EcoFlow PowerStream: The World's First "Balcony Solar Plant"

Don't have room for rooftop solar and battery installation? The PowerStream might be just what you need: a cost-effective and DIY installation.
Read the full review - www.makeuseof.com/ecoflow-pow...
Buy the EcoFlow Powerstream - uk.ecoflow.com/products/power...

[@xuandu2121]

absolutely agree. Launching a CT clamp to measure the household input/output or open an API for other system like Smart meter compatible device to control the load will offer a much intelligent system. Thanks for the review.

[@TheRealLives2Laugh]

Thanks for the review. We just bought an EcoFlow. 👍

[@roypateman470]

Thanks like it it’s all about the base load😊

[@steveprice1014]

Fantastic video, very informative and easy to understand… think I might go down the bundle route. I already own a basic delta but can only connect via the cigarette light cable. No EB socket. Could you recommend a tariff for charging at night. Steve

[@wtfbahamas844]

Great video. Thank you When will they release a US Version?

[@cocoy1952]

Hi, I brought my Delta1300 to my beach house in Philippines a while ago and intended to use it as grid and solar panel back up for short grid power failures for 1 fan, one modem, 1 light. If only these three low consumption devices are switched on at night and the Delta 1300 would be connected as Balcony Power Station via a Ecoflow Powerstream, could the three devices keep on running for a while - although the grid8 is down temporarily? If yes, would the charging of the soon emptied Delta1300 automatically start again when grid power is back?

[@Michael.K.73]

Hi, I own a river max, does it make sense to use the inverter with this unit?

[@butoikaruga]

'Alternative Options': that option is really interesting! can a cable run out of it into a wall plug to put power in? many thanks

[@MakeUseOf]

Yes, the big blue box in my garage that I linked does exactly that - straight into our household AC supply through the plug socket, same as this. It also has a current clamp option, so if you're able to place it closer to your consumer unit you can restrict the power output to only what you use. No need for us as we have another box that captures all outgoing power and dumps it into the hot water, but it's an option.

[@steveallen8987]

Does anyone know of a data logger for solar panels, I am after analysing how much my 1600w panels create. Steve

[@swervature]

I have 4 westerly-facing windows in my building, all of which receive around 8 hours of direct, lead-melting sunlight a day. As much as I would like to try something like this, as per my lease, the only thing that should be visible from the outside on my windows should be the white miniblinds inside them. I honestly don't think anyone would really notice the panels (or care, actually), except the windows in my building face the office, lol. I KNOW they would notice it. C'est la vie. GR,AA with tons of information new to me =)

[@MakeUseOf]

Wow, that's horribly restrictive. I'd be inclined to stand naked at the windows a few hours a day, at least.

[@swervature]

@@MakeUseOf -- LOL! I bet they wouldn't look east for too long, huh? #ThingsToTryList

[@butoikaruga]

hi, I really like the video. Can you please elborate on the aliexpress micro inverter option, how to do it? Can that option be connected to a normal uk wall plug and get the energy in?

[@MakeUseOf]

Yes, you just plug it straight into a socket using a standard IEC cable, nothing complicated. You can set it to either measure usage via a current clamp and only output that amount, or to output everything (which is how I have it set). Anything generated then reduces your household load and excess flows out to the grid.

[@skyeric875]

I wonder if you can back feed into the same breaker while all the other breakers are off. It’d be nice for emergencies.

[@lro6505]

Looks like you can’t. It seems like a stupid oversight

[@enomineas]

Great video! You mentioned that is possible to connect 4x100w flexible panels + 1x400w rigid panel, does it work with ecoflow delta 2? Thank you

[@MakeUseOf]

You connect those to the PowerStream, then the PowerStream supplies the battery, so yes, it would go to the Delta 2 via the direct battery connection.

[@HansKeesom]

It is much easier to just connect some loads to the AC-output of your powerstation and run these from it. Something like the Delta 2 max can charge from AC and solar at the same time where you can organise it that AC is only for the lower 20% for example, allowing solar to do everything above.

[@MakeUseOf]

If that works for you, that's awesome. But some things you want grid connected, without worrying if the battery will run out and sunndely they'll be powered off. Or just not wanting the hassling of micromanaging it.

