Alpha ESS

• Varying Residential Models
• All-in-One Battery System
• Green Power Solutions
• Coupling Systems

Varying Residential Models

The residential products manufactured by AlphaESS make up the manufacturer’s “SMILE” series. This series has seven varying solutions for residential property owners looking for a sustainable way to store and utilize solar energy. The varying capacity limits and integrations are what separate the AlphaESS models. Power and usable capacity models break down as follows:

• 3 kW system with 2.9-17.2 kWh of usable capacity
• 3 kW system with 5.04-30.24 kWh of usable capacity
• 3.6-5 kW system with 10.1-60.5 kWh of usable capacity
• 5 kW system with 2.9-8.0 kWh of usable capacity
• 6 kW system with 5-49.2 kWh of usable capacity
• 7.6-9.6 kW system with 8.2-49.2 kWh of usable capacity (only available in North America)
• 10 kW system with 8.2-49.2 kWh of usable capacity

With multiple power and capacity models to choose from, homeowners are likely to find a solution that best works for their home. Most solar battery manufacturers generally require clients to purchase multiple units to bolster capacity and power ratings whereas AlphaESS has created numerous models to limit the number of units required to be installed. 

All-in-One Battery System

AlphaESS offers all-in-one battery solutions that many homeowners are looking for in a solar battery. With the AlphaESS SMILE and STORION series, clients can take advantage of a system that offers a hybrid inverter, a complete battery management system, and even a storage unit where individual modules of battery capacity can be increased. This reduces the amount of equipment needed to provide complete functionality. Other solar batteries may require additional components to provide these same solutions. 

Green Power Solutions

Through the AlphaESS storage system, homeowners will still be able to access its solar power even during blackouts and outages. While that does not sound proprietary as that is the purpose of a solar battery, the unique advantage AlphaESS offers in comparison to its competition is that no other equipment is needed to make this possible. All of the required technology is integrated so no additional components will be necessary to meet output needed. This can save homeowners money and installation space in the long run. 

Coupling Systems

Typically, solar battery manufacturers will produce either an AC or DC coupled system. The manufacturers that also sell solar panels and systems typically sell AC coupled systems as those can pair up with the PV system to store and provide energy during outages and peak hours. Few competitors offer both AC and DC coupled solutions, but AlphaESS does. 

Homeowners who have a solar system installed can utilize an AC coupled AlphaESS system as these batteries can seamlessly integrate with the system. For those starting at the beginning of the renewable energy journey, the DC coupled battery makes logical sense as there will be no need to purchase an additional grid-connected inverter. The battery can do it all making it a more efficient solution. 

• Warranty Details
• SMILE Series Cost

Warranty Details

The solar battery industry average for covered warranty years is 10 years. This generally covers the equipment itself and its ability to produce. On the surface, AlphaESS also offers a 10-year warranty for its solar batteries

However, the reality is the system itself is only covered under a product warranty for five years and performance of said battery is covered for 10 years. Quality performance is defined as functioning at 80 percent of the original capacity for a solid decade. There are further stipulations to mention as well. The performance warranty is only guaranteed if the unit has internet connection and is solely used for self-consumption purposes. These limitations drastically reduce the level of protection particularly compared to its counterparts. 

SMILE Series Cost

Initially, the cost for the AlphaESS SMILE batteries looks reasonable. Afterall, a $999 starting price point is drastically lower than thousands of dollars other batteries cost.

However, the pricing model for the AlphaESS SMILE series is different from competitors. Instead of providing an estimate including installation costs for the entire storage system, AlphaESS charges per kWh of usable capacity. The initial $999 looks good, but for systems with increased usable capacity, this number skyrockets. Depending on what model/system a homeowners chooses to go with under the AlphaESS umbrella, the finances for the system may not make sense in terms of savings in the long run.