Sonnen
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersWildpoldsried, Germany
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
Sonnen firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sonnen
- Legal name
- sonnen GmbH
- Website
- https://sonnen.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sonnen industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Home Energy Storage
- NAICS
- Battery Manufacturing (335910)
- SIC
- Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Residential & Multi-Family BTM Storage (Home Batteries, Apartment Systems) (EUAFAJAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Residential Behind-the-Meter Generation (EUACALAB), Home Energy & EV Charging (HEMS, Smart Meters, Batteries, Chargers) (HSAPAQAF), Residential / Behind-the-Meter Storage Installation & Integration (EUAEAEAC), Ancillary Services Aggregation & Bidding Optimization (DER/VPP participation) (EUAFALAJ)
Keywords
Where Sonnen is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wildpoldsried
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Sonnen business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of home battery storage systems (sonnenBatterie), EV chargers (sonnenCharger), and commercial storage solutions (sonnenPro FlexStack). Primary revenue driver with upfront product purchases.
- Electricity Tariff Subscriptions: Monthly subscription fees for electricity supply through tariffs like sonnenHome EnergyDynamic (dynamic pricing), sonnenHome EnergyFix (fixed pricing with 12-month guarantee), and sonnenFlat direkt. Includes optional modules for direct marketing and VPP participation.
- Direct Marketing Management: Optional monthly service (€3.99 gross) where Sonnen markets excess solar electricity on the energy exchange on behalf of customers, providing 1 ct/kWh bonus above EEG feed-in tariff.
- Virtual Power Plant Dividends: Quarterly profit sharing from VPP grid stabilization activities. Sonnen guarantees minimum €50 per year dividend for VPP participants.
- sonnenFinance: Financing services for solar and battery installations, enabling installment purchases of hardware.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | sonnenBatterie 10 hybrid - Spring Promotion |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | sonnenBatterie 10 - Standard |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Trade-in/Exchange Program |
| Subscription | Monthly | sonnenHome EnergyFix Tariff |
| Subscription | Monthly | sonnenHome EnergyDynamic Tariff |
| Subscription | Monthly | SOLRITE Texas VPP Offer |
| Hybrid | Monthly | sonnenFinance |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Sonnen product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sonnen manufactures and sells lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) home battery storage systems under the sonnenBatterie 10 product family, complemented by an integrated energy ecosystem including the sonnenCharger EV wallbox, sonnenProtect backup power, sonnenPro FlexStack commercial storage, and electricity tariffs (sonnenHome EnergyFix and sonnenHome EnergyDynamic). The company operates the sonnenVPP virtual power plant that networks installed home batteries across Europe to stabilize the electricity grid, paying participants quarterly dividends. Customers can also participate in direct marketing of excess solar power and access the sonnenCommunity for peer-to-peer energy sharing.
Product overview
Sonnen offers a modular home energy ecosystem centered on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery storage systems. The core offering includes the sonnenBatterie 10 family (available in hybrid, performance+, performance, and standard variants from 5 to 22+ kWh capacity), complemented by the sonnenCharger EV wallbox, sonnenProtect backup power, sonnenKNX Module for building automation, and sonnenPro FlexStack for commercial applications. The system integrates with NIBE heat pumps via Eigenverbrauch+. Energy services include sonnenHome EnergyFix (fixed tariff), sonnenHome EnergyDynamic (dynamic tariff), sonnenFlat direkt (flat rate), and sonnenVPP (virtual power plant participation). The sonnen App provides monitoring and control, while sonnenFinance offers financing options. All components are managed through the smart energy system platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- sonnenBatterie: The company's core home energy storage battery product line, available in various models including sonnenBatterie 10, sonnenBatterie 10 hybrid, sonnenBatterie 10 performance, and sonnenBatterie 10 performance+.
