EcoFlow PowerStream Microinverter

fluffykre

What are people's thoughts on the new EcoFlow PowerStream Microinverter? It seems like a great DIY solution at first glance, especially if cost is not a concern. It offers a plug-and-play option to power your house at night using solar energy.

While reading the manual, I noticed that it doesn't mention compliance with EN50483. However, it does comply with Directive 2014/53/EU. I'm aware that the UK and Ireland use a ring system with mains, which is different from how circuits are set up in Europe. How unsafe would it be to plug this device into a socket and have it connected to a ring with other devices, as opposed to having it connected directly to the consumer unit on its own circuit?

Another thing that comes to mind is if more products like this become popular and people start using them without an NC6, and they have a smart meter, ESB networks would be able to detect their usage through exporting and may not be too happy about it.

Here are some YouTube videos from the UK demonstrating the product:

UK youtubes demonstrating the product:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVb4_T_BoMc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXt8U8mfE10

PDF of the manual:https://solarkontor.de/mediafiles/PDF/EcoFlow/PowerStream/Handbuch_PowerStream_EN.pdf

Link: https://uk.ecoflow.com/products/powerstream-microinverter

bullit_dodger

It's not really super new - Anker and a few others have similar offerings. I like the idea of it though to be fair.

I'm not a spark, but connecting to a ring circuit wouldn't ultimately make much/any difference. The power would all flow back to the main busbars in the CU in either scenario. They alluded to it in the video that you don't have scaffold etc to pay for, but I'm not sure it really is cheaper than a proper installation. End of the video has this....

When you sit down and think about it for let's take Bundle 2 for £2405, which is €2802. . Is that cheap for 1x400w panel (€200), a microinverter, some cables and 2Kwhr of storage? I dunno....maybe I'm being harsh? I'd still encourage people to spend a few more quid get a "proper" installation (even 2-3Kwp can do WONDERS) but if it's this or nothing then yeah, it's a good step in the right direction.

Fingleberries

As a query. I'm shortly getting 'proper' solar installed (mid-terrace house, south-facing roof) with as many panels as can fit on there (no possibility for E/W install, not much point for N-facing, I believe).

We have a shed at the end of the garden that could possibly fit two 400W panels, but is too far to simply or affordably run a second line to the inverter in the attic of the house). The shed is connected to the mains via an existing cable. Would installing something like this in the shed with a couple of panels be a possibility to add some additional panel, or would it cause hassle for the 'proper' Solar install?

Checking for options in the future for 'easy' expansion.

Fingleberries

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120753953#Comment_120753953

So, from one of the videos shared earlier, it looks like theoretically I could do this later. (link to video section that talks about it)

The video is from the UK, would it still apply to Ireland?

I suppose the question is should I do it? Or are there alternative, similar products?

DC999

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120778061#Comment_120778061

Hold off for now based on my experience. Takes a few months to fully understand your usage, change when you use power to when available... Get the main South roof as full as you can from a design and cost side. Will be cheapest cost on install day.

Shed could be a nice diy project for you in YYear2. Others here have done that.

Fingleberries

I just saw a headline that this is now less than €200 and was very tempted, but they only have EU two pin plugs and don't have any for UK/IE plugs.

Will hold off for a bit longer for a DIY project.