A Sub Panel That Actually Saves You Money | EcoFlow Smart Panel 2

[@RJ-ej1nr]

Fantastic video, thank you! I did not realize how far ecoflow had come when you put all the pieces together like you did - monitoring, solar, storage, backup. You are set! Great design and job!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks, I agree EcoFlow continues to push the options and capability.

[@philsmock4943]

Oh man. You and Joel are my heroes. I'm just not ready to pull the trigger yet but I'm close. Your videos have been a big help in explaining options and what is available. Thank you and Joel for sharing this video.

[@Obtuse94]

Agreed!

[@phakeAccount]

I think the best solution is a three-way transfer switch that allows you to choose between grid and generator power. Way less expensive and you can install multiple panels if you have more than 10 circuits which is the standard number of allotments in the popular reliance transfer switch panel. Plus you don't have to relocate the circuits to a sub panel.

[@noyjr9492]

Do you have to manually switch the power? I agree this is expensive and was hoping for something cheaper. I feel like if I have to manual switch the power when my battery is low then it would be an inconvenience

[@phakeAccount]

@@noyjr9492 Yes the three-way switch requires manual intervention. I agree it's an inconvenience, especially if you are away from your house on vacation, but so far I have only seen switches that require manual operation to switch between grid or off or generator.

[@phakeAccount]

@@noyjr9492 also there are generator systems with automatic transfer capability it's just not the scenario I'm talking about.

[@jasonjtg21]

I like the idea of the subpanel being smart. I also like the idea of the portable batteries I don’t know if I’d ever use them remotely, but I’d like the idea of being able to if I wanted to.

[@robertbaron3242]

Another channel tested the inverter efficiency of both the Delta Pro Ultra and the Anker F3800. The DPU was OK at 7% draw down over 12 hours sitting at idle (no loads whatsoever). The F3800 was horrible at a 23% loss in the same period. I assume this is due possibly to the F3800 having a low frequency inverter (more robust, less efficient) vs a high frequency inverter in the DPU (more efficient, less robust with more demanding loads). In either case the fact is both units use significant power just keeping their inverters running even with no load. This power has to be replenished by solar, the grid or whatever. Keeping either unit connected to their respective smart panels and active will have some negative impact on energy usage especially for those on the grid with no other options such as solar. In my case I planned on using one of the two units as whole home backup through their respective smart panels but I'm reconsidering that in light of their inverter power draw. In my case the EcoFlow DPU with a single inverter would add 4% to my electric utility bill on average just keeping it charged. The Anker F3800 would be over 15%. Those are significant numbers that degrade the savings one might expect even in time of use plans.

[@jbwise2002]

Really awesome. Maybe I missed it, are there any incentives for the the smart panel 2?

[@nbnsraz]

It's really nice looking, I'll give it that. Donno though, if I was going to go through all the work of relocating circuits to a sub panel (which requires permits in my area), I'd probably just do an off-grid inverter that has a better price point. Already ordered the DPU, so maybe I'll just use the manual transfer box instead, cheaper and easier to DIY. Smart Home Panel 2 with the install costs is a bit prohibitive.

[@ChuckinKona]

I think this video would be more understandable if you could make a graphic showing the components and the electrical pathway. Maybe even a before & after?

[@Obtuse94]

Just so I understand, I can have a permanently installed rooftop solar setup, use the DPU and Smart Panel 2 to: 1) solar charge the DPU battery 2) use the DPU+Smart Panel for backup AND 3) also have net metering/grid tied feed?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yes to everything except this setup would not push back on the grid if you have net metering.

[@Obtuse94]

Amazing. So I could still separate the net metering portion out somehow (split/switch something?) I know it needs an interlock/block to not backfeed.

[@userj8685]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs Just want to understand, in my case I have rooftop solar that is grid tied NEM2.0 system, and with SHP2_+DPU, would I be able to charge the DPU using solar during the day and discharge the DPU to power the circuits in SHP2 at night? I don't need to feed back to grid from the DPU, but just want to make sure during the day when charging the DPU it's not pulling from the grid but from the rooftop solar. Thanks!

[@westbaybanjo]

I have the exact same questions. Normally, to add battery storage/backup to an existing grid-tied solar system, you would need an ac coupled inverter and critical load subpanel added to the mix. wondering if/how the SHP2 + DPU can be used (if at all) in this scenario. and if possible, would the ac coupled inverter be able to still send back to the grid.

