Solarkobo Score: 4.2/5
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 AlphaESS batteries, AlphaESS is a Chinese manufacturer based in Jiangsu, China. It was founded in 2012 and has 15+ subsidiaries providing local services in more than 90 countries, including Germany, Australia, Italy, South Korea and the United Kingdom. AlphaESS makes its batteries in Suzhou, China.
According to a 2021 report, AlphaESS accounted for 15% of the global market share of the 4.5GWh of residential solar batteries shipped in 2020, next to Tesla and Pylontech. AlphaESS has won multiple awards for its products and has a strong reputation in the ESS market as a leading brand. It has also expanded its production lines to include portable solar generators, to the commercial & industrial, with all of its its products subjected to multiple international standard certificates including IEC, TÃœV Rhine, KBIA, and JET.
General Features of AlphaESS Batteries
LFP Technology
AlphaESS makes its batteries with the Lithium iron phosphate cells. This makes them safe, long-lasting and able to operate under high temperatures without the risk of explosion.
AC/DC Coupling
A standout feature of AlphaESS batteries is that they can be either DC-coupled, that is to solar panels through a hybrid inverter or AC-coupled, that is, directly into grid power. This allows them to be used with or without solar panels and/or inverters. The incorporated inverter eliminates the additional cost of an inverter. For those with an already-existing system, they can be AC-coupled to the system.
Modular And Elegant Design
They are designed with aesthetically pleasing storage units in which individually purchased modules can be added to scale up net output power without requiring additional equipment or floor space. They are also compact and lightweight allowing users to maximize available installation space without making any major compromises on power storage capacity.
Management System that Incorporates an Inverter
Designed for self-consumption, AlphaESS batteries offer a comprehensive solution that combines a hybrid inverter, a battery management system and a storage unit. This integrated system allows for the seamless addition of single modules to scale the storage capacity as needed. With the hybrid inverter, solar power generated can be directly utilized in the household or used to charge the battery. Additionally, the inverter enables the conversion of battery power into usable AC power. AlphaESS incorporates inverters in their batteries to eliminate additional costs or extra components or even questions about inverter-battery compatibility, as is the case with other battery brands.
Warranty
AlphaESS covers their batteries with a 5-year product warranty. As to the performance of the batteries, they guarantee that they will retain a minimum of 80% of their original capacity after 10 years. The guarantee terms requires users to connect the batteries to the internet and to use the batteries only for self-consumption, otherwise the warranty will be valid only for 3 years.
Range of AlphaESS Inverters
AlphaESS offers their batteries in two series, a SMILE series with output ratings from 3kW to 9.6kW per unit, which is directed at the residential energy storage market and a STORION series with output ratings up to 1MW that is designed primarily for the commercial market.
Conclusion,
Like other Chinese brands, AlphaESS has a slightly below average price point in comparison to other ESS brands. This, along with the inverter they come with that removes the need for additional component costs, makes them a great option for people looking to acquire an energy storage system. AlphaESS is a pre-eminent market leader with a solid reputation for its batteries. They are popular among users and industry experts. Solarkobo would definitely and confidently recommend them to our clients.