SolarKobo Score: 4.3/5
Manufacturer's Profile
The makers of Panasonic solar panels, Panasonic Corporation, is a Japanese multinational electronics company founded March 13th 1918 in Osaka, Japan. Until 2008, its corporate name was ‘Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.’ In 2008, it became Panasonic Corporation. Panasonic has sold its products under brand names like National, Sanyo and Technics. Since the 2000’s and beyond, Panasonic gained footing in the global market for numerous achievements as a top brand in all markets they serve.
Along with SunPower and LG, Panasonic makes what are regarded as the premium solar panel brands. Read our review of Panasonic solar panels here.
Panasonic sells its energy storage systems through Panasonic Eco Systems. With 23GW of factory capacity, they are one of the world's largest manufacturers of energy storage systems. It entered the energy storage market in 2019 when it launched the original EverVolt. The larger EverVolt 2.0 was launched in November 2021.
Highlights
Battery Chemistry
The Panasonic EverVolt battery uses a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery chemistry. NMC batteries are known for their high energy density, long lifespan, and good thermal stability. They are also relatively affordable compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries. A standout feature is their impressive lifespan, with EverVolt batteries boasting up to 10 years of reliable performance.
The second-generation EverVolt 2.0, however, is made with LFP battery cells.
Design
The Panasonic EverVolt battery has a sleek and modern design. It is also very compact and lightweight, making it easy to install in a variety of locations. The battery also has a built-in carrying handle, making it easy to transport.
Long Life Cycle
The Panasonic EverVolt battery has a lifespan of up to 10 years.
Battery Monitoring System
The Panasonic EverVolt battery comes with a built-in battery monitoring system. This system allows users to monitor the battery's charge level, power output, and other important metrics. The battery monitoring system can also be used to troubleshoot any problems that may occur with the battery.
Series
The EverVolt
The Panasonic EverVolt battery is available in two series: the Standard and the Plus. The Standard series has a storage capacity of 11.4 kWh, while the Plus series has a storage capacity of 17.1 kWh. Both the Standard and Plus are designed in both AC-coupled and DC-coupled configurations. The EverVolt is only indoor-rated and cannot be installed outside.
Each system is made up of one, two, or three 5.7 kWh units, which can be stacked to create a system with a total energy capacity of over 100 kWh. The EverVolt is designed to be easy to install and can be carried and installed by a single installer.
The EverVolt is compatible with both existing and new solar systems. It can be added to an existing solar system, without the inverter being replaced.
The Panasonic EverVolt battery comes with a 10-year warranty. This warranty covers both product workmanship and performance. It ensures coverage for any defects in the product for up to 10 years or until your battery has generated 7.56 MWh (approximately 7,000 kWh) of energy, whichever comes first. To qualify for this warranty, buyers are advised to register their battery within 60 days of installation and to have the system installed by a Certified EverVolt Installer. The performance warranty also extends for 10 years, guaranteeing that your battery will retain at least 60% of its initial capacity under normal use.
The EverVolt 2.0
LFP Battery Chemistry
Launched in November 2021, the standout feature of the EverVolt 2.0 is that it uses LFP batteries, which are known for their safety, long lifespan, and good thermal stability. Its other include the following:
Increased Energy Storage Capacity
The EverVolt 2.0 provides a continuous power output of 7.6 kW off-grid and 9.6 kW with grid, enough to power an average household load. It also boasts two energy storage capacity options: 17.1 kWh or 25.65 kWh per system (usable capacity).
Hybrid Inverter
The EverVolt 2.0 comes with a hybrid inverter, which means that it can be used with both AC-coupled and DC-coupled solar systems. It also has a max PV input of 12 kW.
Outdoor Rating
Unlike the EverVolt which can only be installed indoors, the EverVolt 2.0 is outdoor rated, with an IP55 protection rating. This means that it can be installed outside, even in harsh weather conditions.
Modular Design
The EverVolt 2.0 is modular, meaning that up to three systems can be stacked together to create a system with a total energy storage capacity of over 76 kWh.
Multiple Operating Modes
The EverVolt 2.0 has multiple operating modes, including back-up mode, residential mode, time-of-use mode, and custom modes.
Field Serviceability
The EverVolt 2.0 is field serviceable, meaning that it can be repaired or replaced without having to be shipped back to the manufacturer.
New Mobile App
The EverVolt 2.0 comes with a new mobile app that allows homeowners to monitor the system data and set the operating mode.
Optional Wireless Colour LCD Display
An optional wireless color LCD display is available, which provides visibility into battery monitoring data and control over system settings.
10-year Warranty
The EverVolt 2.0 is protected by Panasonic's 10-year product and performance warranty when installed by a Certified EverVolt Installer.
EverVolt Home Battery
Panasonic's new EverVolt home battery system is a standalone home battery. It uses lithium-ion batteries, is also modular, and can be used with both new and existing solar PV systems. It can also be used as a standalone energy storage system. The system is managed and monitored by an intuitive mobile app, which gives complete the owner complete control over his energy storage and consumption.
It supports DC and AC input, allows up to 15.2kW of DC input with three Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPT), is available in three cabinet sizes: 9kWh, 13.5kWh, and 18 kWh and can be scaled up to 72kWh of usable storage capacity. It delivers up to 7.6kW continuous backup power with a single 18 kWh-cabinet and up to 30kW with four cabinets.
Conclusion
The Panasonic EverVolt battery is a great option for homeowners who are looking for a high-quality, reliable, and long-lasting battery storage system. The battery has a number of features that make it a good choice for a variety of applications, including emergency power backup, self-consumption, and time-of-use shifting. It compares very favourably with the benchmark for home energy storage system, Tesla's Powerwall.
It is however not very competitive for price and this can dissuade buyers. In that case, Solarkobo can recommend cheaper but equally sophisticated energy storage systems like Huawei's LUNA200. Regardless, they are a highly reliable, impressive, durable and sophisticated piece of energy storage technology. Solarkobo does not hesitate to recommend to its clients.