Just saw one of the recent releases from Ecoflow called Powerstream. It is like an hybrid microinverter with an elegant data visualization (wattages coming in and out) that allows a certain degree of power management, like how much you inject to your home or the grid (in case of surplus), or even which element in the system gets priority; loads or battery.
https://eu.ecoflow.com/pages/powerstream
The microeinverter can work without a battery injecting everything to the loads or grid, else it can work with an Ecoflow (only) power station (battery). Additionally, using an Ecoflow smart plug you can use the energy more efficiently (or so they claim) but at first it seems to me just a regular on/off wifi switch plug with power measurement.
The microinverter has a max. capacity of 800W and costs 369 euros which compared to most hybrid inverters is much less; though the price per kW is not that far or even higher than the one you'd pay for a 3kW hybrid inverter. Moreover, you will have to pay much more for your storage capacity because you can only use Ecoflow power stations a 1.000 eur per kWh of battery (depending on size) while a simple 1.280Wh Renogy battery would cost you nowadays less than 450 euros.
So, all together I find this is a great system for people willing to test hybrid systems before they buy a big one; people that can perceive a financial incentive from a better power management or maybe people that want to have a certain protection against blackouts while preserving the grid-tied function. The pro's in my opinion are the accurate and elegant visualization and monitoring of the system and the power management freedom.
The cons in my opinion are that I do not see any feasible payback on this system, thus why would somebody in an apartment with grid install this hybrid microinverter at a loss? There it made more sense to put a simple grid-tied microinverter without battery. Adding an Ecoflow battery is too expensive and it probably comes with limitations. I believe people with a basic understanding of solar and batteries can do way better with a diy battery pack.
In my opinion, this microinverter does not make sense in an off-grid setup (you can charge the power station directly and manage the power from there). Does not make sense in a grid-tied setup because it is too small. So; what is it really for If you are looking forward to a payback?
Your thoughts are welcome.
https://eu.ecoflow.com/pages/powerstream
The microeinverter can work without a battery injecting everything to the loads or grid, else it can work with an Ecoflow (only) power station (battery). Additionally, using an Ecoflow smart plug you can use the energy more efficiently (or so they claim) but at first it seems to me just a regular on/off wifi switch plug with power measurement.
The microinverter has a max. capacity of 800W and costs 369 euros which compared to most hybrid inverters is much less; though the price per kW is not that far or even higher than the one you'd pay for a 3kW hybrid inverter. Moreover, you will have to pay much more for your storage capacity because you can only use Ecoflow power stations a 1.000 eur per kWh of battery (depending on size) while a simple 1.280Wh Renogy battery would cost you nowadays less than 450 euros.
So, all together I find this is a great system for people willing to test hybrid systems before they buy a big one; people that can perceive a financial incentive from a better power management or maybe people that want to have a certain protection against blackouts while preserving the grid-tied function. The pro's in my opinion are the accurate and elegant visualization and monitoring of the system and the power management freedom.
The cons in my opinion are that I do not see any feasible payback on this system, thus why would somebody in an apartment with grid install this hybrid microinverter at a loss? There it made more sense to put a simple grid-tied microinverter without battery. Adding an Ecoflow battery is too expensive and it probably comes with limitations. I believe people with a basic understanding of solar and batteries can do way better with a diy battery pack.
In my opinion, this microinverter does not make sense in an off-grid setup (you can charge the power station directly and manage the power from there). Does not make sense in a grid-tied setup because it is too small. So; what is it really for If you are looking forward to a payback?
Your thoughts are welcome.
