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Key Points
- With up to 32 kWh capacity, BYD Battery-Box offers one of the highest storage capacities.
- BYD’s lithium iron phosphate-based batteries are cheaper, safer, and more sustainable than batteries made of nickel and cobalt.
- You can start with a small Battery-Box and add more capacity later.
- Eligible for the 30% federal Clean Energy Credit.
How much does the BYD Battery-Box cost?
BYD sells Battery-Box to distributors for around $7,000-$8,000 for a 16 kilowatt-hour (kWh) system. Installers can add 15%-30% or higher margin to the cost of the battery when they sell them to residential customers. Therefore, installers determine the final price that you will pay for Battery-Box, which will also depend on the size of your solar system, the battery capacity you pick, and the cost of labor.
According to Cindy Tang, a BYD representative in the U.S., retail customers can buy Battery-Box through a BYD-certified installer and partner, not directly from the manufacturer. The company sells batteries to national distributors, who then sell them to installers.
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Interested in solar batteries?
SaveOnEnergy partners with Haven Energy to bring you options for solar batteries. Adding storage to your solar system can protect you from power outages or periods of lower production. We’ll work with you to determine how many batteries are best for your home.
About the BYD Battery-Box home battery
The BYD Battery-Box is a solar battery that stores excess energy generated by solar panels, which you can utilize after sundown, during peak demand hours, and during a power outage. The Battery-Box works for residential and commercial applications. Its high-discharge capacity also makes it suitable for off-grid applications. According to BYD’s Cindy Tang, like other residential battery storage systems, the Battery-Box is typically installed together with with PV solar panels and inverter, but it’s not a requirement to install them together. A BYD-certified contractor can install the battery separately at a later time.
Key specs and features for the 2022 BYD Battery-Box
| Feature | Description |
| Model types | High voltage and low voltage. Currently, only high voltage batteries are approved for the U.S. market. Both low and high-voltage models are suitable for residential and commercial applications. |
| Energy capacity | Capacity sizes vary by model, butrange between 5 kWh and 38.4 kWh. Battery capacity can be customized for your needs. All Battery-Box models are compatible with leading high-voltage battery inverters. |
| Battery cell technology | BYD is proud to use cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) to manufacture its batteries. LFP chemistry makes the batteries cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly compared to cobalt and nickel-based batteries. A LFP battery can be fully charged and discharged at high speeds and temperatures without degradation concerns. LFP batteries can also be safely recycled. |
| Applications | Battery-Box is suitable for backup and off-grid applications. The battery size can be flexible — you can start small and add more capacity, similar to stacking Lego blocks, at any time with the help of a certified installer and electrician. |
| Warranty | All BYD Battery-Box models come with a 10-year warranty, which is similar to other batteries on the market. According to BYD, its “products will be free from defects in materials or workmanship for 10 years from warranty start date.” BYD guarantees that the Battery-Box will retain 60% of its usable energy for 10 years. |
BYD Battery-Box tax credits and incentives in 2022
Battery-Box is an expensive investment. But there is a way to lower the initial cost of the battery thanks to the federal tax credit and additional state-based incentives. You can claim the 30% Clean Energy Credit (formerly the federal solar tax credit, or ITC) when you buy any of the Battery-Box models. The Clean Energy Credit will decrease to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 before it expires in 2035.
It’s important to note that the tax credit is only valid if you buy or finance your solar system, including batteries. If you lease your solar system or enter a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) with a third-party solar developer, you can’t claim the Clean Energy Credit.
Apart from the federal tax credit, some state and local governments may offer additional incentives to help people reduce the upfront total cost of solar panels and other solar-related products. Find out more about tax incentives in your state by reading about your state’s solar page at the bottom of this guide.
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Should you buy the BYD Battery-Box in 2023?
BYD Battery-Box is one of the leading solar batteries on the market. But it has several pros and cons worth mentioning before you decide on investing in this product.
Pros
- LFP chemistry in BYD batteries is cheaper, safer, and non-toxic than the nickel and cobalt based-batteries on the market.
- The BYD Battery-Box is poised to grow as the global demand for LFP-based batteries expands.
- Long lifespan with a 10-year warranty.
- Highly versatile due to the battery’s compatibility with photovoltaic inverters and solar systems from different manufacturers.
- Battery-Box’s scalability allows you to start small and add more battery capacity as you need it.
Cons
- While the LFP chemistry is safe and reliable, it provides lower energy density than nickel and cobalt-based batteries with higher energy density. It means that LFP batteries need to be charged more often than higher-density batteries.
- LFP batteries tend to perform more poorly under low temperatures when they discharge at -20 degrees Celsius.
You may consider investing in a BYD Battery-Box if you’re affected by any of these:
- Time-of-Use rates. Utilities can charge customers higher electric rates for the purchase and delivery of electricity during high demand hours, typically during the morning and evening. You can save energy and money when you draw electricity from a solar battery during higher demand hours.
- Frequent power outages. A battery can provide a stable power supply if you have frequent power outages.
- Living off-grid. Paired with solar panels, solar batteries will provide a reliable power supply if you live or plan to live off-grid.
- Incentive programs. The federal government’s 30% Clean Energy Credit coupled with any additional state or local incentives can substantially reduce the upfront cost of a solar battery.