[@westcountry_sailing]

​@@MakeUseOflook at the backup reserve in settings; you can leave the delta2 plugged in constantly to mains power and it will only begin charging as the battery power drops below your pre determined setting.

[@XSpImmaLion]

Interesting to see all the new developments and all the new things these battery companies are trying to cover... I live in a small apartment, so it seems pretty interesting to me. Alas, none of the big battery brands export to my country, so no dice. xD There's also the fact that I wouldn't mind messing with the mains box if it meant doing something that does not require smart apps and whatnot... ideally, I'd just want to install something there that would handle everything without any app setting, registration and whatever. Given that I have very little space for solar panels, what I'm currently thinking of doing is just going all manual... get a big battery, use whatever solar I can shove on windows that get sun coverage to charge it, and then use the battery power on whatever possible. Mostly as a side benefit for having a "go grid independent" backup kit for power outages. :P

[@SolarBasics-qi7vt]

Hi. Can you please provide me with some other options of similar wall plugged microinverter. Thanks

[@MakeUseOf]

There's an AliExpress link in the full article - click through to that.

[@anthonyayala]

This system uses only three components. I've noticed others require an additional microinverter.This is way better for sure.

[@steverowley3991]

Can’t seem to be able the power steam in the uk why is this please great video

[@Chris-gy9pk]

Because it is not approved on the uk. EcoFlow told me this via email last week. Which is why its not sale on their UK website...

[@quittrn]

What other brands will have same setup ?? Will it be higher output ?? Got 1600w solar on shed and considering power generator like this for night time

[@MakeUseOf]

Zendure and Powerness have both announced ones, but I don't have details of them yet.

[@David-lk8ut]

can you connect a 12v100ah battery to this device?

[@Zl4138]

Does this work without using the smart plugs? Also, how do you figure the base load?

[@MakeUseOf]

No need to use smart plugs. Personally, I have a smart meter on the house so I know what the baseload is, but if you don't have any way of measuring, that's gonna be tricky. I suppose you could take a reading of your electrical meter at 8am one day, check the next, then average it per hour? But it would need to be a day when you didn't turn on any high loads like a dishwasher or washing machine.

[@sayitall944]

Is it available in Pakistan?

[@steveallen8987]

Can you confirm that if mains power is disconnected this will not feed through the house mains wiring. I have delta pro + extra battery. Currently main loads are running via the delta pros so power outages are covered. It would however be nice if this could be connected so that light switches still worked. 800w would cover that nicely as parents moving around with torches is not desirable. Also it appears as though you cannot charge the battery directly from the mains as per overnight charging at a lower charge rate for use during the day? Could you connect 2 smart plugs that connect the battery and this device into the mains an program them so only one is connected to a wall socket at any time?. Thanks for the video, best coverage so far. Steve

[@steveallen8987]

Just found this on the EcoFlow website. Steve In the event of a power outage, how can the system continue to supply energy? For safety concerns, PowerStream Microinverter will stop the current output after a power outage in the home, but Portable Power Station can be used as a backup power supply to connect to the appliance.

[@MakeUseOf]

Thanks Steve! Indeed, there's no way to charge overnight with this setup. I haven't tried it, but I don't see why using a timed plug with the AC charger for the battery wouldn't work, since it's a different plug. It should work, in theory.

[@checkitoutguy3155]

can you use 2 (or more of these) in the same circuit, at the same time, independent of each other so 1.6kw (2.4kw etc etc) ?

[@MakeUseOf]

I believe so. I haven't tried two of the powerstream specifically, but this does work alongside my other 1kW microinverter, plus a 3kw standard solar inverter, and a Tesla battery.

[@checkitoutguy3155]

Thanks....maybe someone has tried using 2 or more together ? Just concerned they may conflict somehow...if they did work ok, it might offer a part-way solution for someone who doesn't want to go full out with a Pro and the smart home panel...or who already has one of the other Ecoflow batteries and not the Pro@@MakeUseOf

[@davenz000]

Dump it into the home power socket? WTF? Anything that does that is going to get banned and recalled in about 5 seconds.

