When asked about their newest product, a small-scale battery system, Markus Virta of Western Solar says, “We were inspired by the idea. There wasn’t a cost-effective solution on the market so we built one.”
Virta explains that many of their solar clients were looking for more flexibility with their power, especially if the utility grid went down as is the case with a power outage. Western Solar created a more affordable solution that has a small footprint and everything you need to keep your power on during an outage. A battery system coupled with solar panels can provide a long-term solution that is not dependent on a fuel supply. This solution can be designed to fit customers’ needs.
The small scale battery storage system created by Western Solar is more affordable than a conventional battery system providing all the electricity needed and with a more localized generating capacity. “The size of the battery system can be customized based on the individual needs of the customer,” says Virta. “Energy consumption can feel like an ambiguous thing for many people. We like to help our customers determine and understand what their exact electric consumption is. This enables us to design a battery storage system that fits their specific needs.”
Virta goes on to explain that their battery system is an alternative solution to a home generator. A typical solar installation does not supply power during an outage (as required by the National Electric Code). This battery system ensures continued production of solar panels despite loss of utility service. It can provide an uninterrupted power source which is important to those customers with vital medical devices which can’t afford to lose power.
The battery solution provided by Western Solar is sourced within Washington State, supporting local manufacturing. Western Solar takes pride in doing business with companies they know, who create quality products, treat their employees well, and believe in ethical business practices.
Virta also describes the great deal of intellectual property surrounding battery storage solutions that were pioneered in Washington. This further tells the story of Western Solar’s quality and commitment to power solutions. Washington State has made it a priority to begin exporting these types of solutions globally. Washington will continue to play a large role in this area as power goes from single utility generation to distributed power models creating autonomy and flexibility for the utility and its customers.
These battery solutions provided by Western Solar are turn-key packages. They meet all of the local code and utility requirements providing one solution for one price. They can be safely installed indoors or in an outdoor enclosure. The batteries are sealed, maintenance free, with minimal off-gassing and no watering required.
“Our customers are often concerned about flexibility and their future wellbeing. We get a lot of calls from people looking for a power solution when the grid goes down. Solar with battery storage can give them a more stable generating capacity.” Storage solutions alleviate the strain on generators and the need for fuel. “The battery storage systems we have engineered are simple, scalable and intelligent,” says Virta.
Virta also describes the basic lifecycle of these batteries. With a shelf life of 12-15 years and a cycle life of 2,000 to 3,000 cycles, a battery solution will provide reliability and flexibility long term. To give some perspective on cycle life, the power would have to be out every day for three years to get to 1,000 cycles.
Describing the role of Western Solar in the industry as well as in the local community, Virta says he appreciates the flexibility to be nimble and respond ahead of the curve when it comes to creating and being a part of change. “I love the open space to innovate and grow. Every year we see dramatic change.”
As a member of the Solar Installers of Washington, Western Solar is intent on working with utility companies to develop solutions such as small-scale battery storage that make sense as future needs for power consumption and storage change. And, with the growth of tiny homes and a higher commitment to the environment, the need for energy management systems is also growing. Western Solar continues to respond to the community by developing solutions to fit those needs.
“You have to focus on what’s close and what you know,” says Virta. “That’s how you’ll make an impact around you. And that is who we are at Western Solar.”
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