Is this the SMARTEST home battery storage system?

Summary

In this video, the AnchorSolix X1 battery storage system is put to the test in a real-world installation. The system, featuring a hybrid design with solar panels, a 6kW inverter, and 15kWh of battery storage, is praised for its ease of installation, sleek design, and safety features. It also offers innovative controls for heat pumps and boasts an impressive anti-corrosion rating. The video explores key benefits such as modular design, quick installation, and future-proofing, while also discussing some minor installation challenges. Overall, the system’s functionality, aesthetic appeal, and user-friendly features make it a strong contender in the market.

Takeaways

• 😀 The AnchorSolix X1 is a new hybrid battery storage system that integrates both solar panels and a battery storage solution.
• 😀 The system is easy to install, with modular battery modules that weigh around 50kg each, making them manageable and stackable.
• 😀 The battery modules come with a clear installation guide and a template for easy mounting, although shims may be needed for leveling.
• 😀 The system features robust cable management, ensuring neat and safe installation with secure DC and AC connections.
• 😀 A notable safety feature is the secure covering of all connections, reducing the risk of accidental disconnections or tampering.
• 😀 The system supports manual and smart control of heat pumps through the Anchor app, offering both automated and scheduled options.
• 😀 The intuitive display provides real-time information on solar generation, battery state of charge, and energy usage, simplifying monitoring.
• 😀 The AnchorSolix X1 boasts a high anti-corrosion rating, making it suitable for installations near the shoreline, unlike many other systems.
• 😀 The inverter allows for oversizing, supporting up to 12kW of solar panels, which ensures good performance even in low light conditions.
• 😀 The system can be easily expanded with additional batteries or power modules, offering up to 36kW of charge/discharge capacity and 180kWh of total storage.
• 😀 Installation of the system requires a bidirectional RCBO to handle energy flows both ways, ensuring safe operation of the system.

Q & A

What is the AnchorSolix X1 system and how is it configured in this installation?

The AnchorSolix X1 is a hybrid battery storage system. In this installation, it's configured with 10 bifacial solar panels on a nearly south-facing roof, connected to a 6-kilowatt inverter and 15 kilowatt-hours of battery storage.

What makes the AnchorSolix X1 system easier to install compared to other systems?

The AnchorSolix X1 system is easier to install due to its modular design, with each battery module weighing about 50 kilograms, making it easy for two people to lift and install. It also comes with a clear installation guide and cable management trays.

Why does the installation require leveling with shims?

The installation requires leveling with shims because no floor is perfectly level, especially in new builds. The AnchorSolix X1 system lacks adjustable feet, so shimming is necessary to ensure the system is installed properly.

How does the AnchorSolix X1 system prioritize safety?

The AnchorSolix X1 system prioritizes safety by securing all battery DC connectors with covers, preventing accidental disconnections or tampering. It also features excellent cable management for both DC and AC sides.

What unique feature does the AnchorSolix X1 offer for controlling a heat pump?

The AnchorSolix X1 allows users to manually control their heat pump via the system's app, with an SG Ready function. It enables turning the heat pump on/off, setting a smart schedule, or using an auto function that ramps up the heat pump when excess solar energy is available.

What makes the AnchorSolix X1 suitable for coastal areas?

The AnchorSolix X1 is suitable for coastal areas due to its high anti-corrosion rating. It is made of galvanized stainless steel with a specialized powder coating and has an IP66 rating, making it resistant to saltwater and extreme conditions.

Can the AnchorSolix X1 be expanded to accommodate more solar panels?

Yes, the AnchorSolix X1 can be expanded. It has two MPPTs, allowing additional solar panels to be added without changing the inverter. It can support up to 12 kilowatt peak of solar panels, making it future-proof for potential upgrades.

How does the AnchorSolix X1 handle inductive loads during off-grid use?

The AnchorSolix X1 can handle up to 20 kVA of inductive load, meaning it can cope with sudden spikes in power demand, such as when a motor starts, for up to 10 seconds without shutting down.

What is the charging and discharging capability of the AnchorSolix X1's battery modules?

Each battery module in the AnchorSolix X1 has a 3 kilowatt charge and discharge rate, meaning the 15 kilowatt-hours of storage can fully charge or discharge in about an hour and a half, allowing efficient use of cheap overnight electricity in winter.

What is a potential downside of the AnchorSolix X1 system mentioned in the installation process?

A potential downside is the meter installation process, which requires interrupting the main electrical tails and running a data cable to the system. The meter does not come with an enclosure, adding complexity to the installation process.