E3/DC: A Brand of Hager Group – Innovations for Energy Management
28. January 2024
Many consumers wonder how they can actively transition and contribute to energy storage. As part of the Hager Group, our brand E3/DC provides forward-thinking solutions for homeowners and businesses in the DACH region, helping them make their energy supply more sustainable and independent. Dr. Andreas Piepenbrink, Vice President Energy Management Development at the Hager Group, shares insights into the philosophy and vision of E3/DC in an interview:
When we founded E3/DC, our main goal was to enable decentralized energy supply, making consumers more independent. The idea was for everyone to operate their own “home power plant” using solar energy – free from reliance on the established energy industry and the already high electricity prices of the time. Our vision was to minimize dependence on energy providers and fossil fuels by integrating photovoltaics and storage solutions. Beyond generating energy, the focus was on intelligent storage to maximize self-consumption and foster autonomy.
The company has now been in existence for 14 years. Have you realized your vision?
Yes, we have 150,000 satisfied customers. Thanks to smart energy management, many of them can now cover a significant portion of their energy needs independently. This is particularly advantageous in times of energy crises and volatile electricity prices. Our home power plants enable households and businesses to achieve a high degree of energy independence. However, there’s always room for improvement, especially as we face new challenges, such as integrating electric vehicles and heat pumps to address flexible energy demands like the winter gap in electricity supply.
What does the name of your company stand for?
The name E3/DC reflects our core values. "E3" stands for “efficient, renewable, effective,” while "DC" refers to “Direct Current.” These concepts encapsulate our commitment to delivering ecological and efficient solutions that make renewable energy utilization smarter.
What challenges will energy consumers face in the coming years?
In the years ahead, consumers will increasingly encounter volatile electricity prices and potential supply fluctuations. The energy transition brings numerous opportunities but also challenges. Flexible energy storage and management will become essential. Smart grids and decentralized storage solutions will play a critical role in managing grid bottlenecks and short-term price swings. Early adopters of these technologies can achieve nearly cost-free energy use by directly marketing surplus energy.
What are the current innovations in the energy market?
Significant advancements are raising energy management to a new level. One such innovation is bidirectional EV charging, where vehicles double as mobile energy storage units, capable of both receiving and supplying electricity to the grid or the home. This technology maximizes self-consumption while enabling greater flexibility to address electricity price fluctuations or grid constraints. Additionally, dynamic electricity tariffs are another development reshaping the energy landscape.
Hager Group Innovation: Bidirectional charging field test
Our solutions cater to a broad audience, including private households and businesses. For homeowners, the focus is on enabling them to take control of their energy supply and achieve high levels of autonomy. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also benefit from our systems, which allow them to reduce operational costs and their dependence on energy providers. Our commercial storage systems and larger home power stations are ideal solutions for businesses navigating rising electricity costs while focusing on their core operations.
Energy Security as a Priority. How does E3/DC address energy security?
Energy security is a top priority for us. Our products are designed to perform reliably under all conditions, including extreme weather and power outages. Our home power stations feature integrated emergency and backup power functions, ensuring buildings remain fully powered during grid outages. We maintain the highest quality standards, with all our systems developed and manufactured in Germany. Our network of certified local partners ensures professional installation and maintenance, providing additional peace of mind to our customers.
How does E3/DC navigate the challenges of the volatile solar market?
The solar market is highly dynamic, and the current environment is challenging for everyone. While some competitors focus on aggressive pricing or short-term marketing strategies, we prioritize sustainable, high-quality solutions. Our products are durable and deliver real long-term savings without hidden costs or subscription obligations. Our German-based manufacturing and network of certified partners allow us to adapt flexibly to market developments.
What makes E3/DC apart from competitors?
E3/DC stands out through integrated energy management. Our systems remain up-to-date without subscription fees or dependence on third-party providers. With a clear focus on quality and sustainability, our products are developed and manufactured in Germany, reflecting the highest standards of innovation and engineering excellence. We work exclusively with certified local partners to ensure professional service and seamless system operation for years to come. German engineering and an uncompromising commitment to quality define our approach.
What’s next for E3/DC?
Looking ahead, we aim to strengthen our position as an “integrated provider” offering maximum regional service through our partner network. Our vision includes providing interoperable platforms in collaboration with smart energy providers, vehicle manufacturers, and heat pump producers.
Key initiatives include bidirectional EV charging, integrating dynamic electricity tariffs, and forecast-based processes into holistic energy management. By combining photovoltaics, battery storage, and flexible consumer controls, we aim to further optimize self-consumption and enhance energy security. We also plan to expand our commercial solutions, empowering businesses to achieve even greater independence and stability in their energy supply.
For more insights, watch Dr. Andreas Piepenbrink in this episode of RELEVANT – The E3/DC Talk: YouTube Link