[@allen35315]

SHP2 looks impressive. If at some point one decided to move on from Ecoflow products, unlike with a “universal” transfer inlet, aren’t you stuck with redoing something with all the circuits?

[@SteveAthanas]

Another great video. Thanks! If you can, I'd love to see your thoughts on either HVAC (compressor) or whole-home surge suppression. How to install, if it's worth anything, etc.

[@billmclemore]

Thank you for your video it was very informative and helpful. I still have to get solar panels any tips with buying and installing solar panels. I have two delta ultra pro with two batteries on each goal is to have 10 batteries in the future.

[@kirkb5240]

So now that you have had it installed for many months now, have you had any issues with the smart panel itself? I'm about to buy one but am seeing different posts that these panels are not dependable. Please share any thoughts about dependability and quality. Thanks!!

[@rickdougherty1371]

Great vid! Would the panel be able to use grid power with the little bit of solar for home use at the same time, or does it have to be one or the other? I'd like to make use of 4 400watt panels I use for a backup system while when the batts are charged and idle. I would also like to consider using the batteries for TOU at low demand times. Thanks!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

The way I am doing it now is when the battery is over 30% I power the circuits on the SHP2 with the battery which gets filled up by my solar. When the battery dips under 30% I switch over to grid power.

[@markjohnston2517]

Do the solar cables hook into the Smart Panel 2?

[@brianclark4973]

I've just purchased a DPU w/ 2 batteries (12kWh) to supplement my micro-grid (Enphase) solar arrays. I'm running from the micro-grid, which shuts down automatically when there is no grid power, into my main panel in my home. My plan is to either swap out my main panel for the Smart Panel 2 or just run from my main to the SP2 as a sub panel having critical. I'm more into the "Whole Home" idea, though. My question is, when running from the main panel to the SP2, it looks like you ran a 100A breaker from the main out to the SP2. Was that accurate? Thank you!

[@mra4107]

Interesting video! Does this new smart panel work with V2H/bidirectional charging with an EV? If so, what bidirectional home charger would you recommend to pair with the Ecoflow smart panel?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

From my standpoint I will use the Generator side of the Smart Panel 2. If you had a Ford Lightning a 30 Amp generator inlet would be the way to go and for the Cybertruck it would be a 50 Amp generator inlet (NEMA 14-50).

[@westbaybanjo]

would be great if you could do a video on how the ecoflow delta pro ultra and the smart home panel 2 would integrate into an already grid tied solar system. any ideas if this ecoflow combo could work with an ac coupled inverter and act as the battery storage?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

At this time I don't think that is possible. You would need to land your solar in the Ultra. I expressed the same desire to EcoFlow at CES and what you are outlining is a HUGE usecase but not an easy problem to solve.

[@westbaybanjo]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs any way you can test this? :) wouldn't the roof top solar still drop into the solar inverter (at least for non-micros). i guess that's the question. can the ac power from the solar inverter go straight into the smart home panel 2 and be routed properly.

[@Robulite]

I do wish we got to see more of the App and some usage over a day or so of how the things were running with solar maybe a follow up in the future? :D

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yep, I will do a follow up for sure but the deeper dives will most likely be over on our other channel Everyday Solar www.youtube.com/@everydaysolar

[@NJHoya]

Is the solar connection that you plugged into the generator coming all the way from the detached garage? How long of a line did you have to run from the panels?

[@OscarGarcia-wz3bi]

It would be interesting to have a security expert chime in on these devices

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Good to hear and thanks for the support 🙌

[@brwn6478]

I have one of these boxes. Just got it. Can you help me hook mines up?Do you guys do work for other people

[@michaelarkano5636]

I have an inquiry Can the solar system provide power to the house to offset utility demand and charge the battery? Thanks

[@vinnyv11]

Any estimate on pricing for install?

[@kevygreen]

Hey, looking into the system and wondering about the shutdown requirements for the inverter for firefighting purposes. Did you hook anything up to the EPO on the SHP2 or are you aware of options?

[@vicrod74]

Good video. Is this an automatic transfer switch? Will it go to battery or generator as soon as the grid is offline? After watching your video it seems like he wired it as a sub panel.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah, it is basically a smart sub panel where you place all your critical loads. The SHP2 will automatically switch over to battery if the grid goes down. The panel also has an interconnect where you can switch over to generator input if you had a longer power outage.

[@vicrod74]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs Thank you for the clarification. Good stuff!

[@ernieburgos7702]

I have a SHP2 but am hesitant to install due to latest problems with failing relays and delays in replacements. Can you install a SHP 2 but also be able to quickly reactivate the original subpanel in case of smart panel failure??

