Suniva, GS Battery to collaborate on solar-powered energy storage systems

Suniva and GS Battery will collaborate to develop solar-powered, grid-tied energy storage systems using private-label modules featuring high-efficiency monocrystalline-silicon cells from the photovoltaics manufacturer.

The initial demonstration system will incorporate 30KW of PV panels and will be designed, engineered, and constructed by integrator First Century Energy at the battery company’s headquarters in Roswell, GA.

The first demo system will feature 3000 amp hours of storage and will use nanocarbon, lead-acid battery technology, which has a deep cycle life of thousands of hours. GS’s lithium technology is also an option for mobile applications.

The companies say that a system like the demo unit being constructed, which will be the first of several to be deployed across the U.S., could be available commercially in the second quarter of this year.

Installations envisioned by the collaborators include basic commercial, industrial, and potentially residential sites, with many systems in the 30KW range but others as small as 3 or 4KW

“Solar system owners that are able to store their energy output are also able to take advantage of many new economic opportunities,” said Yasuyuki Nakamura, president of GS Battery (the American subsidiary of GS Yuasa of Japan). “Our state-of-the-art approach allows customers to achieve better returns on investment with a more flexible and profitable solar energy supply."

 “GS Battery is an accomplished and innovative company with more than a decade of experience using solar technology,” noted John Baunstark, CEO of Suniva. “Being selected as their technology partner is a testament to the quality and performance of our solar modules.”

“Beginning with a series of high-performing prototype systems, Suniva and GS Battery will work to design the most advanced and reliable solar and battery systems in today’s industry,” he added.