- sonnenCommunity
- sonnenVPP
- sonnenFlat / sonnenFlat direkt
- sonnenHome EnergyFix
- sonnenHome EnergyDynamic
- sonnenCharger
- sonnenProtect
- sonnenPro FlexStack
- sonnenFinance
- sonnenDrive
- sonnenDividende
- sonnen Direktvermarktung
Products and services
- sonnenBatterie 10 hybrid Hybrid home battery storage system with integrated inverter enabling solar energy storage and intelligent energy management for residential households. Designed for homeowners with photovoltaic installations who want to maximize self-consumption and integrate battery storage directly with solar generation.
- sonnenBatterie 10 performance+ High-performance residential battery storage system with enhanced power output for households with higher energy demands and larger photovoltaic installations.
- sonnenBatterie 10 performance Standard performance residential battery storage system for solar energy storage and self-consumption optimization. Designed for typical household energy needs.
- sonnenBatterie 10 Entry-level residential battery storage system enabling households to store solar energy and increase self-consumption to up to 80% of energy needs. The starting model in the sonnenBatterie 10 family.
- sonnenCharger Intelligent EV wallbox charging station that charges electric vehicles with self-produced solar energy from the home photovoltaic system. Operates automatically based on energy availability and user preferences, enabling electric vehicles to participate in virtual power plant grid services.
- sonnenProtect Backup power solution providing emergency and substitute power supply during grid outages. Available as standard or optional feature on current sonnenBatterie models, ensuring household electricity supply during blackouts.
- sonnenPro FlexStack Commercial and industrial battery storage solution for business applications. Part of the sonnenPro product line designed for larger-scale energy storage needs at commercial and industrial sites.
- sonnenHome EnergyFix Fixed electricity tariff with 12-month price guarantee offering predictable costs plus optional modules for direct marketing of excess solar electricity and sonnenVPP participation for additional income. Includes optional €3.99/month direct marketing service providing 1 ct/kWh bonus above EEG feed-in tariff.
- sonnenHome EnergyDynamic Dynamic electricity tariff with variable rates based on real-time market prices, allowing automated charging of sonnenBatterie during low-price periods. Enables customers to benefit from market price fluctuations.
- sonnenFlat direkt All-inclusive electricity flat rate for sonnenBatterie owners, providing unlimited electricity from the sonnenCommunity at predictable monthly costs. Enables customers to optimize their self-generated solar energy usage.
- sonnenVPP (Virtual Power Plant) Virtual power plant service that networks thousands of sonnenBatteries to stabilize the power grid. Participants receive quarterly dividends from VPP profits with a guaranteed minimum of €50 per year. One of Europe's largest residential virtual power plants.
- sonnenFinance Financing service for sonnen products including PV and battery installations, enabling customers to purchase hardware through installment plans rather than upfront payment.
- Sonnen Trade-In Program Battery storage exchange/trade-in program allowing households in Germany to trade in old photovoltaic storage systems installed by December 31, 2020 for new sonnenBatteries with credits up to €2,800, regardless of condition or manufacturer. Operates as a product-led growth initiative driving adoption of new Sonnen batteries.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 80% of household energy consumption covered from own solar panels
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Sonnen
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Sonnen technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature6 records
Sonnen partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- SOLRITE EnergyflagshipSOLRITE Energy partnered with Sonnen to launch a 'battery-only' virtual power plant offer in the Texas ERCOT market, providing 60 kWh of Sonnen energy storage per home with 12¢/kWh all-in retail electricity rate from partner Abundance Energy for flat $20/month. Target: 'Solar Orphans' and non-solar households. 3,000 customers enrolled, projecting up to 10,000 by end 2026.
- Abundance EnergycorePartner electricity provider for SOLRITE's Texas VPP offer, supplying 12¢ per kWh all-in retail electricity rate for Sonnen battery customers.
- TransnetBWflagshipGerman transmission system operator (TSO) authorized Sonnen to expand its virtual power plant by prequalifying the company's home storage units networked to form the VPP.
- NIBEcoreIntegration partnership for NIBE heat pumps with Sonnen energy systems. Allows excess solar power to operate heat pumps, saving up to 15% on heating costs.
- Fleetpool GmbHminorFleetpool GmbH partnered with Sonnen for sonnenDrive EV subscription service. Fleetpool handles vehicle lease contracts directly with customers. Note: sonnenDrive discontinued after November 3, 2024.
