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Background on GenZ – Company History
GenZ is an Australian battery manufacturer that was founded in 2015. using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) as their preferred battery chemistry. Historically GenZ batteries have been applied in a variety of camping and marine applications. They are now producing batteries that can be used in a home energy system or commercial and industrial applications.
GenZ has a manufacturing facility based in Malaga, Western Australia and sales staff across Australia. According to Dun & Bradstreet, GenZ has 300 total employees across all of its locations and generates $12.83 million in sales (USD) making them a smaller operator in the global battery market.
With their now well tested and proven LFP battery solutions, GenZ are looking to expand distribution into global markets where there are requirements for LFP batteries that perform reliably in demanding environments.
GenZ Battery Technologies
As per their datasheet, the GenZ battery has a nominal capacity of 2.4kWh per module. Developed with Lithium-ion (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology, it’s known for it’s long cycle life and proven safety in solar pv applications.
From their documentation, it’s clear that these batteries are designed to be connected in parallel to increase the total storage capacity. However, it’s not clear if there exists a maximum number of modules related to this. We can confirm though that the configuration would allow the battery to be used for both residential and commercial solar PV applications.
Similar to Pylontech, the GenZ batteries are designed to be set within a rackmount when connected in parallel. This allows the user to safely stack the batteries within a safe enclosure, similar to the “rack and stack” situation with server farms.
The GenZ is compatible with any inverter brand that handles lead acid batteries with the right charging parameter to suit the self managed lithium module. This enables it to be used flexible in a modular fashion. Hence the module can be used for either solar battery storage capabilities as your needs increase or be retrofitted to an existing solar PV system for those wanting the benefits of a hybrid system.
Rated IP50 it’s designed to be used indoors only and housed in a racking system if scaling it as per their documentation. With an operating temperature range of -20 to 60 degrees celsius, it’s well built to withstand the harshest conditions of the Australian environment.
GenZ Battery – Key Features
There are a number of features of the GenZ battery worth mentioning:
Scalable Capacity
As we’ve mentioned, these batteries are modular in design which enables you to “rack and stack” them in order to scale the nominal capacity of your storage system. The advantage with this, is that it gives you the flexibility to expand your solar energy storage in the future. As per the image on the right a single cabinet can fit 8 GenZ batteries with a potential total nominal capacity of 24kWh.
80% Depth of Discharge
The Depth of Discharge (DoD) of the GenZ 48v is 80%. This puts it at a disadvantage compared with some of GenZ’s competitors, namely Sonnen (90% DoD and Alpha ESS (90% DoD).
DoD is an important factor to account for when making a buying decision for a solar battery. It’s the percentage of the battery that has been discharged compared with it’s stated capacity. The higher the DoD, the more available stored energy you can use, and hence greater value the customer receives.
When comparing batteries it is importable to look at the usable capacity not just the nominal or nameplate capacity. For example a 10kWh battery with a 90% DoD (9kWh usable capacity) is more valuable than a 12kWh battery with a 70% DoD (8.4kWh usable capacity).
Compact Design
The GenZ 48V battery is designed to be compact and portable. The 3kWh dimensions are 570DD x 420W x 88H. As mentioned this makes them suitable for stacking in a rack indoors. So, if you have limited space in your household, this is a big plus. At 35kg, these batteries are lighter than the average solar battery in the market, which makes them easy to install and move if required.
How Much do GenZ Batteries Cost?
We’ve been advised by GenZ on their recommended retail price (RRP) below:
| Brand | Model | Recommended Retail Price |
| GenZ | 48V 3kWh (2.4kWh usable) | $2,500 |
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Australian warranty terms for GenZ batteries
The GenZ Scalable Rack mounted battery series as supplied and distributed by GenZ, is warranted (limited warranty) by GenZ against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ten years or for 10,000 charge cycles on a pro-rated basis whichever comes first, when installed and operated within the specified parameters per the product specification sheet.
The term of this limited warranty begins on the original date of the purchase of the product and continues through the limited warranty period. This warranty applies only to the original end-use purchaser of the GenZ power product and is transferrable only the GenZ power product remains installed in the original location.
There’s a few fine print details we thought you should be aware of:
- GenZ Energy does not warrant or guarantee workmanship performed by any other person or firm installing the GenZ power product.
- The Product must be checked for visible defects on purchase or delivery (whichever is applicable). Any defects discovered must be reported to Gen Z immediately.
- If the Product is repaired or replaced under this Warranty, the remainder of the Product Warranty Period shall apply to the repaired or replacement product. Under no circumstance shall the Product Warranty Period be extended on account of any repair or replacement.
Read genZ battery warranty documentation here
To claim under this warranty for defects discovered on purchase or delivery, or for defects please contact:
Gen Z Energy Pty Ltd
Email: info@genz.com.au
Telephone: 1300 979 760
Address: 1/21 Oxleigh Drive, Malaga WA 6090
Pros and Cons of GenZ Battery
Pros:
- Australian-made Battery
Cons:
- Only small size batteries options are available
GenZ battery specifications
| GenZ 48V 3kWh Battery | |
| Usable Capacity | 2.4kWh |
| Charge/Discharge cycles | 10,000 cycles @ 80% DoD, 25°C |
| Max connection in parallel | Potentially unlimited |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) |
| Operating Temperature | Discharge -20° to 60°C |
| Weight Module | 35kg |
| Battery Case Dimensions (mm) | 570D X 420W X 88H |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor only (IP50) |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Clean Energy Council Approved | Yes |
Battery government rebate schemes across Australia
South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Australian Capital Territory all currently have a home battery scheme in place.
The South Australian Home Battery Scheme enables eligible South Australian residents to receive up to $4,000 per installed battery.
The New South Wales Home Battery Scheme offers an interest-free loan up to $9000 for eligible households looking to install a solar battery.
The Victorian Government under the Solar Homes Program provides to those eligible, a maximum discount of $4,174 off the battery sale price. The next release of battery rebates is on the 2nd of September 2020.
The Australian Capital Territory Government under the Next Generation Energy Storage program provides a rebate of $825 per kilowatt (kW). An average household with a 5kW system would be eligible for approximately $4,000.
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