Home battery storage systems have revolutionized the way we manage … Contact online >>
Home battery storage systems have revolutionized the way we manage
Home battery storage systems have revolutionized the way we manage energy consumption, providing homeowners with greater control over their usage, increased resilience to grid outages and fluctuating energy prices, and improved sustainability. But with so many options available in the market, how do you know what type of battery is right for your home and energy needs? Here, we take a look at the key differences between batteries and in what scenarios one type may be better suited than another.
EVERVOLT home battery storage system, photo courtesy of Panasonic Eco Systems
Capacity and power output are two of the most important specifications to consider when choosing a battery, says Roy Skaggs, director of sales for Alternate Energy Hawaii. These determine how much electricity your system will be capable of providing. The capacity refers to how much electricity your battery can store, in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and the power output is how much electricity it can supply at a given time, in kilowatts (kW).
An installer will analyze your utility bills and energy usage patterns to determine the optimal capacity for and power output for your home. For instance, batteries with a high capacity but lower power output can supply electricity to several small appliances for a longer period. Whereas batteries with a lower capacity but higher power rating can run your whole home, but only for a few hours.
This is the maximum amount of electricity your battery can continuously supply over an extended period. It''s important because it indicates how many appliances can run at the same time from your battery. For example, if you want to power essentials like your fridge, lights and broadband in an outage, you need a battery with a continuous power output that matches the energy needs of these appliances.
Skaggs notes that looking at a battery''s continuous power output can be a particularly good benchmark when comparing products. He recommends looking for 5kW as a minimum, though newer batteries, like the Panasonic EVERVOLT®, can do 7.6kW or more, he notes.
These terms refer to how your battery connects to solar panels. The type you choose depends largely on whether you''re fitting the battery to an existing solar array, or whether you plan to add panels in the future. If you already have solar panels, an AC-coupled battery tends to be the best choice as these are easier to install on existing arrays. However, if you''re installing solar panels at the same time as your battery, or in the future, then a DC-coupled system can be a better option, as these tend to be more efficient and have fewer components, reducing the potential points of failure and making installation less expensive.
Some batteries are modular, which means you can add or remove modules if your energy requirements change. For example, you may expect your household to grow or you may plan to install an electric vehicle charger or solar panels. "The Panasonic EVERVOLT is a modular system, which allows customers to start small if they would like to and then add more battery modules later," says Skaggs.
Manufacturers will have specific instructions on where their batteries can be installed. If you don''t stick to these, you risk voiding the warranty. Be sure to check where you can install your battery ahead of making a decision. Some batteries, for example, can be installed outdoors, while others must be located indoors. Some can be fixed to walls while others must stay on the ground.
Most batteries come with an app for your smartphone, PC or tablet, that allows you to monitor household energy data, such as your usage and the amount of power stored in your battery. But some apps go further, enabling you to intelligently optimize energy usage throughout the home.
Panasonic''s EVERVOLT SmartBox for example, centralizes the management of all your home energy systems, including your battery, solar panels (if you have them), and home loads such as your appliances and broadband. It can monitor energy usage and make adjustments to conserve power and keep your home comfortable. It can even prioritize devices based on your preferences and make quick decisions on your behalf, such as when to store and when to supply power from your battery, based on the cost of electricity.
The two main chemistries used in home batteries are lithium nickel cobaltand lithium-iron phosphate. The main difference is that lithium nickel cobalt batteries can store more energy in less space, making them a common choice for homes where space is limited. Lithium-iron phosphate batteries have a lower energy density which can mean they require more space to install. The advantage of these batteries, however, is that they typically have a much longer lifespan and don''t require the same amount of ventilation or cooling as other batteries, so they can be installed in more locations.
Photo courtesy of Panasonic Eco Systems
A single battery costs anywhere from $8,000 up to about $14,000, shares Skaggs. While this sounds expensive, there are plenty of government incentives available to help offset these costs, with the most generous being the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of a battery from your federal tax bill. Some states and utilities offer their own incentives for batteries that you can add to the ITC to further lower the costs of installation.
Once your battery is installed, there shouldn''t be any ongoing maintenance costs but like any mechanical item, there can occasionally be failures, notes Skaggs. "That''s where getting a battery with a good warranty comes into play," he says. Be sure to check your warranty covers labor. If it''s not included for the full-term of the battery, find out from your contractor what their service call fees are, Skaggs says. You should also have a product warranty of at least 10 years.
The best way to ensure your battery is tailored to your energy needs and requirements is to work with a reputable installer who has a deep knowledge of your local area. However, there are some scenarios when certain types of batteries might be a better fit than others. Knowing what these are in advance means you can ask the right questions to your installer. Let''s take a closer look.
An AC-coupled battery tends to be the best choice here, as they''re easier to install onto existing solar arrays. However, there are a few batteries — including the Panasonic EVERVOLT® — that have a hybrid inverter, which means it can be either AC-coupled or DC-coupled.