- DACHSER SEminorLogistics partner for warehousing and shipping. Time window booking system at DACHSER SE Memmingen location for efficient supply chain operations.
- TenneTflagshipGerman transmission system operator collaborating with Sonnen to connect EVs in TenneT's grid area to the VPP for grid stabilization through coordinated charging times.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Sonnen competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Tesla Energy: Competes directly with Sonnen in residential battery storage via Powerwall and a similar integrated solar+storage ecosystem, targeting the same homeowner segment. Holds 25-30% share in Australia, establishing it as Sonnen's primary global competitor.
- BYD: Chinese battery and EV giant with a significant share of the Australian consumer battery market (15-20%) and growing presence in Europe. Competes on price and scale with home storage products using LFP chemistry — directly overlapping Sonnen's positioning.
- Enphase Energy: US-based solar microinverter and battery company selling the IQ Battery for residential storage. Competes in the same home energy storage category, particularly in North America, with a strong installer channel similar to Sonnen's Fachpartner approach.
- E3/DC: German residential battery storage competitor (Hager Group subsidiary) offering home storage systems with similar solar self-consumption and EV charging integrations. Direct head-to-head competitor in the German Fachpartner channel.
- Varta (Energy Storage): German battery manufacturer with a residential and commercial energy storage business. Competes directly with Sonnen in the DACH home storage market using similar LFP/NMC battery technology and installer distribution.
- SolarEdge Technologies: Solar inverter company offering residential battery storage (Energy Bank) integrated with its PV inverter ecosystem. Competes in the same home energy storage category with a comparable installer-led go-to-market model.
- LG Energy Solution (Home Battery): Major global battery manufacturer offering residential energy storage products (formerly LG Chem RESU line). Directly competes with Sonnen in residential home battery storage with strong brand recognition and global distribution.
Broad incumbents
- SMA Solar Technology: Established German inverter and energy management company with residential and commercial storage offerings. Broader incumbent in solar+storage than Sonnen, with longer-tenured installer relationships in the DACH market.
Emerging players
- FranklinWH: Residential home battery startup with a whole-home energy management system. Emerging competitor in the same residential energy storage category with a focus on integrated home backup and solar self-consumption.
- Stem Inc: AI-driven clean energy solutions company active in both virtual power plant aggregation and commercial/industrial storage. Overlaps with Sonnen's VPP and sonnenPro FlexStack business lines.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sonnen social profiles
Digital presenceSonnen compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Sonnen financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sonnen leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Sonnen subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Sonnen funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors10 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sonnen M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sonnen
What does Sonnen do?
Sonnen manufactures and sells lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) home battery storage systems under the sonnenBatterie 10 product family, complemented by an integrated energy ecosystem including the sonnenCharger EV wallbox, sonnenProtect backup power, sonnenPro FlexStack commercial storage, and electricity tariffs (sonnenHome EnergyFix and sonnenHome EnergyDynamic). The company operates the sonnenVPP virtual power plant that networks installed home batteries across Europe to stabilize the electricity grid, paying participants quarterly dividends. Customers can also participate in direct marketing of excess solar power and access the sonnenCommunity for peer-to-peer energy sharing.
Is Sonnen a public or private company?
Sonnen is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Sonnen founded?
Sonnen was founded in 2010. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Sonnen based?
Sonnen is headquartered in Wildpoldsried, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Sonnen make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are electricity Tariff Subscriptions, direct Marketing Management, virtual Power Plant Dividends and sonnenFinance.
Who are Sonnen's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Tesla Energy, BYD, Enphase Energy, E3/DC, Varta (Energy Storage), SolarEdge Technologies and LG Energy Solution (Home Battery). SMA Solar Technology is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are FranklinWH and Stem Inc.
Does Sonnen have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sonnen.
What industry is Sonnen in?
Sonnen's product category is Home Energy Storage. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAFAJAE, Residential & Multi-Family BTM Storage (Home Batteries, Apartment Systems), with a secondary code of EUACALAB, Residential Behind-the-Meter Generation. Its NAICS code is 335910 and its SIC code is 3600.