Energy-storing Products

Energy-storing products store and use power when needed. These energy-storing products play an important role in ensuring the stable supply of power through the use of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power. Further attention has gathered since the Great East Japan Earthquake as to the importance of these products in alleviating electricity shortfalls during power outages and at times of disaster.

In addition to industrial applications, we began taking orders in November 2011 for residential-use lithium-ion energy storage systems (1.6 kWh/3.2 kWh type). This system has a long track record in the notebook PC market, and uses an energy storage unit comprised of a number of cylindrical, 18650-size (65 mm height x 18 mm diameter) lithium-ion batteries with high voltage and capacity. In the event of a blackout, the system provides the electric power to lighting and communications equipment automatically. Even during normal times, the timer setting can be used to automatically limit the amount of power drawn from the grid during peak electricity demand, and still operate connected equipment using the energy already stored in the battery system.

Because Panasonic’s energy-storage system falls within the scope of the Japanese government’s fiscal 2012 stationary lithium-ion battery energy storage system subsidy program, individuals installing energystorage systems can earn a rebate of one-third of the overall expense, up to a maximum of 1 million yen.