LG Solar Battery Lineup (2024 Costs, Reviews & Comparisons)

How Do LG Solar Batteries Work?

One of the most valuable inventions of modern times, batteries are chemical devices that can store energy and supply it at a later point in time. This makes them particularly suitable for pairing with intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

Solar batteries, such as the LG RESU, store excess energy generated during the day for use at a later time. This could be at night or during peak times when grid electricity is at its most expensive. They are a great solution to tackle power outages or to create a fully off-grid solar system.

LG batteries store the energy coming from the solar panels as direct current (DC) power. When it comes time to use that energy, your battery channels it to an inverter that converts it into usable, alternating current (AC) power. AC power is what we use to run electrical loads in our homes.

A battery is specified by its total energy capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or watt-hours (Wh). It reflects the number of kW it can supply over a certain amount of time. For example, LG’s 16 kWh battery can theoretically supply 2 kW of power for eight straight hours.

Type of Battery in LG RESU

Today, there are several types of batteries, with lead-acid and lithium-ion being the most common. The RESU series by LG Energy Solutions uses lithium-ion batteries with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells.

Lithium batteries are known to be safer, more efficient and longer-lasting than the traditional lead-acid units. More importantly, li-ion batteries also have a better energy density, meaning they can pack more capacity in a smaller space.

Depending on the model, LG’s RESU models can store 9.6 to 16 kWh of solar energy.

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LG RESU Battery Models

Until last year, the LG RESU was available in just one size — the LG Chem RESU 10H (10H indicating 9.8 kWh of capacity). In 2021, LG launched its third generation of batteries, dubbed the RESU Prime, consisting of two models — the 10H with 9.6 kWh capacity, and the 16H with a massive 16 kWh of usable energy.

The older RESU 10H comes in two different versions — 10H-C and 10H-R. The main difference between the models is that each is compatible with different brands of inverters.

The newer Prime models, on the other hand, come in single versions compatible with most major solar inverter brands, such as SMA and SolarEdge.

The RESU 10H and RESU 10H Prime have a continuous power rating of 5 kW and a maximum power rating of 7 kW. The RESU 16H Prime goes even further and has a 7 kW continuous output and can supply up to 11 kW of peak power for 10 seconds.

LG’s RESU models are scalable, meaning you can connect them together to create a larger energy storage system. For example, by connecting two 16H Prime batteries, you can create an enormous 32 kWh battery bank.

Aside from the above high-voltage models, LG offered a 6.5 kWh model known as the RESU 6.5, which was a smaller, 48V output version of the RESU 10. The RESU 6.5 is now discontinued.

All of the RESU models are DC-coupled, meaning they operate on the DC side of the circuit (before the inverter). This limits their functionality but makes them more efficient than AC-coupled batteries.

Here’s a table that gives an overview of all RESU models:

How Much Do LG Solar Batteries Cost?

Before we get into costs, it’s worth clarifying that the prices of solar battery installations vary; solar installers purchase batteries wholesale, so the costs that consumers see are set by the installer and based on the installer’s location, size and experience.

That being said, market research shows that LG’s 10H models typically cost around $9,000 and can go up to $12,000 including the installation cost. The larger, 16 kWh model can cost around $10,000 or more, going up to $16,000 with installation.

To put this into perspective, LG’s batteries cost around $900-1,100 per kWh of storage capacity. These are not the most attractive prices, given that some newer brands offer batteries for less than $800 per kWh.

However, LG’s solid reputation for quality and reliability justifies the upfront cost of its batteries for many homeowners.

The pricing of LG’s batteries is comparable to the Tesla Powerwall, its greatest competitor and one of the most popular home solar batteries in the U.S. The Powerwall offers a higher storage capacity of 13.5 kWh and costs around $11,500 including installation.

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LG RESU Warranty Information

Modern solar batteries, including LG’s li-ion batteries, are expected to last a decade. As such, the industry standard among solar battery manufacturers like LG is to offer a 10-year warranty.

Although LG’s warranties cover all the RESU models for 10 years, there are a few subtle differences between the warranties of the older and newer models.

The warranty of the older RESU 10H battery guarantees at least 60% of the rated capacity after 10 years. Both the RESU Prime models have improved long-term performance, and warranties that guarantee a minimum of 70% of rated capacity at the end of 10 years.

In rare cases, someone who charges and discharges the batteries frequently may end with a capacity lower than 70% (or 60% for the older RESU) after 10 years. In this case, LG specifies that if the battery has been used for a total consumption of 22.4 MWh, this will override the 70% (or 60%) value.

If you divide 22.4 MWh by 3,650 (10 years), you get about 6.13 kWh of available capacity per day, which is more than sufficient for most homes.

LG RESU vs Other Top Residential Solar Batteries

There are dozens of battery storage systems available in the U.S., but the top few offerings come with similar specifications — and they rule the market.

These include LG’s RESU models, along with offerings from Tesla, Generac, Enphase and Sonnen to name a few. Take a look at three of the highest-rated batteries in the market:

Wrap Up: Are LG Home Batteries Right for You?

Unlike solar panels, energy storage systems are not primarily used as a means to lower your electricity bill. While battery packs can do that (for example, if you draw power from them during time-of-use peak pricing), it is still not a significant bill-saving measure. Rather, most readers are interested in LG batteries to provide whole home backup power during blackouts or other incidents.

As such, we recommend LG home batteries to our readers who are looking to prioritize reliability.  The company has a reputation for being extremely reliable and has rock-solid financial stability. Its batteries won’t be the cheapest, but the added cost may be worth the peace of mind that your manufacturer will be around to provide support and honor your warranty for decades to come.

A more minor advantage (but equally important to some readers) is the compactness of LG’s batteries. While the battery cells of previous generations were heavier, its newer versions are more compact and lightweight.

The company even claims that two people can carry and assemble the unit, which is extraordinary for a battery of this capacity.

Overall, LG batteries are an excellent choice for anyone who wants a sleek, compact backup power unit with state-of-the-art battery chemistry, easy installation and a trustworthy brand to honor the warranties.

While companies like Tesla or Enphase may be able to provide products with a lower price tag or flashier capabilities, neither company can match the experience and reliability you enjoy with LG products.

Here’s a quick look at the basics of the LG RESU Prime:

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The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab’s Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.