Today, we're going to delve into the world of solar energy storage, focusing on a leading company named Sonnen and their exceptional product, the SonnenBatterie Evo. Solar batteries are revolutionising the way we utilise the sun's energy, storing it effectively for use at any time of the day or night.
Who is Sonnen?
Sonnen GmbH is a global leader in the development and production of smart energy storage systems and innovative energy services for households. The company was founded in 2010 in Wildpoldsried, Germany, and has since expanded its operations worldwide, including Australia.
Sonnen's primary product, the SonnenBatterie, is a fully-integrated, smart home storage solution composed of safe and long-lasting Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery modules, intelligent energy management software, and a power inverter.
Storage and Output Capabilities of SonnenBatterie Evo
The SonnenBatterie Evo is a powerhouse when it comes to energy storage and output. It has a nominal capacity of 11 kWh and a usable capacity of 10 kWh. This means it can store up to 10 kWh of energy, which is quite substantial for a home solar battery system.
To see if a 10kw system can power your home, here's something that might help you.
In terms of output, the SonnenBatterie Evo operates at a rated active power of 5000 W, and it can continuously charge or discharge at a maximum power of 5 kW. This indicates that it can supply a significant amount of power to your home at any given time.
One of the standout features of the SonnenBatterie Evo is its modularity. The system is designed in such a way that it can be expanded to meet your growing energy needs. This is particularly beneficial if you plan to increase your solar capacity in the future or if your household's energy consumption patterns change over time.
In summary, the SonnenBatterie Evo offers a flexible and robust solution for storing solar energy. Its substantial storage capacity and impressive output capabilities, make it a versatile and future-proof choice for homeowners looking to optimise their solar power systems.
Power backup
For a small home with a constant power consumption of 2.4 kW, the battery could theoretically power the home for about 4.17 hours. This is calculated by dividing the total energy storage (10 kWh) by the power consumption (2.4 kW).
Here is what a small home might typically use:
- Refrigerator: A typical refrigerator uses about 150 watts of power.
- LED Lights: If the home has 10 LED lights and each uses about 10 watts, that's 100 watts.
- Television: A typical LED TV might use around 70 watts.
- Laptop Computer: A laptop might use around 50 watts.
- Wi-Fi Router: A Wi-Fi router typically uses about 10 watts.
- Microwave: While in use, a microwave might use about 1000 watts.
- Air Conditioning: A small window air conditioner might use around 500 watts.
- Washing Machine: A washing machine uses around 500 watts.
Adding these up will get about 2.4kW, and you would typically get over 4 hours of backup power if you suddenly lose power.
For a larger home with a constant power consumption of about 4.8kW, you would typically get just over 2 hours of backup power if you lose connection to the grid.
However, it's important to note that these calculations assume constant power usage, which is not typically the case in most homes. Power usage can fluctuate throughout the day based on the number of appliances being used, the time of day, and other factors. Additionally, the battery's performance can be affected by factors such as the battery's state of charge, its age, and the ambient temperature.
SonnenBatterie Evo is AC-Coupled
The SonnenBatterie Evo is an AC-coupled storage system.
In an AC-coupled storage system, the solar panels and the battery storage are both connected to the grid independently through their own inverters. The solar panels have a solar inverter that converts the DC electricity they produce into AC electricity that can be used in your home or exported to the grid.
The battery storage has a separate battery inverter that can convert AC electricity from the grid or your solar panels into DC to charge the battery, and then convert it back into AC when discharging.
SonnenBatterie Evo can be retrofitted onto existing solar system
The advantage of AC-coupled systems is that they are very flexible and can be easily added to an existing solar panel system. They also allow the solar panels and the battery to operate independently of each other, which can be beneficial in certain situations, such as during a power outage.
Optimal location for SonnenBatterie Evo
The SonnenBatterie Evo has the following dimensions: 710 mm (width) x 1400 mm (height) x 427 mm (depth). The approximate installed weight of the system is 163.5 kg, which includes the cabinet (74 kg), each battery module (40 kg), and the plinth (9.5 kg).
As for the ideal location, the SonnenBatterie Evo is designed for outdoor installation. It can endure various climates and changing energy requirements, making it a versatile choice for different environments. However, it operates best within an ambient temperature range of -5 ⁰C to 45 ⁰C, so it's advisable to find a location that doesn't experience extreme temperatures. The system also has a permissible installation altitude of up to 2,000 m.
How long can the SonnenBatterie Evo last?
The SonnenBatterie Evo is rated for 10,000 cycles. This means that the battery can be fully charged and then discharged 10,000 times while still maintaining its ability to hold a significant amount of its rated charge.
In real-world terms, if you were to fully charge and discharge your SonnenBatterie Evo once a day, a 10,000 cycle lifespan would equate to nearly 27 years of use. However, in most households, a battery isn't fully charged and discharged each day. Instead, it might be charged with excess solar power during the day and then discharged in the evening to power your home. This means that the battery might only go through a partial cycle each day, which can actually extend its lifespan even further.
However, it's important to note the difference between the battery's lifespan and its warranty. Sonnen provides a warranty for the SonnenBatterie Evo for 10 years or 10,000 cycles, whichever comes first. This means that if the battery fails or its capacity significantly decreases within this period, Sonnen will repair or replace it.
Even after 10,000 cycles, the SonnenBatterie Evo won't suddenly stop working. Instead, its ability to hold a charge will gradually decrease over time. So even after its rated number of cycles, it will still be able to store and provide power - just not as much as when it was new.
Charging the SonnenBatterie Evo: From Solar Panels and the Grid
The SonnenBatterie Evo can be charged from both solar panels and the grid, providing flexibility and ensuring that your home has power when it needs it.
When charging from solar panels, the time it takes to fully charge the battery depends on the size of your solar system and the amount of sunlight available. For instance, if you have a typical 5 kW solar system and it's a sunny day, your solar panels might produce around 20 kWh of electricity over the course of the day. Given that the SonnenBatterie Evo has a usable capacity of 10 kWh, it could be fully charged in about half a day. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the weather and the time of year.
When charging from the grid, the SonnenBatterie Evo can charge at a maximum power of 5 kW. This means that if the battery is completely empty, it would take about 2 hours to fully charge from the grid. However, it's important to note that the actual charging time can depend on factors such as the capacity of your electrical service and the amount of other loads in your home.
Sonnen vs Tesla
We wrote our thoughts on this topic over here. Take a look.
In summary, both are great products, but Tesla is not manufactured in Australia for Australian consumers.
Sonnen Battery Specs
SonnenBatterie Evo: The Verdict
The SonnenBatterie Evo has many advantages, including high efficiency, substantial storage capacity, robust safety features, and a comprehensive warranty. However, like any product, it also has its limitations, such as the need for professional installation and the initial cost.
Therefore, it's most suitable for those who are looking for a long-term, sustainable solution for their energy needs and are willing to make an upfront investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SonnenBatterie Evo is a remarkable product that offers a sustainable and efficient solution for storing solar energy. Its impressive features and specifications make it a worthy consideration for anyone looking to optimise their solar power system. As always, it's important to consider your specific needs and circumstances before making a decision. If you're interested in learning more about the SonnenBatterie Evo or have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Sonnen's customer support. They're ready and willing to assist you on your solar energy journey.
