Varta Pulse 6
Is This Your Business?Varta was originally founded in 1887 by Adoph Muller. Based in Germany, the company was responsible for pharmaceuticals, specialty chemical businesses, battery production, and plastic manufacturing. Nearly 100 years later, Varta split its businesses up forming Varta AG which kept the battery and plastics portion of the business. Over time, Varta AG terminated its plastics operation and solely focused on its battery production.
Currently, Varta mass produces and develops a number of battery products including micro batteries, household batteries, and renewable energy storage systems (or solar batteries). These batteries are produced in one of Varta’s five manufacturing plants spread across both Europe and Asia. This massive production effort requires nearly 5,000 employees that help with battery development and creation.
The company officially entered the energy storage industry back in 2012 when it launched its first solar product, Varta Storage. Since then, Varta has continued to advance and improve its storage technology launching its “Pulse” line. The Pulse 3 is still available for purchase, but the most recent solar battery release is the Varta Pulse 6.
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The Good
- Recognized Battery Efficiency
- Compact Unit
- Complete All-in-One System
- PV Communication Capabilities
Recognized Battery Efficiency
Battery efficiency is an important metric to consider when selecting a solar battery for the home. Varta has put a lot of time and energy into creating its Pulse line dedicated to providing this desired efficiency. Among comparable AC energy storage systems, Varta has been recognized and ranked as one of the most efficient solar batteries on the market in both battery efficiency and standby consumption. Not all solar batteries can boast these same top ratings.
Compact Unit
Solar batteries in general take up quite a bit of space. Between the actual unit dimensions and the weight of the storage system itself, most of the solar batteries on the market are relatively large in size.
Varta worked to develop a more compact solution when it came to manufacturing effective solar battery products. The Varta Pulse 6, according to the company, is the smallest system on the solar battery market. The Pulse 6 provides one of the highest energy density solutions without taking up much space. The Varta Pulse 6 can be mounted on the wall, saving space in comparison to units that are too heavy and require floor mounting. This is ideal for clients with smaller homes.
Complete All-in-One System
A major determining factor for many solar battery clients is the presence of an integrated inverter. If a solar battery does not have its own integrated inverter, a separate piece of equipment will be required for purchase in order for the solar system, solar battery, and the home itself to work in unison to store and provide energy.
The Varta Pulse 6 is an all-in-one AC system making the unit itself suitable for retrofitting (in the event that the homeowner had a PV system installed previously) as well as for new solar system installations.
PV Communication Capabilities
Many solar batteries are specifically designed to work alongside the same manufacturing company’s solar panels. This allows manufacturers to sell these products as somewhat of a package deal instead of allowing homeowners to shop around and pick the equipment that best works for their particular situation.
Unlike many solar batteries on the market, Varta designed the Pulse 6 to seamlessly communicate with a wide range of PV solar systems. With the Varta Pulse 6 system, homeowners can rest assured that the Pulse 6 unit will be able to seamlessly and efficiently communicate to store power, regardless of the brand of their installed solar panels.
The Bad
- Power Output
- Cost per kWh
Power Output
While there are a number of advantages to having an extremely compact system installed, there are drawbacks to “smaller” solar batteries. One of those limitations is the battery’s power output capabilities. The maximum power output of a single Varta Pulse 6 Ac coupled battery system is 2.5 kW, which is lower than a lot of solar batteries available on the market. This may not be an issue for smaller homes, but properties that require a greater power output structure will likely have to look elsewhere for their storage needs.
Cost per kWh
One major hold-up for homeowners when it comes to purchasing a solar battery and storage system is the cost. It is clear how solar systems can save homeowners money, but the savings are not as obvious with solar batteries. To combat this issue, many manufacturers have adjusted prices particularly for homeowners who also install a PV system. Tax incentive programs are also used to decrease the overall price of storage systems.
When pricing out a solar battery based on its usable capacity, it is clear some systems cost substantially more than others. Unfortunately, the Varta Pulse 6 system falls into the more expensive category, costing homeowners $1,236 per kWh.
The Bottom Line
Varta provides renewable energy storage systems that are designed to provide efficient storage and power output solutions. In fact, the Varta Pulse 6 has been globally recognized by independent ranking organizations as the ultimate AC efficiency system.
The unit itself is one of the more compact systems on the market allowing for wall-mounted installation or multiple units for increased capacity. The Varta Pulse 6 is an all-in-one AC system meaning it has its own integrated battery inverter, something not commonly found in smaller solar battery units. Varta designs its products to effectively communicate with all PV solar systems so the Pulse 6 will seamlessly work with a wide range of solar panels and systems.
While there are a number of features that draw homeowners to the Varta Pulse 6 solar battery, there are downsides to the product to be aware of prior to purchasing as well. The power output with one single Pulse 6 battery is lower than the industry average, coming out to 2.5 kW. The cost for that continuous power and capacity abilities is also on the higher end per kWh.
Those looking for a compact solar battery or homeowners with smaller properties and residences to power will likely benefit from what the Varta Pulse 6 has to offer. However, those with increased usable capacity and continuous power needs may want to look into competing products.
