An overview of Sigenergy — what it offers, key risks, and the best alternatives for reliable solar and battery storage.
In the rapidly evolving world of solar energy, new products and companies are constantly emerging to meet the growing demand for sustainable power solutions. One newcomer that has caught the attention of many in New Zealand and Australia is Sigenergy. Their solar and battery systems have seen impressive uptake, particularly through wholesaler networks that make them accessible to electricians and customers alike.
At Think Solar Group, we aim to keep our customers informed about the latest solar and battery options available, while also sharing our cautious approach to recommending products. In this article, we explore what Sigenergy offers, why it is gaining popularity, and the reasons we remain cautious about recommending it for most installations.
Sigenergy is a relatively new company in the solar and battery storage market, having started operations in 2022. Their flagship product is an all-in-one solution that combines a stackable battery system with a solar inverter. Customers can also add an EV charger that integrates directly into the setup. This design provides battery storage, backup power during outages, and features similar to time-of-use control systems found in other leading products. These allow users to charge the battery during off-peak hours and discharge it during peak times for cost savings.
The system comes with a user-friendly mobile app that displays real-time data on solar production, home consumption, battery charging and discharging, and state of charge. Many users find the app slick and informative, drawing comparisons to established apps from competitors. With a 10-year warranty guaranteeing at least 70% battery capacity retention, it appears competitive on paper.
Sigenergy’s products are being promoted through distribution networks, making them easy for electricians to specify and install, even for those with limited solar experience.
Sigenergy has achieved remarkable market penetration in a short time, especially in Australia. The company’s growth is impressive; they have only been testing products for just over a year, yet they have captured significant market share. This success can be attributed to several factors:
Ease of Installation and Accessibility: Distributed through wholesalers, the system is framed as straightforward to install, appealing to electricians looking to offer solar and battery options to their customers.
All-in-One Convenience: The integrated design reduces complexity, providing storage, inversion, and optional EV charging in a single package.
Feature-Rich Offering: Time-of-use optimisation, backup capabilities, and a comprehensive app make it attractive for homeowners seeking efficient energy management.
Aggressive Marketing: Heavy social media advertising has helped build awareness and drive demand.
In New Zealand, we have seen similar trends, with Sigenergy systems being specified for various setups.
While Sigenergy's rise is noteworthy, at Think Solar, we prioritise products from manufacturers with proven track records to ensure long-term reliability and support for our customers. We have been cautious about widely adopting Sigenergy for several reasons:
Limited History and Track Record: As a company founded in 2022, Sigenergy lacks the long-term data needed to demonstrate product durability. In the solar industry, we have seen many newcomers offer 10-year warranties only to disappear, leaving customers without support. A warranty is only as strong as the manufacturer’s ability to honour it.
Build Quality Concerns: Feedback from installations suggests the casing feels plasticky and brittle, with cable enclosures not fully sealed. This contrasts with more robust systems featuring cast aluminium frames and glass covers, which offer better durability. Questions have also been raised about the complexity of the DC bus, which may pose risks over time.
Support and Future Reliability: We partner with established brands because we know they will be there to provide technical support if issues arise. With Sigenergy, this level of assurance is not yet proven.
These factors mean recommending Sigenergy carries risks that could lead to a suboptimal experience for our customers if something goes wrong.
That said, Sigenergy does have its place in certain scenarios. One area where we have utilised their systems is for three-phase homes in New Zealand. Our per-phase metering system can make battery solutions tricky, but Sigenergy handles asymmetrical discharging well, supporting different loads across phases simultaneously. It also provides solid backup and monitoring in these setups.
This is an improvement over traditional systems that discharge equally across phases, which does not align perfectly with New Zealand’s metering. However, even here we weigh it against alternatives such as Fronius or Tesla, which have stronger track records. If a customer specifically requests Sigenergy after understanding the risks, we are happy to install it with full transparency.
For most customers, especially those with single-phase setups seeking battery storage and backup, we recommend proven solutions:
Tesla Powerwall: With Tesla's history in battery technology dating back over a decade, this system offers reliability, a robust monitoring app, and strong support. It includes similar time-based controls and a 10-year warranty. While a three-phase option is not yet available, it is expected next year.
Fronius with BYD: This combination provides excellent performance for both single-phase and three-phase homes. For three-phase, we carefully design the system by splitting the switchboard into essential and non-essential circuits to back up what matters most. Both companies have established reputations for durability and customer support.
These options give us confidence that our customers will enjoy a positive, long-term experience with their solar investments.
Sigenergy is an exciting new entrant in the solar and battery market, offering innovative features and convenience that appeal to many homeowners. It seems to deliver on its promises in the short term and is backed by a standard warranty. However, its limited history and unproven longevity make it a riskier choice compared to established brands.
At Think Solar, our recommendations are always guided by what we believe will provide the best outcome for the customer. If you are considering Sigenergy or any other solar and battery solution, get in touch with us for personalised advice. We are here to help you make an informed decision for a brighter, more sustainable future.
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