Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro Server Rack Battery Review – Could it Be Better Than the EG4 LL?
Here at The Solar Lab, we’re no strangers to server rack batteries. We’ve reviewed some high-quality options from some top brands, as well as some junky models from completely unknown manufacturers.
The truth is, with so many options for server rack batteries out there, it takes something that really shines to capture our attention. Enter the Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro Server Rack Battery—a sleek, feature-packed battery that we think might even be able to go toe-to-toe with the big dogs, like the EG4 LL 48V Server Rack Battery.
So, can Rich Solar’s Alpha 5 Pro compete with what EG4 has been releasing lately, or is it just another mediocre server rack battery in a sharp-looking case? Let’s find out!
Our First Impressions: A Sleek Design and Solid Build
The first thing we noticed about the Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro is its sleek and modern design. Not only does it look great right out of the box, it’s slimmer and more streamlined than many of its competitors, including the hugely impressive EG4 LL 48V Server Rack Battery.
With extra handles on the sides and built-in cooling vents for improved airflow, you can tell Rich Solar didn’t just design this battery to look nice—it was also made to be highly functional.
Like just about every server rack battery we have ever tested, it manages to pass the Tiny Baby Lift Test, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to want to carry it any significant distances. It may be a bit lighter than other server rack batteries out there, and the built-in handles really help, but you have to remember that the thing still weighs in at 99.2 lbs.
The LiFePO4 lithium battery cells that make up the bulk of that weight are also designed to last. This is evidenced by the fact that they’re UL-recognized, meaning that they have been third-party tested by Underwriters Laboratories for safety and quality.
Breakdown of the Performance Specs
Like the EG4 LL, the Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro boasts impressive specs:
Battery Capacity: Each unit has a capacity of 5,120Wh
Voltage: 51.2V
Amp-Hours: 100Ah
Parallel Capabilities: You have the option to pair up to 15 units for a total storage capacity of 76.8kWh
Without question, one of the standout features you get with the Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro is the built-in touchscreen display. Not only is the display crystal clear, it is the most interactive we’ve seen on any server rack battery.
The screen provides detailed insights into the battery’s charge status, output, internal temperature, performance, and, basically, just way beyond the basic readouts you get with a typical screen. On top of that, the touchscreen is intuitive, full color, really responsive, and it just works really well.
The battery is also equipped with the following outward-facing buttons and terminals:
A built-in breaker for added safety
Dual positive and negative terminals
A front-facing button that allows you to cycle the Battery Management System (BMS) on or off
Comprehensive communication ports, including dry contacts and dip switches
Overall, it looks like a great battery, and we were actually pretty impressed right from the start. And, truth be told, we haven’t always been blown away by Rich Solar products, so this shouldn't be taken for granted. While some of the equipment Rich Solar releases is great and performs really well, other products almost seem a little bit overpriced for what you get.
The Price
Speaking of prices, the Alpha 5 Pro Server Rack Battery is currently available through ShopSolar.com for just $1,199, which means it’s almost the same price as some of the low-quality, no-name options we have tested in the past.
However, typical of Rich Solar, it goes for a lot more on their own website ($1,799). We would just recommend avoiding going directly through them altogether. They always seem to price items higher than their distribution partners. We have no idea why they do this, but it’s a fairly simple issue to work around.
So, while the price and specs both look really attractive, you can’t always tell much about a solar product until you have seen how it performs in the real world, which brings us to our next section.
Real-World Testing
We wanted to see for ourselves just how well the Alpha 5 Pro actually performs, so we put it through some pretty rigorous testing. Here’s what we found.
Testing the Surge Capacity:
Rated for 100 amps, the Alpha 5 Pro should technically handle loads up to 5,120 watts. We pushed it slightly beyond that by running a 108-amp load for nearly 10 minutes before it eventually tripped. The truth is, we have a feeling it only really shut off because the unit was starting to get really hot, and the battery percentage was almost fully drained.
This showed us that if you do manage to overload the Alpha 5 Pro, either intentionally or by accident, you will definitely have some time to correct the issue. The screen also displayed this information, so it was really easy to spot. Basically, if you’re running anything under 110 amps, this battery is just going to keep on trucking.
However, if you go beyond that 110-amp limit, it shuts itself off really fast. This automatic shutdown is a self-protective feature that should help to extend the battery’s lifespan, but it’s nice to know you have a little bit of wiggle room if you go just a little bit beyond its 100 amp output rating.
Low Temperature Performance Tests:
Rich Solar claims that the Alpha 5 Pro has an impressive range for safe operating temperatures—charging safely when the battery is between 0°C to 60°C. It’s also supposed to be capable of safely discharging between -20°C to 65°C.
To test this, we placed the unit in a deep freezer for long enough to bring the temperature of the battery down to an ice-cold -25°C. When we pulled it out, the battery immediately entered protection mode, refusing to charge or discharge. The touchscreen’s bright red temperature warning indicator also displayed this information quite clearly.
The fact that the internal temperature sensors and the BMS worked so well only reinforced Rich Solar’s own claims that this thing can safeguard itself against extreme conditions. Again, this should help extend the battery’s overall lifespan, ensuring that it doesn’t sustain damage trying to operate when it shouldn’t.
Testing the Efficiency:
Unlike power stations, which have power-draining internal fans, inverters, charge controllers, and plenty more internal functions, server rack batteries should be fairly close to 100% efficient. To test out the Alpha 5 Pro’s efficiency, we fully charged it, then ran a consistent 90W load until the battery was completely drained.
In this test, it performed nearly flawlessly, running for 1 hour and 5 minutes, just shy of the 1 hour and 6 minute runtime a 100% efficient battery of this capacity would be capable of going for. This test gave us a 99% efficiency rating, which is really solid!
