Energy backup and storage system optimizes solar power efficiencies

Varta has expanded its compact and powerful engion product line of energy storage systems to include the engion sentry automatic backup power battery storage system, which features 6.8kW output power. The company's engion flex power and engion element battery storage systems are designed for commercial and residential applications, respectively. All members of the engion product line can be remotely monitored from a smartphone or the Internet. "We are excited to add engion sentry to our safe and dependable engion energy storage product line," said William Flanagan, president and CEO, Varta Microbattery, Inc. "Varta Storage GmbH is dedicated to engineering the industry's most efficient and cost effective options for storing and accessing energy from PV systems or the power grid. Notably, engion systems may be remotely monitored so users can always confirm critical power circuits are receiving power during an outage, and verify the system automatically switched back to the grid when the outage ended and recharged itself from solar." Housed in a sleek, tasteful and lockable cabinet, engion features state-of-the-industry lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lead acid battery technology to allow residential and commercial property owners and managers greater independence from public utilities by storing energy generated by new or existing photovoltaic (PV) systems. The engion sentry backup power system combines German engineering with solid American manufacturing. It assures that power is available in the event of a power grid fault and is an extremely safe and robust alternative to backup generators. The engion sentry eliminates noise emission and the increasingly common occurrences of carbon monoxide poisoning, says the company. Due to the modular configuration of the battery modules, engion sentry is offered with usable battery capacities up to 18 kWh. The engion also boasts redundant mechanical and electrical functions, along with flame-retardant housing and automatic over-voltage cut-off. The system is engineered specifically to allow existing battery modules to be combined with future battery technologies. The engion sentry energy storage system measures 23.6" (W) x 23.6" (D) x 72.8" (H). Intersolar North America, July 14 through 16, 2015 in San Francisco, CA.