At Solar & Storage Live in London, we spoke with Aaron James Darvill, Senior Sales Manager, UK and Ireland, for Anker Solix.
Aaron covered the company’s evolution spanning the entire electronics sector – from consumer tech to residential energy storage.
He also shared Anker Solix’s latest product launches and how the brand is responding to industry trends – while keeping installers, communities, and future regulations firmly in mind.
Tell us about Anker Solix’s mission in the industry.
Aaron: We’ve been around since 2011 – we haven’t just popped up out of nowhere – and started with small products under the Anker Innovations brand.
We developed portable phone chargers, then we developed USB-C fast charging cables, and launched Anker eufy: our indoor and outdoor security camera line.
We also created portable power systems, which are now sold through retailers like Argos, Currys, Costco, and on Amazon.
These products are now in the hands of more than 200m users across 146 countries and regions.
From there, we decided to dive deeper into residential storage. We’re not aiming for the C&I scale; we want our products to fit into everyday lifestyles, offering good design, quality, and peace of mind.
That’s how the Anker Solix X1 came to life three years ago – that’s the product I now lead.
What is Anker Solix showcasing at Solar & Storage Live in London?
Aaron: Yesterday (2 April), we held our distribution agreement signings with Segen UK and Ireland, Callidus Wholesale, and Western Solar Ireland.
From an innovation standpoint, we’ve launched our three-phase system. While the UK domestic market is mostly single-phase, much of Europe is heavily three-phase.
We wanted to move into that early commercial stage – not full commercial, though. We don’t classify our battery as commercial. We see it as a community product.
It’s about supporting spaces like rugby clubs, football clubs, bowling greens, and parish churches. These are places that need three-phase systems in 8, 10, or 12 kilowatts, with up to 180 kilowatt-hours of capacity. That’s what we launched yesterday.
What current industry trends is Anker Solix keeping an eye on?
Aaron: For us, it’s about changing the narrative and protecting both distributors and installers.
You’ll find a lot of products with pricing displayed on e-commerce platforms, which becomes a race to the bottom. This approach protects our installers, because they’re the ones truly representing our brand. We’re just one part of the chain.
Another key area is regulation. At the moment, there’s only guidance suggesting batteries should be installed outdoors for safety and reliability. We’ve gone a step further.
Our battery is IP66 rated, operates down to -20°C at 100% depth of discharge, and is the only battery globally with a C5 anti-corrosion rating. No one talks about corrosion resistance, but when outdoor installation becomes mandatory, it’ll matter.
Our product is designed to be installed in built-up areas and pathways – it’s slim enough to allow a wheelie bin to pass or for a child to ride their bike without obstruction.
What myths about battery storage should we be busting?
Aaron: A lot of brands out there aren’t giving people the full picture. I think education has been lost, and we need to bring that back into the industry.
For installers, especially, it’s essential to do a deep dive on warranties. That’s what ultimately supports the end users.
There are loads of batteries on the market, at all sorts of price points. But what about longevity? What’s the brand’s history? How long have they been around, and will they still be around for the length of their warranty, or beyond?
Those are the questions I’d be asking if I were an installer.
Why has Anker Solix chosen to attend the London edition of Solar & Storage Live?
Aaron: I’ve attended Solar & Storage shows all over the world, and this was always the best event globally because it’s a great opportunity to connect with new installers, distributors, and even end users.
We’re seeing more end users attending now, and we need to listen to their needs and understand what they’re looking for. People are much more informed now.
It’s no longer a case of one battery fitting all. We’re looking ahead – to EV chargers, air source heat pumps, and all kinds of renewable energy systems. You’ll find all of that here under one roof. That’s why it’s worth coming.
Missed out on Solar & Storage Live London, or want to come back for more? Find a Solar & Storage Live event near you.
