As solar adoption accelerates in Australia, the demand for compact and efficient residential battery systems grows. For homeowners with modest energy requirements, two standout solutions are the Swatten 9.6kWh battery and the Deye 6.14kWh battery. This blog offers an in-depth comparison based on key technical and real-world performance metrics, helping you decide which solar battery best suits your needs.
Why Compare Small-Scale Solar Batteries?
In the Australian residential market, particularly in metro and suburban homes, small to mid-sized solar batteries provide a practical balance between affordability, storage capacity, and ease of installation. Whether you’re looking to reduce grid dependency or store energy for night-time use, models like Swatten and Deye are well-positioned to meet demand.
The growing availability of stackable battery technologies and support from local solar suppliers has enabled broader adoption. However, not all batteries are created equal—understanding the nuances in battery chemistry, form factor, and power output is essential.
Technical Comparison: Swatten 9.6kWh vs Deye 6.14kWh
Below is a detailed technical comparison based on available datasheets and product pages. Each model excels in different aspects, making the decision context-dependent.
| Specification | Swatten 9.6kWh | Deye 6.14kWh |
| Nominal Capacity | 9.6kWh | 6.14kWh |
| Battery Type | LiFePO₄ (LFP) | LiFePO₄ (LFP) |
| Rated Voltage | 51.2V | 51.2V |
| Max Parallel Units | Up to 8 | Up to 32 |
| Communication Protocols | CAN/RS485 | CAN/RS485 |
| Installation Style | Stackable (modular tower) | Wall/floor mount |
| Scalability | 9.6kWh to 25.6kWh+ | 6.14kWh to 196.48kWh |
| Weight | ~95kg | ~65kg |
| Dimensions (mm) | Approx. 715×470×292 | 505×610×218 |
| Cycle Life | >6000 cycles @ 90% DOD | >6000 cycles @ 90% DOD |
| Certifications | IEC62619, UN38.3, CE | IEC62619, UN38.3, CE |
Observations
Swatten offers significantly more capacity, ideal for homes with higher daily energy usage or future scalability.
Deye, while lower in capacity, is more lightweight and modular for wall-mount applications, making it ideal for tight installation spaces or retrofit upgrades.
Both batteries use LiFePO₄ chemistry, known for safety, long cycle life, and stable thermal characteristics—crucial in Australian climates.
Performance Insights
Efficiency & Usable Energy
Although both units use LFP cells, real-world usable energy may vary due to BMS efficiency, ambient temperature, and depth of discharge settings. The Swatten battery provides greater usable energy (~9.2kWh actual) per cycle, particularly when operating under partial loads.
Stackability & Expansion
The Swatten 9.6kWh battery features a true stackable design, allowing tool-less vertical expansion. This is ideal for homeowners planning to add storage later.
Meanwhile, the Deye battery supports up to 32 units in parallel, reaching industrial-scale storage (>196kWh). It is well-suited for multi-tenant dwellings or commercial retrofits.
Installation and Compatibility
- Hybrid Inverter Compatibility: Both models support popular hybrid inverters (like Deye or Swatten), and communication protocols ensure seamless integration.
- Installation Time:
- Swatten: Plug-and-play stacking reduces installation complexity.
- Deye: Requires proper anchoring when wall-mounted, but its lightweight design makes it manageable by a single installer.
- Installer Reviews suggest Swatten offers faster install times for multi-module systems, whereas Deye’s flatter form factor suits shallow wall enclosures.
Brand Reputation and Support
- Swatten is a rising player in the Australian market, with strong reception for its build quality and stackable battery design.
- Deye has a longer track record, especially in off-grid and hybrid setups. Their ecosystem includes inverters and monitoring tools, ensuring better system-wide compatibility.
Cost Considerations
- Swatten 9.6kWh battery cost is competitive among modular batteries, especially when considering the absence of rack/cabinet costs due to its built-in stackability.
- Deye battery pricing is often lower upfront, making it attractive for budget-conscious homeowners or as a starter battery.
For current prices, contact your trusted solar supplier.
Which Battery Is Right for You?
| Use Case | Recommended Battery |
| Larger family, high night-time load | Swatten 9.6kWh |
| Tight indoor space or wall-mount | Deye 6.14kWh |
| Planning future expansion | Swatten |
| Lower upfront cost & basic use | Deye |
| Garage or cabinet-based install | Swatten |
| Retrofitting older systems | Deye |
FAQs
Yes. Swatten batteries are compatible with most hybrid inverters, including Swatten’s own line and other major brands using CAN/RS485 protocols.
Both Swatten and Deye use LFP cells rated for over 6000 cycles at 90% DOD. That equates to roughly 15–20 years of daily cycling.
The Swatten battery offers quicker setup for large systems due to its modular stacking. The Deye battery is easier to mount on walls and handle due to its lighter weight.
It is not recommended unless the batteries share the same BMS, voltage, and protocol. Always consult your solar inverter documentation or speak to a solar battery installer.
Depending on usage and feed-in tariffs, ROI ranges from 5 to 7 years. Smart energy management and off-peak charging can accelerate payback.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Swatten 9.6kWh and Deye 6.14kWh solar battery depends on your energy needs, space availability, and future plans. For larger systems or scalability, Swatten is the clear winner. For compact, cost-effective installs, Deye is highly efficient and space-conscious.
Need help selecting the right solar battery for your home? Contact Solar Rains — your trusted solar supplier in Australia.