Assessing the Overall Build Quality
The testing revealed some pretty impressive results, and they showed us that Rich Solar can back up the specs they listed this battery with, but we wanted to see how it actually looked on the inside. So, we opened up the Alpha 5 Pro and were greeted by a really solid and well-organized layout.
There’s a bright yellow plastic shield that protects each battery cell, while a solid metal connector replaces the loose and fragile wires that we have seen in some of the lower quality server rack batteries. Not only does this keep the inside of the unit clean and organized, it should help prevent snagging issues, which will probably go a long way towards extending the lifespan of these units.
On top of that, the temperature sensors are actually strategically positioned across the entire middle section of the battery, ensuring the readings are accurate throughout the entire interior of the battery.
Again, some of the lower quality options we have seen were clearly not designed in such a thoughtful way, as their temperature sensors are all fixed in one specific spot. Having readings from across the entire interior only improves accuracy, helping to protect the battery.
Basically, everything about this battery’s internal design indicates quality and thoughtful engineering. It’s similar to what we have seen with server rack batteries from EG4, suggesting that it was made to last.
The Optional Cabinet
When we got our hands on this battery, Rich Solar also sent us the server rack cabinet that was designed specifically for the Alpha 5 Pro. While a cabinet may not sound like the most exciting accessory, this thing actually blew us away.
For starters, the doors are removable on all sides of the cabinet, making it easy to access your racked batteries. The front door is also made from a durable and really clear glass panel, allowing you to monitor each battery’s display screen, without having to even open the door. There’s also multiple wiring passthroughs on every surface, allowing you to customize your setup to your preferences and the layout of the rest of your system.
While it’s a couple hundred dollars more than the cabinet offered by EG4, we think the superior build quality speaks for itself and it is well-worth the added cost.
What We Liked and Disliked About the Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro
Now that we have taken you through our tests and findings, let’s take a look at some of the things we really liked about it, as well as areas where we think Rich Solar could improve.
What We Liked About It
Let’s start with all of the reasons why we think this battery shines.
The Touchscreen Display:
We mentioned right at the beginning that this is one of the best displays we have ever seen on a battery, and after plenty of testing, we stand by that. The screen is so intuitive and loads information almost instantaneously. It’s just a total game-changer for server rack batteries.
The Rich Solar Cabinet:
It may sound like a little thing, but the cabinet Rich Solar designed for this thing is unreal. It offers so many little extras you wouldn’t expect, and it just looks really nice and well built. It’s a big win for those who like their backup power setup to look nice and clean.
The Customer Support:
If you need to call Rich Solar, you’re going to be connected to someone who is in the United States, which is a true rarity in the solar industry. This U.S.-based customer support is huge for troubleshooting, which can be a big win for those planning to invest in numerous batteries that they can pair together to create a large scale battery bank.
The Price:
If you go through one of their distribution partners, like ShopSolar.com, you can grab these batteries for just $1,199, which is a similar price to what you would pay for a piece of junk from an unknown brand. It’s great value for a battery this good.
What We Didn’t Like About It
While there was a lot to like about this battery, it wasn’t flawless. Here are the two main issues we had with it.
The Confusing Website Pricing:
While we just praised the price point for this battery, Rich Solar’s official website lists it for way too much. At $1,799, you’re talking about a significantly higher price than you can find it for elsewhere. We have no idea why Rich Solar has such inconsistent prices, but it’s confusing, and could be the type of thing that could put off some potential buyers.
Compatibility Issues:
While the battery works great with other Rich Solar batteries, as well as other components, like Rich Solar inverters, it is far less compatible with components made by other brands. For those looking to build a mixed system, you could face some headaches during the installation process.
Comparing the Alpha 5 Pro to the EG4 LL
The EG4 LL 48V 100Ah Server Rack Battery has been our go-to recommendation for a little while now, so how does the Alpha 5 Pro stack up against it?
Price: The Alpha 5 Pro is about $100 cheaper than the EG4 LL, and there are also additional discount codes available that can bring that down even more, including through reputable retailers like ShopSolar.com.
Design: While the two batteries look similar, Rich Solar’s is slimmer and has a more refined appearance.
The Display Screen: While there isn’t anything wrong with the EG4 display screen, the Alpha 5 Pro’s touch-enabled display is far superior, providing more detailed information, and easier navigation.
Compatibility: Here’s a potential downside for the Alpha 5 Pro—it doesn’t communicate well with EG4 inverters, or basically inverters manufactured by anyone but Rich Solar. When we paired it with a popular EG4 inverter, it only functioned in lead-acid mode. So, it works great with Rich Solar components, but it’s a bit clunky with anything else, which could have an impact on the buying decision for those looking to expand their existing battery bank.
Bonus Mention: The Flexispot E7 Plus Standing Desk:
Before we wrap up, it’s worth mentioning the Flexispot E7 Plus Standing Desk, which made a cameo during our testing when we checked the weight of the battery. Unsurprisingly, this high-quality, adjustable standing desk lifted the battery effortlessly, proving its impressive 540 lb weight capacity.
The desk is made from automotive-grade steel, so it’s built to last, and the motor has a wide range of adjustment points. You can also pre-set certain heights, so you can adjust it to your liking with the push of a button.
Not only did Flexispot help sponsor our testing of the Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro, it’s now available for just $499, and we have an exclusive $50 discount we’ll list below.
Our Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro?
In short: yes, you should definitely consider buying it. The Rich Solar Alpha 5 Pro is a really appealing option for pretty much anyone in the market for a high-quality server rack battery at a fair price. Its sleek design, impressive touchscreen display, and strong overall performance make it a worthy competitor to the EG4 LL.
While the compatibility issues with non-Rich Solar components could be an issue for some, the overall value and build quality makes this battery a solid investment.
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