Guides to reading datasheets
Short, factual guides to the rows on battery storage and solar module datasheets: what each figure means, the conditions behind it, and how to compare two sheets fairly. Every example comes from the public datasheets behind our comparison pages.
Battery storage
- How to compare battery storage datasheets: usable energy, power and C-rate, efficiency, cycle life, warranty, and a checklist.
- Usable energy vs nominal energy in battery datasheets: depth of discharge, and how to put two sheets on one basis.
- Round-trip efficiency: what it means and why datasheets differ: DC and AC figures and the test conditions behind them.
- LFP vs NMC for home and C&I storage: what the datasheet tells you: cell voltage, energy per kilogram, temperature range and certifications.
Solar modules
- Solar module datasheets explained: Pmax, Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp, temperature coefficients, NMOT: STC, the five electrical rows, power classes and string voltage.