SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) is entering into a long-term sales partnership with Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Diamler AG that provides stationary battery-storage systems. The partnership is formed in response to Germany’s growing demand for energy storage systems.
SMA’s experiences
SMA’s Flexible Storage System is compatible with Mercedes-Benz’s battery solutions. The up to 20kWh Mercedes-Benz energy storage system is made of lithium-ion technology and is designed for residential use. The SMA system automatically adjusts the battery usage season by season. It also charges itself on basis of certain forecasts. The two features help lengthen the battery’s lifespan.
“With the combined solution of the Mercedes-Benz energy storage and the SMA Flexible Storage System, electrical energy can already be stored at costs comparable to German household electricity rates,” said SMA Chief Executive Officer Pierre-Pascal Urbon.
SMA’s technology discovers the approach to configure the energy storage system for ensuring optimal use of power. By combining with the Mercedes-Benz storage solution, SMA allows households to optimize power generation and consumptions of a solar system owner.
“The joint sales partnership means that we can respond to the promising market for stationary storage systems even better,” explained Urbon. “For us, it is crystal clear that the future of the energy industry is decentralized and based on renewable energy. The use of stationary storage systems will not only speed up the energy transition but also create additional jobs in Germany.”
Off-grid systems applicable
The comprehensive SMA solution combines Sunny Island battery inverter, Sunny Home Manager and SMA Energy Meter. The solution offers users of low-voltage storage systems from Mercedes-Benz maximum flexibility and high quality.
Furthermore, the seasonal adjustment of battery usage feature offers customers with optimal use of battery no matter how the weather is – even during the summer and the winter.
“This is a unique advantage that reduces costs for users just as the forecast-based charging, which uses the integrated forecast to specifically charge the battery at times when solar irradiation levels are high,” said Volker Wachenfeld, Head of the Off-Grid and Storage business unit at SMA. “If users also integrate energy monitoring into their system, they will receive an overview of all household energy flows via Sunny Home Manager, be able to visualize their yield forecast and electricity rates and to display recommended actions for increasing self-consumption and reducing electricity costs.”
SMA presented the joint storage solution for the first time at the Capital Markets Day on January 29. The home storage solution will be available in the German market in March.