LG Chem Batteries
LG Chem batteries are known for their high energy density, long lifespan, and reliable performance. The company produces both cylindrical and pouch cell batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. LG Chem’s batteries are known for their high capacity and ability to maintain a stable voltage over the life of the battery.
One of the most popular LG Chem batteries is the LG Chem RESU, a compact and lightweight energy storage system designed for home use. The LG Chem RESU is available in several different sizes, ranging from 3.3 kWh to 13 kWh, and can be used with solar panels to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night.
LG Chem is also a major supplier of batteries for electric vehicles, supplying batteries for models from several major car manufacturers, including General Motors, Hyundai, and Kia. LG Chem’s batteries are known for their high energy density, which allows for longer driving ranges, and their reliability, which is essential for electric vehicles.
Overall, LG Chem batteries are known for their high quality and reliable performance, making them a popular choice for energy storage and electric vehicles. As the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to grow, LG Chem is likely to remain a major player in the battery industry for years to come.
| Category | RESU10H PRIME | RESU16H PRIME |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (usable) | 9.6 kWh | 16.0 kWh |
| AC/DC | DC | DC |
| Max Output | 5 kW continuous / 7 kW peak | 7 kW continuous / 11 kW peak |
| Dimensions | 32.2”H x 19.8”W x 11.6”D | 42.8″H x 19.8″W x 11.6″D |
| Stackable output? | No | No |
| TOU load-shifting? | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible inverters | SolarEdge, Goodwe | SolarEdge, Goodwe, SMA, Growatt |
| Warranty | 10 Years / 70% Capacity Retention | 10 / 70% Capacity Retention |
LG Energy Solution Battery Pros and Cons
The RESU10H Prime and RESU16H Prime are some of the highest-quality and well-received solar batteries on the market. Even so, there are pros and cons to this battery storage system.
DC vs AC
Unlike the Tesla Powerwall, the LG Chem is a DC battery. One of the biggest advantages of a DC battery is that it has better round-trip efficiency than an AC battery.
In other words, less energy is lost when the battery is charged and discharged than with an AC battery, since some power is lost to heat when DC power is inverted to AC.
Inverters
Being a DC battery also means that the LG Chem requires particular inverters that allow it to pass through DC power from the solar panels directly into the battery.
The best of these inverters on the market today is the SolarEdge StorEdge, which provides a single-inverter (DC-coupled) solution for both a solar PV system and a home battery, reducing energy loss and overall system costs.
But since it is a DC battery, many inverters will not be compatible with the LG Chem RESU 10H, including all microinverters.
As a result, DC batteries like the LG Chem RESU10/16 Prime are more difficult to retrofit to existing solar systems, as doing so requires replacing the existing solar inverter. If the existing system uses microinverters, then it won’t be possible at all. Consult with your installer to make sure your proposed equipment is compatible.
You can read more about solar inverters here.
Stack output
Being a DC battery also means that the LG Chem’s output cannot stack, so the system’s output is limited to 24 amp circuits and below, even with multiple batteries.
Therefore, while buying two batteries will increase the system’s backup duration in an outage, it will not increase the amperage of the circuits that can be backed up. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – if you know that you only want to back up basic essentials, then the LG Chem can be a great solution!
Cooling
The LG Chem is also passively cooled, as opposed to some other options like the Tesla Powerwall that are liquid-cooled.
As a result, the thermal management in the LG Chem isn’t quite as strong, so it’s best to have this battery installed inside a garage and/or out of direct sunshine and heat. That said, LG’s batteries are extremely reliable and well-made, so it will still meet homeowners’ needs just fine.