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This home energy storage system is a low-cost alternative to Tesla’s Powerwall, and it’s pretty incredible

A maxed-out installation can keep your home running for more than two full days during a power outage

By Mike Richard Dec 6, 2023 11:00 AM

Geneverse PowerPillar solar home battery backup system installed on a modern home — Geneverse

From all-electric cars to solar-powered homes to the best ultra-portable solar generators designed to take on your next camping trip, clever power solutions are everywhere nowadays. We’re living in something of a golden age of battery technology. So much so that most consumers, even non-tech heads, are familiar with Teslas and backup battery banks to top up their phones and tablets on the go. But residential solar power and home energy storage solutions are still not on most people’s radar. Geneverse is looking to change that. Through a just-announced partnership with Jackery (one of our favorite solar generator makers), it’s launching a next-generation energy storage solution that promises to make solar battery backup technology more accessible than ever.

The company’s all-new PowerPillar is a revolutionary power system designed to make residential energy storage safer, easier to install, and more reliable than any other system on the market. Like the Tesla Powerwall, the goal is to provide homeowners with immediate whole-house backup power in the case of blackouts, brownouts, or other unexpected outages. But Geneverse promises the PowerPillar is a step above.

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The core of the technology is a DC-coupled system that works seamlessly with most modern homes. Built-in energy management options also provide an increased potential of up to 40%. Coupled with Jackery’s extensive knowledge of portable power systems, Geneverse developed the PowerPillar with both an elevated energy density and an extended battery life. So, it can not only power your home for longer, but the entire system is built to last significantly longer, too.

PowerPillar_Visual_Intro_RE+

In a just-released press release, Geneverse CEO Anson Liang noted, “The Geneverse PowerPillar signifies a momentous stride in energy storage technology. Through the innovation and dedication of the Geneverse team, we have created a product that redefines the capabilities of energy storage systems. This technology ensures exceptional performance while maintaining an advantageous edge in installation simplicity and cost-effectiveness for our partners.”

Home energy storage solutions can be notoriously tricky and even downright dangerous to install, especially for unskilled homeowners looking for a DIY setup. The PowerPillar aims to solve that problem with a comprehensive system that’s far less complicated than anything on the market. It features a stacked, plug-and-play design that takes the guesswork out of integrating the system into almost any home. With 75% lighter weight batteries, the system is also much easier to physically wrangle into your garage, basement, or wherever you opt to install it.

Modular options of the Geneverse PowerPillar solar home battery backup system — Geneverse

How does the PowerPillar work?

The central hub of the PowerPillar serves as both a conductor and an all-in-one connector. The result is an ingenious system that automatically charges from the grid, a solar array, or both, depending on the time of day and your home’s energy needs. Energy is diverted into the integrated battery units when excess power is available to store for future use. Each battery unit in the system is capable of providing up to a 5kWh capacity, which is expandable to up to 20kWh of usable energy storage per PowerPillar unit.

What’s more, the system can be installed with three units in parallel for a maximum of up to 60kWh home backup power. With the average home power consumption clocking in at around 28kWh per day, that means a fully maxed-out PowerPillar setup could theoretically run a home for more than two full days under ideal conditions. Every battery is also built to UL Standards, ensuring they’re reliable, versatile, and most of all, safe. Plus, Geneverse even supports every PowerPillar with a solid, 12-year extended warranty.

Mobile app screenshots for Geneverse's PowerPillar app for iOS and Android — Geneverse

Managing the Geneverse system

Once installed, the entire setup can be updated with the latest firmware automatically over Wi-Fi or 4G, and it’s easy to manage through the Geneverse Monitoring mobile app. Through any compatible iOS- or Android-powered tablet or smartphone, homeowners can keep tabs on everything from power output and usage to cost savings data, all from anywhere in the world in real time. Built-in options also allow for complete control over energy-saving preferences and tracking energy use trends. The app can also prevent system performance issues via status alerts and provide support options (via Geneverse’s own U.S.-based rapid-response engineering support) if needed.

Earlier this year, Geneverse proved what a difference even a modest portable backup battery can make for disaster preparedness. After Hurricane Ian hit the Southeast Florida coast, the company distributed more than 125 indoor-safe solar battery generators to residents who were hit hardest. It was a much-needed donation that helped more than 100 families charge their devices, keep their food fresh, and stay in contact with loved ones in the wake of the storm. Geneverse partnered with The Brandon Agency to document the initiative in this short video that even won an EMMY at the 49th Annual Southeast EMMY Awards.

Geneverse Powers the Community of Fort Myers After Hurricane Ian

The PowerPillar is currently available only to select California homeowners, although we expect Geneverse to begin a larger rollout at some point in the near future. The total cost depends on a number of factors, including the size of your home and the exact setup you’ll need. Geneverse is inviting interested customers to contact the brand directly for custom pricing.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South… Read Full Bio

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