The truth about “AI-powered” home batteries

Every second battery brochure that crosses my desk now has the words “AI-powered” somewhere on it. Enphase has “AI-based energy management software.” Sigenergy promises “AI optimization”. Even no-name brands are getting involved.

But what does “AI” actually mean when it appears on a battery data sheet? In most cases, much less than you think.

Three types of “AI”

When you read “AI powered” in a battery brochure, your brain probably imagines something like ChatGPT. A system that understands Your home. Something that thinks about your energy the way you would talk to a smart buddy who happens to be an electrical engineer.

Reality is more of a spectrum and it helps to divide it into three areas.

Bucket #1: Rules-Based Logic (most systems)

Most battery controllers on the market are actually just a priority list. When the sun is shining and the battery is below 80%, charge the battery. If the electricity tariff is above…