sonnenBatterie
What is the sonnenBatterie?
The sonnenBatterie is a fully integrated, smart home storage solution made up of safe and long-lasting Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery modules, an intelligent energy management software and a power inverter.
It is fully-integrated, as there are three components that are designed to work together to offer a high-quality product in one cohesive enclosure. We call this a smart home storage solution, as the energy management software includes a self-learning algorithm that continuously adapts to your consumption patterns to help your household achieve the highest self-consumption and energy savings.
How many sonnenBatteries have been installed to date?
As of 2023, sonnen has installed over 100,000 sonnenBatteries around the world.
How much does sonnenBatterie cost and where do I buy one?
The price to install a sonnenBatterie depends on the battery capacity and installation costs. This will be provided as a quote from your solar installer. sonnen works together with qualified solar installers across Australia who are accredited to install sonnen home batteries. To get a quote, register here.
What is the warranty period for a sonnenBatterie and how does it compare?
sonnen offers a 10-year full warranty on all our solar battery storage components. This means that your investment is protected for 10 years or 10,000 cycles, whichever comes first. During the warranty period, all components of your sonnenBatterie are covered: the inverter, all power electronics, the energy manager and battery modules.
Is the sonnenBatterie safe?
Yes. We only use the safest Lithium technology available: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP or LiFePO4) in our. Since the very first sonnenBatterie, sonnen have been using LFP battery modules because of LFP’s inherent safety attributes. The main point being that the battery cells do not burn and, therefore, are the ideal choice for our residential energy storage solution.
Why does sonnen use LFP battery chemistry?
The simple answer is: It’s one of the safest and longest lasting Lithium Ion chemistries available for home battery systems. We’ve been testing various battery chemistries since 2010 and have always chosen LFP battery cells over other battery chemistries such as Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt (NMC).
Does the sonnenBatterie always need to be connected to the Internet?
The sonnenBatterie needs to be connected to the Internet for warranty purposes and to allow you to monitor your household energy usage. The battery can operate without an internet connection, however, it cannot receive automated software updates. This means that you won't be able to use the monitoring and, therefore, it does not allow us to provide you with a warranty.
How do I know if the sonnenBatterie is working?
When the battery is operating in normal conditions, the LED indicator pulsates in white. Through the Internet connection, the system sends metering data to the online portal and monitoring app and informs our technical support team on any maintenance requirements. sonnen works together with your installer to ensure the sonnenBatterie gets back online as soon as possible if it ever loses its connection.
The different colours displayed by the eclipse, or by the LED indicator and its operational status is listed below:
- Pulsing White: Normal - No worries, everything is fine.
- Pulsing Green: Off-grid - No worries, your most important appliances are being supplied.
- Pulsing Orange: No Internet connection - Please try to restart your internet router.
- Solid Red: Error - Please call our technical support for service.
I already have a solar system. Can I still add a sonnenBatterie?
Yes. The sonnenBatterie can be retrofitted to any existing solar system. If you already have solar panels installed on your roof, the sonnenBatterie can simply be added by an accredited sonnen installer to complete your home energy system. Your existing solar panels and solar inverter do not have to be changed.
If you have an enquiry or would like to get a quote, please register here.
I do not have a solar system yet. How do I get a complete system?
Your preferred solar designer and installer will be able to work with you to design the most appropriate solar and home battery system for your needs. To get product consultancy and a quote, register here.
Installation regulation does not allow for an installation in habitable areas inside my house. Is this a safety concern?
The sonnenBatterie is developed with safety and durability in mind for households. In Germany, its country of origin, tens of thousands of batteries are installed in habitable areas (e.g. hallways, pantries, basements etc.). However, Australian installation regulations are different and stricter, for more information read our blog on “Indoor vs. Outdoor - Where to install your solar battery”.
Can the sonnenBatterie be installed outdoors?
Yes. The sonnenBatterie Evo is designed to be installed in outdoor locations. For more information read our blog on “Indoor vs. Outdoor - Where to install your solar battery”.
Does the sonnenBatterie power my house when the grid fails?
Yes, the sonnenBatterie is able to provide backup power to your home in the event you lose the grid during a blackout or power outage. Your preferred sonnen accredited installer will be to assist in designing your system to offer this functionality.
Does the sonnenBatterie Evo recharge during grid failure (blackout)?
Yes, the sonnenBatterie Evo can utilise a single-phase solar system up to 6kW to recharge the battery during blackouts and supply dedicated circuits in the household, even if the connection to the grid stays offline for extended periods.
What happens to my battery during grid services?
Your sonnenBatterie is participating in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), where it helps to compensate for fluctuations in grid frequency. Depending on the demand, electricity is either temporarily stored in the battery or released to the grid. With your sonnenBatterie you make an important contribution to the energy revolution.
What is the cost of a sonnenBatterie Evo?
The price to install a sonnenBatterie Evo depends on the installation costs. This will be provided as a quote from your solar installer. sonnen works together with qualified solar installers across Australia who are accredited to install a sonnen home battery. To get a quote, register here.
Does the sonnenBatterie Evo come with backup power?
Backup solar power has been included with 5kW continuous and 7kW surge capacity. This provides power to run more circuits in a backup mode to cover more lighting and appliances in a home in the event of a blackout. The sonnenBatterie Evo comes with a Black Start function that ‘wakes’ up an AC coupled PV system even when the grid is down.
Why does the sonnenBatterie need battery care?
Battery care serves to ensure the longevity of the battery cells in the sonnenBatterie. To do this, they must be fully charged from time to time. We schedule this process remotely on a regular basis and as needed. In the winter months, when PV production is lower and may be insufficient to fully charge your home solar battery regularly, this battery care is particularly important.
What happens during battery care?
Over time, there are system-related deviations in voltage and charge between the individual cells. Regular charging to 100% naturally ensures that this is corrected in the summer months. In the winter months, the production of the PV system may be insufficient to fully charge a sonnenBatterie on a regular basis, so the so-called ‘battery care’ is carried out by sonnen.
How long does battery care take?
As a rule, battery maintenance takes about 24 hours, in some cases, the process is continued during subsequent days. During this time, the charge level displayed in the partner portal may not change or may increase abruptly. Once the battery maintenance is complete, the sonnenBatterie can be used again as normal.
