(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
China’s BYD Company, the world’s largest supplier of rechargeable batteries, has launched its newly expanded line-up of B-Box Battery Energy Storage Systems in Australia, one of the world’s fastest growing residential energy storage markets.
The B-Box aims squarely at the same market as Tesla’s Powerwall.
BYD’s easy-to-install modular battery cabinets are available in a HV (high-voltage) model for both commercial and residential use, as well as in a LV (low-voltage) model for residential use. At the same time, BYD announces 4 authorized distributors for the B-Box sales in Australia, Sol Distribution Pty Ltd., RF Industries Pty Ltd., 360 Energy Pty Ltd and Solar Australia Pty Ltd.
The latest BYD storage systems are IP55 certified, meaning the storage systems are protected against the elements and hostile environments. They are based on the company’s proprietary Lithium Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) storage chemistry, which has an outstanding safety record and makes it the ideal technology for countries like Australia.
The B-Box HV Series employs a modular design with battery capacities ranging from 5.6 to 10.08 kWh, providing more than enough energy for the average household and can be scaled up to 50kWh for commercial and industrial applications. The B-Box LV Residential Series is available in four capacities ranging from 2.5 to 10.0 kWh and can be scaled up to 80kWh.
Together with the B-Box LV Professional Series currently on sale, BYD now has a complete energy storage product line-up in Australia.
BYD has chosen Australia to launch its expanded B-Box battery storage systems because the country is currently one of the most attractive markets for solar PV and storage deployment. A combination of the expiry of various state-based feed-in tariff schemes, high and rising electricity tariffs and plentiful sunshine make battery storage coupled with rooftop solar extremely attractive to households and businesses.
According to a 2016 report published by IHS, Energy Storage Intelligence Service, behind-the-meter storage installations are expected to double each year through 2018, with more than 30,000 Australian homes having solar and energy storage systems by 2018.
The BYD B-Box can help households and businesses to slash their electricity bills by storing the output of their rooftop solar panel systems for use in the evening, when household electric appliance demand tends to rise. The B-Box can minimize the amount of solar energy that is fed back to the grid, as well as the impact of costly electricity tariffs.
“The B-Box series offers a wide range of renewable power capabilities to meet light to heavy electrical load usage, off-grid or on-grid, single-phase or three-phase applications.” said Julia Chen, Global sales director, BYD Batteries. “Ideally, the B-Box can be integrated to a fully sustainable energy-independent enterprise or lifestyle, enabling its users to reduce reliance on electricity from fossil fuels, especially when combined with BYD’s solar power systems, thus drastically cutting energy costs.”
BYD and Berkshire Hathaway
In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $230 million is now worth roughly $1.77 billion.
For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.
© 2017 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.