Why Should You Buy SimpliPhi Battery For Your Home?
Why should you buy SimpliPhi battery for your home? Let me give you answer in detail. SimpliPhi Power is a battery manufacturer with a long history of serving off-grid and DIY communities with successful energy storage solutions.
The company is currently collaborating with Briggs & Stratton to provide a home Energy Storage System (ESS) that combines a hybrid solar inverter and batteries for grid-connected and off-grid applications. The SimpliPhi ESS is adaptable and can be scaled to service everything from small residences to massive commercial complexes.
SimpliPhi’s products are intended to provide daily cycling for solar self-consumption as well as emergency backup power. The ESS can function in both off-grid and grid-connected environments, and it comes with an excellent performance guarantee, safe and non-toxic components, and a 10-year warranty to protect your investment.
SimpliPhi batteries are DIY-friendly, with application engineers ready to help anyone who needs it, but they are also available from several full-service installers. All of the batteries discussed below are available at retail or wholesale pricing through wholesalers.
SimpliPhi should be on your radar if you’re seeking a home energy storage solution. Here are the specifics:
History Of SimpliPhi
SimpliPhi began in 2001 when creator Stuart Lennox sought to recycle lithium-ion battery packs used in early e-bikes to manufacture mobile power packs for the film and television industries. These early products established the industry standard for portable battery packs, and the company sought to grow by developing new products for the home and commercial markets using Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) batteries.
SimpliPhi had a product line of LFP batteries noted for their durability and performance by 2021. Briggs & Stratton, which had recently been acquired and re-energized by private equity firm KPS Capital Partners, purchased the brand in September of that year.
SimpliPhi, according to Briggs CEO Steve Andrews, is a natural fit for his company’s new focus on being “power application experts.” According to Andrews, Briggs no longer relies primarily on the internal combustion engines utilized in its generators but instead delivers power solutions in any location where it makes sense.
SimpliPhi ESS, which is currently available for purchase across the United States from both shops and partner installations, was announced a little less than a year later.
SimpliPhi ESS
The SimpliPhi Energy Storage System (ESS) is a revolutionary battery storage technology that may be customized. SimpliPhi ESS, like many other energy storage systems on the market today, is a modular solution, which means that its core components (batteries, inverters, and control systems) can be combined in a variety of ways, ranging from small-scale home battery backup to energy storage systems for very large buildings.
The SimpliPhi ESS provides a smart, connected, and convenient solution for homeowners to monitor and control their solar and battery storage systems when all of the components are utilized together.
Cost Of SimpliPhi ESS
As previously stated, the SimpliPhi ESS can grow from a very modest residential system to a very large business solution, hence single pricing cannot be assigned.
We can say that a 14.7 kWh system with one inverter and three battery modules, which would cost roughly $17,000 before installation, would likely satisfy the ordinary homeowner.
These are some examples of costs for some of the most typical ESS capacities:
| Storage capacity | Components | Best for | Retail cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9 kWh | 1 inverter, 1 battery | Small home backup / critical loads only | $9,000 |
| 14.7 kWh | 1 inverter 3 batteries | Average home backup / daily cycling | $17,000 |
| 29.4 kWh | 2 inverters, 6 batteries | Very large home backup | $30,500 |
The retail prices are indicated in the table above, but the SimpliPhi ESS is also sold by qualified installers who can benefit from bulk purchasing through distributors. Because the SimpliPhi inverter can replace another solar inverter, the relative cost can be decreased if you want to add the SimpliPhi ESS to a new solar panel installation.
See how these prices compare to those of SimpliPhi’s competitors in the energy storage market below.
Components
An ESS ecosystem consists of three key components: a 4.9 kWh battery module, a 6-kW hybrid inverter, and the EnergyTrak control system. These components work together to absorb energy from solar panels, the grid, and backup generators, store it in batteries for later use and modify how that energy is used.
SimpliPhi 4.9 kWh Battery
The SimpliPhi ESS battery module is available in a single size that can store up to 4.9 kWh of electricity. A single SimpliPhi ESS inverter can be interconnected in parallel with up to four batteries, and up to nine inverters can be wired together.
