⚡ Off-Grid, Lithium-Free: UK’s First Sodium-Ion System Powers an Independent Site
Our three cofounders — Yichen Shi, Andy Rankin, and Neil French — were recently invited to eFixx Live TV to introduce Eleven Energy and explain why sodium-ion batteries matter for the future of home energy storage.
From boats to batteries
Andy shared how his early solar business on boats grew into Midsummer Energy, now one of the UK’s largest renewable distributors. Neil explained how his own solar system frustrations inspired our EMS design. Yichen described the search for a cleaner, safer chemistry that led to sodium — and to founding Eleven Energy.
Why sodium?
- Sustainable: Extracted from seawater, salt mines, or industrial by-products, sodium avoids the water-intensive and damaging processes of lithium mining.
- Cold-weather ready: Full charge/discharge down to –20 °C without heaters.
- Durable: Cells tested to over 13,000 cycles with 85% capacity remaining.
- Practical: Slightly bulkier than lithium, but negligible for a home battery wall system.
Smart integration
Neil demonstrated our UK-hosted app that makes installation simple, integrates with Shelly devices, and enables smart tariff optimisation. Installers can remotely monitor customer systems; homeowners gain full visibility and control.
What’s next?
We’re starting with the residential market — single-phase inverters (3.6, 5, 6 kW ENA-approved, with 8–12 kW in testing) and 4.5 kWh battery modules — before expanding to three-phase and larger commercial systems.
Where to buy?
Installers can access Eleven Energy sodium batteries now via our exclusive distribution partner Midsummer Energy. Training sessions are available, and support is based in Cambridge, UK.
👉 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/3Chj17mmzeM
