Does Sol Stack Actually Manufacture?

Yes!  Unlike most local brands (who simply import cheap kit batteries from China), we actually manufacture our batteries.

What Cells Do You Use?

We use only EVE automotive grade (grade A) new cells.  These are the same cells that BMW uses in some of their electric vehicles.  EVE has a long reputation for being one of the best cell manufacturers in the world, and producing cells that exceed published specifications for capacity, and cycle life.

Can I Connect Via Smartphone to Monitor Battery?

Yes, our BMS has bluetooth connectivity and app for both iPhone/iOS and Android.  You can easily monitor your battery state of charge, and performance details from your phone.

What is the cell configuration, and nominal voltage?

Our 48v batteries are 51.2v nominal, with a 16s configuration.  Our 24v batteries are 25.6v nominal with an 8s configuration.

Is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Safe?

LiFePO4 prismatic cells are known for their safety.  Unlike other chemical formulations, LiFePO4 will not spontaneously combust, and is not prone to thermal runaway, even when overcharged/overdischarged or shorted.

What is the typical lifespan of a LiFePO4 Battery?

A typical lifespan for a Sol Stack battery is between 10-15 years, depending on how it's used.  If the battery is properly configured, and properly used (not regularly discharged below 20% state of charge, not cycled multiple times daily, etc.) it will realistically last about 15 years.

The lifespan is measured both in cycles (~6,000) and calendar life, as lithium chemistry cells naturally degrade over time, even if not in use.

How many Sol Stack Batteries can I put in parallel?

You can put as many as you have space for.  We have field installations of up to 109kWh presently.

Can I wire multiple Sol Stack Batteries in Series?

No.  If you have a 24v system and are concerned about one day upgrading to 48v, don't worry.  Sol Stack 24v / 10kWh batteries can be rewired to support 48v systems, should you one day upgrade.  There is no need to wire our batteries in series.

Can I install a large battery and a smaller one for more capacity?

This is not recommended.  It is best to have all lithium batteries in parallel be of similar capacity.  While some small capacity differences (example: a 9kWh battery with a 10.75kWh battery) are ok, you can shorten the life of your batteries if they are of dramatically different capacity.

What are the dimensions of Sol Stack Batteries?

Our 48v batteries are 42" tall, 24" wide, and 9.75" deep.

Our 24v batteries are 22" tall, 24" wide, and 9.75" deep.

What are my mounting options?

Sol Stack batteries can be mounted interior or exterior (but should not be exposed to direct rain, or a lot of direct sunlight), in a location that will not flood during storms.

They can be mounted on a wall (up to 18" off the floor for 48v, and up to 36" off the floor for 24v - higher mounting may be difficult, but can be done).  

They can also be "floor standing" (not mounted to the wall), as long as they are placed along a wall to secure them into place.

What is the maximum charge/discharge current?

The maximum current for Sol Stack batteries is 150amps.  Maximum sustained charge and discharge currents vary depending on the capacity of the battery (based on the C rating).  See the technical data sheet for the capacity you are considering for precise maximum sustained current.

 

 

Compatibility With Your System

Is my Inverter / Charge Controller Compatible?

The vast majority of modern inverters (made in the past 5 years) and charge controllers do support lithium batteries. 

Systems with micro inverters and net metering may require additional serial inverter installation, if the installed equipment does not support a standard DC coupled battery.

For detailed compatibility information, see this article.

Can I Install Sol Stack in parallel with other brands of batteries?

You can install Sol Stack in parallel with any DC coupled (most), Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry (LiFePO4) batteries, as long as they are the same cell count configuration. 

The best way to check this is to look at the information label on the battery.  It should specify battery chemistry, and nominal voltage.

For 48v systems, the nominal voltage of your existing batteries must be 51.2v.

For 24v systems, the nominal voltage of your existing batteries must be 25.6v

Almost all lithium batteries sold for home energy storage are compatible chemistry (except Tesla, Generac). 

However, many of the cheap batteries flooding the market are one cell short (15s or 7s configuration).  If your existing batteries are LiFePO4, but a lower nominal voltage, contact us.  We can produce a matching battery.

Does Sol Stack support Closed Loop Communication with Inverter?

