After a few difficult months, Solarwatt has recovered and is performing strongly again. The provider of energy solutions for private and commercial premium customers will in future be offering installing partners a genuine comprehensive, worry-free package.
In less positive news, the Solarwatt F8 module factory has been shut down for the foreseeable future. “It was a difficult decision for us to end module production after 30 years,” said Benjamin Frank, who has been running the company since mid-2024. “Under the current conditions, the production of solar modules in Dresden is not possible.”
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Intelligent solution for customers across Europe
The Solarwatt Home package features an own wallbox, new storage and its own hybrid inverters. “With our intelligent energy solution Solarwatt Home, we ensure that homeowners and companies across Europe can use the cheapest and cleanest energy at all times,” said CEO Benjamin Frank at the presentation of the products in Dresden. “This only works if we bring together all sectors such as electricity, heat and mobility, and intelligently connect solar power from the roof of the house to the power grid. That’s exactly what we have achieved with Solarwatt Home.”
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More than 700,000 systems built
Solarwatt builds on a unique wealth of experience. Since it was founded in 1993, more than 700,000 solar projects have been planned and built in Europe – mostly by regional partners. “In many of these projects, in addition to the solar system, a battery storage system, heat pump or charging solutions for an electric car have already been installed,” explained Benjamin Frank. “We have been relying on sector coupling since 2012. This experience sets us apart from other providers and simplifies our next development step.”
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Energy manager with AI
Solarwatt offers an energy management system that is based on artificial intelligence and significantly reduces the costs of home electricity, heating or e-mobility. The company supports the planning and installation of solar technology, the heat pump and the charging stations.
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Benjamin Frank explained: “The coupling of electricity, heat and mobility is complex. What matters is that the different pieces of the puzzle fit together perfectly. We make sure of that.” In addition to regional partners, Solarwatt maintains close cooperation with Stiebel Eltron and BMW.
Use energy wisely
The complete solution Solarwatt Home combines solar modules, battery storage, heat pump and wallbox, intelligent energy management as well as services. Customers are private investors and companies who want to reduce their energy costs.
The Solarwatt Manager is responsible for controlling and optimizing the solar system. This ensures that customers use the highest possible proportion of the solar power they generate in their household or company: “Every kilowatt hour generated is used where it makes the most sense in terms of costs and the environment,” said Peter Bachmann, who is also part of the management.
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AI controls and optimizes
Dynamic electricity tariffs are also integrated into the system. “Using AI algorithms, we individually calculate how the energy from the solar system is used and when, at best, they should buy electricity from the grid,” explained Bachmann. “The calculations include, for example, weather data, usage behavior in single-family homes or commercial businesses, the availability of renewable energies in general and, of course, the price on the electricity exchange.”
If electricity is particularly cheap, it can be charged into the battery storage system using the Solarwatt Manager and used later. During these times, it also makes sense to charge an electric car or heat up the heat pump's buffer tank for the evening hours.
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Storage up to 182 kilowatt hours
The basis of the complete package is the glass-glass modules from the Panel Vision series. The Topcon cells provide the electricity used in the building. These deliver up to 450 watts, with 460 watts on the horizon. Solarwatt offers a 30-year product and performance guarantee. The Panel Vision solar modules have been available since the beginning of 2024.
The solar power is stored in the new Battery Vision battery storage system. The battery uses LFP cells. Previously, Solarwatt storage units were equipped with NMC cells. The new system comes with a cool design and logo from BMW, which was developed in the USA. Like the previous models, it also has a modular design for capacities of between 5.2 and 182 kilowatt hours. Each battery module stores 2.6 kilowatt hours. At a minimum, the system is equipped with two battery packs, which charge and discharges with 1C.
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Ten times seven battery modules
A storage tower can accommodate up to seven battery modules, providing 18.2 kilowatt hours. Ten battery towers can be linked to provide up to 182 kilowatt hours of storage capacity. Solarwatt therefore also offers an interesting storage system for commercial customers.
The highest safety standards have been implemented and the storage fully complies with the EU battery regulation. It was developed and tested according to BMW specifications and automotive industry standards. The Battery Vision offers emergency power (without a separate switch box) and sufficient power to supply the devices for sector coupling. The new home storage has been delivered since January 2025.
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No more wall mounting
Important: The new storage system will only be available as a standing version, no longer for wall mounting. A cable of 1.5 meters must be bridged between the inverter and battery, but three to five meters are also possible. Due to the IP65 housing, the storage can be positioned outdoors, ideally protected from rain or strong sun. It is approved from minus ten to plus 55 degrees Celsius.
The basic pack weighs 35 kilograms and contains the control of the battery modules. Each battery module weighs 33 kilograms. DC fuses are integrated as standard, as is an external switch for black start. The battery can be used with a reserve of up to 40 percent for emergency power.
With the three-phase storage system, a home can definitely be supplied in the event of a power failure. Single-phase or three-phase sensors are installed in the meter cabinet for emergency control.
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Specially developed hybrid inverters
Solarwatt offers new a single- or three-phase Inverter Vision for connection to the solar system. These cover 3 to 15 kilowatts. The solar strings run via three MPP trackers, with one connection reserved for the battery. The inverters, which are produced in Asia, are not off-the-shelf devices but are manufactured according to strict Solarwatt specifications.
They can be overcharged by 100 percent on the DC side, meaning that it is possible to connect a 20 kilowatt solar generator via a 10 kilowatt inverter. The inputs can be assigned up to 20 or 25 amps.
The package is completed by the Charger Vision. This AC wallbox enables solar excess charging and dynamic load management. Four operating modes can be set, including phase switching from 1.4 kilowatts.
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Configuration via App
Solarwatt rolled out the Charger Max for delivery start in January 2025. This wallbox can charge electric cars bidirectionally. The configuration is carried out via the Solarwatt Pro app. The components are integrated via the new Manager Flex. The DIN rail device rail is inserted into the fuse cabinet. A slimmed-down version adheres magnetically to metal lids or doors, and offers free connections for additional controllable consumers.
The IT connection is via a LAN cable. The number of devices that can be integrated is unlimited. Essential functions run locally, and only certain data and controls are connected to the cloud.
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The right service for specialist partners
What sounds simple is technically complex and demanding. Specialist craftsmen know that it is no longer enough today to screw solar modules onto the roof and connect the inverter. Home ownership is about the intelligent networking of all energy sectors, which includes heating, cooling and mobility.
A similar trend can be observed in the industry. “We are targeting specialist companies that can handle this complexity,” said Benjamin Frank. The new complete Solarwatt Home system will be rolled out in 10 European countries at the same time.
In addition, Solarwatt has updated its shop to include frequently requested electrical components often required during installation, such as cables, cable ducts and other accessories. (HS)
