Sonnen (previously know as SonnenBatterie) is currently the world leader in residential storage. The company develops and sells an integrated Plug and Play system that includes energy storage (Li-ion batteries), a proprietary patented BMS (Battery Management System) and a third party inverter and software to upgrade/control/monitor the system.
The sonnenBatterie system can connect to any decentralized renewable energy source but more importantly it can be remotely updated to include additional functionality including making the system compatible with Demand Response activities. The system is also capable of; optimising self consumption, power backup and grid independency.
Sonnen was founded in 2010 by Christoph Ostermann and Torsten Stiefenhofer. The first sonnenBatterie systems were tested in 2010 under real world conditions. Once the fine-tuning had been completed, the systems were introduced to the German and Austrian markets in 2011. Sonnen is a pioneer in what is now a rapidly growing storage market.
One of the reasons for Sonnen strong growth is its sales strategy. The company sells worldwide through local partners named Sonnenbatterie Centres. The operators of sonnenBatterie Centres (SBC) are established specialist companies in the SME sector with outstanding reputations for expertise, quality and service in their regions. SonnenBatterie Centres act as information centres. Along with private and commercial customers, specialist firms and installers in the region obtain comprehensive and detailed information about sonnenBatterie systems and see them live in the showroom of every sonnenBatterie Centre. Along with expert advice, the regional sonnenBatterie Centres provide full installation services and on-site support to the customer.
Sonnen is expanding into the US and expects continued strong growth in existing markets and new geographies in the coming years.
Sonnen News
Hardware Is Not Enough to Enable the Energy System Transition
edObservations from a VC investor focused on the European energy sector By Julia Padberg, Principal, SET Ventures "The biggest challenge of the energy system transition lies in the orchestration, integration, and management of enormous volumes of decentralized and...
SET Ventures exits its participation in sonnen
Shell agrees to acquire sonnen, expanding its offering of residential smart energy storage and energy services Amsterdam, 15 February 2019 Shell* has agreed to acquire 100% of sonnen, a leader in smart energy storage systems and innovative energy services for...
sonnen and Pearl Homes Partner to Develop the First Affordable, Carbon-Free Home Community
Pearl Homes and sonnen create a community of solar + storage smart homes using Google Home, showcasing the future for affordable carbon-free living via energy storage, home automation and homebuilding LOS ANGELES and SARASOTA, Fla., Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --...
Porsche Holding Salzburg and sonnen initiate a collaboration for the distribution of the sonnenBatterie and sonnenCharger
Wildpoldsried 27th June 2018 - In the future, Porsche Holding Salzburg will be distributing the sonnenBatterie and sonnenCharger, sonnen’s intelligent wallbox for electric vehicles, under the brand name of MOON. Porsche Holding Salzburg is the largest automotive...
Sonnen Raises $71M and Kicks Off a Strategic Partnership With Shell
A big round to grow solar-storage market share in the U.S. and Australia and the latest partnership between a grid edge startup and a European energy giant. JEFF ST. JOHN MAY 25, 2018 Sonnen, the German startup taking on Tesla and others in the nascent...
sonnen Closes New €60 Million Financing Round and Adds Shell Ventures as New Investor
sonnen is pleased to announce the closing of its latest financing round of €60 million, led by Shell Ventures and significantly supported by all existing investors. The investment enables sonnen to expand its strategy of rapid international growth and to further...
sonnen: Changing The Way We Buy, Store, And Sell Electricity
By Peter Kelly-Detwiler - I recently had an opportunity to speak with Blake Richetta, Vice President of Sales for sonnen – the residential energy storage company that began focusing on U.S. markets in 2015. Richetta, who was briefly Tesla’s North American Powerwall...
Engie and sonnen team up for French solar power package
UPDATE 1 * The companies start selling home photovoltaic kits * Engie sees taget market of three million houses * French retail market opens up to more competition (Adds Frankfurt dateline, quotes from sonnen CEO, detail, context) PARIS/FRANKFURT, April 26 (Reuters) -...
Smart local grids with blockchain – sonnen is participating in the NEMoGrid project
sonnen is participating in the EU project NEMoGrid, which is testing the future energy trade between individual households via blockchain. Wildpoldsried, 14 March 2018 - sonnen is continuing to promote the use of blockchain technology in the energy sector and as part...
sonnen forms strategic alliance for energy storage systems with the government of South Australia
The state of South Australia will subsidise the purchase of solar power and energy storage systems with over 100 million dollars. With sonnen as its technology partner, the project plans to establish the world’s largest virtual battery. sonnen will also invest in a...