Hanchu vs Fox ESS vs Sigenergy: choosing a solar battery
There is no single best battery. In our range Hanchu is the lower-cost entry point, Fox ESS our preferred middle option and Sigenergy the largest storage. Size the battery to your usage first, then choose the system.
The key points
- Hanchu: value, lower entry price
- Fox ESS: our preferred middle option
- Sigenergy: the largest storage in our range
- Compare usable capacity, not nominal
- Check warranty terms, expandability and backup options
The short answer
There’s no single “best” battery. There’s the right one for your usage, budget and plans. In the systems we offer, Hanchu is the lower-cost entry point, Fox ESS is our preferred middle option, and Sigenergy offers the largest storage in our range. Start with how much storage you’ll actually use, then choose the system that delivers it reliably.
The three at a glance
| Hanchu | Fox ESS | Sigenergy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it sits | Value: lower entry price | Recommended: our preferred middle option | Premium: largest storage in our range |
| Battery sizes in our systems | 5.12 kWh, or 9.4 kWh for larger homes | EP6 (5.76 kWh nominal) or EP12 (11.52 kWh nominal) | BAT 8.0 modules (7.8 kWh usable each), one or two |
| Inverter | Hanchu hybrid | Fox H1 or KH series hybrid | Sigen EC series |
| Power-cut backup | With the backup gateway | Ask: depends on the configuration | Ask: depends on the configuration |
Our confirmed price today is for the Hanchu-based package (£6,250); Fox ESS and Sigenergy systems are quoted after assessment.
Nominal vs usable: compare like with like
Battery capacity is quoted two ways. Nominal is the total; usable is what you can actually draw. Manufacturers don’t always quote the same one, so a “bigger” number isn’t always more usable storage. Ask for usable capacity on every quote.
What to compare beyond size
- Warranty terms: years, and the guaranteed remaining capacity at the end, not just the headline.
- Expandability: can you add capacity later?
- Inverter power: how fast the battery can charge and discharge, which matters for evening peaks and overnight tariffs.
- Monitoring app: you’ll use it more than you think.
- Backup options, if keeping essentials on in a power cut matters to you.
How to choose
Size first: match the battery to your evening use and summer surplus (see do you need a battery?). Then choose the tier: value if budget is the priority, the middle option for a balance of capability and price, premium if you want more storage or plan heavier use such as an EV or heat pump. We’ll show you the trade-offs for your home, including if a smaller battery, or none, is the better answer.
Start your home assessment, or see battery storage and what solar costs.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust: Solar panel battery storage
- Hanchu ESS, Fox ESS, Sigenergy (manufacturer specifications)
Questions
Which battery is best?
The one sized to your usage, from a reliable system, at a price that makes sense. That differs from home to home.
What's the difference between nominal and usable capacity?
Nominal is the total; usable is what you can draw. Compare usable.
Can I add more storage later?
Several systems are modular. Ask about expandability before you buy.
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