What Battery for Plug and Play Solar Panel to Choose in 2025
Without a battery, you lose 60% of your solar production. Your panel produces during the day when you're away, and you consume in the evening when it no longer produces. A battery stores this surplus to reuse when you need it, increasing your self-consumption from 40% to 90%.
Quick Answer: 5 Criteria for Choosing the Right Battery
- LiFePO4 technology: 6000 cycles minimum versus 500 for lead-acid
- Adapted capacity: 1.5 kWh for 600W, 3 kWh for 1000W of panels
- 90%+ depth of discharge: Actually use all the capacity purchased
- Voltage compatibility: Check 12V/24V/48V according to your micro-inverter
- Plug and play installation: Connection to standard outlet without electrician
Technical details and recommended models below.
Battery Technologies: Direct Comparison
| Criterion | LiFePO4 | Lithium-ion NMC | Lead-acid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life cycles | 6000-10000 | 2000-3000 | 300-500 |
| Discharge depth | 90-95% | 80% | 50% |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 5-8 years | 1-2 years |
| Efficiency | 95-97% | 90-95% | 85% |
| Initial price | €€€ | €€ | € |
| Cost per cycle | €0.15-0.20 | €0.25-0.35 | €0.60-0.80 |
2025 Verdict: LiFePO4 Systematically
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) dominates for three quantified reasons:
Real profitability: Despite a purchase price 2 to 3 times higher, cost per cycle is 4 times lower than lead-acid
Usable capacity: A 2 kWh LiFePO4 battery provides 1.8 kWh real (90% DOD) versus 1 kWh for lead-acid (50% DOD)
Safety: No risk of thermal runaway, operating temperature -20°C to +60°C
Lithium-ion NMC batteries are an acceptable compromise if budget limited, but their reduced lifespan makes them less interesting long-term.
What Battery Capacity for Your Installation
Calculation According to Panel Power
300-500W Panel (see plug and play solar panel dimensions)
- Daily production: 1-2 kWh
- Recommended battery: 1-1.5 kWh
- Use: Cover basic nighttime consumption (internet box, refrigerator, lighting)
600-800W Panel (standard for apartment)
- Daily production: 2.5-3.5 kWh
- Recommended battery: 1.5-3 kWh
- Use: Also power washing machine, dishwasher, induction cooktop in evening
1000W+ Panel
- Daily production: 4-6 kWh
- Recommended battery: 3-5 kWh
- Use: Near-total autonomy on base consumption
Practical Dimensioning Rule
- Measure your actual nighttime consumption (7pm-7am): Linky meter or supplier application
- Store 50% of your production if budget limited
- Store 100% if maximum autonomy objective
Concrete example: 800W panel producing 3 kWh/day. Nighttime consumption 2 kWh. 2 kWh battery = optimal solution.
Technical Selection Criteria
Depth of Discharge (DOD)
DOD determines actually usable capacity:
- LiFePO4 (90-95% DOD): 2 kWh battery = 1.8 kWh usable
- Lithium-ion (80% DOD): 2 kWh battery = 1.6 kWh usable
- Lead-acid (50% DOD): 2 kWh battery = 1 kWh usable
Exceeding recommended DOD drastically reduces lifespan.
Minimum Number of Cycles
- Minimum acceptable: 3000 cycles to pay back over 8-10 years
- Optimal: 6000+ cycles for 12-15 year lifespan
Calculation: 1 cycle/day × 365 days = 365 cycles/year. 6000 cycles = 16 years theoretical lifespan
Voltage and System Compatibility
Mandatory verifications before purchase:
- Voltage: 12V (small system), 24V (standard), 48V (high power)
- Connection type: AC (alternating coupling, simpler) or DC (direct coupling)
- Micro-inverter compatibility: Some batteries require specific brands
AC bidirectional batteries (Anker Solarbank 2, Sunology STOREY type) work with 100% of existing installations.
Essential Features
- Integrated BMS: Automatic charge/discharge management, overcharge protection
- Mobile application: Real-time production/consumption monitoring
- Backup mode: Emergency power supply in case of grid outage (not available on all models)
- IP65 certification: Essential for outdoor installation
Recommended 2025 Models
| Model | Capacity | Cycles | Voltage | Price | Strong Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Solarbank 2 E1600 AC | 1.6 kWh (expandable 9.6 kWh) | 6000 | AC bidirectional | €1199 | Universal compatibility |
| Zendure SolarFlow AB2000 | 1.92 kWh (expandable 7.68 kWh) | 6000+ | 48V | €999 | Best value for money |
| EcoFlow DELTA Max 2000 | 2 kWh | 3000 | AC/DC | €1499 | Versatile portable station |
| Sunology STOREY | 5 kWh (modular) | 7500 | AC bidirectional | €4990 | Integrated backup + 15-year warranty |
| Beem Battery | 2.56 kWh | 6000 | AC | €1890 | AI consumption optimization |
Which Model for Which Use
- Tight budget + 600W panel: Zendure AB2000 (€999, progressively expandable)
- Seeking maximum simplicity: Anker Solarbank 2 AC (plug connection, compatible all systems)
- Need backup for outages: Sunology STOREY (only one offering certified emergency power supply)
- Progressive installation: Anker or Zendure (additional batteries purchasable later)
To choose a complete panel + battery kit, favor integrated packs with single manufacturer warranty.
Installation and Later Addition
Retrofit on Existing Installation
Yes, it's possible to add a battery to already installed panels. Verifications:
- Micro-inverter power compatible with battery (600W, 800W, 1000W)
- Output type: AC (standard outlet) or DC (direct wiring)
- Available space: wall batteries 40×60 cm, floor 50×70 cm
AC batteries plug into any outlet in your installation, even at distance from panels.
Installation Duration
- AC plug and play battery: 5-10 minutes, no tools
- DC battery: 30-60 minutes, solar cable connection
- No electrician required in either case
Consult the detailed advantages and disadvantages before getting started.
Conclusion: Key Points
- LiFePO4 technology mandatory for profitability over total lifespan
- Capacity = 50-100% of your daily production according to autonomy objective
- Minimum 3000 cycles, ideal 6000+ for 10-15 year lifespan
- AC bidirectional battery = guaranteed universal compatibility
- Investment paid back in 5-8 years via electricity bill savings
Battery prices drop 15% per year. 2025 models are 40% cheaper than in 2022 at equal performance.
