LG Chem Battery Review

LG Chem Battery Review

LG Chem Battery Review

Solar batteries help to expand the benefits that a homeowner gets from their solar system. But there are a lot of different batteries on the market, which can make selecting the best one for your needs a challenge.

One solar battery that you may be looking into is the LG Chem RESU. It’s one of the most popular choices for homeowners who are looking to get a little more out of their solar panels.

Below, you’ll find all of the information you need to make a decision about whether the LG Chem RESU is right for you.

Let’s get started.

LG Company Overview

LG is a South Korean electronics company that was created in 1958. The company has long been a player in the home electronics industry and took the market by surprise when it announced it would begin manufacturing solar panels in 2010.

The company has since expanded into manufacturing solar batteries and has quickly earned a strong reputation for itself in the sector.

What Sets LG Solar Batteries Apart?

LG solar batteries in general, and Chem RESU models in particular, stand out from the competition in a few key ways.

First, the Chem RESU has a really impressive 94.5% round-trip efficiency rate, which is better than nearly all of the competition. On top of that, the batteries have a 95% depth of discharge, which means that you can use up to 95% of their capacity at a time. Once again, this figure compares quite favorably to the competition.

Additionally, the LG Chem RESU features a lower profile than many solar batteries with similar levels of efficiency. It’s both lighter and smaller, which makes it easier to tuck away in a part of your home where it won’t get in the way.

Finally, LG batteries are priced very competitively. They cost between $5,000 and $7,000 on average before installation and tax credits are taken into account. Comparably, the Tesla Powerwall will typically cost at least $8,000.

LG Chem RESU Model Options and Comparison

LG has continually worked to improve the Chem RESU solar battery since its release in 2017. There are two 2021 versions of the battery for homeowners in the U.S. to choose from -- the LG Chem RESU 10H Prime and the LG Chem RESU 16H Prime.

Here’s an overview of how the two models compare to one another:

CategoryLG Chem RESU 10H PrimeLG Chem RESU 16H Prime
Total Capacity 9.6 kWh 16 kWh
Continuous Power Rating 5 kW 7 kW
Peak Power Rating 7 kW 11 kW
Round Trip Efficiency >90% >90%
Weight in Pounds 246 352

As you can see from the table, the main difference between the two options is that the 16H Prime offers superior capacity and power. But you have to pay more for that extra capability so if you don’t need it, the 10H Prime will likely be a better choice.

Pros and Cons of LG Solar Batteries

Pros:

  • Competitively priced
  • Low profile design
  • Strong ratings for total capacity, continuous power, peak power, and round trip efficiency
  • Includes a 70% / 10 year warranty
  • Can install multiple Chem RESU batteries in combination with one another
  • Widely available

Cons:

  • May struggle to perform optimally in excessive heat

Are LG solar batteries a good Tesla Powerwall Alternative?

LG solar batteries can be a fantastic Tesla Powerwall Alternative. They are generally cheaper and more powerful than Tesla solar batteries. However, the Powerwall has the Chem RESU 16H Prime beat when it comes to depth-of-discharge. Check out the table below for more information.

LG Chem RESU 16H Prime Tesla Powerwall
Price $7,000 $10,500
Usable power capacity 16 kWh 13.5 kWh
Warranty 10 years 10 years
Depth-of-discharge 95% 100%
Continuous power output 7 kW 5 kW
Material Lithium-Ion Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt
Round-trip efficiency >90% 90%

LG Chem RESU Solar Battery Price

The exact price that you pay for an LG Chem RESU solar battery can vary depending on factors like where you buy it and what you bundle with it. For example, a solar installation company may give you a deal on an LG battery if you buy and install one with your solar panels.

That being said, an LG Chem RESU can set you back anywhere from between about $5,000 to $9,000. Of course, the LG Chem RESU 10H will be available for closer to $5,000 while the LG Chem RESU 16H will be available for closer to $9,000.

Tax Incentives

Another thing to keep in mind while you think about solar battery prices is that you can often qualify for tax incentives by purchasing one.

For example, you will almost definitely qualify for the federal solar tax credit (ITC) as long as you primarily charge your LG battery with power from your solar panels. This would bring the total price of the battery down by 26% after the first year.

Some states have tax incentives that apply to solar batteries as well, which means you could end up saving even more in the long run. For example, California has a Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) that will bring the cost of an LG solar battery down.

Are LG Solar Batteries Worth It?

If you know that you want a solar battery, then buying that battery from LG is absolutely worth it. The company’s LG Chem RESU batteries are affordable, powerful, and reliable when compared to their peers.

However, solar batteries, in general, don’t always provide a solid financial return. They typically last for around 10 years, which means you need to pay the cost of the battery back through increased energy savings during that time in order for it to be a smart financial investment.

This typically doesn’t happen. But it could in certain situations. That’s why it’s important to have a keen understanding of exactly how much less electricity you would use if you installed a solar battery and what that would do to your bill.

You can then use those savings to estimate how much you could spend on a solar battery and still break even over its 10-year lifespan.

Also, there are non-financial benefits to installing a solar battery that you should also consider. For example, solar batteries provide protection from blackouts, increase your energy dependence, and further reduce your reliance on fuel-generated sources of power.

These factors should also be weighed against the cost of a solar battery as you decide whether purchasing one is a smart decision.

Overall LG Solar Battery Review - 4.8/5

If you know you want to buy a solar battery, then the LG Chem RESU is a model that definitely should be on your research list. It compares favorably to alternatives like the Tesla Powerwall and is made by one of the most trusted companies in the solar energy market.

There are other solar batteries that might be cheaper or more powerful than the Chem RESU. But few can match the balanced quality that LG has managed to achieve with its flagship solar battery.

Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2022-05-25