Here is my take on some pros/cons on what I call extreme DIY friendly platforms like Ecoflow solar generators (inverter, battery, charge controller in a chassis) all in ones or their big brothers like Sol-Ark inverters + server rack batteries. From personal experience, I'm happy with my Delta Pro's and SHP 1.0. I wont upgrade though when the ultra platform is available. In my view If I had to do it all over again I would invest in either EG4 18K or my biased pick, the Sol-Ark 15K inverters + EG4 LLv2 battery platform for home backup. I think the ROI is greater for the dedicated inverter/battery system platforms and you cant beat the expandability potential for solar input, battery amp hour expandability, etc., Sol-Ark or from my research on the EG4 18K's can deliver for whole home backup power/power shaving or completely off grid.
In terms of the comprehensive DIY systems/solar generator all in ones for whole house backup?
I can only speak to the Ecoflow whole house DP's system setup with smart home panel since as a DIYer, it is what got me into solar and was the the first thing I did for my home in terms of backup solar systems as a DIY project. I had no experience at all when I started with solar installations.
I love the fact that the Delta pros are extremely DIY friendly and you can use one of the delta pros as a gas can if you own an EV. Also other utilitarian applications are for SHTF or worksite power, because of the easy portability. I don't see any wheels on the research I have done so far for the Delta Pro ultra platform. The Zendure V superbase platform not only has wheels, they are motorized.
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Ecoflow makes a great product in the delta pro platform. They address software issues frequently and like Tesla, improve their products over time via OTA updates. I can only speak to the delta pros plus the available smart home panel and not the other products they are bringing to market, which is a ton lately. I'm still looking forward to learning more about the ultra though. The specs look pretty good:
- 6kWh-90kWh Capacity, 120V & 240V, 7.2kW-21.6kW Output
A peeve I do have with Ecoflow is, I think that advertising in terms of battery backup discharge capacity and it can be deceptive to solar newbies. You probably can last on battery backup for a while, however it certainly wont last long powering up a 5 ton AC even with 90 kwh in hot summer heat more than 2/3 days and I am being generous. Ecoflow sent a debut email for the ultra platform without asterisk on battery discharge capacity yesterday:
- "Month-long power security.
One unit, all appliances
covered."
I'm not blasting them and I just learned that this was even coming to market in November 2023 yesterday via email from the vendor as a customer of theirs with opt in advertising.