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Generac releases its PWRcell integrated energy storage system

By Kelly Pickerel | September 23, 2019

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Generac Power Systems today introduced PWRcell: a fully-integrated solar energy storage system. PWRcell boasts exclusive technologies including expandable battery capacity and on-board power monitoring and management as standard.

The PWRcell system consists of an integrated ecosystem of components, including an expandable battery pack, inverter and associated hardware. Each component is specifically engineered to seamlessly install and work together. PWRcell features modular battery packs, equipped with 8.6-kWh batteries, and expandable to 17.1 kWh to match any budget.

“The flexibility of modular battery packs, combined with the most power available make this system best-in-class technology,” said Russ Minick, Chief Marketing Officer and leader of the Clean Energy business for Generac.

PWRcell also provides homeowners with up to 50 amps and 12 kW of surge capacity, enough to start heavy loads such as air conditioners. Once engaged, PWRcell provides 8 kW of continuous power. When more power or capacity is needed, additional PWRcell inverters and batteries can be added for up to 34.2 kWh of DC-coupled storage.

PWRcell is equipped with Generac PWRview technology, an easy-to-use home energy monitoring system that tracks home energy use and provides powerful insights into the home’s electricity consumption. With the intuitive PWRview app, data is processed into useful information that allows homeowners to make smarter decisions regarding their use of energy, lowering usage to extend the amount of time the home can run on PWRcell-provided energy.

The heaviest component of the PWRcell weighs less than 75 pounds, and the full unit is easy to install. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, PWRcell will be sold through Generac’s many distribution partners.

News item from Generac

Solar Power World is a solar installer magazine. For more information on the Generac product, including pricing, please reach out to Generac directly. 

About The Author

Kelly Pickerel

Kelly Pickerel has over a decade of experience reporting on the U.S. solar industry and is currently editor in chief of Solar Power World.

Comments

  1. Pat Casey says

    November 24, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    I have attempted to set up an appointment on 2 separate occasions. Both times the estimator did not show up or call to cancel. They must not want my money. 🙁

    Reply
  2. Mike says

    April 7, 2020 at 5:57 pm

    Just trying to see what the cost effectiveness i. How long before you get your $10,000 plus investment back. You either have to borrow the money, monthly payment, or out of pocket. This is a huge investment that would take years to pay off before it is a zero monthly payment. I have solar panels and my monthly payment is fairly low(PG&E in CA) but sticking that much money would put me in debt for a number of years

    Reply
  3. Edward Dobberstein says

    March 25, 2020 at 11:28 am

    Called Generac today. Can’t even get a ball park or average figure without scheduling an appointment. Finally just hung up.

    Reply
    • David Bryson says

      October 31, 2020 at 12:51 am

      Why

      Reply
  4. Theem Fara says

    March 8, 2020 at 8:20 pm

    I see its about 10,000 dollars plus.. For everything.. 2 questions , How long do your batteries last before they need to be replaced, Are the solar panels guaranteed for life ?

    Reply
    • Kelly Pickerel says

      March 9, 2020 at 7:19 am

      The PWRcell does not come with solar panels. Most lithium-ion batteries come with a 10-year warranty. This website is just a solar news source, so reaching out to Generac directly can get you more accurate answers.

      Reply
  5. Richard Haislip says

    February 26, 2020 at 10:31 pm

    i just found this on the web “Every PWRcell system is backed by a 10-year limited warranty, with prices starting at $9,999. For a limited time, homeowners that purchase PWRcell will receive the PWRview home monitoring app – a $300 value when they schedule a free in-home assessment. For more information about PWRcell, PWRview, Generac Clean Energy, or any of the Generac family of brands, visit http://www.generac.com, or to schedule a free, no-obligation in-home assessment, call 855-605-1971.”

    Reply
  6. Jim Fulghum says

    February 2, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    Interesting. I have solar but it does not generate electric when the power goes off. Kind of useless here in Florida during hurricane season which is why I went solar. Found out later that there is no storage available with the system I was sold.

    Reply
    • Mark says

      February 3, 2020 at 9:01 am

      look into enphase energy, they are coming out with a IQ8 inverter to be released mid 2020, and this
      configuration WILL allow you to run off your solar panels during the day, with NO batteries and when the grid is down. you can use your same solar panels, but you would need 1 IQ8 per panel,

      good luck
      Mark

      Reply
    • Bob says

      April 1, 2020 at 11:44 pm

      Contact any of the companies offering battery backups. No matter what solar system you have, you can get a battery backup for it. Most Solar Companies don’t offer battery back, that is probably why they told you there is no storage available.

