Battery Design Assistant on OpenSolar [UK, AU, US]

The Battery Design Assistant on OpenSolar is a streamlined tool designed to simplify the battery configuration process for you using the platform. It helps you sell more solar + storage systems efficiently by providing guided workflows and tailored recommendations. This tool is particularly useful for customizing battery configurations to meet specific customer needs and motivations, ensuring optimal energy savings and usage.

1. Accessing the Battery Design Assistant

• On the OpenSolar platform, go to the design page and select the battery section.
• Click on the "+ Battery" button to initiate the process.

2. Choosing Battery Selection Mode

• Auto-Battery Selection: This mode generates recommended battery configurations based on customer motivation and appliance usage inputs.
• Select from a List: This mode allows you to manually select from a list of available batteries, similar to the previous system.

3. Setting Customer Goals

The initial step involves identifying your customer's primary motivation:

• Maximize Savings: Focused on reducing overall costs.
• Self-Consumption: Aims to minimize reliance on grid energy.
• Peak Demand Shaving: Designed to reduce peak energy usage and associated costs.

🇬🇧 - Note for UK users designing with MCS. Self-consumption is the only option permitted under MCS guidelines. Switching to an alternative methodology such as System Advisor model (SAM) unlocks all available options. 

4. Defining Backup Requirements (optional)

• Enter by Appliance: Toggle specific appliances that need to be backed up and input their quantity. The tool will calculate the total continuous and peak power requirements.
• Enter Manually: If you know the specific power requirements, you can manually enter the total continuous and peak power.
  
  Click "Skip" if you don't wish to use the "Backup Requirement" section.

5. Selecting a Recommended Battery Package

• The Battery Design Assistant provides a list of recommended battery packages based on your inputs.
• Sponsored batteries are also featured and marked with a "sponsored" tag.
• You can review each option's details, including savings, warranty, and kWh ratings.

6. Reviewing Key Metrics

Upon selecting a battery, key metrics such as grid independence, self-consumption, and savings are displayed. These metrics provide valuable insights into the system's performance and financial benefits.

7. Finalizing the Design

After reviewing and selecting the desired battery package, the chosen configuration is added to the design page. The metrics and battery details will be visible in the battery section. 

8. Using "Select From a List"

If you prefer to add the batteries manually:

• Select the "Select from a List" option.
• A list of available batteries will be displayed. You can search for specific batteries using the search bar and apply filters to narrow down the list according to your preferences.

The Battery Design Assistant on OpenSolar empowers you to offer battery solutions that align with your customers' energy needs and goals. By leveraging its guided workflows and data-driven recommendations, you can enhance your sales and provide more value to your customers.

For any further assistance, please reach out to our support team.