Sunrun Brightbox

Sunrun

The Sunrun Brightbox is a solar battery system.

Snapshot
Manufacturing & delivery
Performance & use
Research & standards
Feedback

Product description Brand name and product description

The Sunrun Brightbox is a wall-mounted solar battery using LG Chem’s Lithium ion technology, that can be connected with existing solar energy production infrastructure. It is designed to be integrated into a wider network of energy storage devices and function as a micro grid during blackouts.

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

This product is available in 23 states in the USA, including Puerto Rico

Distributors/implementing organizations Organization(s) distributing/deploying this product directly to communities/individuals?"

This product is distributed by Sunrun, through an online quote

Market suggested retail price Price per unit or service price per usage/terms (USD). Subsidies noted.

7,000 USD

Competitive landscape Similar products available on the market. May not be a comprehensive listing.

Primary competitors in North America include the Tesla Powerwall, SimpliPhi PHI 3.8 Battery and the Discover Battery AES 6.6 kWhr Battery

SDG targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted with this product/application/service

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Target user(s) Target user/consumer base (country, income segment)

Target users include urban and rural homeowners, and recently hurricane and storm prone areas such as Puerto Rico

Manufacturing/building method(s) Detail regarding solution production or construction method (instructions, mass production capacity, custom made,etc...)

The Sunrun Brightbox uses a LG Chem RESU battery and is mass produced in South Korea utilizing LG Chem’s battery technology.

Product Intellectual Property Open source/IP protected (note patent)/trade secret/other?

Trademarked

User Provision Model Where can the product be purchased/acquired by end users?

Users can obtain this product through direct sales from the manufacturer.

Distribution to date Number of units that have been deployed, downloads or users to date

As of the end of 2018, Sunrun had installed over 5,000 Brightbox units with numbers expecting to double by the end of 2019.

Fields marked are sourced values that have been evaluated by the manufacturer or a third party, all others are design specifications.

Description of power outputs

Number and type of power outputs

1 AC outlet discharging 14.3 A @ 350 VDC

Description of light points

Number and type of light points

Battery only, no light points

Total lighting service (lumen-hours per solar-day)

Manufacturer-specified lumen-hours per solar day

N/A

Peak power rating (Wp)

Peak power rating of the solar panel in standardized sunlight conditions, provided by the manufacturer

7,000 Wp

Battery capacity (kWh; mAh)

Manufacturer-specified battery capacity

9.8 kWh

Nominal battery voltage (V)

Manufacturer-specified battery voltage

350 VDC

Battery type

Type of battery used

Lithium ion

User replaceable battery (yes/no)

Can the user easily replace the battery if needed?

Yes

Remote system diagnostics (yes/no)

Can this system be monitored remotely?

Yes

Payment structure

Type of user payment structure

Purchased outright or leased

Mobile service required (yes/no)

Does this system require mobile connectivity (either for payments or to function)?

Design specifications Component and Operation overview including power, portability, facility requirements, preventative maintenance and user training requirements

The Sunrun Brightbox is a solar energy storage system, designed to be integrated into a larger network of storage devices to provide power to homes in periods of blackouts. The system utilizes LG Chem’s Lithium ion battery technology and is available with a 5 kW capacity; with a total energy rating of 9.8 kWh. The unit is wall mounted and can operate in most environments and temperatures with an IP55 rating. The unit has the following dimensions: 744 x 907 x 206 mm, and weighs 97 kg. The data sheet can be found here

Product schematics Design and assembly illustrations

Technical support Technical support provided by

Provided by the manufacturer

Replacement components Availability of replacement components (in-country, by order,...)

Replaceable components include the battery, inverter, solar panels, mounts and wiring connections

Lifecycle Disposal and warranty

The battery is rated to last 6,000 cycles, and comes with a 10 year warranty. Users that purchase the Brightsave service package receive free full servicing.

Manufacturer specified performance targets Designer / Manufacturer specified targets

The battery is designed to provide 8 – 12 hours of power for household overnight or in a blackout or power outage.

Vetted performance Findings of manufacturer evaluations or independent testing centers

Testing performed by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency has reported that the battery under test experienced an accelerated capacity fade relative to the LG data sheets, which may be attributed to its lack of active cooling systems.

Testing organizations Independent lab, academic research centers, etc.

Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is conducting tests of 18 home storage battery systems over 10 years, and releases results every 6 months. The latest test report is from June 2019.

Safety Potential hazards / risks related to operation of this product

LG Chem has some safety guidelines for installing and operating the battery system used in the Sunrun Brightbox.

Complementary technical systems Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

The Sunrun brightbox requires solar production infrastructure to operate, and can be incorporated into existing solar system or installed with a new system.

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)

Alnaser, W. and Alnaser, N., 2019, The Impact of the Rise of Using Solar Energy in GCC Countries, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Buildings, pp. 167-183.

Attanasio, D., 2017, Conference Proceedings Report: Transforming the U.S. Electric System: Where State and Federal Initiatives Meet, George Washington Journal of Energy and Environmental Law, p. 121.

Sandoval, C., 2018, Net Neutrality Powers Energy and Forestalls Climate Change, San Diego Journal of Climate and Energy Law.

Compliance with regulations Product certifications and standards referenced by designer/manufacturer

None

Evaluation methods Evaluation methods/protocols/guidelines referenced by designer or manufacturer.

This product has been evaluated for capacity degradation by certified third-party laboratories.

