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GoodWe ESA vs SolaX: how do the two home batteries compare?

Checked and updated by our licensed electricians: October 2026

The GoodWe ESA is an all-in-one unit: the hybrid inverter sits on top of stacked 8 kWh battery modules. SolaX pairs its X1-VAST hybrid inverter with a separate HS51 battery tower built from 5.1 kWh modules. Both use lithium iron phosphate cells, both are IP66, and we install both.

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GoodWe ESA all-in-one home battery and hybrid inverter mounted on an outside wall (GoodWe product image)
The GoodWe ESA all-in-one home battery. Image: GoodWe

GoodWe ESA vs SolaX side by side

GoodWe ESA SolaX X1-VAST + HS51
Design All-in-one: hybrid inverter and battery modules in one stack X1-VAST hybrid inverter plus a separate TSYS-HS51 battery tower
Battery modules 8 kWh class (8.32 kWh rated, 8.0 kWh usable), the size we install 5.1 kWh modules
Capacity GoodWe’s manual: the system supports 5 to 108 kWh 10.2 kWh to 66.5 kWh (SolaX Australia)
Inverter sizes (single-phase) 3 kW to 10 kW, 2 to 4 solar inputs 5, 6, 8 and 10 kW, up to four solar inputs, two battery ports
Blackout backup Up to 63 A backup output, switchover under 4 ms Backup (EPS) output, switchover under 10 ms listed; whole-home backup option for Australia
Enclosure IP66, fanless, under 30 dB IP66 inverter and IP66 battery, indoor or outdoor
Operating temperature Inverter -35 to 60 °C (manual) Inverter -40 to +65 °C; battery -30 to +53 °C (manuals)
App GoodWe SEMS+ app and portal SolaXCloud app and website
Manufacturer warranty (Australia) 10 years 10 years inverter, 10 years battery
Near the coast Consult GoodWe before installing outdoors within 500 m of the coastline Install the inverter at least 500 m from the coast, out of direct sea breeze

From GoodWe’s and SolaX’s own manuals, datasheets, product pages and Australian warranty documents (listed under Sources), checked 15 October 2026. Ranges change, so we confirm the exact models in your proposal.

What this means in practice

  • One stack or two boxes: the ESA is one system from one maker in one stack. SolaX is an inverter and a battery tower chosen together, which suits homes that already have a SolaX hybrid inverter on the wall.
  • Sizing steps: SolaX’s 5.1 kWh modules give smaller steps; GoodWe’s 8 kWh modules give fewer, bigger steps. We size from your bills either way.
  • Backup: both can back up the whole home through the backup output and the right switchboard set-up. We set it up with you at the site visit and test the switch-over.
  • Near the beach: both makers have rules for sites within 500 m of the coastline. See solar and batteries near the coast.
  • Positioning: the GoodWe ESA is our mid-tier option, very high quality, for getting the outcome you need at a lower price point. SolaX is one of the other brands we fit when it suits a home better.
  • Warranty: 10 years from each maker on the products we install, subject to each maker’s conditions, plus our 25-year workmanship warranty on our installation work.

Which one suits which home?

The GoodWe ESA often suits you if you want one tidy all-in-one unit, a large battery without paying for the premium tier, or you are replacing an old inverter anyway.

SolaX often suits you if you already run a SolaX hybrid inverter such as the X1-VAST and want to add battery modules, or you want finer sizing steps from a modular tower.

Not sure what you have? Send us a photo of your inverter label with your power bills and we will tell you. See adding a battery to existing solar and what size battery you need.

SolaX vs Sigenergy

Sigenergy SigenStor home battery stacks in three sizes (Sigenergy product image)
Sigenergy SigenStor in three stack sizes. Image: Sigenergy
  • Design: Sigenergy’s SigenStor stacks its energy-management and inverter unit with the battery modules as one system. SolaX is a hybrid inverter plus a separate battery tower.
  • Modules: Sigenergy modules are 9 kWh in the size we install (9, 18, 27, 36 or 45 kWh); SolaX HS51 modules are 5.1 kWh.
  • Apps: mySigen for Sigenergy, SolaXCloud for SolaX. Both show solar, battery and grid use.
  • Near the coast: Sigenergy’s SigenStor installation guide says to install at least 500 m from corrosion sources such as the seaside; SolaX says the same distance for the X1-VAST inverter.
  • Where they sit for us: Sigenergy is our premium option, for room to grow and detailed control. SolaX is the one we fit when you already run SolaX equipment.

More on each: Sigenergy batteries, SolaX batteries, GoodWe batteries.

Why locals choose us

  • Our own in-house team designs every system and does every install. 25 years in solar and large commercial electrical work. No subcontractors.
  • A face-to-face site visit before every install: compliant battery position, switchboard and RCBO check, no surprises on the day.
  • SAA-accredited installer and Sigenergy-approved, with a 25-year workmanship warranty on our installation work.

Questions we get asked

Is GoodWe or SolaX better?

Both are established brands using lithium iron phosphate batteries, and we install both. The GoodWe ESA is one all-in-one stack and is our mid-tier option for most homes. SolaX suits homes that already run a SolaX hybrid inverter, or where its modular 5.1 kWh battery tower is the better fit. We recommend one after looking at your power bills and your existing system.

Which is cheaper, GoodWe or SolaX?

Every system is sized to the home, so your exact price comes from your quote. For typical prices, try our solar and battery price calculator. We give you a straight comparison for your home.

I already have a SolaX inverter. Should I add a SolaX battery?

Often, yes, if it is a SolaX hybrid inverter such as the X1-VAST, because it takes a battery directly. A standard grid-connect inverter usually cannot take a battery, so we check your model first. If the inverter needs replacing anyway, a GoodWe ESA or Sigenergy all-in-one is worth comparing.

Do both keep the power on in a blackout?

Yes, with the right switchboard set-up. GoodWe lists up to 63 A of backup output with a switchover under 4 milliseconds for the ESA; SolaX lists a switchover under 10 milliseconds for the X1-VAST. A typical install backs up the whole home unless you ask us to leave circuits out, and we confirm what stays on at the site visit.

Can either be installed near the beach?

Both makers set rules for sites within 500 metres of the coastline. SolaX’s X1-VAST manual says to install the inverter at least 500 m from the coast. GoodWe’s ESA manual says to consult GoodWe before installing outdoors within 500 m, and its warranty excludes salt damage without GoodWe’s written approval before the install. We check your address against these rules before your install.

What warranty do GoodWe and SolaX give?

GoodWe’s Australian warranty for the ESA is 10 years. SolaX’s Australian warranty lists 10 years for the X1-VAST inverter and 10 years for the HS51 batteries. Both have conditions in their warranty documents. Our 25-year workmanship warranty is separate and covers our installation work.

Sources

Last checked 15 October 2026. Only the manufacturers’ own manuals, datasheets, certificates and warranty documents (and the Australian Government for standards) are used. Makers update these documents, so we check the current version for your exact model before your install.

More from Sun Connect Solar

See it on a real job: Adding a 33 kWh GoodWe battery to existing solar in Lismore.

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