Nissan and power management leader Eaton are broadening their portfolio of xStorage Home residential energy storage solutions (left) by introducing a range of six product configurations, giving consumers greater choice to meet their energy needs. This announcement comes as pre-orders of xStorage Home begin today in the United Kingdom, Norway and Germany with other European markets to follow in the coming months.
The xStorage Home system can draw energy from the sun or from the grid, making energy consumption more affordable and encouraging home-owners to make a more sustainable choice. The cutting-edge technology in the xStorage Home system is also fit for the future, and can enable customers to sell energy back to the grid an opportunity that is expected to be offered by energy companies in the future.
The system gives consumers greater control over how and when they use energy in their own homes enabling them to avoid expensive tariff periods. The expanded range will offer consumers greater choice over power capacity and price as well as units. Consumers can opt to purchase units powered by either second life batteries or new batteries.
xStorage Home units which provide a sustainable second life for Nissan’s electric vehicle (EV) batteries after their first life in cars is over will be priced competitively starting at 3,500 (US$3,726) (excluding VAT and installation costs) for a power capacity of 3.5kW rising to just 3,900 (US$4,152) for 6kW. Units powered by new Nissan batteries will start from 5,000 (US$5,323) rising to 5,580 (US$5,940) for the highest capacity and will come with an extended warranty period of ten years.
Connected to a residential power supply and/or renewable energy sources such as solar panels, the unit has the potential to revolutionise the way people manage energy usage in their own home, providing added flexibility.
xStorage Home comes with solar panel inverters already integrated meaning that if a home is equipped with solar panels, the consumer can connect directly to xStorage Home, storing and then powering their homes using clean, renewable energy. It can also save customers money on their utility bills by charging up when renewable energy is available or cheaper, and releasing that stored energy when demand and costs are high
The xStorage Home unit also has the capability to provide energy back to the grid in countries where the conditions enable customers to do so. This provides another potential revenue stream as customers will be able to sell stored energy back to the grid when demand and costs are high.
The system also provides the ultimate back-up energy solution to consumers, ideal at a time when energy grids are coming under significant strain. With smartphone connectivity, it allows consumers to switch between energy sources at the touch of a button.
“Energy pricing and availability have long been concerns for all of us, and with this product, consumers will finally be able to take control of how and when they use energy in their homes,” explained Paul Willcox, chairman, Nissan Europe. “We have already seen overwhelming interest for this product, so we’re excited to be able to offer consumers even greater choice with our wider portfolio of xStorage products. With the launch of xStorage Home, we’re fast approaching a consumer energy revolution. xStorage Home will deliver real world benefits for smarter, more affordable and more sustainable energy management.”
This move towards the use of alternative energy sources is in line with consumer demand across Europe. Nissan’s Social Index report found that environmental issues are one of European consumers’ greatest concerns for the future. An overwhelming majority of those surveyed (91%) were excited to see more alternative energy sources developed in the future and 89% wanted to see recycled materials used in more innovative ways.
“European consumers are increasingly demanding alternative energy management solutions,” added Frank Campbell, president, Eaton Electrical and Corporate EMEA. “Working in partnership with Nissan, we have developed a range of affordable, ready to use home energy storage solutions, giving consumers a choice of six options. While other home energy storage products are available on the market, we aim to avoid hidden extra costs and achieve the lowest possible total cost of ownership.”
The new xStorage Home portfolio marks the start of a longer-term commitment by Nissan and Eaton to bring new products to market for both private and commercial customers. Nissan’s commercial offering, xStorage Buildings, is a robust and powerful solution for organisations to manage their energy usage more efficiently and power their business in a more sustainable, smarter way.
Engine + Powertrain Technology International’s sister magazine, Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology, sat down with Gareth Dunsmore, Nissan Europe’s electric vehicle director to discuss xStorage and a variety of other EV topics in the latest issue, online now!
