Fronius Solar Battery vs Tesla Powerwall 2
Fronius and Tesla are manufacturers of the some of the best solar batteries on the market.
In this blog, we’ll be looking at the differences between Fronius Solar Battery and Tesla Powerwall 2, and the benefits of investing in either product.
About Powerwall 2
Like the first-generation Powerwall, Powerwall 2 is designed to store any excess solar energy your PV system produces. This allows owners to power their home or business with free solar energy during the evening.
Compared to its predecessor, Powerwall 2 offers double the energy at 14kWh, and comes with a built-in inverter.
About the Fronius Solar Battery
A high-performance lithium battery, the Fronius Solar Battery allows you to store your excess solar energy during the day, and use it at night. Infinite Energy stocks all six Fronius Solar Batteries sizes, 4.5kWh, 6.0kWh, 7.5kWh, 9.0kWh. 10.5kWh, and 12kWh.
To make the comparison as even as possible, we will be comparing Powerwall 2 with the 12kWh Fronius Solar Battery.
Technology
Both Powerwall 2 and Fronius Solar Batteries utilise lithium-based technology.
Completely safe and reliable, lithium-based batteries offer a number of advantages over other rechargeable cells powered by nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) or nickel–metal hydride (NiMH), including high energy density, which means they lose less charge over time; and extremely low maintenance requirements.
Service Life
Fronius Solar Batteries are guaranteed for 8,000 charges at 80% depth of discharge, and can comfortably complete two cycles per day.
Powerwall 2 is guaranteed for 3,650 charges. Designed to complete one charge and discharge per day, Powerwall 2 is warranted for 10 years.
Cost
The 12kWh Fronius Solar Battery retails for $20,000, while Powerwall 2 is expected to cost $9,450 plus GST.
Warranty
Fronius Solar Batteries come with a 2-year warranty, that can be extended free of charge to 7 years when registered online.
Powerwall 2 comes with a 10-year warranty.
Compatible Inverters
Due to quality control purposes, Fronius Solar Batteries are only compatible with Fronius hybrid inverters.
Due to Fronius only stocking the three phase Symo Hybrid Inverter, Fronius Solar Batteries can currently only be installed in three phase homes. The single phase Primo Hybrid Inverter will be available for single phase homes in 2018.
While Powerwall 2 comes with a built-in battery inverter, you’ll still need to invest in an inverter to convert the DC electricity generated by your solar panels into AC electricity to power your home. Powerwall 2 is compatible with select high-quality inverters from manufacturers like SolarEdge and Fronius.
Retrofit
Both Fronius Solar Batteries and Powerwall 2 can be retrofitted with an existing system.
Technical Specifications
| Fronius Solar Battery | 12kWh Model |
| Technology | Lithium iron phosphate battery |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty, that can be extended free of charge to 7 years when registered online |
| Usable capacity | 9.6kWh |
| Efficiency | >90% |
| Power | 6.4kW |
| Cycle life | 8,000 at 80% depth of discharge |
| Voltage | 320 - 460V |
| Current | 16A |
| Compatibility | Currently only three phase |
| Enclosure | Indoor installation |
| Weight | 176kg |
| Dimensions | 955 x 570 x 611mm |
| Tesla | AC Powerwall 2 |
| Technology | Wall mounted, rechargeable lithium ion battery with liquid thermal control |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| AC Energy | 13.2kWh |
| Efficiency | 89% round-trip |
| Power | 7kW peak / 5kW continuous |
| Cycle life | 3,650 |
| Scalable | Up to 9 Powerwalls |
| Depth of discharge | 100% |
| Compatibility | Single or three phase |
| Enclosure | Indoor or outdoor installation |
| Weight | 110kg |
| Dimensions | 1150 mm x 755 mm x 155 mm |
Infinite Energy is proud to have installed one of the first Fronius Solar Batteries in Perth in 2016, and WA’s first Powerwall in the same year.
Both batteries are examples of advanced solar storage technology, and can bring a wealth of benefits to both homes and small businesses. Which battery is right for you will depend on your usage, budget, phase and other factors, including technical compliance in your state.
For a no obligation quote on solar and battery storage for your home, click here.
