General System Function; Description Of Use; Modes Of Operation - Sonnen sonnenBatterie eco Gen 2 User Manual

General System Function

Description of use

The sonnenBatterie eco is an intelligent
storage system that monitors and controls energy
production, consumption, and storage in the
house.
The sonnenBatterie eco can work with existing
or newly installed PV systems. The solar inverter
and eco storage system connect to the same
distribution panel. Solar modules do not connect
to the sonnenBatterie directly.
The storage system uses two power meters
to monitor solar power production and energy
consumption. When production is higher than
consumption, such as at midday, the eco stores
the excess energy in its lithium iron phosphate
(LiFePo4) battery modules. When consumption is
higher than production, such as in the evening, the
storage system releases the energy. In doing so,
the storage system allows you to use solar power
at night, reducing your power bill and increasing
the value of your investment in renewable energy.
The storage system also acts as a backup power
supply, meaning that if the utility grid goes out,
your appliances will remain powered.
The illustration below shows how the storage
system manages solar power (1) and power from
the utility grid (2) to maximize your energy
independence and savings on your power bill.
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2

Modes of operation

The sonnenBatterie eco offers three
complementary modes of operation: Self-
consumption, Backup, and Time of Use. Self-
consumption mode ensures that you are using the
power you generated even when the utility grid
power is available; backup mode makes that self-
generated power available in the event of a grid
power outage.
In addition, many utility companies are moving
to a Time of Use-based rate tariff, in which
electricity costs more during high-demand time
periods. The sonnenBatterie eco can maximize
your cost savings by using your stored battery
power during the high-cost part of the day
and recharging from solar and optionally with
electricity purchased from the grid at the lowest
offered rates.
Self-consumption mode
The following images illustrate the interaction
between the storage system, the PV system, and
the utility grid in self-consumption and backup
modes:
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