Background on AlphaESS – Company History
AlphaESS Battery System – How It Works
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You can ‘DC Couple’ or ‘AC Couple’ the Alpha ESS.
If you were starting from scratch and installing a new system, a DC coupled AlphaESS battery would make the most sense. This is because there would be no need to purchase an additional grid-connected inverter as the AlphaESS unit can do it all for you. It also only converts DC energy to AC energy once when the house is drawing down power from battery – meaning its a more efficient solution.
To read our full explanation on DC coupling and AC coupling – click here.
How Much do AlphaESS Batteries Cost?
One of AlphaESS’s most popular residential battery systems is the SMILE5 series. See the below table which provide an indicative guide based on data from Solar Choice’s Battery Price Index on the cost of installing a AlphaESS SMILE5 with different battery capacity:
| Alpha ESS Product | Indicative Price Range ($AUD) |
| Alpha ESS SMILE5 5.5kWh | $8,500 to $9,000 |
| Alpha ESS SMILE5 11kWh | $12,000 to $13,000 |
| Alpha ESS SMILE5 16.5kWh | $15,000 to $17,500 |
Please note
- Prices are an estimate of a full turnkey price for end-consumers including all products, labour and GST
- Price estimates does not include any state-based incentives
To give this cost context it is important to balance the cost of a battery against the return of a cheaper power bill. Solar Choice’s solar and battery calculator is a comprehensive tool to understand the financial viability – although be warned, the financial return for batteries is still not as attractive as solar panels.
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AlphaESS Independently Tested by ITP Renewables
ITP Renewables, an independent organization funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), independently tested AlphaESS. They publish live performance data and biannual reports on the batteries they test. Their accelerated testing method cycles batteries three times daily, simulating nine years of use in just three years.
In 2017, ITP Renewables began testing the AlphaESS M48100 (9.6kWh) battery. After two years, equivalent to six traditional years of use, they noticed abnormal behavior: the battery’s charge/discharge rate was restricted. AlphaESS examined the battery and found over-temperature alarms, leading to the discontinuation of the test.
AlphaESS informed Solar Choice that the tested battery was their first model, manufactured over seven years ago, and they have made significant improvements since.
AlphaESS’s Warranty Terms for Australian Customers
As of October 2024, AlphaESS has updated their Australian documents to offer a 10-year product warranty for the inverter and all battery components. This covers manufacturing defects and is the aspect of the warranty that is most commonly claimed by customers.
The batteries also come with a performance warranty which guarantees whichever comes first out of the 2 conditions below:
- the battery retains 70% of its usable capacity after 10 years
- the battery has throughput 3.12MWh per kWh of usable capacity
The latest warranty document also removes some unusual limiting conditions that were present in previous documents. This now looks to be one of the better battery warranties for Australian customers. Alpha ESS have an office in Chatswood that you can contact for technical support and to claim warranty.
You can download the warranty details here:
Alpha ESS Australian Warranty Document
Pros and Cons of Alpha ESS Batteries
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The Chemistry Behind AlphaESS Batteries
This AlphaESS battery consists of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), as the cathode material and its anodes are carbon. This is different to Lithium Ion batteries such as the Tesla Powerwall 2.
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Reviews from Australians who have installed Alpha ESS Batteries
Communication within your company would be a good start. .Thanks Harvey
Doesn't work and hasn't worked since installation 5 weeks ago.
I am happy with all aspects of this unit.
Review left 1 year after system installed
Extremely happy. Very neat system and appears to work effectively
Review left 5 years after system installed
Battery fails just over 5 years. It was cheaper than others but support is lacking.
The app is ok for monitoring but lacks the ability to precisely control when to store excess solar (PV) energy in the battery and when to export it back to the grid.
Don't know yet and waiting for first bill
Battery is working well. always leaves 10% charge when discharging so a 10kw battery is really only 9kw of usuable storage. which i wasnt aware of. modular means i might add anouther 5kw battery at some point. its usually fully charged up by 10am the next day.
Review left 4 years after system installed
The battery has performed well and configuring the system is easy. Moreover, in the event of a blackout it is easy to disconnect from the grid to run the essentials.
Really happy with the quality of the Alpha batteries
Review left 5 years after system installed
In January 2023 I had Solar Professionals Wagga Wagga install an Alpha Smile 5, 13.3 kW battery which includes a 5kW inverter. With the NSW Government Low Income Household Rebate and the Australian Government Energy Price Relief Plan Rebate I don’t have anymore electricity bills to pay. Overall I am very pleased with the performance of the complete system. My home is now all electric with reverse cycle air conditioning and a heat bank hot water system running off the battery.
Review left 7 years after system installed
My Alpha system was installed in 2017. It has been working perfrctly until October 26, 2023. The issue was the circuit board component needed replacement after an incorrectly aired isolation switch caused damage. Complaint number 210526 was lodged on January 8 simply because of lack of expertise locally and difficulty identifying the issue. The customer service from Alpha has been appalling, to the extent that I am considering ACCC action. Despite numerous attempts to call tech support, my electrician could not make contact with Alpha. Even the installer line was unattended. No email responses, no information, not even and basic advice or expertise. They have FINALLY said they might send a tech out. i have just emailed asking for details. I'm not holding my breath.
Review left 1 year after system installed
A few hiccups to start with but this was sorted out by Alpha very quickly. The system is easy to understand and navigate. 10 kw
I am surprised at the standby power the system draws overnight
The battery is AC coupled, meaning that it does not charge the battery when the State Power networks disable your inverter due to reduce excess grid requirements.
Review left 2 years after system installed
Operating as advertised. Satisfied with system.
No problem with battery. With mild use use the 5kw from full charge seems to last from 4pm until about 8am when there is no solar generation. That is not using high powered devices such as electric oven or multiple things such as heater computer and tv for long periods. The app that goes with it is good and easy to use. 5 stars for the first month of use
Only new as of yet but it will be great a think.
Price was good. Software easily used and understood. Installer was a local who gave good service.
Performing well in the 6 weeks it has been in. But it is summer and it is charging quickly. The software is great and lets you optimise use. For example, adjusting the timer on the hot water heater (a big user) so it does not run at the same time as the pool pump.
