With the phase-out of the net metering program on the horizon, the question is no longer whether you should store energy, but how to do so smartly. Modular storage is the latest trend for homeowners and small business owners who don’t want to be tied to a single, inflexible system. A fixed system has a set capacity, which is an excellent choice if your energy needs are stable. But if you’re looking for maximum scalability to easily expand in the future, and you value ease of installation without major renovations, then modular is the way to go.
In this blog, you’ll discover the difference between fixed and modular home batteries, learn exactly how to calculate your ideal capacity, and find out why the new Anker SOLIX Solarbank Max AC is setting a new standard for plug-and-play storage.
What is a modular home battery?
A modular home battery is a system consisting of separate units (modules) that you connect together. Instead of a single large, heavy unit, you start with a base station and add extra battery modules as your energy needs grow.
Imagine this: you buy a battery today based on your current usage. In two years, you buy an electric car or a heat pump. With a fixed system, you’d have to replace the entire installation. With a modular system like the Solarbank Max AC, you simply snap on an additional module.
A modular approach is ideally suited for situations where flexibility is key. Consider, for example, families planning to grow or households currently considering the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV). They can simply adjust their storage capacity later to match their new consumption. This is also the ideal approach for those who prefer to invest in stages: you start with a basic storage capacity of, say, 5 kWh and can effortlessly expand it to 15 kWh or more as your budget or needs grow. This way, your system literally grows along with your ambitions and your household.
Don’t want to wait for an installer and want to start saving right away? Discover how the Anker SOLIX Solarbank Max AC combines scalability with the ultimate in installation ease.
Advantages and disadvantages of modular storage
Advantages (+) | Disadvantages (-) |
Future-proof: Scalable as your usage increases. | Price per module: Sometimes slightly more expensive per kWh to purchase than a single large unit. |
Spread out your investment: Buy what you need now and expand later. | Space utilization: Multiple modules may take up more physical space. |
Ease of installation: Plug-and-play; no modifications to the meter box required. | Compatibility: You’re often limited to modules from the same brand. |
No major maintenance: Little to no maintenance required thanks to smart monitoring. | |
Safety: Uses stable and durable LFP battery technology. |
Want to calculate your battery capacity yourself? Here’s how to determine your ideal storage capacity
To avoid having too little storage or unnecessarily high costs, calculating your capacity is crucial. The rule of thumb is: 1 to 1.5 kWh of storage capacity per 1 kWp of solar panels. For example, if you have ten 400 Wp solar panels, that’s a total of 4,000 Wp (or 4 kWp). The basic requirement comes out to 6 kWh of storage (4 x 1.5). Do you want to expand in the future to accommodate an electric car or heat pump? Thanks to the Solarbank Max AC’s modular design, you can easily add extra kWh later without having to replace the entire system.
Checklist: Do I have enough capacity?
- Can I fully cover my nighttime consumption?
- Do I have room to handle peaks from my solar panels in the summer?
- Is the system expandable if I install a charging station?
What types of modular home batteries are available?
There are several innovative brands that offer modular plug-and-play systems. Although the basic principle is the same—storing excess solar energy for later use—they differ in capacity, price range, and how much you can expand them.
- Anker: The Anker SOLIX Solarbank Max AC sets a new standard in the market. It’s the ideal solution for anyone looking for maximum storage at an unprecedentedly low price per kWh. You can connect this modular system directly to a power outlet without needing an installer.
- EcoFlow: EcoFlow’s plug-in batteries are known for their user-friendliness and seamless integration. They are the perfect addition for anyone who wants immediate control over their own energy consumption without any technical hassle.
- Marstek: With the Marstek Venus Energycube, you’re choosing a smart, compact solution. Available in the Venus C (2.5 kWh) and Venus E (5 kWh), this system is designed for reliability and quick installation without major modifications to your home.
- Zendure: Ideal for both households and small businesses. Zendure offers robust plug-and-play systems that help you increase the efficiency of your solar panels and save immediately on your energy bill.
Anker SOLIX Solarbank Max AC
The undisputed leader in the modular home battery segment is the Anker SOLIX Solarbank Max AC. What makes this system unique is its combination of high-end specifications with a surprisingly low price, allowing you to realize a return on your solar panels faster than ever before. This powerful plug-and-play unit delivers an output of 3500W and can be expanded modularly up to an impressive 42 kWh. Thanks to its smart AI energy management, the Solarbank automatically optimizes your energy consumption, while you can set it up entirely on your own by simply plugging it into an outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional and Plug-in Home Batteries
Can I mix modules from different brands?
Technically speaking, it is often possible to connect different components, but in practice, this is strongly discouraged. For safe and efficient communication between the batteries, it is essential that the modules connect seamlessly. The safest and most efficient method is therefore always to add modules of exactly the same brand and type.
Can I install the Solarbank Max AC myself?
Yes, absolutely. The Solarbank Max AC is specifically designed for DIYers. Thanks to the universal MC4 connectors, you can easily connect the system between your existing solar panels and your microinverter. You don’t need a certified installer, and you don’t have to modify your meter box. So you start saving money right from the moment of installation!
What about the warranty if I expand the system?
If you add an additional module later, the warranty on your original system will remain in effect. Every new module you purchase from Off Grid Power Station is covered by that brand’s standard manufacturer’s warranty.
- New modules: Come with their own full warranty period starting from the date of purchase.
- Existing system: The warranty period for your old modules is neither shortened nor extended by the new addition.
Is a modular battery suitable for a dynamic energy contract?
Yes, most modular systems, including the brand-new Solarbank Max AC, can communicate with your energy contract via smart software. This allows the battery to charge when electricity prices are low (or negative) and supply power to your home when prices are high.
Can’t find your question here? Make an appointment at our showroom for personalized advice, or contact us directly.
Ready to get started with modular storage right away?
Choosing a modular home battery means choosing peace of mind in a changing energy market. This ensures you’re immediately ready for the future, because you have the freedom to expand flexibly whenever it suits you. Whether you start with a compact setup or go straight for maximum power with the Anker SOLIX Solarbank Max AC, you’re building a system that grows with you.