By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent
In the ever-competitive microinverter business, even the slighest innovation or acquisition can tip the scales in favor of one company or another. SolarEdge is hoping its acquisition of a majority stake in a South Korean lithium-ion battery maker will give it just such an edge.
SolarEdge announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a major stake in Kokam Co., Ltd. Headquartered in South Korea, Kokam is a provider of Lithium-ion battery cells, batteries and energy storage solutions.
“Our technological innovation combined with Kokam’s world-class team and renowned battery storage solutions, will enable seamless integration with our current solutions, taking us a further step toward making solar installations smarter and more beneficial.”
“The acquisition of Kokam will enable us to grow our offering, adding already proven battery storage to our product portfolio,” said Guy Sella, CEO, Chairman and Founder of SolarEdge. “Our technological innovation combined with Kokam’s world-class team and renowned battery storage solutions, will enable seamless integration with our current solutions, taking us a further step toward making solar installations smarter and more beneficial.”
The acquisition of approximately 75% of outstanding equity shares of Kokam reflects an aggregate investment of approximately $88 million, including related transaction expenses. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the coming weeks.
Over time, the Company intends to purchase the remaining outstanding equity shares of Kokam that are currently listed on the Korean over the counter exchange through open-market purchases and otherwise, eventually resulting in Kokam becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of SolarEdge.
As battery storage becomes more commonplace in the residential sector, microinverters will have to become micro-storage devices as well. SolarEdge’s major competitor Enphase has moved aggressively in this realm, prompting moves like today’s announcement from the other side.
Watch for this battle to continue to heat up.