Real-World Validation for a French Supermarket Carport Installation

Two years ago, we installed a robust 76.8kWh high-voltage (HV) battery energy storage system (BESS) at a supermarket carport site here in France. Designed to maximize solar self-consumption and provide backup power, this system has been quietly humming away ever since. Today, we conducted its first major scheduled inspection – and the results are exceptionally positive.

The System at a Glance:

  • Core: 76.8kWh Lithium-Ion Battery System
  • Voltage: 768V DC (Nominal)
  • Capacity: 100Ah
  • Power Conversion: Megarevo (MG) PCS 30KW (30kW bi-directional inverter/charger)
  • Application: Solar energy storage & peak shaving for a supermarket (carport location)
  • Location: France
  • Operational Duration: 2 Years

The Inspection Focus:

Our primary goals for this checkup were straightforward:

  • Battery Health: Assess the state of charge (SoH), capacity retention, and voltage consistency across modules.
  • PCS Performance: Verify the Megarevo PCS 30KW’s efficiency, stable operation, and communication integrity.
  • System Integration: Check overall system stability, fan cooling performance, and safety interlocks.
  • Data Logging Review: Analyze historical performance data for any anomalies or trends.

The Verdict: A Clean Bill of Health

We’re thrilled to report that the system passed its inspection with flying colors:

Battery Performance: The 76.8kWh HV battery pack showed excellent health. Capacity measurements indicated minimal degradation, well within expected parameters for high-quality Li-Ion cells operating over two years with a typical cycling regimen (driven by solar production and supermarket load patterns). Voltage balance between modules was excellent, demonstrating the effectiveness of the built-in Battery Management System (BMS).

https://youtube.com/shorts/OMFYKoIM5Jk

Megarevo PCS 30KW Reliability: The heart of the system, the Megarevo 30kW inverter/charger, performed flawlessly. Efficiency measurements aligned with specifications, communication with the BMS and monitoring system was stable, and it seamlessly handled transitions between charging (from solar), discharging (to the supermarket), and idle modes. Its integration with the high-voltage DC bus (768V) remains solid.

Overall System Stability: No signs of overheating were detected. Cooling systems (passive and any active components) were functioning correctly. All safety disconnects and monitoring points operated as designed. The physical installation within the carport structure remained secure and protected.

Operational Data: Reviewing the system logs confirmed consistent, reliable operation over the two-year period. It effectively stored surplus solar energy generated during the day and discharged it during peak evening hours or cloudy periods, demonstrably reducing the supermarket’s grid reliance and energy costs.

Why This Matters: Proof of Long-Term Viability

Installations like this French supermarket project are crucial demonstrations of real-world BESS technology. Moving beyond theory and lab tests, a successful two-year operational period, speaks volumes:

  • Technology Maturity: This high-voltage (768V) architecture, combined with quality components like the Megarevo PCS, proves its robustness for commercial applications.
  • Economic Validation: Consistent performance over time translates directly into sustained savings on electricity bills and a faster ROI for the supermarket.
  • Sustainability Impact: By enabling higher solar self-consumption, the system continues to reduce the site’s carbon footprint reliably.
  • Matengenezo ya Chini: The inspection confirmed the system’s “fit-and-forget” potential, requiring minimal intervention beyond standard monitoring.

Maintenance Insight:

While performing exceptionally well, the inspection reinforced the importance of proactive maintenance, even on reliable systems:

  • Regular Monitoring: Remote monitoring remains key to catching subtle trends early.
  • Visual Checks: Periodic physical inspections (like this one) are invaluable for spotting environmental issues, loose connections, or wear before they become problems.
  • Sasisho za Firmware: Ensuring the BMS and PCS firmware is up-to-date optimizes performance and security.

Seeing our 76.8kWh, 768V high-voltage battery system paired with the Megarevo PCS 30KW performing so admirably after two years of continuous service in a French supermarket carport is incredibly rewarding. It validates the initial design choices, component quality, and installation practices. This system isn’t just functioning; it’s thriving, delivering tangible economic and environmental benefits day in and day out. We look forward to many more years of reliable service and energy savings from this installation!