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3 min Reading time Good news: a system with SMA Home Storage battery modules can now be expanded even after more than two years. Previously, SMA set two years as the absolute limit, because they were concerned that the 'State of Health' of older batteries would differ too much from new modules, and that this would cause problems with 'balancing' the batteries. It's a bit like we're used to with classic batteries in a flashlight: don't add new batteries to an old battery because then the new one will drain faster!
But SMA has now found a solution for this: the latest firmware of the batteries makes it possible to better balance old and new battery modules with each other, even after two years. That's great, because now you can initially choose a smaller system with for example 3 modules (= approximately 10 kWh capacity) and expand it later if you see that it makes sense.
The maximum number of modules you can install with an SMA system is still 5, or 16.4 kWh. This applies to both the single-phase Sunny Boy Smart Energy (SBSE) and the three-phase Sunny TriPower Smart Energy (STPSE). For the vast majority of our customers, this is more than enough, also considering the much stricter rules that apply to systems larger than 20 kWh.
Five battery modules is the maximum for SMA systems
It's nice to know that you don't have to decide immediately for expansion when you approach the two-year limit. But we would like to add a note of caution: there is often a fairly rapid turnover of battery models. The modules that are for sale today will probably no longer be available in a few years. Therefore, it might happen that, even though it's theoretically possible to add another module or two, those battery modules are simply no longer available! Taken together, this means the message is still mixed: waiting more than two years before adding an extra battery module is possible, but it's probably best not to wait too long either.
In any case, it's smarter to take your future power consumption into account when purchasing batteries, and not just look at today. After all, the expectation is that households will only be doing more stuff electrically in the coming years, with charging stations for electric vehicles, heat pumps and induction cooktops, etc. It's also more convenient for the VAT refund to do everything right in one go. But in any case, you now have a few more options at least. Need some help with the decision? Let us know, we're happy to help you!
