Moonwatt sodium-ion storage for utility-scale PV debuted at The Smarter E in Munich in June 2026. The Dutch startup introduced a modular battery system for ground-mounted solar plants. Unlike large container systems, Moonwatt spreads smaller battery units across the PV array. As a result, developers can simplify installation, maintenance, and replacement.
Moreover, Moonwatt offers both DC-coupled and AC-coupled versions. The company says this approach helps utility-scale solar operators match storage design to plant architecture. It also supports retrofit projects and new builds.
Moonwatt sodium-ion storage for utility-scale PV: system design
Moonwatt builds its platform around small modular enclosures called Moonpod units. The company distributes these units throughout the solar field. Therefore, crews can place storage closer to generation assets. In addition, the design avoids the bulk of centralized battery containers.
Each Moonpod uses passive cooling. That means the system does not rely on fans, pumps, or HVAC equipment for thermal management. Consequently, the units draw zero auxiliary power for cooling. Moonwatt also says the passive design reduces cycle energy losses by up to 25% compared with conventional actively cooled Lithium-ion systems. Furthermore, the units operate silently.
The company designed the product for straightforward field handling. Each Moonpod weighs under 3.5 tons. As a result, teams can move it with a standard forklift. They do not need a crane. They can also place the unit directly on flattened soil or gravel. Therefore, many projects can avoid concrete foundations.
Moonwatt sodium-ion storage for utility-scale PV: DC-coupled version
The Monopod 1500 V / 4-hour Hybrid DC-coupled system targets utility-scale PV plants that want tighter solar and storage integration. Moonwatt says this architecture cuts electrical balance-of-plant costs by 50%. It also removes multiple conversion steps between solar, battery, and grid.
According to Moonwatt, the DC-coupled version delivers 94% efficiency from solar to battery to grid. The system offers a stated lifetime of 12,000 cycles. Inverter blocks provide 350 kVA of AC apparent power and 350 kW of bidirectional AC active power. They operate at 800 V AC.
On the solar side, each inverter block supports up to 600 kW of PV input power. The DC voltage range runs from 500 V to 1,100 V. In addition, the system integrates 12 maximum power point trackers. Each MPPT supports five strings. This setup gives plant designers flexibility across different array layouts.
The configuration supports one to seven Monopod units per inverter block. Therefore, battery AC power scales from 50 kW to 354 kW. At the same time, AC energy capacity scales from 202 kWh to 1,416 kWh.
Moonwatt sodium-ion storage for utility-scale PV: AC-coupled version
Moonwatt also offers a Monopod 1500 V / 4-hour Hybrid AC-coupled variant. This model connects to 800 V inverters on the low-voltage AC side. As a result, developers can avoid installing additional transformers just for the battery system. Moonwatt says this lowers electrical balance-of-plant requirements.
The AC-coupled version delivers a reported 93% efficiency from solar to battery to grid. Each inverter block provides the same 350 kVA of AC apparent power, 350 kW of bidirectional AC active power, and 800 V AC operation as the DC-coupled model. In this version, the battery reaches a maximum DC voltage of 1,500 V.
Like the DC model, the AC-coupled system supports one to seven Moonpod units per inverter block. Consequently, battery maximum AC power ranges from 50 kW to 354 kW. Meanwhile, total AC energy capacity expands from 202 kWh to 1,416 kWh.
Moonwatt sodium-ion storage for utility-scale PV: battery chemistry and ratings
Moonwatt uses sodium iron phosphate pyrophosphate, or NFPP, cells. This sodium-ion chemistry uses a polyanion architecture. The company highlights its thermal stability. It also points out that the cells contain no lithium, cobalt, nickel, or manganese.
The Moonpod unit carries an IP68 rating. Meanwhile, the inverter carries an IP65 rating. The inverter measures 1,050 mm by 950 mm by 380 mm and weighs 150 kg. Each Moonpod measures 1,213 mm by 1,053 mm by 2,114 mm and weighs 3,500 kg.
Moonwatt sodium-ion storage for utility-scale PV: retrofit and utility-scale fit
Moonwatt positions the product for both retrofit work and new utility-scale solar projects. Developers can connect the system on the low-voltage DC side or AC side. Therefore, existing solar plants can add storage without redesigning the full electrical architecture. They also do not need to add medium-voltage infrastructure in many cases.
Overall, Moonwatt aims to bring a distributed storage model to utility-scale solar. The company mirrors the shift from large centralized inverters to smaller string inverters. By combining modular deployment, passive cooling, scalable power, and sodium-ion chemistry, Moonwatt presents a storage option tailored for modern PV plants in 2026.
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