Batteries

Reliable Energy at Your Fingertips

Understanding Battery Technology

The world of energy storage is rapidly evolving, with countless new battery companies and chemistries competing to lead the way. At Solar Plus, we’ve worked with everything from cost-effective lead-acid batteries to premium lithium iron phosphate systems.

Battery chemistry plays a crucial role in determining cost and longevity. The rise of electric vehicles has driven down the cost of lithium-ion production, making lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate the new standard for Solar Plus microgrids.

Early solar setups typically used lead-acid batteries, like those in cars. While affordable, they had significant drawbacks: limited to 50% capacity use and rarely lasting beyond five years. This led many off-grid users to operate within just the top 20% of their capacity to extend lifespan, making frequent replacements necessary despite their low upfront cost.

Evolution from Lithium Ion to Lithium Iron

The shift from Lithium Ion to Lithium Iron batteries has begun as battery technology moves towards batteries that do not require rare minerals.

Lithium Ion

Higher Energy Density

Needs Active Cooling

No Recycling

Cobalt Toxicity

Flammable

Lithium Iron

Last Longer

Does Not Need Cooling

More Recyclable

Iron Replaces Cobalt

Far Less Flammable

Batteries for Commercial Projects

Discover AES 266HV Commercial Battery Cabinet

Large-scale energy storage in a single outdoor cabinet, built for businesses, farms, and microgrids that need serious capacity without the complexity of a containerized system.

Features

  • Big capacity, one footprint: 266 kWh nominal and 261 kWh usable, with 131 kW of max continuous power.

  • Built to grow: Modular platform scales from 100 kWh to 4 MWh without major redesigns.

  • Simpler installs: Pairs directly with C&I hybrid inverters like the Sol-Ark 60K, with no separate microgrid controller, EMS controller, or extra transformer needed.

  • Weather ready: Liquid cooled, IP55 (NEMA 3R) rated, and operates from -22°F to 131°F.

  • Efficient and certified: 94% round-trip efficiency, certified to UL 1973, UL 9540A, and UL 9540.

  • Flexible use: Supports demand response, peak shaving, and backup power on grid-tied sites, plus grid-independent power for off-grid and microgrid projects.

Specifications

Usable Energy: 261 kWh
Continuous Power: 131 kW
Nominal Voltage: 832 V
Weight: 6,285 lb
Dimensions: 51 x 51 x 93 in

Source: Discover AES Cabinet specs

Monitor and Manage Your Energy from Anywhere

Maximize Energy Performance: Leverage smart load management to optimize the efficiency of every circuit.

Automate Backup Power: Seamlessly ensure business continuity with automated backup systems.

Enhance Demand Response: Use peak shaving to reduce energy costs and optimize power usage during high-demand periods.

Comprehensive Energy Insights: Track energy production, consumption, storage, and grid sales in real time.

Battery Health Monitoring: Easily monitor battery performance and ensure optimal operation.

Remote Configuration: Adjust settings and perform commissioning remotely for ultimate convenience.

Batteries for Residential Projects

Discover HELIOS ESS

A 16 kWh wall-mounted battery built for whole-home backup, off-grid living, and homes that want room to expand.

Features

  • One battery, big capacity: 16 kWh of usable capacity in a compact, outdoor-rated enclosure.

  • Room to grow: Expandable up to 580 kWh for growing residential or light-commercial needs.

  • Outdoor rated: NEMA 3R / IP65 for indoor or outdoor installation, with dual fire arrestors.

  • Backed long term: 10-year workmanship warranty plus a 93 MWh energy throughput performance guarantee.

  • Certified: UL 1973, UL 9540A, and UL 9540 DC ESS 3rd Edition.

Specifications

Energy: 16 kWh usable

Voltage: 51.2 V

Capacity: 314 Ah

Continuous Discharge: 200 A / 10.2 kW

Source: Discover HELIOS ESS

Pytes V16

A high-power 16 kWh battery with built-in safety features and corrosion protection, a strong fit for Kauai's salt air.

Features

  • Built for coastal conditions: IP66 enclosure with C4-M corrosion resistance.

  • Safety built in: Integrated DC circuit breaker, pre-charge circuit, and aerosol fire suppression inside the battery itself.

  • Powers heavy loads: Strong enough to run HVAC, appliances, and EV chargers.

  • Flexible install: Wall or floor mounted, expandable up to 16 units (256 kWh) in parallel without a hub.

  • Long life: Designed for up to 8,000 cycles with a 10-year warranty.

  • Certified: UL 9540 Ed.3 (2023), UL 9540A, UL 1973, UN 38.3.

Specifications

Energy: 16.07 kWh
Voltage: 51.2 V
Capacity: 314 Ah
Max Output: 10.24 kW

Source: Pytes V16