The Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems that are funded by the US Department of Energy have moved forward with the announcement that Saft will supply one of the projects with a lithium-ion battery system for energy storage.
Working in collaboration with Apollo Solar, a company that specialises in the design and manufacture of power electronics for solar energy systems, Saft has been awarded a contract for the second design phase to deliver a working prototype of a Smart Grid inverter.
The aim behind the programme is to develop high performance products that allow photovoltaics to be used in household and Smart Energy systems. Apollo Solar has already been selected by the DOE to develop a cost effective and efficient inverter to enhance the value of solar electric systems.
The Saft lithium-ion battery system, meanwhile, will provide efficient energy storage to enable the solar energy to be effectively time shifted for home consumption during periods of peak demand or when the grid needs support.
During the next stage of the project, the focus will be placed on field demonstration, deployment and commercialisation.
