SolarKobo Score: 3.5/5
Introducing Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Batteries have been in use for a rather long time both in standalone off-grid setups and in backup power systems. In recent years, however, there has been a significant surge in the popularity of domestic energy storage systems. One of the main drivers behind this trend is the desire for energy security.
Lithium-ion batteries, now recently being offered as 'energy storage systems' or ESS, that is, with advanced features and supporting components that may or may not include a hybrid inverter, MPPT capabilities and a battery management unit, and in 'modular' designs that make them easy to install and used as plug-and-play devices, have grown in popularity over the years. One of the many reasons for this includes the increase in research efforts. For instance, the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for research in Lithium-ion battery technology. Also, the success of the Powerwall and the electric vehicle industry has had a profound effect on the ESS market especially. While lithium-based battery cell technologies are still the costliest of the existing battery technologies, production costs are being driven down by optimal manufacturing processes to meet the boom in demand and more competition that has driven major players in the solar industry into the energy storage segment of the market.
Manufacturer's Profile
The makers of Jinko Eagle and SunTank ESS, JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. was founded in 2006. It is headquartered in Shanghai, China with more than 25,000 employees in 70 countries and 14 manufacturing facilities around the world and 24 foreign subsidiaries including Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia and the US. It is represented in Nigeria by The Solar Shop Limited with its office at 273A Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
1. Jinko's Low Voltage ESS, the JKSB51 Series
1. They come in models six models, the JKS-B5150-BI, JKS-B51110-BI, JKS-B51200-BI, JKS-B51250-BI, JKS-B51300-BI, JKS-B51350-BI, JKS-B51450-BI and JKS-B51500-BI.
2. Their battery cells are made from cobalt-free LiFePO4 battery and is thus safe, non-polluting and environment friendly.
3. They come in modular and stacked design that allows for easy scaling. A single module is rated 2.56kWh and can be easily scaled up to 25.6kWh by the addition of new modules in parallel.
4. They have an Ingress Protection rating of 65. This means that they are protected against dust and water and can be installed outdoors.
5. They can be mounted on the floor on on walls.
6. Their battery management systems monitors the battery's voltage, current and temperature performances.
7. They have a relatively wide operating temperature range of -10-50C making them suitable for use in regions with high temperature.
8. They are compatible with Jinko's low voltage inverters, models JKS3HLVS-ABI, JKS3.6HLVS-ABI, JKS4HLVS-ABI, JKS4.6HLVS-ABI, JKS5HLVS-ABI and JKS6HLVS-ABI.
9. They are covered by an industry-standard 5+5-year performance warranty.
2. Jinkos' High Voltage ESS, the JKS-BXXX37-CS
1. They are designed for high voltage systems, (192V-576V).
2. Their battery cells are made from cobalt-free LiFePO4 battery and is thus safe, non-polluting and environment-friendly.
3. They come in modular and stacked design that allows for easy scaling. Their storage capacities range between 7.1 kWh and 21.31 kWh, a nominal voltage of 192 V to 576 V, and a nominal capacity of 37 Ah. to 21.31kWh.
4. They have an Ingress Protection rating of 54. This protects them against dust and water and can be installed outdoors. In short, they are designed for outdoor installation.
5. They can are meant to be mounted on floors instead of on walls.
6. Their battery management systems monitors the battery's voltage, current and temperature performances.
7. They have a relatively wide operating temperature range of -10-50C making them suitable for use in regions with high temperature.
8. They are compatible with a wide range of inverter brands.
9. They are covered by an industry-standard 5+5-year performance warranty.
THE EAGLE STORAGE
The Eagle storage solutions are designed for both residential and industrial installations. They come in two variants, the EAGLE RS for residential installations and the EAGLE CS for industrial installations. They are both equipped with intelligent US-based energy management systems for ease of use and data security.
3. The EAGLE RS
1. The EAGLE RS is designed for the residential segment.
2. It is DC-coupled.
3. It is made with LFP battery chemistry.
4. It has a 26.2 kWh total energy capacity.
5. It incorporates a 7.6 kW inverter.
6. JinkoSolar offers it in a single non-modular configuration for easy handling and installation.
7. They are rated for outdoor installation and are contained in separate cabinets to allow for flexible installations.
8. They are covered by a 10-year warranty and a 40MWh Maximum Throughput Energy.
4. The EAGLE CS
1. They are AC-coupled.
2. They are highly configurable and scalable to match the specific needs of large C&I and utility scale projects.
3. They are made with LFP battery chemistry for safety.
4. They are rated for outdoor installation and are contained in separate cabinets to allow for flexible installations.
5. They are certified to UL9650A with off-gas detection to protect against thermal runaway.
6. They are covered by a 10-year warranty and a 40MWh Maximum Throughput Energy.
4. The SunTank
1. They are made with LFP cells and are thus, safe, non-polluting and non-toxic.
2. They come in a modular design and can be scaled from 2.56 kWh to 25.6 kWh with a single-phase hybrid inverter and can provide 5.1 kW power output.
3. They have an IP65 rating allowing them to be installed outdoors.
4. They have a fairly wide operating temperature range from -10°C to +50°C.
5. They can be AC/DC coupled.
6. They are suitable for both wall and floor mounting.
In conclusion, Jinko has a good track record with solar panels. However, they are still new players in the energy storage systems market. Naturally, it will take sometime for Jinko to establish itself in the fast growing storage systems industry.
Like most Chinese manufacturers where manufacturing costs are low, they are priced below the average price points giving owners powerful and sophisticated storage systems at competitive pricing. There have been serious concerns about Jinko's warranty conditions. However, they are represented in Nigeria and warranty claims should not be a problem.
Our engineers at Solarkobo have had years of experience with their solar panels. An installation of ours has featured a Jinko battery and inverter. The system has performed optimally and we are confident enough in their reputation as industry leaders, market movers and innovators to recommend their batteries to our clients.