The physical footprint of each 79 kWh XOLTA battery ‘building block’ is a convenient 73 cm x 85 cm.
There is no need to overinvest in storage capacity.
2. How agile are you?
Standardization clearly helps keep costs down. However, small- to-medium-sized microgrid developers, in particular, can often benefit from the ability to adapt standard solutions to meet their specific needs. Transparency on the supplier’s part also makes the process go more smoothly.
“Since customers don’t always know exactly what they need or want, strict standardization is not necessarily in the developer’s or the customer’s best interests,” says XOLTA’s Bendt Iversen, Business Development Director. As he points out, XOLTA’s BAT-79 battery energy storage system can be used for microgrids as-is or can include developer-specific modifications.
“Our engineering service allows some adaptation of our system to meet a project’s specific requirements,” Iversen says. “Sometimes it’s the little change that makes the big difference to a project.”
Adds XOLTA Energy Storage Director Kruse: “We can grant access to battery data and control at a level where others do not appear to. There’s lots of transparency regarding what the product does from a software standpoint, too.”
What’s more, he explains, XOLTA’s extensive in-house expertise enables them to be more agile than most manufacturers. The battery rack with HVAC, LiBAL BMS, site controller and intelligent Cloud solution all are created onsite. “We don’t have to depend on others, which makes us able to serve customers quickly,” Kruse asserts.
Extensive inhouse expertise enables XOLTA to be more agile than most manufacturers. The battery rack with HVAC, LiBAL BMS and site controller are all created onsite
Easy installation makes a big difference for the establishment of a microgrid
5. How easy is your storage solution to install and service?
At the risk of stating the obvious, even the cheapest product is too expensive if it is difficult to install, breaks down frequently or takes a long time to repair. Make sure the energy storage solution you’ve got your eye on has a good track record on all counts.
Ask for details regarding installation, service and repairs. And don’t hesitate to contact some of the supplier’s previous customers to hear about their experience with the product and people. The most useful reviews come from those who don’t have anything to lose by being honest.
6. How will you treat my project and me?
If your potential supplier resembles David more than Goliath, make sure they have excellent credentials and secure financial backing. You want them not only to be great at their job now, but also to be around long-term.
If they’re one of the big players, listen to your gut when you look at their credentials. Your project deserves individual attention to detail, agility and engaged support from the supplier’s staff. Be certain they walk the talk.
7. Does your company write self-promotional articles like this with the hope of getting new partners?
Guilty as charged. That being said, we at XOLTA do believe in – and practice – everything we’ve written here. And we sincerely hope the information will help you as you do your research.
Just let us know if you have any more questions. We wish you the best of luck as you develop your microgrid!