Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about our services.

Can large appliances like a heat pump run on a home battery?

Yes, you can, provided the inverter provides enough (peak) power and the battery has sufficient capacity. Heat pumps can require high continuous power and sometimes a higher starting peak. This can cause the battery to run down relatively quickly when actively heating. In an emergency situation, it is often wise to use large consumers only when functionally really necessary and the system is explicitly designed for that.

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With a dynamic energy contract and a home battery, you always benefit from the lowest energy rate of the day. Exactly how much you save depends on several factors such as your energy consumption, solar production, the capacity of your battery and current power prices. Especially with large price differences in the energy market, a smart battery can make all the difference. By charging when power is cheap and discharging when rates are high, you maximize your solar power as well as market prices. At SunCharged, we are happy to help you understand your personal savings potential.

All home batteries eventually deliver just 230V AC voltage to your home, but the difference is in what happens before the energy reaches the grid. That determines the efficiency, energy consumption of the inverter and how practical the system is for your situation.

High-voltage (HV) systems, such as those from Sigenergy, Growatt, Anker and SolarEdge HV, use a higher voltage between battery and inverter. This allows less current to flow, creates fewer losses in cables and inverter, and leaves more energy for your home. The round-trip efficiency of these systems is typically around 92-96%. HV is especially interesting for larger households, heat pumps, EV chargers or if you want to easily expand later.

Low-voltage (LV) systems operate at a lower voltage which means the inverter handles more current. As a result, the charge-discharge efficiency is usually slightly lower than for high-voltage systems, usually around 88 to 92 percent.
LV systems are technically suitable for both small and larger households as long as the inverter chosen and the total power are matched accordingly. They offer a safe and stable solution and can be more favorable in terms of price than high-voltage alternatives.

AC-coupled systems, such as Enphase and SolarEdge's AC options, already convert energy internally to AC voltage. That makes them very easy to install with existing solar panels, without the need for complicated DC wiring. Efficiency is slightly lower due to the extra conversion step, typically around 90-94%, but for most households that difference is hardly noticeable.

Plug in batteries are a form of AC coupled systems that operate at low voltage and can be plugged in through a wall outlet. They offer flexibility and are safe when properly installed. Available power is limited. In practice, you can usually only feed back up to about 800 watts through a wall outlet. Only when the battery is connected directly to its own group can this be higher, usually around 2 to 3 kilowatts continuously. Efficiency is lower, averaging between 86 and 91 percent. This makes them less suitable for larger consumers such as a heat pump or an electric car. For small domestic use and as a complementary solution, however, they can be interesting.

In short, HV is the best choice if you want maximum efficiency, power and expandability. LV wins on cost, simplicity and safety for small systems, while AC-coupled and plug-in are especially practical for retrofit and quick installation. Which option fits best depends on your consumption, system size, cable spacing and plans for the future.