As more inverter and storage companies partner on integrated devices for solar, installation doesn’t have to be complicated. The sonnenBatterie—a fully-integrated unit equipped with an inverter, lithium ion batteries, a 200-A automatic transfer switch and associated wiring and cabling—is a plug-and-play solution that’s quick to install. Similar devices can be installed comparably, but what follows is a guide to installing sonnen’s energy storage system.
First, it’s recommended that an appropriately sized service disconnect be installed between the main AC panel and the grid input terminals of the sonnenBatterie. Whole house backup using the sonnenBatterie is possible, however, a protected loads panel application will be used for the installation process.
AC Connections
There are no special tools required for installation. The sonnenBatterie provides a 240-V output to its microgrid. A 50-A breaker is placed in the main panel and the conductors run via conduit to the grid terminals inside the sonnenBatterie. Loads terminals connect to another 50-A breaker in the protected loads panel.
AC source connections
A 12-kW generator (no larger) can be connected directly to the generator terminals inside the sonnenBatterie. Existing or newly installed solar inverters can be AC coupled to the sonnenBatterie by placing the associated breaker into the protected loads panel. In an existing PV installation, the PV breaker on the main must be shifted to the protected loads panel. In this configuration, the PV will directly power the loads and any excess will charge the battery. When grid-tied, excess PV will backfeed to the grid.
DC connections
Since the sonnenBatterie uses lithium ion battery modules, there is no need to install a battery room ventilation fan, electrolyte circulation pump or even battery containment. There is also no need for specific gravity checks since the battery health and status is measured by software. Batteries connect in parallel using premade busbars, and building management system (BMS) cabling attaches to each battery in a daisy chain. The most important safety feature of the sonnenBatterie is the orange safety plug that is inserted into each 2-kWh battery module; the safety plug ensures there is no danger of electrical shock by the batteries even if the positive and negative terminals are shorted out by a dropped wrench.
Internet ready
A standard Ethernet connection to the sonnenBatterie allows for updates to be sent to the sonnen portal. From the portal (or sonnen app), customers and installers can keep tabs on systems and see performance and other service data. Software updates are automatically pushed to the system.
The sonnenBatterie has the ability to tie into local weather websites to balance charge and discharge behavior of the batteries based on a three-day forecast. If the weather will be bad for PV production, the sonnenBatterie will not allow the batteries to discharge as deeply since the storage will be needed for later use.
Smart plugs
sonnenBatterie uses Z wave controlled smart plugs that can be turned on automatically so excess PV can be consumed by loads instead of just backfed into the grid. This could be useful for zero export limitations. The plugs can also be configured to act as load shedding devices to turn off loads and extend the battery capacity for extended outages.
Arianna G says
Is there a way to set that Sonnen Core for wifi? Hard to believe a new product for 2020 came in Ethernet connection vs wifi
Peter Hemphill says
I have a 6.25kw portable generator. Can I hook it in to the Sonnen eco 16 to charge the batteries in a power outage?
William says
I see that the eco 8.2 has its own inverter capable of taking our solar panel input direct. We have retro fitted Sonnen batteries..
Our panels therefore have been wired via our Sonny Boy inverter. Is it better to have the solar panels wired direct to the Sonnen battery, disconnecting the Sonny Boy all together or it does not matter? Any help would be most appreciated,
William
Pedro L Alfaro says
Where can I purchase sonnenbatterie smart plugs to be used in USA with an Eco 16 kWh unit ? Thanks
Ben Gordesky says
Can a system be configured so that the solar inverter output can feed the Sonnen battery when the grid is down? If so, what extra components do you recommend that are compatible with the Sonnen?
Paul Millner says
Ben, Kelly addresses this scenario in her article, above. Your solar inverter output attaches to the protected loads panel. The solar inverter *thinks* it’s seeing the grid, and back feeds… what it is seeing is the Sonnen output. The Sonnen applies the back feed to solar charging, per Kelly… the installation and user manuals are available on third party websites.
Paul
David Crespo says
Hi there:
I would like to know if a solar panel system connects directly to the battery or does it needs other hardware such as micro inverters, inverters, charge controllers and such.
Thanks for your answer.
James V says
This SONNEN system is a fully self contained unit, including software, controllers, and even a 200A ATS for ECO10+ models. The solar system integrates directly to the unit, similar to a critical load panel for a traditional generator.
Christopher says
Are Sonnen Batteries rated for outdoor use? I live in New York City. The fire department and department of buildings are making it very tough to do indoor installs. Would be great to be able to put these on an exterior wall or, better yet, on the roof. Is this possible?
Jose@AWS-SOlar says
Hi Christopher,
All the batteries are rated only for indoors, inside of Sonnen it is Sony Li-ion batteries and also an inverter from Outback and those electronics have a range for temperature, will not work in outdoor condition of NYC winter time or summer time in Southern California.