Prolux Solutions recalls vanadium redox flow home storage systems and switches to LFP

Peter van Garsel from Bad Homburg had high expectations for his energy storage technology. Instead of a conventional lithium-ion battery, he deliberately chose a vanadium redox flow system. The technology promised a long lifespan, as its electrolyte is non-degradable, and was also considered particularly safe.

However, after commissioning in February 2024, reality proved different. According to Van Garsel, sealing problems arose after just a few months, and later, conflicting readings appeared between the storage system, the meters, and the photovoltaic system. Despite several repair attempts, the system failed completely in the summer of 2024. It was finally deactivated in early 2025 and subsequently dismantled.

The operator reports that he received approximately 93% of the purchase price back, along with a lump-sum compensation for the downtime. He was offered an LFP storage system as a replacement but now faces the question of which system to install in the future. Van Garsel’s experience is currently impacting all Prolux Solutions customers, as the company has announced a recall of all Storac redox flow home storage systems.

When asked, Prolux Solutions stated that it is exiting the vanadium redox flow (VFP) home energy storage market. Both versions of the Storac system will be discontinued, with the company shifting its focus to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) storage. The new home storage systems will come from the portfolio of its parent company, Midea, which integrated Prolux into the group as part of its acquisition of Arbonia Climate. According to the company, the new strategy prioritizes the expansion of the LFP portfolio over further development of VFP systems.

As part of the restructuring, all installed Storac systems will be recalled. Prolux has confirmed that operators will receive a full refund of the purchase price, and installation companies will be compensated for their expenses. In addition, customers will be offered new LFP storage systems from Midea as replacement products, regardless of the refund. The recall process is already underway.

Prolux justifies the product recall not primarily on technical issues but on economic realities. While the Storac storage system is designed for a long lifespan, continued operation requires a comprehensive long-term service and monitoring plan. Maintenance of the electrolyte, oil levels, pumps, and sensors would have been needed at least every two years. Furthermore, Midea would have had to stock spare parts and maintain and update the operating software for many years. For a product no longer in the portfolio, the company determined that this effort was not economically viable.

At the same time, the company acknowledged that there were “isolated” electrolyte leaks in early production runs, attributed to the tank material and hose connections. Later units were therefore equipped with an additional drip tray.

Officially, Prolux continues to report only one documented safety-related incident involving smoke development in Switzerland.