Pylontech Fidus Plus 16kWh 48V LiFePO4 Lithium Battery

Pylontech Fidus Plus 16kWh — Overview

The Pylontech Fidus Plus is the latest generation residential wall-mounted lithium battery from Pylontech, the world’s largest manufacturer of residential LiFePO4 energy storage systems. Delivering 16kWh of usable energy in a compact, attractive enclosure, the Fidus Plus is engineered for the South African load shedding environment — handling multiple full charge/discharge cycles per day without capacity degradation, and communicating seamlessly with all major hybrid inverter brands through a standardised CANBUS BMS protocol.

Technical Specifications

• Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
• Nominal voltage: 48V DC
• Gross capacity: Approximately 16.8kWh
• Usable capacity: 16kWh (95% DoD)
• Maximum continuous charge/discharge current: 100A (4.8kW at 48V)
• Peak discharge current: 150A (10 seconds)
• Cycle life: Greater than 6,000 cycles at 80% DoD to 80% residual capacity
• Communication: CANBUS (CAN 2.0), RS485 Modbus
• Protection rating: IP20 (indoor wall mount)
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 50°C (charge), -10°C to 50°C (discharge)
• Dimensions: Approximately 600mm W x 700mm H x 200mm D
• Weight: Approximately 85kg
• Warranty: 10 years

Why LiFePO4 Is Ideal for South African Load Shedding

South Africa’s Eskom load shedding schedule — particularly during Stage 4 to Stage 6 — can result in 4 to 6 separate power outages per day, each requiring the battery to cycle from partial charge to discharge and back again. Conventional VRLA lead-acid batteries are rated for 500 to 1,000 full cycles before significant capacity loss — typically lasting just 2 to 3 years under this usage pattern. The Fidus Plus’s LiFePO4 chemistry is rated for more than 6,000 cycles, translating to 16 or more years of daily cycling — far outlasting the load shedding crisis in South Africa at most sites.

Inverter Compatibility

The Pylontech Fidus Plus communicates with the inverter via a CANBUS cable to manage charging voltage, current, and state of charge. Confirmed compatible inverters sold in South Africa include Sunsynk (3kW, 5kW, 8kW, 10kW, 12kW, 15kW single phase), Deye (SUN series single and three phase), Growatt (SPH and SPF series), Victron Quattro and MultiPlus-II (via Cerbo GX), Huawei SUN2000, SolarEdge Home Hub, and Kodak Solar MAX. Always confirm BMS compatibility with your specific inverter model and firmware version with your installer before purchase.

Stackable and Scalable

A single Fidus Plus module provides 16kWh of usable storage. Multiple units can be connected in parallel — up to 8 units (128kWh) — to match your home’s energy consumption. For a typical South African home drawing 20–30kWh per day during extended Stage 6 outages, two Fidus Plus units (32kWh usable) provide a full day of autonomy without solar generation. With solar panels added, one Fidus Plus unit is sufficient for most 3-bedroom homes under Stage 4 or lighter load shedding conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the Pylontech Fidus Plus last in South Africa?
The Fidus Plus is rated for more than 6,000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge to 80% retained capacity, with a 10-year warranty. Under typical South African load shedding conditions with 1 to 2 full cycles per day, the battery is designed to retain usable capacity well beyond 15 years of service.

Is the Pylontech Fidus Plus compatible with Sunsynk inverters?
Yes. The Fidus Plus communicates with Sunsynk inverters via a Pylontech CANBUS cable connected to the CAN port on the Sunsynk unit. The inverter receives State of Charge, voltage, current, and temperature data from the Fidus Plus BMS and adjusts charging accordingly. Confirm compatibility with your specific Sunsynk model and firmware with your installer.

Can I add more Pylontech Fidus Plus batteries later?
Yes. The Fidus Plus is designed for parallel expansion. Up to 8 units can be connected in parallel for a combined usable capacity of 128kWh. Additional units must be the same model and ideally the same production batch for optimal BMS balancing.

What is the difference between the Pylontech Fidus Plus and the older Pylontech US5000?
The Fidus Plus has a higher usable capacity per unit (16kWh versus 4.8kWh per US5000), a higher continuous discharge current, and a more modern wall-mounted enclosure design. The Fidus Plus requires fewer individual units and less cabling to achieve the same total storage capacity as a US5000 stack.

Does the Fidus Plus require a separate battery monitoring system?
No. The integrated BMS handles all cell balancing, protection, and communication functions internally. No external battery monitor or shunt is required when the battery is connected to a compatible inverter via CANBUS.