The Future of Residential Energy Storage Will Be Defined by Simplicity, Intelligence, and Convenience — Gerry Liu, Midea Energy  

As residential energy storage evolves from a standalone technology into a key component of the connected home, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on integrated energy ecosystems that combine storage, intelligent controls, and smart appliances. At SNEC 2026, Solar Quarter spoke with Gerry Liu, General Manager – Residential Energy Storage Business at Midea Energy, about the company’s latest product launches, expansion strategy across key global markets, emerging industry trends, and its vision for creating a smarter and more connected energy future for homeowners.

Midea is showcasing a wide range of technologies at SNEC 2026. Could you tell us about the key products and solutions you have introduced this year?

At SNEC 2026, we are launching our third-generation residential energy storage solutions. Our latest portfolio includes both all-in-one and split-type systems for single-phase and three-phase applications, covering power ranges from 3 kW to 30 kW. We are also introducing new battery solutions ranging from 5 kWh to 256 kWh, enabling us to meet the majority of residential energy storage requirements across different markets.

Another key highlight is the integration of our energy storage solutions with Midea’s heat pump technologies, EV chargers, and smart home platforms. Through our Midea and IEasy Plus systems, we are building a more connected home energy ecosystem. Our goal is to provide customers with a comprehensive, one-stop solution that brings together energy generation, storage, and intelligent energy management within the home.

The response at SNEC has been very positive, and we are seeing strong interest from both partners and customers in this integrated approach.

Which global markets are currently driving demand for these integrated residential energy solutions?

Europe remains one of the most important markets for integrated residential energy solutions, particularly when combining energy storage systems with heat pumps.

Germany is currently our primary focus, and we have established both a branch office and an R&D center in Stuttgart to better support local customers and market requirements. Having local teams allows us to develop products that are closely aligned with regional needs and regulatory standards.

Beyond Germany, Italy and Spain are also key growth markets for us in Europe. In addition, Australia continues to be an important market where we have already developed several successful projects and partnerships.

Our strategy is built around localization. By investing in local talent, local R&D capabilities, and market-specific solutions, we can better support customers and strengthen our position in these important regions.

What are some of the key trends shaping the residential energy storage market today, and how is Midea positioning itself to stay ahead of them?

One of the most important trends is the growing integration of energy storage with broader smart home technologies. Customers are increasingly looking for solutions that can work seamlessly together and provide greater convenience and efficiency.

To address this opportunity, we are pursuing a dual-brand strategy. On the one hand, we are leveraging the strong presence of the Midea brand, which already has an extensive network of distributors and partners across Europe through its home appliance and heat pump businesses. This creates a natural pathway for expanding into residential energy storage solutions.

Simultaneously, we continue to strengthen the Midea brand as a dedicated energy technology provider. In addition, we are actively exploring OEM opportunities in Europe to expand our reach further and create additional value for our partners.

This combination of strong branding, localization, and partnership development allows us to remain competitive and respond effectively to changing market demands.

Looking ahead, what innovations do you believe will have the greatest impact on residential energy storage in Europe and Australia?

I believe two developments will play a particularly important role.

The first is artificial intelligence. Today, many energy storage systems still require users to manage multiple settings and operational parameters. For some consumers, this can be a complicated experience. AI has the potential to make these systems much easier to use by simplifying energy management and helping homeowners optimize performance automatically.

We believe AI will become an increasingly important part of residential energy solutions because it can significantly improve the user experience and make energy storage systems more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

The second major trend is easier installation. Currently, energy storage systems often require professional installation, which can add considerable cost for homeowners. In markets such as Europe and Australia, where labor costs are relatively high, simplifying installation can provide significant benefits.

As technology continues to evolve, we expect products to become easier to install and more user-friendly. This will help reduce costs, improve accessibility, and encourage wider adoption of residential energy storage solutions.

As Midea continues to expand globally, what would you like customers and partners to associate with the company?

The first thing I would like customers and partners to associate with Midea is openness and collaboration.

As part of the Midea Group, we benefit from a strong global platform that includes more than 38 R&D centers and over 40 manufacturing bases worldwide. This enables us to support localization, manufacturing partnerships, and a variety of business models, including SKD and CKD solutions, depending on our customers’ requirements.

We believe in working closely with our partners and helping them grow in their local markets. Our approach is highly flexible, and we are committed to finding the right solutions that create long-term value.

Secondly, we want to be recognized for innovation and customer focus. We continue to invest heavily in areas such as AI, product development, and design. Even in the energy storage sector, we believe product design and user experience are important. This commitment to innovation has been reflected in the positive response to our products and recognition through international design awards.Finally, sustainability remains a core part of our long-term strategy. We are committed to supporting the global transition to green energy and developing solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.