This week, EcoFlow is introducing its inaugural permanently installed whole-home energy solution in the United States. Dubbed the Ocean Pro system, it features a newly designed Ocean Pro Battery, offering 10 kWh of storage that is expandable up to 80 kWh, and an Ocean Pro Inverter capable of supporting solar arrays of up to 40 kW.
The system is reported to deliver 24 kW of continuous power, sufficient to power multiple appliances, including two 5-ton HVAC systems. Furthermore, Ocean Pro is compatible with EcoFlow’s Smart Home Panel, enhancing energy monitoring and control options.
The Ocean Pro system addresses the growing demand for energy independence among homeowners facing extreme weather conditions, escalating energy expenses, and power grid reliability issues. EcoFlow asserts that the Ocean Pro is significantly more powerful than competing systems, including Tesla’s Powerwall 3.
The Ocean Pro’s support for 40 kW solar arrays is double that of the Tesla Powerwall 3, and it can connect with up to eight batteries on a single inverter, compared to only three with Tesla’s system. Additionally, it offers a higher flood resistance of up to 2.6 feet and comes with a 15-year warranty, surpassing the 10-year warranty provided by Tesla. EcoFlow advertises a power switching time of less than 10 ms.
A standout feature of the Ocean Pro is its indoor installation capability, thanks to UL 9540B safety certification. “This means it can safely be installed in-house,” Felipe Burga, a representative from EcoFlow, stated in an interview with Technology News.
To match homeowners’ preferences, the system is available in three finishes: aluminum, walnut, and carbon fiber. It has a robust IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing for outdoor installation, and its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries function optimally in temperatures ranging from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Operating in grid-tied mode allows the Ocean Pro to sell excess energy back to utilities, complying with 290V grid standards. The EcoFlow app is designed to integrate with existing Virtual Power Plant networks, utilizing real-time conditions and pricing to bolster grid support.
EcoFlow highlights the Ocean Pro as the first system capable of multi-source backup power, supporting solar, grid energy, its portable power stations, and various gas generators. This design enables homeowners to utilize diesel, gasoline, natural gas, or propane as a backup when necessary.
“This is the only system that allows simultaneous use of your generator and your solar setup.”
Generators can connect directly to the inverter using an SS2-50 Port, and it is compatible with any 240-volt generator model. According to Burga, “The inverter immediately converts the power to DC, supplies the loads, and charges the battery, becoming the primary voltage source. Our system is unique in that you can run both the generator and the solar system at the same time.”
EcoFlow claims users could save up to 118 percent on electricity costs through the real-time monitoring offered by its app and the AI-driven Oasis Home Energy Management System, which optimizes energy production, use, and storage based on predicted weather and pricing trends.
The app integrates seamlessly with various smart home devices, such as EV chargers and thermostats from brands like Ecobee and Nest, along with energy-monitoring tools such as Shelly and TP-Link products. It also supports any Matter-compatible devices and is compatible with Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
The Ocean Pro expands upon the PowerOcean series that launched in Europe in 2023, marking a significant advancement from EcoFlow’s previous home battery backup offerings. Unlike those modular systems utilizing portable power products to form a battery wall that interact with EcoFlow’s original smart home panel, this new system represents a permanent installation with enhanced capacity and grid connectivity. It can integrate with existing electrical panels, or users can opt for more advanced functionalities by installing EcoFlow’s new Smart Home Panel.
This new smart panel marks EcoFlow’s first complete replacement for an electrical panel, capable of managing up to 40 circuits. An optional sub-panel, the Smart Home Panel 2, can be added for extra load management.
The Smart Home Panel allows detailed load management and provides sophisticated energy monitoring capabilities. “Our AI adapts to your usage patterns and recommends optimizations for reducing costs,” Burga elaborated.
Pricing for the system components, including the battery, inverter, and the Smart Home Panel, has not been disclosed by EcoFlow. The company indicates that costs may vary based on the installation specifics and the selected package for individual homes.
Prospective buyers for an average-sized US home should budget at least $10,000 for two batteries and the inverter, exclusive of installation fees.
Preorders are currently available on the EcoFlow website, enabling customers to connect with local installers to facilitate setup.
EcoFlow faces competition in the home energy sector from companies like Schneider, which revealed its Schneider Home system at CES last year. Other competitors include Savant Power, Anker Solix, Bluetti, Jackery, and Generac with their own whole-home backup solutions. However, high initial costs continue to deter potential customers, particularly in light of impending tax incentives for clean energy upgrades set to expire on December 31, 2025.
“We are committed to a long-term presence in the market, investing millions in the US.”
The discontinuation of tax credits and the implementation of larger tariffs on batteries and solar panels create challenges for the residential energy market. Nevertheless, EcoFlow plans to push forward with its US expansion. “We regard this as a promising opportunity and remain dedicated to our initiatives,” Burga stated.
High demand remains evident. A recent EcoFlow survey revealed that 70 percent of homeowners in regions like California, Texas, and Florida consider power backup systems essential. “People are seeking energy autonomy,” Burga noted. “They wish to reduce reliance on energy monopolies.”
Additionally, a noticeable consumer shift away from Tesla presents an opportunity for newcomer companies. Notably, 24 percent of survey participants reported reluctance to invest in Tesla’s power products due to the desire for more trustworthy and less divisive options.
Updated, July 15th: Added information regarding EcoFlow’s claims of potential homeowner savings of up to 118 percent on electricity bills through the app’s monitoring and AI forecasting capabilities.