It''s important to let your installer know if you expect your energy demand to rise significantly in the future. For example, you may plan on adding an electric vehicle charger or air-conditioning unit to your battery. In this case, a modular battery might be a good option, as this will make it easier to expand the capacity of your system.
Some batteries — like the Panasonic EVERVOLT® — come with built-in operating modes, including a time-of-use mode. This allows you to program your battery to turn on and provide power to your home when electricity costs rise, thereby avoiding paying higher rates.
All battery storage systems provide backup power in an outage. The type you choose depends on which of your appliances you want to keep running when the grid fails. If you want to power several smaller devices, choose a battery with a higher capacity and lower power output. If, however, you have larger appliances you want to keep running, like air-conditioning and medical equipment, choose a battery with a lower capacity but higher power output.
Working with a reputable installer with a strong track-record will ensure your battery system is optimized to meet the energy needs of your household. When you''re ready to make a decision, a Panasonic-authorized installer can help you pick the best battery for your home.
NEWARK, N.J. —Panasonic Corporation of North America today announced a new generation of the EVERVOLT® Home Battery System: a modular residential storage system that supports both DC and AC coupling, making it a versatile solution for both new and existing solar installations. This fully integrated energy storage solution combines a hybrid inverter, lithium-ion battery and new EVERVOLT® SmartBox, an all-in-one home energy management device. Featuring a compact and sleek design, this system can be installed indoors or outdoors and can be mounted to either the floor or wall.
The new EVERVOLT Home Battery System offers maximum 18kWh lithium-ion battery capacity, allowing homeowners to store excess solar power for power outages. Up to four EVERVOLT Home Batteries can be stacked to a single EVERVOLT SmartBox to achieve up to 30kW of power and 72kWh of usable energy to provide maximum power and meet even the heaviest demands.
"With the increased focus on clean energy, the EVERVOLT Home Battery System provides homeowners with a new, enhanced solution for energy management that is easy to install and can be used with new and existing solar systems," said Mukesh Sethi, Director, Solar and Energy Storage, Panasonic Eco Systems North America, a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America.
Additional features of the new EVERVOLT Home Battery System include:
SmartBox: Energy Management All-in-One
A key differentiator of the EVERVOLT Home Battery System is the EVERVOLT SmartBox: an all-in-one home energy management device that connects homeowners to the battery, home loads, grid, and solar system. The SmartBox seamlessly switches to the battery backup for supply of electricity during a power outage or grid failure and enables homeowners to control up to six loads (appliances connected to an electrical panel) allowing them to optimize and extend backup power use for their most critical power needs. Outdoor-rated and protected by a twelve-year warranty, the SmartBox provides homeowners reliable energy management even for off-grid use and in case of a power outage.
EVERVOLT® App for Enhanced Energy Monitoring
The enhanced EVERVOLT app, available to download this summer for Apple or Android devices, makes monitoring energy storage and expenditures easier than ever. With the click of a button, homeowners can track battery levels, view energy consumption data, and view alerts and instructions on how to troubleshoot errors. In addition, the EVERVOLT Home Battery System can receive firmware updates in real time via over-the-air (OTA) software for continuous optimization.
Streamlined Protection for EVERVOLT Systems
The EVERVOLT AllGuard All System Warranty bundles protection and coverage for the EVERVOLT solar system, making claims easier for installers and homeowners. When installed by a Panasonic Authorized Installer, it offers customers comprehensive protection covering product, performance and labor across all major systems and components of the solar installation.
Homeowners also have peace of mind thanks to the Panasonic EVERVOLT Battery certification, a program designed to ensure homeowners receive high-quality installations for their investments. This certification ensures that skilled installers are fully trained on EVERVOLT technology, enabling them to provide reliable and efficient installations.
To create a seamless educational experience for Panasonic''s Authorized Installers, Panasonic is launching an upgraded learning platform, with several new features:
This enhanced user experience will simplify education and training, leaving more time for installers to focus on their businesses.
The new Panasonic EVERVOLT Home Battery System and EVERVOLT SmartBox will be available in Fall 2023. For more information, please visit: https://na.panasonic /us/energy-solutions/battery-storage/.
About Panasonic Corporation of North America Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading provider of Consumer Lifestyle technologies, as well as innovative Smart Mobility, Sustainable Energy, Immersive Experiences, and Integrated Supply Chain solutions for its business and government clients. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation. One of Interbrand''s Top 100 Best Global Brands of 2022, Panasonic is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. Learn more about Panasonic''s ideas and innovations at na.panasonic /us.
About 50 kWh panasonic energy storage
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in 50 kWh panasonic energy storage have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient 50 kWh panasonic energy storage for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various 50 kWh panasonic energy storage featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
