The Duracell Energy Home Battery System represents a significant entry into the home energy storage market by a globally recognized brand. Leveraging a successful partnership with Pure Drive Energy, this system combines Duracell's brand recognition with Pure Drive's expertise in battery technology and exceptional customer service. This collaboration has resulted in a high-performance, scalable system designed and engineered in the UK, ensuring data security and building consumer trust.The system utilizes advanced LFP battery technology, boasting a fast charge/discharge rate and impressive scalability, allowing for significant energy storage capacity. Features like a low startup voltage, intelligent tariff integration, and grid service scheme participation contribute to both cost savings and potential revenue generation. While competitively priced, the Duracell Energy system doesn't compromise on quality, incorporating robust safety features and durable construction. This review delves into the system's performance, pricing, reliability, and overall value proposition.
Pros And Cons
- High brand recognition and presence.
- Thin, versatile design; wall-mounted or floor-standing.
- 6kW hybrid inverter with dual MPPPT trackers; 9kW peak PV input.
- Low startup voltage (70V); starts generating earlier in the day.
- Compatible with Taigo Optimizers.
- Can work with AC coupled systems.
- 5.12kWh battery (4.6kWh usable); stackable up to 160kWh per inverter.
- 1C battery; charges/discharges twice as fast as leading brands.
- High C-rating batteries for multiple daily cycles.
- Inverter and battery are IP65 rated; suitable for outdoor installation.
- LFP cell technology for longevity, reliability, and safety.
- Battery cells manufactured in the Duracell factory.
- Includes standard safety features (short circuit, overcurrent protection, etc.).
- Good temperature regulation without energy consumption; operates efficiently down to -10°C.
- 10-year warranty on inverter and battery.
- Integrates with smart tariffs for optimized charging and potential savings (60-90%).
- Grid service scheme option for additional revenue.
- Excellent customer service (based on reviewer experience).
- EV charger is only IP55 rated.
- Inverter maximum power (6kW) may be limiting for larger homes or multiple orientations.
- Backup power (EPS mode) is limited by inverter capacity (26A) and not a standard feature; additional cost.
- Not pushing the boundaries of safety features compared to other brands (e.g., fire suppression).
Read more: OUKITEL P2001 PLUS Review: Best Budget Portable Power Station?
Brand Presence and History
Duracell, a globally recognized brand established in the 1920s, boasts impressive market leadership. Their entry into the home energy storage market, initially through a partnership with Social Energy, highlights their ambition to expand beyond traditional battery applications. Despite a setback with Social Energy's closure, Duracell's licensing agreement with Pure Drive Energy in 2022 revitalized their home battery offering, leveraging Pure Drive's established reputation for high-quality batteries and expertise.
The collaboration with Pure Drive Energy, founded in 2017, proved successful due to Pure Drive’s strong customer service, positive Trustpilot reviews, and extensive experience in battery technology. This partnership led to the launch of the Duracell Energy system in 2022, maintaining Pure Drive’s high standards while benefiting from Duracell's powerful brand recognition. Their UK-based design, engineering, software, and cloud infrastructure ensure data security and enhance customer trust.
Power and Performance
The Duracell Energy system uses a hybrid inverter ranging from 3.6kW to 6kW, all equipped with dual MPPT trackers for efficient solar energy harvesting. The maximum PV input is 9kW peak, suitable for most homes. A noteworthy feature is its low startup voltage (70V), enabling earlier energy generation even in low-light conditions, increasing overall energy yield.
The 5.12kWh (4.6kWh usable) Jura 5 battery boasts a high 1C charge/discharge rate, significantly faster than competitors, enabling full charge/discharge within an hour with a 5kW inverter. This battery system is highly scalable, allowing for up to 32 batteries per inverter (160kWh total), and supports AC coupled systems for use as a battery/inverter only. It even has EPS mode for seamless grid-failure backup.
Protection and Safety Features
The inverter and battery boast an IP65 rating, ensuring protection in outdoor settings. However, the EV charger's IP55 rating is less robust for outdoor applications. The batteries utilize LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cell technology, known for its longevity, reliability, and safety, produced in the Duracell factory.
The system incorporates several safety features, including short-circuit, overcurrent protection, and surge protection (Type 3 AC/DC). The inverter continually monitors for faults in both AC and DC circuits. A significant advantage is the battery's efficient temperature regulation without energy consumption, allowing operation down to -10°C.
Pricing and Value
The Duracell Energy system falls into the mid-range price category, offering excellent value. The price per kilowatt-hour is competitive, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. The high scalability, performance, brand recognition, and strong customer support add to its value proposition.
The Jura 5 battery, when added to an existing installation, costs approximately £1,800, translating to roughly £391 per kWh and 22p per cycle. This competitive pricing makes it a strong contender in the home battery market.
Smart Features and Customer Support
A key differentiator is Duracell Energy's integration with smart tariffs, enabling optimized charging and discharging based on variable electricity prices and real-time data. This intelligent tariff capability can significantly increase savings, potentially reaching 60% to 90%. The system employs AI and multiple data points to personalize this optimization process.
The inclusion of a grid service scheme allows homeowners to earn additional revenue by allowing the grid to use their stored energy. Beyond the technological features, the excellent customer support from Pure Drive Energy adds value, emphasizing prompt responses and efficient issue resolution. The family-run business approach enhances the overall positive experience.
Conclusion: Is Duracell Energy Worth It?
The Duracell Energy home battery system achieves an overall score of 18.5 out of 25 based on our 5P review system. The system scores well for its brand recognition, competitive pricing, and strong customer support. However, the EV charger's relatively low IP rating and limitations of the inverter size compared to competitors are potential drawbacks.
Despite these minor limitations, the Duracell Energy system presents a compelling combination of high-quality components, excellent performance, scalability, and value for money. The strong partnership between Duracell and Pure Drive Energy results in a reliable and innovative home energy solution, making it a worthwhile consideration for homeowners looking to invest in renewable energy storage.