A total of 72 batteries, totaling 352.8 kWh, can be linked together in this manner. These 48-volt batteries are manufactured using high-quality lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) cells that can resist up to 10,000 charge/discharge cycles, according to SimpliPhi. That is an extremely long cycle life—an average of around 2.7 cycles per day over the 10-year guarantee period.
| Rated kWh DC Capacity | 4.9 kWh DC* |
|---|---|
| Max. Surge Discharge Rate (10 minutes) | 100 amps DC (5.1 kW DC) |
| Max. Continuous Charge/Discharge Rate | 48.5 amps DC (2.48 kW DC) |
| Depth of Discharge (DoD) | up to 100% |
| Life Cycle | 10,000+ cycles (@ 80% DOD) |
| Charging temperature | Temperatures range from 32° to 120° F (0° to 49° C). |
| Mounting | Only for wall mounting |
| Dimensions | 23 x 28.5 x 8.5 in (30 in H including terminals) |
| Weight | 160 lb (73 kg) |
*Although the maximum capacity is 4.9 kWh, SimpliPhi suggests 80% DoD, or 3.9 kWh.
SimpliPhi estimates the 10,000-cycle lifespan at 80% depth of discharge in the table above, which means that each charge/discharge cycle would only be 3.9 kWh of electricity, leaving 1 kWh in the battery to prevent degradation.
It’s worth noting that SimpliPhi’s ESS Warranty makes no claims about cycle life or total battery throughput (measured in megawatt-hours). The guarantee, on the other hand, covers “manufacturing defect(s) in materials and workmanship” for ten years.
That’s a bit of a red flag because it doesn’t specifically protect the system owner if the battery capacity falls faster than intended. We prefer warranties that are clear about how they protect the system owner.
To be clear, SimpliPhi products have been proven to be durable and long-lasting in the field for many years—we are only highlighting areas where the company’s warranty falls short of industry standards.
Companies such as Generac and Tesla offer throughput warranties for their batteries, ensuring that they will sustain a particular capacity through a significant number of cycles.
SimpliPhi 6 kW Inverter
The SimpliPhi 6 kW inverter is a pretty conventional hybrid inverter capable of accepting up to 7.5 kW of solar input and charging batteries at up to 100 amps and 62 volts (6.2 kW). The inverter can be used with any battery that has a battery management system (BMS) that supports the CANBUS communications protocol, however, SimpliPhi claims it is specifically designed for the 4.9 kWh ESS batteries, as well as the company’s PHI 3.8 and AmpliPhi 3.8 batteries, are used.
In a grid-connected system, the SimpliPhi device, like any other inverter, may operate without batteries. When used in conjunction with batteries, the inverter offers numerous storage modes that enable the owner to decide how the energy stored in the battery will be used.
SimpliPhi ESS storage modes include:
- Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with a switchover time of 8 milliseconds
- Self-consumption of solar energy (i.e. daily cycling)
- Time-of-use (TOU), which stores energy for usage when grid power is most expensive.
- Off-grid power supply
In the event of a power loss, the inverter can constantly output 6 kW and surge up to 9 kW for 5 seconds (or even 12 kW for 100 milliseconds) to start motors in appliances such as air conditioners and well pumps. If more power is required, adding more inverters raises the system’s potential output by those numbers.
The automatic generator start is another significant feature of the SimpliPhi inverter. When the inverter senses that the batteries have fallen below a specific set-point when the grid is down, it can instantly start any backup generator with a 2-wire start to charge the batteries.
When the batteries have been charged to a certain level, the inverter turns off the generator until it is needed again. With this feature, the SimpliPhi ESS can be run indefinitely in off-grid mode utilizing solar panels and a backup generator.
EnergyTrak Control System
The SimpliPhi inverter and batteries work together to use and store electricity, but the SimpliPhi ESS is powered by EnergyTrak. EnergyTrak is a hardware and software system used by professional installers to commission, monitor, and maintain ESS installations for their customers. The EnergyTrak app is used by homeowners to remotely oversee and control their systems.
