Zola Electrics launched a new generation of lithium iron phosphate batteries with 12.8 V (nominal voltage) and 50 Ah (nominal capacity). This new lithium iron phosphate battery for rooftop solar off-grid can power AC & DC appliances and can be solar & grid charged.
Zola Electric is a Dutch tech company in emerging markets that developed Flex Max, a new lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) battery for PV rooftop applications in off-grid solar systems. Zola CEO Bill Lenihan said in a statement, “The system is designed in the United States, components are made all over the world, firmware/software is built predominantly in the United States, and all of this is assembled in Malaysia.†Zola Flex Max is IES 62132 certified and has a nominal voltage of 12.8V and a capacity of 50 Ah (640 Wh).
With a maximum Direct Current (DC) power rating of 150 W and continuous Alternating Current (AC) power rating of 300 W, it can be connected to 240 solar panels. The device can charge from both solar and grid and with dimensions of 11 cm * 32 cm * 45 cm it is not even bulky. It weighs 10 kilograms and is backed with a 5-year warranty.
“The core value of Flex Max is its larger, modular battery and flexibility to leverage both high-efficiency appliances that come with AC and infrastructure’s DC systems, so more customers can use existing appliances while benefiting from the versatility of Zola’s DC ecosystem,†Zola Electric stated.
“We are thrilled to be adding FLEX MAX to ZOLA’s market-leading Enterprise technology platform, delivering distributed, clean, digital energy solutions to those that need it most. FLEX MAX offers significant hardware and software improvements along with most advanced battery technology that will be a game-changer in improving the reliability of energy systems in emerging markets.†Bill Lenihan, further added.
Bill Lenihan further added, “Through our valuable partnerships with local integrators and distributors, our solutions are installed in homes, businesses, schools and hospitals in 10 countries across four continents, serving over two million customers. ZOLA’s platform of hybrid battery and storage solutions, monitored and managed by VISION, is the world’s first fully integrated, modular and intelligent platform purpose built for the Energy Access sector.â€
For Zola accessories, the battery has 3 DC ports along with other ports like 4 lightning and 2 USB ports. Plus, it has 1 DC port for a 300 W Zola Inverter. The maximum operating temperature for the battery is 40° Celsius and no minimum operating temperatures are mentioned in the datasheet of product.
Homeowners looking for solutions to power AC appliances (refrigerator, TV, light) and other businesses looking for solutions to power productive use products can benefit from Flex Max. It is an evolutionary plug-and-play solar & storage hybrid powered system. With its increased capacity, the device can power high efficiency AC & DC refrigerators in residential settings. Soon, the company will expand its application from the residential sector to offices and hospitals.
“The launch of FLEX MAX is very exciting and a huge innovation milestone for Energy Access. We are excited about the new possibilities and productivity we are enabling for our B2B distribution partners across the globe, whose partnership is invaluable as we work together to drive forward the energy transition. We invite all with an impact-driven focus on powering the world to join us on our journey – as we continue to strengthen the reach of our impact and technology.” said Doye Ogionwo, Chief Commercial Officer of Zola Electric.
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With new integrated revenue models Flex Max will also improve the capacity of distributor partners of the company. Newly incorporated hardware and software features facilitate new financing mechanisms for the device that is a pay-as-you-go model. This supports remote control of the customer network in case of non-payment and with this mechanism the system will be locked.
Officials from Zola mentioned in a statement, “Crucially, this addresses the lack of traditional energy financing mechanisms in the developing world, combatting the affordability issue for end-users, while also supporting distribution partners.â€
With an objective to drive energy access to 3 billion people along with 100s of millions of businesses across the world that currently lack it. With a new lithium iron phosphate battery for rooftop solar off-grid can power AC & DC appliances Zola Electric took one more step towards their goal.
Source: PV Magazine