      Reply
    • Kathleen Ball says

      October 4, 2020 at 11:08 pm

      I am in Kingsport tn and use Appalachian Electric Power A.E.P. and they will not allow us to have a battery bank for back up power. They say its dangerous for lineman grabbing a hold of hot wire when everyone’s power goes out…supposedly.

      Reply
      • Keith says

        October 11, 2020 at 12:14 pm

        How is that possible when the magnetic contacted is powered by the 240 voltage coming into the home. When you loose power that contactor drops out therefore cutting any connections to the power grid. I would tell A.E.P. they know this I’m sure they just want that income.

        Reply
    • Sundance Solar says

      February 10, 2021 at 1:38 pm

      Magnum, Outback, & Schneider make inverters that can be added to a existing solar system and charge batteries when the power is out. All 3 can be stacked to get a good output. I have had a solar business for 40yrs. now and added a Magnum on my house a few years ago.

      Reply
  7. Hipp kennemur says

    January 28, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    Where can I get a price at I live in or near Springfield mo

    Reply
    • Hipp kennemur says

      January 28, 2020 at 1:39 pm

      I all so are totally off grid

      Reply
    • Kelsey Misbrener says

      January 28, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      Please contact the company for pricing info.

      Reply
  8. Michael says

    January 28, 2020 at 9:05 am

    Can this be used directly off the Grid to charge without Solar Panels? My electric utility offers a rate is 65% less if energy is purchased between 11 PM and 6 AM off peak. Because of my location and roof orientation I am not a good candidate for solar panels. I have been waiting for a system that allows me to buy my electric at night when it is much less expensive, store it and use during the day. Can I fully charge this during the 7 off peak hours? Is there software to regulate the charging and discharge times?

    Reply
    • Rich Mouldin says

      February 7, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      The ad that aired this am (2/7/2020) on either FNC or FBC stated that that is exactly the way it can be used.

      Reply
    • Ncs says

      February 8, 2020 at 12:59 pm

      From the info I received at the convention this week yes it can be used as your described

      Reply
  9. JD polk says

    January 19, 2020 at 9:08 am

    Advanced technology industry has a new lithium power wall based on the same lithium systems in the plug-in hybrids of Ford/Toyota vehicles cost installed is only $6000 for 14 kW what most people don’t know is the system it’s been running in cars the Prius and the Escape/CMax is the same battery and has proved it self for 20 years. And is a lot less expensive than the newcomers in battery storage.

    Reply
    • C says

      February 3, 2020 at 9:13 pm

      Do you have contact info for advanced technology industry?

      Reply
    • Mathew Molk says

      March 14, 2020 at 8:37 am

      wrewBut the car batterys are not called on to provide 100% output for more then a few seconds. WHn the power is off these batteries have to do tht for a few days. Apples and oranges there , Bunkey.

      Reply
  10. james david woollum says

    January 14, 2020 at 10:03 pm

    Sounds like I may stick with Tesla, at least they give me an estimate of price without a Hr. long sales pitch.

    Reply
  11. roofy says

    November 26, 2019 at 11:54 pm

    I take it back, I take it back! Suddenly I’m in Joe’s position where the MSRP of the Generac is important to a Dec 2019 install decision. Driven by the fact that there is no current availability of SolarEdge StorEdge because of the year end rush to claim tax credits. So a backup-capable storage inverter install is now delayed to 2020. No word on price and availability. If I knew I could bake it into an early 2020 install. By default I’m probably going to go with Enphase here.

    So now I have reason to be grumpy. Not really at you, Solar Power World, But after all Joe is right. So please don’t use the word “introduced” on a product whose price and lead time are not yet specified. That was a demonstration Generac showed, not a product introduction.

