Redflow solar batteries reviews
Based on 2 ratings Aus Ranking
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- 4 star 1
- 3 star 0
- 2 star 0
- 1 star 1
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Redflow was an Australian company that produced zinc-bromine flow batteries for home use - a world first.
Redflow was established in 2005 in Brisbane, and from the get-go until its demise focused on zinc-bromine tech. Among the advantages it saw with zinc-bromine flow batteries was 100 percent depth of discharge without battery degradation, high temperature tolerance without the need for active or water cooling and high safety - no risk of thermal runaway.
While it received significant support from investors and others, after ongoing challenges with production and quality Redflow also faced significant financial challenges. The company appointed voluntary administrators in August 2024 with view to attracting a buyer or new investment partners to restructure the business. These efforts were unsuccessful and by October 2024, the administrators announced an orderly wind-down. Then in November 2024, Redflow was placed into liquidation.
Redflow ZCell
Redflow's ZBM2 was the world’s smallest zinc-bromine flow battery and formed the basis of the ZCell, the company’s home/small commercial battery storage solution. It offered 10 kWh of usable storage capacity but was a little underpowered, with only 3kW continuous and 5kw peak output.
The second version of the ZCell measured 1160mm long, 486mm wide and 1026mm high and weighed 290kg. So, while the world's smallest flow battery, it was a fair lump of a device with a significant proportion of the weight attributable to the zinc bromine solution.
The company stopped producing the Z-Cell without much explanation around 2022, and unfortunately it appears quite a few ZCell owners have been having issues with their battery systems.
Warranty Information
The ZCell came with a comprehensive product warranty of 10 years or 30,000 kilowatt-hours, whichever came first. That means that as at late 2024, there are likely ZCell installations out there with warranty coverage remaining. But given the liquidation and Redflow's web site no longer functioning, what will happen with warranty looks rather grim. It's an unfortunate situation for both customers and businesses that installed the batteries; as the latter are still on the hook for warranty claims. And if an installer has since disappeared, there's likely not much recourse for the customer.
Redflow Solar Battery Reviews
We have a 20kw system installed, have had nothing but trouble with the hole system, no back up support and we have had the system for 15months.
System does not work consistently (last 48hrs) and the inverter intermittently won’t allow the generator to power the house. Very disappointing and in my experience this system is not an alternative to main power.8 ft Cube system with 1 x 10kva Victron Quattro Inverter / chargers, 2 x Victron Smart Solar MPPT 250/100 charge controllers and Redflow Battery management system, 30 x PV panels - 9kW array by Renewable Battery Storage Solutions, using 2 x 10kwh ZBM2 Redflow batteries.
Installed in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia by TIEC electrical.
I can’t recommend this installation company or Redflow ZBM2 batteries, zero backup and all the installer wants is the be paid to come and look at the system.
Redflow have stated on numerous occasions they will replace the batteries, after 15months still no solution. I would hate to see this system installed at an old age care facility or a hospital.
Governments need to re think alternative sustainable energy solutions going forwards.
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Good performance from two out of the three batteries
Sadly, one of them failed. The technician was flown from Brisbane to Darwin twice over 5 months to effect repairs, but they didn't resolve the problem. The battery was then replaced under warranty.The replacement battery has now been operating successfully with the other two batteries for three weeks.
I was disappointed to be missing a 10kWh battery for 6 months, but I am going to buy more of these batteries and expand the system.
The Redflow batteries are still the best option by far in my judgement. 100% to 0% regular discharge, charge-holding capability, and refurbishability at end of life are all significant advantages for which I'm willing to pay a premium over any Lithium-ion technology.
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