EcoFlow brings its plug-in solar power plant to US homes
The US is finally getting a version of EcoFlow’s DIY balcony solar system that I reviewed in Europe last year. EcoFlow says its Stream Series will be the first plug-in solar products to go on sale domestically, allowing anyone in a house or apartment rental to easily lower their energy bill, while also providing a modicum of backup power if the grid goes down.
Unfortunately, they’re only going on sale in Utah, which recently approved balcony solar systems that plug directly into 120V wall outlets — no messy (and costly) interconnection agreement required with your utility company. EcoFlow tells me that there’s no need to wait for a federal certification standard under The National Electrical Code or a tailored product safety standard from Underwriters Laboratories as some have interpreted. Balcony solar systems have already seen widespread adoption throughout Europe where millions have been safely installed.
The plug-and-play Stream series relies upon a microinverter to make solar energy grid-ready for insertion back into the home. Some of that energy can also be diverted to EcoFlow’s batteries for use in an emergency, or for delayed release back into the home to help offset the higher prices utility companies charge when electricity demand peaks each day.
EcoFlow’s Stream Ultra combines a built-in grid-tied microinverter with a reasonably large 1.92kWh capacity LFP battery. It can be installed inside or outside since it’s self-heated to remain operational in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit), with IP65-rated resistance to dust and rain. Storage can be expanded to 11.52kWh by adding on additional battery-only Ultra units. You can also buy the Stream Microinverter separately if you already own a compatible EcoFlow power station.
The system can be configured with up to 2000W of solar input from panels placed on a roof or the ground, or slung over a balcony. And when the microinverter is plugged into a dedicated 15A circuit, the system can pump up to 1200W back into the home to offset the amount of electricity needed from your grid provider.
EcoFlow’s Stream devices are compatible with the company’s new Oasis energy management platform that lets you remotely monitor and optimize everything according to your needs inside the excellent EcoFlow app.
Pricing is being announced with preorder discounts that end on July 31st. The Stream Microinverter will initially cost $299 before hitting its $599 list price, the Stream Ultra and Microinverter is priced at $1,459 ($2,399 list), and the battery-only version of the Stream Ultra costs $1,199 ($1,899 list).