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What Are Sodium-Ion Batteries?
Sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries use sodium ions instead of lithium ions to store energy. Sodium is the sixth most abundant element on Earth, found in table salt, seawater, and mineral deposits everywhere. This makes it fundamentally cheaper and more sustainable than lithium.
The technology works almost identically to lithium-ion: sodium ions move between a cathode and anode through an electrolyte during charge and discharge. The key difference is the raw materials: no lithium, no cobalt, and no nickel required.
For Australian homeowners, sodium-ion batteries promise the same core benefit as lithium, storing solar energy for evening use, but at a lower cost and with inherently safer chemistry.
Cheaper Materials
Sodium is 1,000x more abundant than lithium. No cobalt or nickel needed.
Safer Chemistry
Non-flammable electrolyte. Lower thermal runaway risk than lithium.
Wider Temperature Range
Operates from -30°C to 60°C. Ideal for Australian climate extremes.
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Sodium-Ion vs Lithium-Ion
How do the two battery chemistries stack up for home energy storage?
| Feature | scienceSodium-Ion | battery_fullLithium-Ion |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Sodium-ion (Na-ion) | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or NMC |
| Energy Density | 100–160 Wh/kg | 150–250 Wh/kg |
| Cycle Life | 3,000–6,000 cycles | 4,000–8,000 cycles (LFP) |
| Temperature Range | -30°C to 60°C | -20°C to 45°C |
| Safety | Very high — non-flammable electrolyte | High (LFP) to moderate (NMC) |
| Raw Materials | Abundant — sodium, iron, manganese | Lithium, cobalt (NMC) or iron (LFP) |
| Weight (10kWh) | ~80–100 kg | ~60–80 kg |
| Self-Discharge | Higher than lithium | Very low |
| Maturity | Early commercial stage | Mature, mass production |
| Cost Trend | Falling rapidly — projected cheaper by 2027 | Stabilising after steep declines |
Who's Making Sodium Batteries?
Several major manufacturers are ramping up sodium-ion production. Here's the current landscape:
CATL
World's largest battery maker. Shipping first-gen Na-ion cells since 2023. Targeting home storage and EVs.
HiNa Battery
Chinese startup focused purely on sodium-ion. Partnering with several home storage manufacturers.
BYD
Developing Na-ion cells for budget EVs and storage. Expected to enter home storage market.
Natron Energy
US-based, using Prussian blue chemistry. Focused on commercial/industrial applications first.
Faradion (Reliance)
UK-developed, now owned by India's Reliance Industries. Targeting grid and home storage markets.
Australian Availability
No sodium-ion home batteries are currently sold through mainstream Australian solar installers. Expect the first residential products to arrive via Chinese manufacturers in late 2026 or early 2027. We'll update this page as products become available.
Should You Wait for Sodium Batteries?
check_circleBuy Lithium Now If…
- checkYou need a battery now to maximise solar savings
- checkYour feed-in tariff is low (<5c/kWh) and you're exporting lots
- checkYou want proven technology with established warranties
- checkYou're eligible for a state battery rebate that may expire
- checkYou want blackout backup this summer
scheduleConsider Waiting If…
- scheduleYou're not in a rush and can wait 12–18 months
- scheduleYou want the lowest possible cost per kWh of storage
- scheduleYou're interested in sustainability and ethical sourcing
- scheduleYou're still deciding on solar and can plan ahead
- scheduleYour current electricity costs aren't urgent enough to justify $8,000+
Our take: Don't wait if you have a clear need and budget for a battery today. Lithium LFP batteries (like the Tesla Powerwall 3 or BYD Atto) are proven, well-supported in Australia, and will save you money from day one. Sodium-ion will likely offer better value in 2–3 years, but the savings you miss by waiting may outweigh the future price drop.
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Sodium Battery Timeline
First Generation
CATL ships first commercial Na-ion cells. Limited to Chinese market.
Scale-Up Begins
Multiple Chinese manufacturers announce GWh-scale production. Costs start falling.
EV Integration
Na-ion cells appear in budget EVs in China. Energy density improves to 160 Wh/kg.
Home Storage Pilots
First Na-ion home battery products enter trial in select markets. Expected AU arrival late 2026.
Mass Market
Projected availability through Australian installers. Cost parity or below lithium LFP expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sodium-ion batteries available in Australia?
As of early 2026, sodium-ion home batteries are not yet widely available through Australian solar installers. A few Chinese manufacturers have started production, but distribution to the Australian residential market is expected from late 2026 to 2027. Early adopters may find options through specialist importers.
Are sodium batteries cheaper than lithium?
Not yet at the retail level, but they're projected to be 20–40% cheaper than lithium-ion batteries by 2027–2028. The raw materials (sodium, iron, manganese) are far more abundant and cheaper than lithium. Manufacturing costs are dropping as production scales up.
How long do sodium-ion batteries last?
Current sodium-ion cells offer 3,000–6,000 charge cycles, compared to 4,000–8,000 for lithium LFP. At one cycle per day, that's 8–16 years of service. Cycle life is expected to improve as the technology matures.
Are sodium batteries safe?
Yes — sodium-ion batteries are considered safer than lithium-ion. They use non-flammable electrolytes, have lower thermal runaway risk, and can be discharged to 0V for safe transport and storage. This makes them attractive for residential use.
Should I wait for sodium batteries or buy lithium now?
If you need a battery now, buy lithium LFP (like Tesla Powerwall or BYD). Current lithium batteries are proven, widely available, and offer strong warranties. Waiting 1–2 years for sodium availability means missing out on savings today. If your timeline is flexible and you're not in a rush, sodium may offer better value from 2027 onwards.
Can sodium batteries be used with existing solar systems?
Yes. Sodium-ion batteries work with standard hybrid inverters, just like lithium batteries. The voltage and charge profiles are similar enough that most existing solar setups will be compatible with a sodium battery when they become available.
What are the downsides of sodium-ion batteries?
The main drawbacks are lower energy density (heavier and larger for the same kWh), higher self-discharge rate, slightly fewer cycle life compared to LFP lithium, and limited availability in Australia right now. These are expected to improve with next-generation cells.
Related Guides
The next step
If you have any questions about the information in this guide, feel free to get in touch:
Email: hello@whysolar.com.au
Tel: +61 455 221 921
If you're considering a home battery system, Jay and the team can help you get quotes from trusted, pre-vetted local installers:
Written by
JaySolar Evangelist
Passionate about making solar simple and accessible for every Australian household. Jay breaks down complex energy topics into practical advice so homeowners can make confident decisions about solar, batteries, and energy independence.
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