We've analyzed the top Australian battery systems so you don't have to. Here is the definitive breakdown of RCT Power, Alpha ESS, and Sigenergy.
| Feature | RCT Power (Indoor) | Alpha ESS (SMILE5) | Sigenergy (SigenStor) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usable Capacity (DoD) | ~90% | 96% | 97% | Sigenergy extracts the most energy per kWh bought. |
| IP Rating (Weather) | IP42 (Indoor) | IP65 (Outdoor Safe) | IP66 (Heavy Duty) | Sigenergy (IP66 is dust tight and water jet proof). RCT must be in a garage. |
| Operating Temp | +5°C to +40°C | -10°C to +50°C | -20°C to +55°C | Sigenergy. RCT has a very narrow temp window; risky for hot Australian garages. |
| Round Trip Efficiency | ~97% (HV) | ~95% | ~97% (HV) | Tie (RCT/Sigenergy). Both use High Voltage (HV) architecture which loses less heat than Alpha's 48V. |
| Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) | No | No (Add-on req) | Native (Integrated) | Sigenergy. It's the only one with the DC Charger built directly into the stack. |
| Installation Complexity | Moderate (Cabling) | Moderate (Cabling) | Low (Stackable) | Sigenergy. "Lego-block" wireless stacking means fewer cables and faster install. |
They are a traditional "cabinet" or "wall-mount" style system. Alpha ESS is widely used in Australia and provides a robust, cost-effective solution for standard residential installations where budget is a key factor.
The world's first "5-in-1" system. The EV charger is physically inside the battery stack (optional module), meaning no separate EV charger on the wall. It is also V2X (Vehicle-to-Home) ready out of the box, making it the most future-proof choice.