Energy Storage Systems

Energy Storage Systems

Solar panels, an inverter and a bank of lead-acid batteries can keep essential loads running, but the battery bank often takes the most space and attention. Heavy cases, routine maintenance and conservative discharge limits make it harder to get practical energy from the area available. Epoch lithium Energy Storage Systems use LiFePO4 batteries to store substantial 48V-class energy in compact formats with BMS protection and clearer ways to monitor the system.

The Epoch Energy Storage Systems collection currently lists two 48V 100Ah batteries. Each stores 5.12kWh nominal, but they serve different installations: a 3U server-rack model for dry indoor cabinets and a V2 Elite Group 8D-sized model with a rugged IP67 case. Both support compatible inverter communication and internal heating. Only the V2 Elite includes direct Bluetooth battery monitoring, so select by enclosure, output and monitoring needs as well as capacity.

Make Better Use of Storage Space

• Use more of the installed capacity: Lead-acid batteries are often cycled conservatively to protect service life. Properly managed LiFePO4 supports deeper routine use within the chosen model's limits, providing more practical energy for comparable rated storage.
• Keep energy in a compact format: The rack model holds 5.12kWh nominal in a 3U chassis that can be arranged in a suitable cabinet; the V2 Elite holds the same listed energy in a Group 8D-sized case.
• Build around the load: Additional matched 48V batteries can increase bank capacity in approved parallel configurations, subject to each model's limits and engineered busbars, protection and communication.
• Reduce maintenance: LiFePO4 removes flooded-cell watering and acid cleanup. Fuses, cables, terminals, restraints and the inverter still require inspection.
• Support steadier output: Lithium's flatter discharge curve can help a correctly sized inverter receive more consistent DC voltage through much of the usable charge.

“More power for the space” depends on what the equipment must run. Kilowatt-hours describe stored energy, while continuous discharge current and surge capability determine whether a particular inverter or motor load can be supported. Cabinet dimensions, ventilation, cable routes and room for protective devices all count as usable installation space. Compare a proposed lithium bank with the actual lead-acid bank and the required backup duration.

Choose the Epoch 48V Storage Format

The two listed models share 100Ah capacity, 5.12kWh nominal storage, BMS protection, heating and an 11-year manufacturer warranty. They differ in shape, maximum continuous output, enclosure and monitoring. Neither is a complete household backup system by itself; pair the battery with a suitable inverter, charging source and system protection.

The server-rack model can expand in a compatible parallel bank within its published limit; the V2 Elite has its own, lower maximum parallel count. Do not assume the two formats can be mixed in one bank or wired in series. Check the chosen battery's current manual, compatible inverter protocol, cable and fuse ratings and cabinet fit before designing a multi-battery installation.

Both are sold as 48V-class batteries with 51.2V nominal LiFePO4 voltage. Confirm the inverter's full DC operating and charging range, especially when replacing a different lead-acid configuration. The rack model separately publishes 4.92kWh usable at a stated discharge rate, illustrating why a 5.12kWh nominal rating is not the same as energy delivered to AC appliances after inverter losses.

Design Around the Way the Power Will Be Used

Dry Indoor Solar and Backup Cabinets

The 3U rack model can suit a home solar battery room, cabin utility cabinet or protected shop installation where modules can be arranged with clean cable and communication paths. Its IP20 rating means a dry, protected location, even though it has internal heating to help manage cold charging. The 100A continuous output of one module must be checked against the inverter's DC draw; a larger inverter or high-surge pump may call for more battery capacity and current headroom.

Write down which loads must stay on, how many hours they need to run and the energy they consume. For example, a 600W load for six hours plus a 100W load for 12 hours uses 4.8kWh on the AC side before inverter losses and reserve. One 5.12kWh nominal module would be tight for that example. Size a bank for the actual autonomy target rather than a headline capacity.

Rugged 48V Storage With Bluetooth

The V2 Elite puts its 5.12kWh in a Group 8D-sized IP67 enclosure that may better suit a protected mobile, marine or demanding utility environment. Its 150A continuous rating supports a different inverter-sizing conversation from the 100A rack model. The battery's case rating does not extend to exposed terminals, charger, network devices or cabling. Measure the bay and mount the 97-pound case securely with service clearance.

For either battery, match the 48V-class inverter and charge controller to the selected model's voltage range and BMS limits. Solar, generator and grid chargers need compatible LiFePO4 profiles and correctly configured communication where used. Internal heating relies on available charging power and the battery's temperature limits; it does not make an unprotected outdoor rack location suitable.

See Charge Status and Protect Essential Loads

Bluetooth belongs to the V2 Elite option. With a compatible phone near the battery, its Epoch app can display state of charge, voltage, temperature and other available readings. A connected Victron GX installation can also share battery information for coordinated system operation; remote access requires the appropriate networked equipment and configuration. Bluetooth alone does not provide internet monitoring from anywhere.

The server-rack battery does not have direct Bluetooth. Instead, it offers CAN/RS485 communication for a compatible inverter or monitoring system, which can display bank data when the protocol, pinout and settings match. Do not describe an inverter's app or display as built-in Bluetooth in the rack battery. Choose the V2 Elite when direct nearby phone access to the battery itself is a requirement.

Both models have an integrated BMS that helps protect against excessive charge, discharge, current and unsafe temperatures. A protective cutoff may also stop the inverter and attached loads, so leave a realistic reserve and size surge demand properly. Reliability comes from the battery, correctly configured charging, and the rest of the electrical system working together.

Upgrade Lead-Acid Storage in Four Steps

• Measure the need: List critical AC and DC loads, daily kilowatt-hours, peak demand, desired backup hours and all charge sources.
• Select the format: Compare dry rack space with a Group 8D-style case, 100A versus 150A continuous output, and the need for native Bluetooth.
• Plan the full system: Match inverter and charger settings, communications, parallel-bank limits, cables, fuses, disconnects and enclosure to the selected model.
• Install and verify: Remove and recycle the lead-acid bank, secure the lithium batteries and test charging, monitoring and essential loads under a representative demand.

Do not parallel lead-acid and lithium directly in one battery bank or assume an existing lead-acid inverter charger is correctly configured. Stationary backup projects may have equipment, permitting and electrical-code requirements, so a qualified installer should verify the design before commissioning. A multi-module installation also needs the correct rack, busbars and communication arrangement for its current and stored energy.

Build an Energy Storage System Around the Right Battery

Epoch's 48V LiFePO4 choices offer substantial energy in two space-conscious forms. The server rack organizes capacity in a dry indoor cabinet with inverter communications; the V2 Elite adds direct Bluetooth monitoring, a rugged case and higher published continuous output. Both can replace a suitably sized lead-acid bank with less battery maintenance and more routinely usable storage when the system is designed around their limits.

Explore Epoch Energy Storage Systems, or contact Epoch support with your existing bank, inverter, backup loads, charging sources and installation dimensions to narrow down the correct battery and configuration.