Key takeaways
- All three types use the same 51.2V LiFePO4 chemistry and BMS protection, and work with the same inverters. The difference is where the battery goes.
- Wall-mount keeps the floor clear. It needs a structural wall: our 10kWh wall unit weighs 104kg (229lb).
- Stackable stands on the floor and grows upward. No wall work, easy to add capacity.
- Server rack modules slide into a 19-inch cabinet. Best for larger banks and installers who already use racks.
Once you know how much storage you need, the next question is what shape it should take. Home batteries come in three common form factors. Inside, they are the same: lithium iron phosphate cells, a battery management system (BMS) and CAN/RS485 communication for your inverter. What changes is how they mount, how much space they take and how easily you can add more later.
The short answer
| Wall-mount | Stackable | Server rack | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Garages and utility rooms where floor space matters | Homes that want to add capacity over time without wall work | Large banks, cabinets, installers |
| Mounting | Bracket on a structural wall | Freestanding on the floor | Shelf or rails in a 19-inch rack or cabinet |
| Capacity per unit | 5.12 to 15.36kWh | 5.12 to 15.36kWh | 5.12 to 16.08kWh |
| Floor space | None | One footprint, however many units | Rack footprint |
| Adding capacity | Another unit on the wall | Another unit in the stack, or a new stack | Another module in the rack |
| Watch out for | Wall strength and weight | Maximum stack height | Cabinet width and load rating |
Wall-mount batteries
A wall-mount battery hangs on a bracket, like a large electrical panel. It is the tidiest option and keeps the garage floor free for cars, bikes and storage. Most homeowners picture this when they think of a home battery.
The catch is weight. Lithium batteries are heavy, and the wall has to carry all of it:
| Model | Energy | Size (L × W × H) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGX48100 (slim) | 5.12kWh | 695 × 552 × 228 mm | 47.1kg (103.8lb) |
| BG48100 | 5.12kWh | 695 × 435 × 289 mm | 59.6kg (131.3lb) |
| XBG48200 | 10.24kWh | 795 × 485 × 156 mm | 103.8kg (228.8lb) |
| BG48300 | 15.36kWh | 745 × 570 × 255 mm | 135kg (297.5lb) |
Concrete, brick and block walls are ideal. On a framed wall, the bracket must be fixed into structural studs, and for the heavier models it is worth asking your installer whether the wall needs reinforcing. Mounting a 100kg-plus battery is a two-person job at least.
Stackable batteries
Stackable batteries stand on the floor and lock on top of each other. Because nothing is fixed to the wall, installation is simpler, and the weight goes straight into the floor. Adding capacity later means placing another unit on the stack, so the footprint stays the same as the system grows.
Things to check: the floor must be flat and level, the stack must stay within the maximum height in the manual, and in homes with children or in earthquake zones an anti-tip strap to the wall is a sensible addition. Stackable units still need the same clearances as any battery so they can cool.
Server rack batteries
Server rack batteries are modules sized for standard 19-inch equipment racks, the same cabinets used for network and audio gear. They are popular with installers and DIY builders because modules slide in neatly, cables stay organized, and a full cabinet can hold a lot of capacity in a small footprint.
You need a rack or cabinet rated for the combined weight. A 10.24kWh module alone weighs 89kg (197lb). Check widths before you buy the cabinet: our 100Ah and 200Ah rack models are 440mm wide to fit standard 19-inch rails, while the 300Ah and 314Ah models are 550mm wide and need a wider cabinet or shelves.
What stays the same across all three
- Chemistry and safety: LiFePO4 cells with BMS protection against over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, short circuit and temperature extremes.
- Inverter compatibility: CAN, RS485 and RS232 communication. See the inverter compatibility checker.
- Expansion: up to 15 units of the same model in parallel.
- Location: indoors only (IP20), in a dry, ventilated space. They charge between 0 and 55°C (32 to 131°F).
How to choose
- Floor space is tight and you have a solid wall: wall-mount.
- You plan to start small and add batteries over the next few years: stackable.
- You need 30kWh or more, or already have a rack: server rack.
- Not sure? Size the system first with the battery calculator, then compare models side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Do the three types perform differently?
Not because of the form factor. Capacity, discharge current and cycle life depend on the model, so compare spec sheets rather than shapes. For example, the 10.24kWh wall-mount and rack models are rated for 200A maximum discharge, while the 10.24kWh stackable is rated for 100A.
Can I mix wall-mount and rack batteries in one system?
Batteries in one parallel bank should be the same model. If you want to combine different models, ask us first so we can check whether your inverter supports it.
Which one is easiest to install myself?
Stackable is usually the simplest because there is no wall mounting. Whatever you choose, the electrical connection to your home’s panel should be done by a qualified electrician. Our installation guides cover mounting, wiring and setup for each type.