    Reply
  12. John OSullivan says

    November 14, 2019 at 4:53 pm

    Hi Kelly,

    Please tell me where I can contact a retail Gernerac distributor for the General PWR cell in the northern Pa area WYne or Susquehanna county

    Reply
    • Dave Sershen says

      January 5, 2020 at 3:37 pm

      Hi John, saw your comment.
      My company can get you set up with the Pwrcell if you’re still interested and looking.
      I own On-Demand Power & Electrical Services LLC. We’re located in upstate NY but grew up in Jessup, Pa and can do the work for you.
      You can reach me at 570-241-7850 or 518-241-3736

      Reply
  13. roofy says

    November 6, 2019 at 2:07 am

    Well I find this information useful. So it’s few weeks later and the Generac is still not readily available at least in my area where solar is booming. It looks way more elegant than the Solar Edge, considering you don’t need that big transformer with the Generac. Battery choices are terrible, the Solar Edge is only advertising compatibilty w/LG Chem and Generac is only advertising compatibiilty with its own battry. Doesn’t look to me like either of them work with a generator.

    As for @Joe on price, I feel your pain but entry level lithium for backup is like $10k to ante up in my area and you’re better off getting 2, and it basically costs 2x as much, the batteries are still swamping out the cost of the inverters. LIthium backup for grid-tied houses is not a money saver and it’s not for penny pinchers. There’s no DIY on-grid anything, including grid-tie with transfer switch, and this stuff has nothing to do with off-grid inverters which are all way cheaper. But I don’t know yuour situation, so YMMV.

    Reply
  14. chris says

    September 25, 2019 at 5:37 pm

    Does it integrate with the generator directly to start it and replenish the batteries if their charge drops too low?

    Then, the solar can feed the batteries, the batteries can power the house, and generator can do what it should do; backup.

    Reply
    • Kelly Pickerel says

      September 25, 2019 at 6:02 pm

      There is no generator with this system.

      Reply
    • James A McDonald says

      October 1, 2019 at 8:43 am

      The only inverter that can incorporate a generator into the system (that I know of) is Outback Radian.

      Reply
      • Solarman says

        October 1, 2019 at 11:19 pm

        @ James A McDonald: The Schneider Conext XW6048, used to be (Xantrex XW6048) has been around since at least 2001. It has the ability to be used as grid tied, grid tied with battery backup or off grid with the same hardware. The product is fairly mature and has been in the field almost 20 years. One can parallel inverters, create a master/slave or can make three phase systems with these same inverters. The XW6048 can use both a grid connection and a wind generation or fueled generation connection for charging and buss voltage control. I understand SolarEdge has now released a SE inverter that can be used in a “smart” ESS with “relatively” high voltage battery packs like the LG Chem 400VDC or TESLA power wall 2.0. This may be the system of choice for many. Go all solar PV and or wind generation with energy storage and no fueled generator on site.

        Reply
      • MsJCB says

        October 2, 2019 at 9:23 pm

        Go Electric Inc has a system.10-250kw

        Reply
  15. Mick Tablet says

    September 25, 2019 at 2:29 am

    If its lithium, I wonder how much extra home insurance would cost?

    Reply
  16. Sandra Wellman says

    September 24, 2019 at 3:32 pm

    Wow! Generac is really on top of this! Im surprised and amazed at how far youve come eith this already!

    Reply
  17. Joe says

    September 24, 2019 at 10:42 am

    I don’t see what use this information as without some idea of price.

    Reply
    • Kelly Pickerel says

      September 24, 2019 at 7:35 pm

      Contact the company for pricing information.

      Reply
    • Ivy says

      February 24, 2020 at 9:44 pm

      I agree waste of time. If your selling something.. Name the price! chatting about it is a red flag to me!

      Reply
      • Mongo says

        May 8, 2020 at 3:47 pm

        There not selling anything it’s a fricking review of the product! Want more info contact Generac directly.

        Reply
        • Daniel Hoard says

          January 14, 2021 at 3:03 pm

          i called Generac directly they will not give a price

          Reply
          • Jennifer says

            November 12, 2021 at 5:30 pm

            The enters cost around 3, 000. I know because I have a brand new one still in the box for sale for 900.00

      • Jason Szumlanski says

        June 22, 2020 at 7:12 pm

        The installed price of any battery is going to be variable based on your situation. If you see a price, it’s for a box. That box needs a lot of other boxes to integrate it into your home, not to mention the requisite knowledge and training, and the labor. The manufacturers that DO provide pricing do consumers a disservice. It misleads them.

        Hire a solar professional, preferably a local one, and get a real turnkey quote. These are not plug and play components by any stretch.

        Reply

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