EcoFlow is set to introduce its innovative DIY balcony solar system in the United States, a product that was previously reviewed in Europe. The company’s Stream Series will become the first plug-in solar solution available in the U.S., enabling residents in both houses and rental apartments to effectively reduce their energy expenses while also securing a small backup power source during outages.
Currently, the availability of these products is limited to Utah. The state has recently legalized balcony solar systems that connect directly to 120V wall outlets, eliminating the need for complex interconnection agreements with utility providers. EcoFlow has indicated that users need not wait for a federal certification standard under The National Electrical Code or specific product safety guidelines from Underwriters Laboratories, as there is already a strong precedent for safe balcony solar installations in Europe, where millions of units are in operation.
The Stream series utilizes a microinverter to convert solar power into a format suitable for residential use. A portion of this energy can either be stored in EcoFlow’s batteries for emergency situations or used at later times to help mitigate higher utility costs during peak demand hours.
The Stream Ultra features an integrated grid-tied microinverter along with a substantial 1.92kWh capacity lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This unit is designed for outdoor or indoor installation, functioning efficiently even at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) and boasting an IP65 rating for dust and rain resistance. Users can increase storage capacity to 11.52kWh by adding more battery-only Ultra units. Additionally, the Stream Microinverter can be purchased separately for those who already possess a compatible EcoFlow power station.
The system can accommodate up to 2000W of solar input from panels positioned on a roof, ground, or even over a balcony. When a dedicated 15A circuit is utilized, the microinverter has the capacity to feed back up to 1200W into the home, thereby decreasing the household’s reliance on grid electricity.
The EcoFlow Stream devices are designed to be used with the company’s new Oasis energy management platform, allowing users to monitor and optimize their energy consumption through the user-friendly EcoFlow app.
Pricing details are set to be announced, with pre-order discounts available until July 31st. The Stream Microinverter will initially retail for $299, eventually reaching a list price of $599. The Stream Ultra, bundled with the Microinverter, will be priced at $1,459 (originally $2,399), while the battery-only version of the Stream Ultra will be available for $1,199 (originally $1,899).
