IBC SOLAR SA: Solar MD Launches A New Battery Portfolio

Solar MD, established in 2014, has been known as one of the leading experts in energy management and lithium ion battery storage, not only in the Sub Saharan sector, but worldwide. The company focusses on a number of sectors, such as residential and commercial storage solutions providing power security and self-consumption optimisation for homes and businesses. The latter can significantly reduce the monthly utility bill. With the industrial range, Solar MD specialises in large scale lithium ion battery storage providing solutions for peak shaving, backup power, power purchase models and more applications all leading to energy security and reduced electricity costs.

Moreover, with their web based monitoring, www.mypower24.co.za, the manufacturer remotely optimises the utilisation of Solar PV and storage systems. This contributes to the locally based manufacturers ability to bring affordable, clean energy to every home in Africa, and specifically where people have no access to grid power. “It’s really amazing to see that our product provides energy solutions to people where previously they had no access to electricity” says Kyle Swanepoel, Solar MD Technical lead.

Solar MD storage solutions are produced from lithium iron phosphate which is considered safe and energy dense material. As stated by Kyle, “from a technology standpoint, it’s definitely one of the best battery technologies that can be used.” Lithium iron phosphate has been integrated into most inverter brands, now specifically with the communication to handle lithium and the charging and discharging curves.

The new high voltage storage range, which will be based on the same cell technology that is currently being used in the SS4143, is called the ZK series. Hereby, 51.2 volt units are connected in series to get the desired levels for a high voltage battery solution. Thus, the smallest ZK battery that that will be available is 8 modules and a rated nominal voltage of 400 volts. The product range is designed to be used in containerised solutions, as well as commercial and industrial applications. These include mini grids, back-up power packs, peak shaving modules as well as increased self-consumption in combination with Solar PV managed by Solar MD’s monitoring portal.

With such larger scale PV and storage solutions becoming more affordable, functional and less complex, a sustainable and decentralised power supply for commercial and industrial applications can become reality. “Solar MD has been our partner for storage solutions in the African market since 2019. The high quality and innovative approach aligns perfectly with the IBC SOLAR philosophy. With Solar MD’s battery solutions and our product portfolio in combination, we support the creation of secure and sustainable power for Africa” explains Daniel Haitzler, Managing Director of IBC SOLAR South Africa. The 14.3kWh rack mount is already available in the IBC SOLAR online shop. Within the fourth quarter of 2022 you can expect the 8.3 wall mount battery to also be released.