Anker, a leading device charging company, has made a bold move into Tesla’s domain with the launch of its Solix line of home energy products. The company made this announcement at an event held in New York City, unveiling a modular battery storage system akin to Tesla’s Powerwall, along with a smaller battery targeted at individuals residing in condominiums and apartments. Anker has also introduced balcony-mounted solar panels that can be used in conjunction with the smaller battery.
The modular battery system, scheduled to be available worldwide in 2024, offers scalability from 5kWh of power, capable of running an average-sized house for a few hours, all the way up to an impressive 180kWh, which can potentially power a house for nearly a week. Designed to provide backup power to both existing and new solar installations, Anker guarantees that the system will deliver high levels of safety and durability. It seamlessly transitions to off-grid power and is compatible with various home energy equipment, including heat pumps and oil- or gas-powered generators. Moreover, the system will integrate with an upcoming EV charging solution, according to the company.
Anker’s battery system employs lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and operates within a temperature range of -20C to 55C (-4F to 131F). It is controlled by Anker’s power management system and can be conveniently monitored and managed through a dedicated app. While Anker has yet to disclose pricing details, the company has promised to release more information later this year.
For comparison, Tesla’s Powerwall 2 units offer nearly triple the power capacity (13.5kWh each), come at a cost of $11,500 per unit (including installation), and can be scaled up to 135kWh. Standalone Powerwall installations are eligible for a 30 percent residential federal investment tax credit, in addition to potential state incentives.
Alongside the modular battery system, Anker introduced the Solarbank E1600 battery pack, which is part of an energy storage system tailored for apartments and condos. The product will initially be available in Europe, complementing the company’s recently launched Solix RS40 balcony solar panel system. Anker assures compatibility with “99 percent of the balcony PV products on the market.”
The Solarbank E1600 battery pack is a modular solution offered in sizes ranging from 1.6kWh to 3.2kWh, providing several hours of power. It works seamlessly with most micro-inverters, including those bundled with the RS40 solar panels. Once plugged into a standard home power socket, the battery pack absorbs any surplus energy generated by the solar panels and supplies it back to the home in case of a grid outage. Anker promises an easy “five minute DIY installation” and claims that the product can withstand 6,000 charging cycles, double the industry average. It can also be conveniently controlled through a dedicated app.
These new energy storage products augment Anker’s existing range of batteries, which are now rebranded as Solix, including the 767 PowerHouse with a capacity of 2.05kWh, specifically designed for camping and outdoor applications. It can be charged using an optional 200W solar panel. Anker now joins the ranks of companies like Ecoflow, offering a modular battery system ranging from 3.6kWh to 25kWh with its Delta Pro battery, in the thriving market of home energy storage solutions.