The EnergyTrak smartphone app (available on Google Play and the Apple App Store) allows homeowners to observe real-time solar generation, battery storage level, and electricity consumption. It also allows users to move between the various storage modes indicated above.
This can be a very useful feature: if a storm is approaching, you may wish to switch from TOU or self-consumption mode to UPS mode to keep extra battery capacity in the event of a power loss.
How the SimpliPhi ESS stack up against competing home batteries?
When we compare batteries, we consider a few factors:
- Functionality
- Quality and durability
- The expense of warranty protection
- Price
In this example, we’ll pit the SimpliPhi ESS against the industry’s best batteries from Generac, LG, and Tesla.
Functionality
The SimpliPhi ESS fulfills or surpasses industry standards in terms of functionality. It has high efficiency, retrofit and new installation capabilities, battery discharge mode control, and generator auto start.
SimpliPhi still lacks participation in battery incentive schemes such as demand response and virtual power plants. However, this issue is fixable with software upgrades, and SimpliPhi is in the process of negotiating partnerships to have their batteries included in programs around the country.
Quality And Longevity
Few people in the solar sector would argue that there is a higher-quality LFP battery than SimpliPhi’s. The company’s products have an established track record around the world, including usage by the Department of Defense to support US troops in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, LFP battery technology is already far superior to the lithium NMC batteries used in Generac, LG, and Tesla batteries. NMC batteries use toxic metals mined in conflict zones and frequently require external cooling systems to reduce the risk of thermal runaway (which can cause a fire). None of these issues affect LFP batteries.
Warranty Protection
We believe SimpliPhi and Briggs & Stratton could do the most to improve and propel the ESS to the top of the industry in this area. The 10-year warranty for the company’s other batteries includes specific language about the batteries’ energy retention after 10 years.
Why, then, does the SimpliPhi ESS’s 10-year warranty not provide the same assurances? It’s actually quite mind-boggling. Having said that, we have no reason to believe the batteries will perform as well as the company’s other goods. We just like things written down.
Most battery manufacturers provide “throughput” warranties, which guarantee that their batteries will keep a specific percentage of their capacity until a particular number of kWh have been charged and discharged. We’d like to see a SimpliPhi warranty update that offers at least this much.
Cost Comparison
Given their reputation for functionality, quality, and longevity, you’d think the SimpliPhi ESS would be more expensive. In that case, you’d be correct. Here’s a brief look at the retail prices for these batteries (save for the Tesla Powerwall, the prices below do not include installation
| Manufacturer | Capacity Of Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SimpliPhi ESS14.7 kWh | 14.7 kWh | $17,000 |
| Generac PWRcell M5 | 15 kWh | $16,500 |
| LG Chem RESU 16H Prime | 16kWh | $9,500* |
| Tesla Powerwall | 13.5 kWh | $11,500** |
*The LG Chem RESU battery does not contain an inverter, which can cost between $1,500 and $3,500.
Certainly, you may not pay full price for your SimpliPhi ESS. If you find an installer who can get it wholesale, they will provide a total installed price that covers all of the work to connect and commission the system as well as keep it working for many years.
More SimpliPhi Batteries
SimpliPhi offers numerous more products that employ the same LFP battery technology as its new ESS portfolio. The PHI and AmpliPhi battery ranges include 12-, 24-, and 48-volt solutions. Its fully-integrated solutions combine these batteries with Sol-Ark or Schneider inverters in custom enclosures and come in a variety of capacity sizes.
PHI And AmpliPHI Batteries
The PHI and AmpliPHI product lines are stand-alone batteries designed to work with some of the market’s leading inverters and charge controllers. These batteries, like the ESS, have 10-year warranties and the same 10,000 cycle-life promises (again, at 80% DOD).
All SimpliPhi PHI batteries are “compatible with all industry-standard charge controllers,” according to SimpliPhi, however, the AmpliPHI range is only compatible with Sol-Ark, SMA, and Schneider inverters. On its product documentation page, the company provides Integration instructions for various brands.