We do not use closed loop communications.  Closed loop communications do not change the performance of your battery, and have very little impact on how the battery charges. 

Closed loop communications primarily just make the battery "plug and play", without need to understand or configure inverter/charger settings, because it allows your equipment to simply follow instructions the battery BMS sends to your inverter.  But, simply properly configuring your inverter, without closed loop communications is just as effective - and more reliable.

Because closed loop communications are often the source of problems (compatibility issues with different communication protocols, and when closed loop fails, your whole system fails), we prefer to simply configure your equipment properly for the battery.

 

About Our Warranty

Do I Have To Pay For The Warranty?

The purchase of your Sol Stack Battery includes our standard, 5-year, on-site service warranty.  There is no additional cost for this warranty.  You have the option of upgrading to our 10-Year, on-site service warranty as well, for an additional cost.

What Does The Warranty Cover?

Everything except misuse, physical damage to the battery by accident or abuse, and acts of god.  The warranty covers any defect in the battery which causes it to not function properly, and/or retain at least 80% of its storage capacity during the warranty period.

For the first half of your warranty, parts and service are both covered. 

For the second half of your warranty, all parts are covered, but there is a $200 service call fee for the on-site service. 

What Is The Difference Between Standard and Extended Warranty?

Length of the warranty.  The standard warranty is 5 years length.  The extended warranty covers your battery for 10 years.

 

About Delivery & Installation

About $200 Delivery & Installation

We deliver and install batteries island-wide for $200.  This is a complete installation, including any necessary cables (as long as your battery is installed within 3' distance of your inverter), and configuration of your inverter/charge controller. 

Our delivery and installation does not include other non-related items, such as making additional configuration changes to your inverter, adjusting other wiring, or installing other hardware.  Additional services are available for additional cost, but be sure to communicate with us in advance so we send a technician who is qualified to make other adjustments to your system.

How Long Does Delivery & Installation Take?

Once you order your battery, delivery and installation are usually completed within 3-5 business days.  There are some exceptions - for example, if you live in a remote area, it may take us longer to get your installation scheduled.  When you place your order, we will make your delivery appointment based on availability of installers at that time.

Does a Sol Stack Battery Employee Install My Battery?

If you purchase your battery directly from us, in most cases our technicians will be the installer of your battery.  However, we do have licensed Sol Stack Certified technicians that service some areas of the island.  So your installer could be a contractor.  Rest easy; all 3rd party certified installers are OGPe licensed electricians and are trained by us.

Can I Purchase and Install Myself?

You can purchase and install yourself.  We have very detailed installation guides, and any person with knowledge of electricity, and electrical safety can install their own battery.  However, please note, that Sol Stack Battery is not responsible for any errors in your installation that cause damage to the battery, or result in injury.  You must sign a waiver acknowledging this when picking up your battery.

I Am a Solar Installer, Can I Buy From You and Install For My Customers?

Certainly.  Any OGPe licensed solar installer or electrician can install for their clients.  Joining our dealer program also gives you access to dealer pricing.  Becoming a certified Sol Stack Installer (requires OGPe permit, and references proving a good reputation in the market) also allows you to be a contract installer for Sol Stack, resulting in additional revenue for your business.

 

Ordering

How Do I Order a Sol Stack Battery?

You can order your Sol Stack Battery online, or by visiting, or contacting us.  In either case, we will confirm your existing equipment compatibility, and ensure the battery you are ordering will meet your needs.  We will then prepare a purchase agreement for you which includes the full warranty terms in writing.  The agreement is easily electronically signed via email, and your installation is then scheduled.

While you are welcome to visit our showroom during business hours, visiting us in person is not necessary to order your battery.

Do I Have to Pay Up-Front, Before Installation?

No.  You can order on our website, with "cash on delivery" as your payment method, or you can contact us to order.  In either case, payment is due when the battery is installed and configured.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

We accept cash, manager's check (certified bank check), PayPal or major credit cards (except American Express).  Please note, we charge a 1.5% electronic payment convenience fee on PayPal and credit card transactions.

Do You Offer Financing?

We do not directly offer financing at this time.  If you need financing, we suggest you purchase through a Sol Stack Dealer who offers financing options.  Our batteries are OGPe certified, and so can be financed using any solar system financing options available.