Upstart Power designs and manufactures solid oxide fuel cell systems, specifically the Upgen NXG, which provides on-demand energy for whole home electrification using readily available fuels like propane and natural gas. This technology addresses the challenges of grid outages and high utility costs by offering a reliable, efficient, and low-emission energy solution that enhances residential energy resilience.
Funding
$70.4M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Homeowners face a trade-off between minimizing utility bills with solar and battery storage, which can leave them exposed during extended grid outages, and relying on traditional internal combustion engine generators, which offer outage protection but do not address rising energy costs. This creates a need for a comprehensive solution that provides both energy resilience and cost savings.
Solution
Upstart Power's Upgen NXG is an on-demand energy appliance that enables whole-home electrification without compromising between cost savings and energy resilience. The Upgen NXG fuel cell generator, utilizing solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology, integrates with battery storage and optional solar to provide a resilient home energy system. It ensures power during grid outages by replenishing the battery when solar is unavailable and minimizes electricity bills during periods of high utility pricing through optimized self-consumption. The system can also monetize energy by participating in virtual power plant programs during periods of grid stress.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes homeowners seeking comprehensive energy resilience and reduced utility costs, as well as home energy system contractors and energy equipment manufacturers.
Features
- Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology for efficient on-demand energy generation
- Compatibility with readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas
- Integration with battery storage and solar for comprehensive energy resilience
- Capability to replenish battery storage during grid outages or periods of low solar production
- Optimized self-consumption during periods of high utility pricing
- Participation in virtual power plant (VPP) programs for grid monetization
- AC-coupled and IEEE 2030.5 compliant for compatibility with various home energy solutions
- Ultra-low emissions and virtually silent operation