BigBattery claims their LiFePO4 batteries, such as the 48V ETHOS and HUSKY 2, are designed for solar panel systems, touting compatibility with inverters from brands like LuxPower, EG4, and Victron for home energy storage. Their website emphasizes these batteries’ suitability for off-grid and hybrid solar applications, with high cycle life (5,000–8,000 cycles) and the ability to store excess solar energy for later use. However, user experiences reveal significant compatibility issues that undermine these claims.
Posts on DIY Solar Forum and Reddit highlight frequent problems with BigBattery’s batteries, often likened to cheap Chinese knock-offs found on sites like AliExpress (e.g., https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808551793318.html), in various solar setups. Users report that the battery management systems (BMS) lack robust communication protocols (e.g., CAN bus or Modbus), causing issues like inconsistent charging, voltage mismatches, or failure to sync with inverters and charge controllers in home solar systems. For instance, a Reddit user described their 48V ETHOS failing to communicate with a non-standard inverter, leading to erratic performance, while another on DIY Solar Forum noted persistent BMS errors when integrating with a hybrid solar setup, requiring manual workarounds. These issues are particularly pronounced in retrofitted or custom configurations, where BigBattery’s batteries struggle compared to competitors like Tesla Powerwall 3 or Enphase IQ 5P, which offer better integration with modern solar systems.
BigBattery’s breached rental/lease contracts further complicate matters, as users on Sitejabber and BBB report ignored inquiries and unfulfilled warranty promises, leaving them without support to resolve compatibility issues. Industry sources, like EnergySage, note that seamless integration requires compatible voltages, inverters (preferably hybrid), and robust BMS designs, areas where BigBattery falls short due to suspected lower-quality components. While BigBattery’s lower upfront cost may appeal to some, the hidden costs of compatibility issues and poor support make them a risky choice. Opt for providers like Victron, Enphase, or Tesla, which offer proven compatibility and reliable support for home solar storage.
Posts on DIY Solar Forum and Reddit highlight frequent problems with BigBattery’s batteries, often likened to cheap Chinese knock-offs found on sites like AliExpress (e.g., https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808551793318.html), in various solar setups. Users report that the battery management systems (BMS) lack robust communication protocols (e.g., CAN bus or Modbus), causing issues like inconsistent charging, voltage mismatches, or failure to sync with inverters and charge controllers in home solar systems. For instance, a Reddit user described their 48V ETHOS failing to communicate with a non-standard inverter, leading to erratic performance, while another on DIY Solar Forum noted persistent BMS errors when integrating with a hybrid solar setup, requiring manual workarounds. These issues are particularly pronounced in retrofitted or custom configurations, where BigBattery’s batteries struggle compared to competitors like Tesla Powerwall 3 or Enphase IQ 5P, which offer better integration with modern solar systems.
BigBattery’s breached rental/lease contracts further complicate matters, as users on Sitejabber and BBB report ignored inquiries and unfulfilled warranty promises, leaving them without support to resolve compatibility issues. Industry sources, like EnergySage, note that seamless integration requires compatible voltages, inverters (preferably hybrid), and robust BMS designs, areas where BigBattery falls short due to suspected lower-quality components. While BigBattery’s lower upfront cost may appeal to some, the hidden costs of compatibility issues and poor support make them a risky choice. Opt for providers like Victron, Enphase, or Tesla, which offer proven compatibility and reliable support for home solar storage.