Eguana Evolve

• Evolve Models
• Operating Modes
• Battery Reserve Feature

Evolve Models

Many battery manufacturers will only supply the latest solar battery created. With Eguana, there are two models available in the Evolve series for clients to choose from. There is the Evolve LFP and the Evolve ESS. These different models provide varying capacity limits and continuous power ratings. The Eguana Evolve ESS has been identified as the ideal selection for homeowners looking for a reliable backup system. 

Operating Modes 

The Eguana Evolve ESS will provide power to a residence, but there are three modes to choose from. Homeowners have the option of determining what operating mode the Eguana Evolve ESS system is operating in. These modes of operation include the following:

• Backup Power Mode — This mode limits the battery to only discharge energy if the utility grid goes down as a result of a power outage.
• Solar Self-Consumption — In solar self-consumption, the battery assists in powering the home when solar panels fail to produce enough electricity to cover all of the energy being used at a particular time.
• Time of Use Scheduling Mode — With time of use, the battery charges itself when utility prices are at its lowest and then discharges electricity when utility prices are at its highest. 

By offering multiple operating modes, Eguana Evolve ESS users can prioritize battery usage and maximize savings. 

Battery Reserve Feature

Many solar batteries will offer various operating modes, but the Eguana Evolve ESS system offers the battery reserve feature which is unique to its technology. With the battery reserve feature, the Eguana Evolve ESS automatically will conserve 25 percent of its capacity when set to solar self consumption or time of use mode.

During this time, homeowners can access up to 75 percent of the electricity that is stored within the system, but the home can only receive that last 25 percent of energy in the event that the power goes out. Homeowners can adjust these percentages based on preference and need. This provides a level of security, particularly during outages, that other batteries do not always prioritize.

• Warranty
• Performance Metrics
• Cost

Warranty

Despite offering a 10-year warranty, there are additional stipulations and limitations place on the Eguana Evolve ESS protection plan that clients should be aware of prior to purchase. The guaranteed end of warranty capacity is only 60 percent which is well below the industry average.

Most solar batteries hover in the 80 to 90 percentile ranges when it comes to the end of the covered warranty period. The throughput warranty is only 19.2 megawatt hours per module as well, which is also below average in comparison to other coverage models within the solar battery industry. 

Performance Metrics

Despite taking extra precautions to provide energy during outage situations, the overall performance of the Eguana Evolve ESS can be critiqued. The usable storage is slightly above average when compared to other solar batteries, but it is downhill from there. The power rating and round-trip efficiency are both lower than the industry average.

For homeowners looking to maximize how much total solar energy a home has access to and can use at any given time, the Eguana Evolve ESS will not be on the same level as other solar batteries. 

Cost

Considering the limitations of the production and equipment warranty as well as below average performance specifications in a number of areas, one would think that the system would be less expensive than its counterparts. That is not the case with the Eguana Evolve ESS which still costs anywhere from $10,000 to $13,000 without incorporating installation costs.