Below are some specifics regarding the four current batteries available in these product lines:
| PHI 730 | PHI 1.4 | PHI 3.8-M | AmpliPHI 3.8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 730Wh | 1.4kWh | 3.8 kWh | 3.8 kWh |
| DC Voltage | 12 or 24 | 12 or 24 | 24 or 48 | 48 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 11.25 x 5.25 x 6.25 in | 11.25 x 9.25 x 7.25 in | 13.5 x 14 x 8 in | 13.5 x 14 x 8 in |
| Weight (lbs) | 17.14 | 33 | 86 | 86 |
| Notes | Drop-in replacement for lead acid | Max output 0.69- or 0.73-kW DC based on battery voltage | 1.9- or 1.92-kW DC maximum output depending on battery voltage | Advanced BMS to prevent overcurrent events |
Integrated Systems
If creating a system from scratch with standalone batteries, inverters, and home storage systems don’t appeal to you, SimpliPhi offers pre-programmed Integrated Systems that contain an inverter (either Sol-Ark or Schneider) and either PHI or AmpliPHI batteries in a bespoke enclosure.
SimpliPhi’s integrated systems are nearly like “simply add solar” solutions, and the ExprESS PHI system is even on wheels and can be moved from location to location as a portable power solution.
SimpliPhi now offers four integrated systems. Here’s some information on each of them:
| AccESS PHI Sol-Ark | AccESS PHI Scneider | AccESS AmpliPHI Sol-Ark | ExprESS PHI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacities offered | 15.2, 19, or 22.8 kWh | 15.2 kWh | 19 kWh | 7.6 kWh |
| Built-in inverter | Sol-Ark 12K | Schneider Conext XW Pro | Sol-Ark 12K | Magnum Energy |
| Continuous output power | 12 kW total power, 9 kW off-grid power | 6.8kW | 12 kW combined, 9 kW in off-grid mode | 4.4kW |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 29.5 x 76 x 20 in | 29.5 x 76 x 20 in | 29.5 x 76 x 20 in | 41 x 36 x 17 in |
| Weight (lbs) | 944, 1,030, or 1,116, depending on capacity | 944 | 1,030 | 411.5 |
| Mounting | Free-standing or Pad-mounted | Free-standing or Pad-mounted | Free-standing or Pad-mounted | On casters |
Where To Buy?
SimpliPhi’s goods are distributed by wholesale and retail distributors on five continents. End users in the United States can easily purchase SimpliPhi batteries at the retail pricing indicated above, however experts with accounts at wholesale distributors will offer different rates based on their costs and additional charges for installation and commissioning.
The following are some of the finest locations to get SimpliPhi batteries:
Locate An Installer
If you don’t have much expertise working with dangerous voltages, your best bet is to find a licensed professional installation that carries SimpliPhi products. You can do so by using our website’s solar calculator to obtain solar quotes from installers in your area.
You’ll benefit from hiring a professional and delegating responsibility for ensuring that your battery bank works properly on day 1 and day 3,650. Get multiple bids and ask the proper questions to find a good installer.
AltE Store
Installing a SimpliPhi battery system can be a good option if you’re an experienced DIYer or can acquire highly technical information and do the task yourself. The AltE store, which has been selling solar goods directly to consumers since before the calendar shifted centuries, is one of the greatest venues to do so. The AltE provides a wealth of educational content and knowledgeable technical salesmen to assist you on your path.
Is A SimpliPhi Battery Appropriate For You?
SimpliPhi is hard to match when it comes to long-lasting, high-quality batteries. They have a well-deserved reputation for longevity and dependability, but we wish their warranty language reflected that more plainly. Still, ten years of insurance against product and workmanship problems is an excellent start.
SimpliPhi batteries are a little more expensive than other options on the market, but their functionality is on par with the finest, and their overall lifespan should make the extra cost worthwhile. Furthermore, the ESS should soon be able to participate in battery incentive programs such as demand response and virtual power plants if you live in one of the places that offer them.
If you want the best of everything and don’t mind paying a premium, we recommend SimpliPhi batteries.
