GIVENERGY 9.5kWh Battery Review - WIN or BIN!?

Summary

In this detailed review, the presenter shares their five-month experience with the Give Energy 9.5 kilowatt-hour battery and 5-kilowatt inverter system. They discuss the benefits of choosing the larger battery for future-proofing their home and maximizing returns through smart tariffs like Octopus Agile and Flux. The review covers the battery's technical specifications, including its 100% depth of discharge and non-flammable lithium-ion phosphate technology. The presenter also delves into the user-friendly Give Energy app and web portal, highlighting their real-time monitoring and control features. Despite noting areas for improvement such as automation and firmware updates, the presenter expresses overall satisfaction with the system's performance and recommends Give Energy to friends and family.

Takeaways

• 🔋 The reviewer has been using their GIVE Energy 9.5 kilowatt hour battery system for about five months and shares their experience, focusing on the pros and cons of the system.
• ⚡ The GIVE Energy system includes a 5 kilowatt inverter and a 9.5 kilowatt hour battery, which the reviewer uses to manage electricity consumption, especially during winter months.
• 🏠 The reviewer chose the 9.5 kilowatt hour battery to future-proof their home and to maximize returns through tariffs like Octopus Agile, Octopus Flux, and potentially for additional electricity needs such as a heat pump or electric vehicle.
• 🔄 The 9.5 kilowatt hour battery offers a 100% depth of discharge (DOD), meaning the full capacity of the battery can be utilized, unlike the 2.6 and 5.2 kilowatt hour batteries which offer 80% DOD.
• 🌡️ The battery is designed to operate in a range of temperatures from -10 to 55 degrees Celsius, making indoor installation ideal to avoid issues during freezing temperatures.
• 🛡️ The battery has an IP65 rating, providing high levels of protection against dust and water, but it should still be installed under some form of shelter to protect against harsh weather.
• 📈 GIVE Energy offers a warranty of unlimited cycles for 10 years when installed by an approved installer, with specific stipulations for energy throughput and usage with GIVE Energy inverters.
• 📱 The GIVE Energy app is praised for its user-friendly interface, offering real-time visuals and information on electricity flow, consumption, and battery status.
• 🛠️ The app allows for manual control of the battery's charging and discharging, but the reviewer notes a lack of automation for certain smart tariffs and a desire for more frequent updates.
• 🤖 The reviewer mentions a known issue with the State of Charge (SOC) recalibration, where the battery's charge level might jump erratically. However, GIVE Energy has released a firmware fix as of May 4th, 2023.
• 👥 The GIVE Energy Facebook group is recommended for owners to get support, information, and assistance from GIVE Energy staff and other users.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is an in-depth review of the GIVE Energy 9.5 kilowatt-hour battery and 5 kilowatt inverter, including the functionality of the GIVE Energy app and web portal.

How long has the reviewer had the GIVE Energy battery?

The reviewer has had the GIVE Energy battery for roughly five months, including throughout the winter months.

What are the different battery sizes offered by GIVE Energy as of May 2023?

As of May 2023, GIVE Energy offers four different battery sizes: 2.6 kWh, 5.2 kWh, 8.2 kWh, and 9.5 kWh.

Why did the reviewer choose the 9.5 kWh battery?

The reviewer chose the 9.5 kWh battery to future-proof their home and allow for flexibility to maximize returns by utilizing tariffs such as Octopus Agile and Octopus Flux.

What is the depth of discharge (DOD) for the 9.5 kWh GIVE Energy battery?

The 9.5 kWh GIVE Energy battery offers a 100% depth of discharge, meaning the full capacity of the battery can be utilized.

What is the significance of the battery's IP65 rating?

The IP65 rating indicates that the battery has a maximum level of protection against dust and solids and can withstand low-pressure water jets from all directions.

What is the warranty coverage for the GIVE Energy battery?

The warranty coverage for the GIVE Energy battery is unlimited cycles or 10 years, depending on the installation and equipment used.

What are the main functionalities of the GIVE Energy app?

The GIVE Energy app provides real-time visuals of electricity flow, daily stats, and settings for different modes of the system. It also allows for manual control of the battery charging and discharging.

What issues has the reviewer experienced with the GIVE Energy system?

The reviewer has experienced issues with automation options and bug fixing timelines, such as the state of charge (SOC) issue and the slow release of firmware fixes.

What advice does the reviewer have for those experiencing the SOC issue with their GIVE Energy system?

The reviewer advises that as of May 4th, GIVE Energy has released a firmware fix that resolves the SOC issue. Those experiencing the issue should consider upgrading their system.

Would the reviewer recommend GIVE Energy to family and friends?

Yes, the reviewer would recommend GIVE Energy to family and friends, despite some criticisms regarding bug fixing timelines and communication, as they are overall very happy with their system.