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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Lithium batteries power solar systems for houses

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Tired of high electricity bills? 

Enfinity Imperial Solar Solutions, Inc. (EISSI) launched this week the eSaver 3000, a 24/7 residential package that includes a 1.5 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar solution with a 2.9 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium battery. 

In a launch-demonstration for the media held at the Hillsborough Homes Village in Paranaque, the system claimed a longer life span and bigger capacity than traditional lead acid batteries, which means a mor reliable and affordable opition for powering solar rooftops. eSaver 3000 is actually part of an overall eSaver System which includes 24/7 residential packages for households of various sizes.

 “We hope that this would pave the way for ending homeowners’ dependence on grid power,” said Jocelyn Sta. Ana, EISSI president. 

Lithium batteries best for hotter climates? Jocelyn Sta. Ana, EISSI president, says their technology sets the bar for mass housing solar power systems.

Enfinity Imperial Solar Solutions, Inc. (EISSI) is a joint venture between Imperial Homes Corp. and the Belgian company Enfinity.  The company recently launched the country’s first 24-hour solar-powered mass housing projects in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and Rosmont Heights in Legazpi City, Albay.  

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Saves money

Sta. Ana said eSaver 3000 can produce between 180 kilowatt-hour (kwh) up to 278kwh per month. The energy generated by the system may offset the homeowner’s electric bill by as much as Php1,800 up to Php3,300 monthly, based on Php10-12 per kwh rate.

 “Investors may calculate an investment yield of between 7 to 13 percent, assuming conservatively that the electricity rate is constant.  It is an effective and excellent money saver,” explained Sta. Ana.

She added that eSaver also helps protect the environment. “Every 1.5kWp installation equates to 1900kg carbon emission avoided yearly. This is equivalent to planting 308 square-meters of forest,” she said. 

New battery

Nickel and lead acid batteries are the most common energy storage for solar solutions available for off-grid renewable systems. But these are being gradually phased out due to high production costs, and its effect on the environment.

Sta. Ana acknowledged that lithium batteries may be expensive at first, but have superior qualities and capabilities compared to a typical lead acid battery.

A typical lead acid battery lasts up to 500-1000 charge and discharge cycles, while a lithium battery would last up to at least 3,000 cycles. Lead acid battery usually lasts from 2-3 years only.

A lithium battery can last for at least five years. With good battery management, its lifespan could be extended from 10 to 15 years, Sta. Ana said.

“There is currently no perfect solution for anything, but lithium batteries present better cost of ownership in a number of applications, specifically in hotter climates like Philippines,” she explained. 

 Financing options

Sta. Ana said several financial institutions have are financing renewable solutions for consumers. Among them are BPI, BPI Family Bank, BDO, Landbank, Pag-Ibig, and Producer’s Bank, which provide different funding mechanisms on how the solar solution may be purchased. 

The Batangas and Bicol housing projects launched by EISSI, called Via Verde, are a mix of row and two-bedroom townhouses Homebuyers may avail of the house and lot packages and the solar solution that can produce up to 4 kwh per day. 

EISSI is targeting about 5,000 solar-powered homes in the next three years. 

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