt in LFP batteries reduces the fire risk associated with batteries using a cheaper Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide or NMC chemistry.
Also, LFP batteries are more easily recycled with a reduced environmental impact.
Battery Capacity
The Sonnen Eco line of batteries are available as a single battery in a modest 2.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) module. Multiple Sonnen Eco batteries can be collectively configured, making it easy to custom storage solutions from 5 kWh, up to 20 kWh, in 2.5 kilowatt increments.
The Sonnen Eco 5 generates 3 kW of continuous power, the Eco 7.5 generates 4 kW of continuous power, the Eco 10 and larger models are capable of generating 8 kW of continuous power for an extended period.
Higher electrical demands require battery systems with increased continuous power ratings.
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Depth of Discharge
As discussed at the top of this section, DoD expresses in percentage how much power can be drawn from a battery in comparison to the maximum it holds. Solar batteries are made to be charged, discharged, and recharged. However, over the years, the more often this cycle repeats, the more impact it will have on the lifespan of the solar battery
In an attempt to minimize this effect, many manufacturers limit DoD percentage to extend a battery’s useful service life. DoD's industry standards range between 80% and 100%.
The Sonnen Eco line is rated at 90% DoD, meaning you can use 90% of the batteries maximum capacity with no discernible effect on the life span of the battery. Sonnen Eco batteries have a depth of discharge (DoD) of 90%, which means they can be charged up to 90% of their usable capacity without shortening their lifespan.
A higher DoD rating reflects a potentially higher -quality battery.
AC-Coupled
The Eco is AC-coupled, streamlining a straightforward integration for customers seeking to add battery storage to an existing residential PV system.
Most installers prefer AC-coupled (alternating current) batteries for their ease of installation. Despite their more involved installation, DC-coupled (direct current) batteries have higher efficiency ratings.
Power Output
Continuous power is a measurement expressed in kW of a battery's potential to release a sustained energy for a given period. Peak power is a measurement expressed in kW of a potential maximum power output in short bursts.
The Sonnen Eco 5 generates 3 kW of continuous power, the Eco 7.5 generates 4 kW of continuous power, the Eco 10 and larger are capable of generating 8 kW of continuous power for an extended period.
Higher electrical demands require batteries systems with increased continuous power ratings.
Round-trip Efficiency
In order for a battery to function, a small amount of electric power is required for its operation. The total amount of charge that comes out of a battery subtracted from the amount of charge that went into the battery is expressed as a percentage ('%'). This is called Round-trip Efficiency.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration, assesses average round-trip efficiency at approximately 80%. The Sonnen Eco models deliver a round-trip efficiency of 90%, well above average.
System Compatibility
The Sonnen Eco batteries are compatible with most common solar inverters brands on the market, including the Enphase IQ8.
Warranty
Sonnen Eco batteries come with a 10-year, or 10,000 cycle warranty. The warranty terminates once either one of these metrics is reached. Sonnen guarantees Eco batteries will have 70% of their original capacity at the end of 10 years or 10,000 cycle warranty. Sonnen’s warranty is average to above average compared to the other batteries reviewed in 2023.