Need to know the difference between the Sonnen battery and the Tesla Powerwall 2? Deciding between Sonnen and Tesla as battery brands in Australia can be a challenge. While Tesla is an incredible company and offers the premium Powerwall 2, its cost and relative inflexibility limit its application.
When contemplating an AC-coupled system, a comparison between the Tesla Powerwall 2 and Sonnen batteries becomes crucial to identify the optimal solution for your property and budget. If you are still deciding whether storage is worth it, our Tesla Powerwall 2 reviews are a useful companion read.
Safety Considerations
Prioritising safety when choosing batteries is imperative. Reassurance about the safety of any equipment used on your property is paramount.
The Tesla Powerwall 2 employs NMC chemistry (Lithium, Manganese and Cobalt), with Cobalt introducing safety concerns. It increases the risk of electrical faults and elevates the potential for fire hazards.
In contrast, Sonnen relies on one of the most reliable and sustainable battery technologies, entirely free from Cobalt. Using Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries (LiFePO4), Sonnen ensures prolonged safety and use.
Storage Size
The price of a battery is directly linked to its size, so it’s crucial to focus on the right battery size, since no one wants to pay for capacity they won’t fully use. For instance, if you require 8kWh of storage, Tesla could cost you approximately $12,000, while Sonnen could be as affordable as $7,000.
The Tesla Powerwall 2 lacks size flexibility, unlike Sonnen, which offers a range of battery sizes. The Tesla Powerwall 2 is available in a single size of 13.5kWh. By contrast, Sonnen offers options to upgrade to sizes such as 6, 7.5, 8, 10, 12, 12.5, 14 and 15kWh.
How Long will it Last?
In summary, the Tesla Powerwall 2 has 7,300 warranty cycles, fewer than Sonnen. Consequently, Sonnen batteries boast a longer warranty life expectancy.
Additional Costs and Integration
The Tesla Powerwall 2 is an AC-coupled battery, so a separate solar inverter is necessary.
Sonnen, on the other hand, offers a hybrid AC-coupled battery.
With the Tesla Powerwall 2, connecting to a solar system requires panels, a Tesla battery and an inverter. In contrast, Sonnen offers an all-in-one solution, with its battery components integrated into a single high-quality case.
Benefits and Savings
The Tesla Powerwall 2 provides:
- $0 supply charges for 12 months
- A flat rate of 31c for grid purchase
- 10c feed-in tariff
The Sonnen battery provides:
- $0 supply charges for 12 months
- 38c after going over the usage allowance
- 7c feed-in tariff after the export threshold
If you’d like to understand how those export thresholds work, our explainer on how feed-in tariffs work breaks it down.
Final Verdict
We hope this article has been valuable in the world of solar batteries. Sonnen vs Tesla is a hard battle to call, but we think the two come out fairly even — both have a significant presence in Australia.
Contact Solar Air Energy to get your batteries installed today by Brisbane’s top solar company, or request a free quote and we’ll be happy to assist you with the right options.