Renewable energy news: Mercedes-Benz energy storage module now available for households in Germany

Mercedes Benz Energy Storage HomeMercedes-Benz

A stationary energy storage system was undertaken by Daimler and one of its subsidiaries, Deutsche ACCUmotive, sometime ago, and now, it is ready for home use. Germany is the first country to avail of the new energy storage module, but it will be available worldwide in the future.

The Mercedes Benz Energy Storage Home has a starting storage capacity of 2.5 kWh, the basic module, but it can be stacked up and create an energy storage space of up to 20 kWh of clean energy. The batteries are Lithium-ion, which are the same type of batteries used in their electric cars.

The company added that the storage module will be available from solar technology and utility companies, which will primarily support the product. Any excess energy collected from the sun via the solar panels will go directly to these modules, Digital Trends reported.

Harald Kröger, head of development for electrics/electronics and E-Drive Mercedes-Benz Cars said, "There is tremendous interest in our energy storage units, and we have already received numerous orders. Over the coming months, we will continue to step up and expand sales both in Germany and on the international market, " Renewable Energy Focus reported.

ACCumotive has been manufacturing similar products for the past two years, although on an industrial level. The scalable design of the newly announced product makes it appropriate for home use as well.

In the near future, it is expected that households will be able to generate up to 65 percent of their own energy requirements, thus an efficient energy storage solution must be available when the time comes, and Mercedes-Benz has also created one.  The modular energy storage space was initiated by Tesla, with their Powerwall.

The Tesla Powerwall costs US$3,500 per module with a 6.4 kWh energy storage rating. TechCrunch mentioned that 38,000 units were put up on the waiting list when it was announced last year.

Mercedes-Benz currently does not have pricing for its Energy Storage Home module.