Aug 19 2014
Andalay Solar, a leading manufacturer of integrated solar power systems, announced a collaboration with Highpower International, Inc., a developer, manufacturer, and marketer of lithium and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries, to launch a pilot project that will provide technologically advanced energy storage systems for Andalay Solar customers and enhance system performance while keeping the cost reasonably affordable and viable.
Given the relatively high cost of the power grid, this energy system is designed to help customers avoid and reduce utility grid fees by going "off-grid" or employing a hybrid system. Highpower's energy storage system has six 2.4KWh lithium-ion battery modules and an output inverter that allows for a powerful energy load capacity and expandability. For the hybrid system, when combined with Andalay's integrated solar system, energy will be generated both by the solar system as well as by the utility grid network. With both energy inputs, the energy output to the home is expected to provide enough power to sustain household and electronic appliances and all power outlets.
Andalay selected Highpower for their strong energy storage R&D capability and their leadership and commitment to clean energy manufacturing, which includes waste recycling processes, environmentally safe disposal, and industry leading design, manufacturing and testing of storage devices.
"Energy storage has become an important focus of the solar industry and will be an essential component of system design and installation," said Steven Chan, CEO of Andalay Solar. "This pilot project in solar energy storage is an example of Andalay's determination to stay at the leading edge of the market to build upon our patented technology, while maintaining a principle focus on our customers' solar energy needs, cost-savings, and return on investment."
"We are excited to collaborate with Andalay Solar," commented Bryan Bai, Vice President of Sales at Highpower International. "Andalay Solar's extensive technical know-how, first-hand experiences and understanding about the demand from end customers in the solar market is ideal for commercializing our advanced storage solution with enhanced functionalities and performance, while keeping costs affordable to a wide range of market needs in North America."
Source: http://www.andalaysolar.com