Jakarta, INTI - Startup UNIGRID has delivered the first units of its residential energy storage system, Na+Casa, to be installed in European homes, as reported by Interesting Engineering. Meanwhile, the launch in the United States is expected to occur in late 2026, subject to compliance with North American regulatory requirements.
The commercial launch of this battery aligns with the growing trend of using rooftop solar panels combined with storage batteries to reduce electricity costs and provide backup power in the event of a power outage.
The Na+Casa battery, based on NCO sodium-ion chemistry, is claimed to be safer and more durable than conventional lithium-ion batteries. The system is designed to have a lifespan of up to 25 years, equivalent to the average operating life of a home solar panel.
Na+Casa has a storage capacity of 9.25 kWh and is compatible with most hybrid inverters already on the market. This allows users to increase storage capacity without requiring major changes to their existing systems.
From a sustainability aspect, the use of sodium is considered to reduce dependence on critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The abundant availability of sodium is also expected to make the energy storage industry's supply chain more stable and less vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
UNIGRID also stated that Na+Casa is designed to prevent thermal propagation, a chain reaction that can cause the battery to overheat and ignite a fire. This characteristic is expected to increase safety for use in residential environments while maintaining a competitive price.
Furthermore, the battery is capable of operating in extreme temperatures, ranging from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius. This capability makes it suitable for use in various climate conditions and supports its use as long-term energy infrastructure.
UNIGRID CEO and co-founder, Darren H. S. Tan, said that rising energy costs due to extreme weather conditions have increased the need for safe, reliable, and affordable energy storage systems. He stated that Na+Casa demonstrates that sodium-ion NCO technology has now evolved from a concept to a commercially viable product.
The company is also continuing to expand its production capacity. The company currently produces battery cells with an annual capacity of 200 MWh and plans to increase production to 2 GWh per year by 2027 through a network of manufacturing partnerships in China, South Korea, and Japan.
Conclusion
UNIGRID officially launched the first lithium-free sodium-ion home battery in the European market with the Na+Casa product. This 9.25 kWh battery is claimed to be safer, able to prevent thermal propagation, has a service life of up to 25 years, and can remain operational in extreme temperatures. The use of sodium is also expected to reduce dependence on lithium, cobalt, and nickel while strengthening the industrial supply chain. This launch is in line with the increasing use of rooftop solar panels combined with energy storage systems in homes due to rising costs of electricity.
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