Anker’s New Home Battery Tower Is a Sleek, Modular Step Toward Complete Energy Independence

This content is presented by Anker. The included facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.

Extreme weather events, rising energy costs, and environmental concerns are all reasons for homeowners to adopt backup power systems. Traditionally, these systems came in the form of noisy gas-powered generators; however, today’s advances in battery technology have made standby power stations fueled by electricity possible. These devices operate more quietly than generators—even virtually silently—and can be much more convenient to use, requiring no messy fueling and very little maintenance. They are also much more environmentally friendly, particularly when paired with solar energy.

Thanks to Anker, a leader in battery technology, homeowners looking for a cutting-edge backup power system now have a new option to consider: the Anker SOLIX X1. The innovative energy storage system is one of the most advanced on the market. It features a unique modular design that makes it possible to expand the tower’s capacity over time. And its rugged performance is able to withstand everything from rain and snow to extreme heat. It also looks great: This minimalist, sandstone-gray unit stands 26.4 inches wide by 5.9 inches deep (40 percent thinner than traditional backup battery systems) and stacks up to 58 inches tall with three batteries. Anker’s new battery backup has an expandable design that makes it more cost-effective than many of its non-modular competitors.

Emergency Preparedness

The primary purpose of a battery backup is to provide power in the event of a power outage. With the Anker SOLIX X1, several unique features ensure a seamless transition from on to off-grid energy, no matter how long or unexpected the outage. As soon as a blackout occurs, the X1 is capable of switching to backup power in under 20 milliseconds—faster than many other power stations on the market and minimizing any downtime during an outage. For shorter blackouts, the unit can deliver power at 110 percent of its stated output, keeping high-wattage appliances like refrigerators and AC units going until the grid is restored. During longer-lasting blackouts, the unit can be coupled with your existing solar system to provide continuous off-grid energy. 

Because outages can happen at any time and often with little notice, the X1 also incorporates another unique feature: Storm Guard Mode. Using AI technology, this forecast feature keeps tabs on your local weather service and automatically activates when it detects a severe weather alert. It then charges the battery tower to maximum capacity to ensure your household is prepared when the storm strikes. The included Anker app allows users to monitor and manage the whole system from a distance.

Uncompromised Power in All Seasons

Battery backups can keep your home powered through storms and natural disasters, but these devices are themselves susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Both especially cold and hot temperatures can negatively affect battery performance, leading to a decrease in output and capacity or rendering the battery unusable altogether. Thankfully, the X1 is built to withstand a range of temperatures and climates, from freezing cold to blistering heat. When the mercury drops, built-in thermal-boosting technology ensures the battery is able to charge at a normal rate. The onboard Battery Management System (BMS) is even able to adjust working conditions to increase power output. During heat waves, Anker’s InfiniPower feature keeps the device operating at full power.

The result of this technology is that the unit can operate in temperatures from -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 131 degrees Fahrenheit, which is one of the widest ranges of any battery backup on the market. And it’s enough to ensure that power is reliably provided, no matter whether it’s winter or summer. On top of all that, the X1 also boasts an IP65 waterproof rating, which means it’s protected from rain and dust, making it suitable for use in most outdoor enclosures.

High-Efficiency Storage (Translation: Energy Savings)

One of the benefits of a home battery system is its potential to help users save on energy costs—and few brands have put as much focus into realizing this as Anker. The savings potential begins with the X1’s unique modular design and an innovative energy optimizer feature at each battery pack, which allows each to independently charge and discharge to reach its full limit. In doing so, the X1 is able to avoid any barrel effect—a common problem in battery technology where weak or older cells hinder the combined battery’s overall capacity—and ensure that the maximum amount of energy is captured. By preserving capacity, the X1 provides up to 2,350 kilowatt-hours (kWh) more energy than another 15 kWh home battery over 10 years, saving homeowners from paying for that energy usage. This is particularly useful for homes on time-of-use energy plans, where the cost of electricity varies depending on demand. Users can charge up the X1 when electricity rates are at their lowest, then switch to off-grid power when prices are high.

In addition to improved capacity, the X1 is also able to work beyond its capacity in certain scenarios, such as during short-term power outages. When off-grid, the X1 will offer 1.1 times its standard output, keeping major appliances and lights running uninterrupted. The X1’s high output also powers a special mode called NEM 3.0, which allows the system to discharge at a faster rate to sell energy back to a provider when electricity sale prices are at their peak—thereby leading to more savings. The feature is specifically geared and only available for residents of California, which recently revamped its net metering policy. However, those who have solar panels in states with energy credit programs should also be able to benefit from the battery’s performance and efficiency.

Designed to Fit Any Home 

One of the Anker SOLIX X1’s standout features is its modularity, which offers users enormous flexibility when it comes to customizing their home energy setup. Users can add up to six battery packs per system, each with a 3 kW maximum charge and discharge power and 5 kWh capacity. Six batteries can be connected to make a system, and six systems can run in parallel. This provides scalability from 3 kW to 36 kW of output power range and 5 kWh to 180 kWh of battery capacity. The packs are stacked vertically, with a light-up power module at the top that displays information about the system’s status and operation. The system’s sleek design allows it to sit unobtrusively and match nearly any home decor. 

The X1’s modular design results in other benefits, too. Because each battery pack operates independently, old and new batteries can be used together without greatly affecting the system’s overall performance. Malfunctioning battery packs are automatically isolated as well, allowing working packs to continue operating as usual. The system can be either wall- or floor-mounted, and Anker installation partners are available for customers who want professional help getting set up.

More Control (Even Independence) Over Energy Consumption

For users looking to establish full self-sufficiency from the grid, the Anker SOLIX X1 can represent a huge step toward energy independence. As previously noted, the system can be used to store electricity for use during peak metering hours or to be sold back to your utility provider, giving you greater control over your energy budget. Moreover, the system is an AC coupled solution and compatible with your existing solar system. For even more independence, any solar energy produced can be stored for use in an emergency or any other time you need off-grid power; a self-powered mode even helps maximize the consumption of solar energy you’ve produced so that you can rely less heavily on the grid. Alternatively, the X1 can also be used alongside a solar system to create a self-standing home micro grid for complete energy freedom.

The X1 is just one offering in the new line of Anker SOLIX products, all of which are geared toward providing sustainable off-grid power. The Anker SOLIX family includes portable power stations, solar panels, and even a balcony power storage system designed to help apartment owners and renters achieve energy freedom. The tech brand is certainly one to watch: It also plans to release a microinverter and EV charger that will work with the X1 in the future. With Anker technology, true energy independence is closer to reality than ever.

Request a free quote of the Anker SOLIX X1 between April 23 and June 30, 2024 and complete purchase and installation to get a free Anker SOLIX C800 portable power station with purchase.