Generac Introduces AC Coupling for PWRcell Solar + Battery Storage Systems

Rhea-AI Summary

Generac Power Systems (NYSE: GNRC) announced an update to its PWRcell products, enabling AC-coupled battery storage and integration with Guardian home standby generators. The firmware update allows PWRcell to accept up to 7.6kW of AC power from third-party PV inverters, enhancing consumer energy independence and outage protection. This upgrade supports existing solar installations by integrating battery storage, offering reliable energy even during grid failures. Generac aims to enhance its clean energy product portfolio, responding to increasing demand for energy resilience amid weather-related outages.

Positive

• Introduction of AC coupling for PWRcell products enhances energy independence for consumers.
• Ability to integrate with Guardian generators extends power backup during outages.
• Firmware update allows PWRcell to use up to 7.6kW of AC power from third-party inverters.

Negative

• None.

New offering enables retrofitting with existing solar, coupling with Guardian home standby generators

WAUKESHA, Wis., Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Generac Power Systems (NYSE: GNRC), a leading global designer and manufacturer of energy technology solutions and other power products, today announced a market-expanding update to its PWRcell products that enables AC-coupled battery storage, as well as AC generator integration. Through a new firmware update introduced today, Generac PWRcell battery storage products will now accept up to 7.6kW of AC power generated by third-party PV inverters, giving consumers the opportunity to increase their energy independence and help protect themselves from outages.

Currently, solar-only installations make up a significant portion of the clean energy market, with battery storage systems gaining traction as the frequency of weather-related outages and rolling blackouts increases. Many of these solar-only installations lack the ability to power homes when the power grid is down. By enabling AC coupling, consumers can add a DC-powered PWRcell solar + battery storage system to their existing array, preserving energy for times when solar or grid power is unavailable.

The same firmware update also unlocks the opportunity for a new or existing Generac Guardian home standby generator to connect to a PWRcell solar + battery storage system. The AC-powered Guardian units provide extended protection during power outages when battery power has been exhausted, and by combining an air-cooled generator with battery storage, customers can enjoy the value of clean energy, along with the reliability of a home standby unit.

"Generac is proud to lead the way in envisioning the future of energy through a robust offering of market-leading power solutions that enhance energy resilience and independence," said Aaron Jagdfeld, president and chief executive officer of Generac. "We continue to grow our portfolio of clean energy products, expanding the capabilities of solar + battery storage solutions and giving our dealers and installers a wide array of options for their customers."

For more information about Generac and its PWRcell and Guardian line of products and updates, visit http://www.generac.com

About Generac

Generac Power Systems, Inc. (NYSE: GNRC) is a leading energy technology company that provides advanced power grid software solutions, backup and prime power systems for home and industrial applications, solar + battery storage solutions, virtual power plant platforms and engine- and battery powered tools and equipment. Founded in 1959, Generac introduced the first affordable backup  generator and later created the category of automatic home standby generator - a market in which  nearly eight of ten generators sold is a Generac. The company is committed to sustainable, cleaner  energy products poised to revolutionize the 21st century electrical grid.

Contact: Tami Kou
Tami.Kou@Generac.com
262-544-4811 Ext. 3950

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SOURCE Generac Power Systems, Inc.

FAQ

What is the recent firmware update for Generac's PWRcell system?

The update enables AC coupling for battery storage and integration with Guardian generators, allowing PWRcell to accept up to 7.6kW of AC power from third-party inverters.

How does the AC coupling benefit existing solar installations?

It allows consumers to add battery storage to their solar systems, providing backup power when the grid is down.

What new features does Generac's firmware update provide for consumers?

The update enhances energy independence by enabling AC power integration and extending backup capabilities with Guardian generators.

What is the significance of Generac's announcement on August 9, 2022?

It marks a strategic expansion of Generac's clean energy solutions, responding to growing demand for reliable power amid increasing outages.