Other information

LG has released an installation manual for the Energy Storage System (ESS) used in the Sunrun Brightbox.

In context photographs (0)

You can use the form below to contribute a photo of this product.

In context files & documents (0)

Feedback from users, customers & distributors

Please let us know your experience in using this product through comments below.

Snapshot

Product description Brand name and product description

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

This product is available in 23 states in the USA, including Puerto Rico

Distributors/implementing organizations Organization(s) distributing/deploying this product directly to communities/individuals?"

This product is distributed by Sunrun, through an online quote

Market suggested retail price Price per unit or service price per usage/terms (USD). Subsidies noted.

7,000 USD

Competitive landscape Similar products available on the market. May not be a comprehensive listing.

Primary competitors in North America include the Tesla Powerwall, SimpliPhi PHI 3.8 Battery and the Discover Battery AES 6.6 kWhr Battery

SDG targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted with this product/application/service

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Target user(s) Target user/consumer base (country, income segment)

Target users include urban and rural homeowners, and recently hurricane and storm prone areas such as Puerto Rico

Manufacturing & delivery

Manufacturing/building method(s) Detail regarding solution production or construction method (instructions, mass production capacity, custom made,etc...)

The Sunrun Brightbox uses a LG Chem RESU battery and is mass produced in South Korea utilizing LG Chem’s battery technology.

Product Intellectual Property Open source/IP protected (note patent)/trade secret/other?

Trademarked

User Provision Model Where can the product be purchased/acquired by end users?

Users can obtain this product through direct sales from the manufacturer.

Distribution to date Number of units that have been deployed, downloads or users to date

As of the end of 2018, Sunrun had installed over 5,000 Brightbox units with numbers expecting to double by the end of 2019.

Performance & use

Fields marked are sourced values that have been evaluated by the manufacturer or a third party, all others are design specifications.

Description of power outputs

Number and type of power outputs

1 AC outlet discharging 14.3 A @ 350 VDC

Description of light points

Number and type of light points

Battery only, no light points

Total lighting service (lumen-hours per solar-day)

Manufacturer-specified lumen-hours per solar day

N/A

Peak power rating (Wp)

Peak power rating of the solar panel in standardized sunlight conditions, provided by the manufacturer

7,000 Wp

Battery capacity (kWh; mAh)

Manufacturer-specified battery capacity

9.8 kWh

Nominal battery voltage (V)

Manufacturer-specified battery voltage

350 VDC

Battery type

Type of battery used

Lithium ion

User replaceable battery (yes/no)

Can the user easily replace the battery if needed?

Yes

Remote system diagnostics (yes/no)

Can this system be monitored remotely?

Yes

Payment structure

Type of user payment structure

Purchased outright or leased

Mobile service required (yes/no)

Does this system require mobile connectivity (either for payments or to function)?

Design specifications Component and Operation overview including power, portability, facility requirements, preventative maintenance and user training requirements

Product schematics Design and assembly illustrations

Technical support Technical support provided by

Provided by the manufacturer

Replacement components Availability of replacement components (in-country, by order,...)

Replaceable components include the battery, inverter, solar panels, mounts and wiring connections

Lifecycle Disposal and warranty

The battery is rated to last 6,000 cycles, and comes with a 10 year warranty. Users that purchase the Brightsave service package receive free full servicing.

Manufacturer specified performance targets Designer / Manufacturer specified targets

The battery is designed to provide 8 – 12 hours of power for household overnight or in a blackout or power outage.

Vetted performance Findings of manufacturer evaluations or independent testing centers

Testing organizations Independent lab, academic research centers, etc.

Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is conducting tests of 18 home storage battery systems over 10 years, and releases results every 6 months. The latest test report is from June 2019.

Safety Potential hazards / risks related to operation of this product

LG Chem has some safety guidelines for installing and operating the battery system used in the Sunrun Brightbox.

Complementary technical systems Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

The Sunrun brightbox requires solar production infrastructure to operate, and can be incorporated into existing solar system or installed with a new system.

Research & standards

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)

Alnaser, W. and Alnaser, N., 2019, The Impact of the Rise of Using Solar Energy in GCC Countries, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Buildings, pp. 167-183.

Attanasio, D., 2017, Conference Proceedings Report: Transforming the U.S. Electric System: Where State and Federal Initiatives Meet, George Washington Journal of Energy and Environmental Law, p. 121.

Sandoval, C., 2018, Net Neutrality Powers Energy and Forestalls Climate Change, San Diego Journal of Climate and Energy Law.

Compliance with regulations Product certifications and standards referenced by designer/manufacturer

None

Evaluation methods Evaluation methods/protocols/guidelines referenced by designer or manufacturer.

This product has been evaluated for capacity degradation by certified third-party laboratories.

Other information

LG has released an installation manual for the Energy Storage System (ESS) used in the Sunrun Brightbox.

Feedback

In context photographs (0)

You can use the form below to contribute a photo of this product.

In context files & documents (0)

Feedback from users, customers & distributors

Please let us know your experience in using this product through comments below.

Solutions Library

Sign In

To search & compare 1000+ essential technologies

S1 Product

Powerblox PBX-200

HOME SUNSHINE

d.Light D180

d.Light X-series

ClimateSmart™ Solar Energy System

M-KOPA 5

Devergy Solar Home System

Tesla’s Powerwall

Okra Pod

Sunrun Brightbox

Sunrun

In context photographs (0)

In context files & documents (0)

Feedback from users, customers & distributors