[@MakeUseOf]

Lol, no. Microinverters are just small scale inverters that are limited to the power levels of less than a household kettle. Full rooftop solar is wired directly into your breaker box so that it can handle higher currents, that's all.

[@tonysaenz]

How can we get these in the US?

[@MakeUseOf]

Hmm, sorry, I thought they would be available by now. Must be some sort of regulatory hold up.

[@ginojames8213]

Great video, what's the deal with the rules in the u.k are we allowed to use these? If you set the base load a tiny bit higher than what's needed would it start sending power back to the grid?

[@MakeUseOf]

Yes, it'll push back into the grid whatever you tell it to, whether you use it or not. I can't find a definitive answer on the legalities. Under 5kW only requires notification to your power company, rather than seeking permission - but only the installer can notify the power company. So for a DIY system, there is no way to legally notify. EcoFlow provides instructions for German users to register their system, so it was a legal requirement here, I assume they would do similar. Realistically, it's such a small amount of power that it doesn't matter, and installation requires no electrical work, so there's no need for any electrician to certify. If you're really worried, stick to the smart power sockets only, or set it to so low that it'll never export. The only real concern is if you have a very old meter - I've heard sending power back out through those would still end up spinning them round (ie, costing you money, despite being in reverse).

[@JustifyJustin]

I'm realty struggling to understand the purpose of this device. It sounds like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. I currently have a Delta 2 with a 500w rigid panel connected. Output goes to the home through a dedicated 'essentials' circuit. The Delta 2 is on permanently providing power to the home, either with solar or battery or ac pass-through. How would this device improve such a setup?

[@Pilotfarmand]

It will not, this is for smaller spaces, people who rent or live in apartments, to ease off the load and save cash.

[@MotivateTransformSucceed]

hang on so we can charge the battery at 600 watts while also pushing 800 watts into the house in the day if the solar array is big enough ?

[@MakeUseOf]

No; the total solar input is 800W (which is unlikely though) . If you were charging the battery at max 600W from that, the remainder would be 200W (or less).

[@MotivateTransformSucceed]

@@MakeUseOf oooo pretty low then what about two sets of 800 watt panels set up one feeding the inverter and one charging the battery

[@MakeUseOf]

Hmm - you'd still keep the battery connected to the PowerStream though, so feed out at night? I suppose that could work. Weather is horrendous in Cornwall at the moment, but I'll get some more panels hooked up and report back when we've had some sun!

[@MakeUseOf]

So, it works, but they still haven't fixed the bug I mentioned in the review article, in that if you have a battery connected, and it drains overnight, the main unit dies too and won't re-awaken once there's solar again. You have to unplug the solar and plug it back in again. This doesn't happen when it hasn't got a battery connected, for some reason. They have promised a fix though.

[@MotivateTransformSucceed]

@@MakeUseOf hopefully they fix it but I have already ordered a proper solar kit with server rack batteries. Much better price as well to be honest.

[@lro6505]

What is the point if it cuts out during a power outage?!

[@rickyjulian496]

Free electricity.. Well, free once your panels have paid for themselves.

[@jamesarevalo1626]

Can you use two powerstream?

[@MakeUseOf]

I don't see why not. I have multiple micro-inverters running, though not all powerstreams. There's no issue with having multiple electrical feeds into the system, though.

[@jamesarevalo1626]

@@MakeUseOf ty. Do you still include safety devices for your micro inverter setup

[@MakeUseOf]

What kind of safety devices? Limiter clamps so you only output what you can use, you mean? Personally, no. I have an energy recapture device before anything leaves my house - if it's going to feed back to the grid, it captures and puts it into our immersion heater.

[@kholofelomokgehle1804]

Bought an Ecoflow Delta Max and only used the battery as a backup for watching TV and Wifi and sometimes charging cellphones and laptop. Other than that it is not good value for money especially here in South Africa. Eventually installed inveter-battery solar system that is connected to the power grid. Now the Ecoflow power battery is no longer in use im my home. What a waste

[@ianfossett4482]

It's illegal to backfeed electricity into your home electricity supply in the UK . Do you have any electrical engineering qualifications ? Is this device independently accredited for use in the UK . You call safety regulations arcane regulations really ?

