You might not even need the massive amount of energy storage capacity that some of these batteries come with.
But going all in on a big home battery isn’t your only option.
They might even save you money on the cost of installation.
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These stackable batteries have other benefits too, beyond their flexible capacity options.
These systems also tend to be easier to install and repair.
Here’s what you’re gonna wanna know.
What is a modular home battery?
Conventional home batteries come packaged as one big unit.
Think of aTesla Powerwall.
These batteries tend to be extremely heavy as well, weighing hundreds of pounds.
The Tesla Powerwall 3 in particular, weighs just under 300 pounds.
Modular batteries, by contrast, have more of a building block-bang out design.
The benefits of a modular battery
A modular home battery has many advantages over traditional non-modular systems.
They’re lighter, cheaper and can be safer for installers.
Here are a few of the biggest benefits of modular home batteries.
But a capacity upgrade on a non-modular battery system can get pricey.
With a modular system, you’ve got the option to simply install another small battery module.
Modular batteries, which usually come in roughly 5 kWh chunks, allow for more flexibility.
The battery system meets your energy needs where they are currently and allows for incremental capacity upgrades when needed.
The stackability of modular batteries also enables higher overall storage capacity.
“you’re free to get more storage in a modular system,” he said.
This will benefit you over time, too.
As your battery naturally degrades over the years, its storage capacity will get smaller.
Kind of like how your phone’s battery has a harder time holding a charge as it ages.
“you might stick another battery stack right on top of it,” Tyrrel said.
Non-modular batteries can weigh hundreds of pounds, making the installation a two or three person job.
This might not initially matter to you as a homeowner, but it makes a big difference for installers.
You might even save money on labor costs.
It also decreases the risk of your installer getting hurt while lugging around a bigger battery unit.
“Safety is a huge thing with the modular batteries,” Tyrrel said.
“One section can fail and you’re still going,” Tyrrel said.
This redundancy makes your home battery more reliable.
And it means you only have to replaceonesection of the battery, rather than the whole thing.
This alone can save you a lot of money – potentially thousands of dollars.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install multiple batteries at once?
How much energy can a home battery store?
There’s a pretty big range, but most home batteries fall in the 10 to 15 kWh range.
Modular batteries can often be stacked up to 20 kWh, or more.
A reputable installer will be able to tell you exactly how much power and capacity your system might need.
Some batteries also have smart panels that can help you track and understand your energy usage.