[@TechNTorque]

It's not illegal. Otherwise anyone with solar panels on their house in the UK would be in trouble

[@ianfossett4482]

@@TechNTorque that's not the case you clearly have no idea how solar generation works . What's illegal is plugging a live power source into a 13a plug socket . Real solar systems don't work like that . They have robust safety systems in place to prevent backfeeding into the grid during a power outage for example . This system doesn't appear to have any accreditation to be used in the UK in the manner described. With respect you are talking nonsense. If something looks too good to be true it's because it usually is. UK regulations forbid any connection of a power source to the electricity outlet sockets. Feedback to the GRID is permitted by accredited solar systems via metered control system system approved for use in the UK This system does not comply and as I understand it has now been withdrawn from sale in the UK

[@TechNTorque]

​@@ianfossett4482 I know exactly how solar generation works, which is why I commended that it's not illegal to pump power into the grid. That's specifically how net metering works. Any grid tie inverter or microinverter will have the very simple internal circuits that monitor the grid to make sure it turns off solar production when the grid goes down per UL1741 standards, some will wait 5 minutes per IEEE 1547-2018 to make sure the linemen have enough time to safely leave the area. This ecoflow system on the other hand does not feed power into the grid at all if you watched the video. It monitors energy usage of your house and supplies enough solar to offset your current usage and not sell any of it back to the grid. SO if you are generating 600 watts of solar, and your house is only consuming 250 watts, this specific product will only feed 250 watts into your house. The rest of the generated solar will not be used to fed back into the grid. The purpose of this system is only to offset energy costs. If you look at their website it says "has obtained grid certification in over 10 countries, covering 70% of the European region"

[@TechNTorque]

@ianfossett4482 I absolutely know how solar generation works and if you paid attention to the video you'd see that this doesn't feed power into the grid it monitors house usage to supplement the grid usage. None of the power generated goes back into the grid or else you'd need a net metering agreement. Any grid tie inverter has a very simple circuit (nothing robust about it) to monitor the grid. If it doesn't see a grid profile, it will shut down solar production and not produce electricity as per UL1741, some will also wait 5 minutes after it sees the grid profile back to normal before powering up as per IEEE 1547-2018. If you do a quick Google search you'll see that this product "is available throught the EU market and has obtained grid certification in over 10 countries". The purpose of this balcony type system is so low barrier of entry enthusiasts like yourself can install supplemental solar on their own without having an engineering degree.

[@petegarfield2455]

If only you could actually buy it.. STILL out of stock 🤬

[@under2boots]

3.5 months and starts tripping the fuse box knocking the power out red light and dead. 10 Yr warranty?! 10 months would have been nice. Don't bother

[@MakeUseOf]

Mine's still going strong - you sure it was this at fault?

[@under2boots]

@@MakeUseOf makes a crackling noise then goes from white to red and loses all functionality. What else can it be. I've plugged into other sockets. I've tested the solar panels direct to the xt60 sockets and all working on the delta max and extra battery. Open to suggestion but it isn't working

[@Qual_]

You seems nice but.. how can you have an average of around 300 views.. with 225k subscribers ? Did you paid fake subscribers ?

[@robdavy4468]

Looks like the prime time for this channel was 5-10 years ago. I'd imagine that when they acquired all of their subscribers. No big hit videos in many years unfortunately

[@Qual_]

@@robdavy4468 I'm not sure, I've looked the recent stats, and they look.... Shady

[@MakeUseOf]

Well, if you figure it out, please tell me!

[@ShyamRonline]

Too much talk. Thanks

[@ukinfamous]

Rather have to register to use it than not be allowed to use it at all, I see EcoFlow have removed it from sale in the UK

[@MakeUseOf]

Hmm, it's shown as sold out - might just be high demand.

[@nehopsa]

I have a different guess: what about that smart meter/digital control grid tyranny of yours? Like the one that earns you a year in prison if you refuse those "smart" meters - or stiff fines? My guess is that authonomy that EcoFlow would allow is against energy tyranny and thus EcoFlow is discouraged from bussines in the UK.@@MakeUseOf