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

The challenge is you are landing your circuits in this panel so if there is a failure in the SHP2 I think you are out of luck without moving the romex back to your main panel or a standard sub panel.

[@Twotter54]

Didn't know the SHP2 had relay problems. Ill be delaying my order too

[@adolfallesch7648]

You mentioned 5.6KW max solar High Power Input in the Delta Pro Ultra. What if my solar array produces more? My is 7.2KW. What are my options??

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You would want to stay under with a buffer on your voltage but you could push the current to the max and the Ultra would just "clip" the current at the max. So, depends on how you wire the panels into the high voltage and low voltage solar inputs

[@OurSoVaLife]

Can I use this panel with 2 Delta Pro inverters?

[@demontekdigital1704]

This seems really cool, but jesus wept, can we maybe have a device that doesn't connect to a phone?! I know I'm a bitter, out-of-touch old man, but I'd just like it if the devices themselves had all the information, and functionality on it's own display panel rather than them all relying on our phones all the time. Despite my whining, and crying this was an awesome video, Scott, and Joel! Thank you for all you do.

[@peterpowers4851]

I 100% agree

[@OscarGarcia-wz3bi]

They want all your your Information, verifying that it is you indeed

[@ThePatriotPirate]

Does smart panel 2 handle 100 amps even with a single ultra connected to it?

[@djrenault]

pretty neat. is it possible to set this up and configure it without using the internet (local network only)?

[@DialedN_07]

I think this is a great video, but I believe your pricing structure is way off or at a minimum needs some clarification. You mentioned $10k for the DPU and SHP2. At todays pricing that would be 2 DPUs and a SHP2. $4,799 (not accounting for the pre-release coupon) plus $1599 for the panel

[@OscarGarcia-wz3bi]

How is security?

[@Zerrudo_]

curious how this integrates with an existing microinverter system. atm our solar doesn't have a bypass so whenever the grid goes down the panels shut off.

[@EduardoMoreno-gi2qk]

Can you tell me if I can install Square D tandum breakers into one or more slots on the ecoflow Smartpanel 2?

[@Bob-in-VA]

10 minutes into this video you mention that the 100A input to the Smart Home Panel 2 is a grid tie connection. Grid tie means different this to different folks. I can’t find anywhere in any EcoFlow documentation that the Delta Pro Ultra inverter or smart panel supports a grid tie function. By this I mean a capability to put current into the utility. Is it possible that you simply meant that this Smart Home Panel 2 100A connection is where you hooked the utility to the box, without implying a grid tie function?

[@yuri_bearono]

What about adding a server rack battery to the smart panel? Is there any option for that?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nope, you either need the Delta Pro Ultra or 2X Delta Pros with a Dual Voltage Hub.

[@natestandifer]

I can’t find the specs online. Do you know what’s the maximum amperage allowed in the panel? If you wanted to add more circuits, could you add a sub panel off of the Smart home panel?

[@criticalhadlock886]

I think the panel is 100 amp max

[@nerkymusselman8843]

is there any decent value to with the delta pro ultra, for someone not able to have solar? it would be recharged with an a1 power 5100w dual fuel (lp) generator.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

I think if you are going to charge off a generator for any length of time you would want an inverter genset which provides the pure sine wave output. In certain off grid setups there would be some value to running a large enough generator for a few hours and then storing the energy in the DPU to then use throughout the day with no background generator noise.

[@adolfallesch7648]

Can an F150 Lighting be used as input into the Delta Pro Ultra?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yep, you could pull off the NEMA L14-30 in the lighting bed into a converter plug which will take the L14-30 into the infinity plus port which should charge the Ultra at 6,000 Watts with a single battery or up to 7,200 Watts which 2 or more batteries

[@ThePatriotPirate]

100 amps from your home and how many amps from the generator? I have a 50 amp generator

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You can bring in 50 Amps from the Gen side of the smart panel. 👍. It is recommended to have an inverter generator to charge the Delta Pro Ultra. Not a must but that should extend the life with a cleaner power supply.

[@ThePatriotPirate]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs I heard you say you wired the smart panel for 100 amps, does that mean it supports up to 100 amps with only a single delta ultra connected? Another user a person did 125 amps to the smartt panel but I read a single delta ultra only does 30 amps but found a graphic on EcoFlow’s site saying with 3 it supported 90 amps but couldn’t find any written information on this

[@michaeldezelar6264]

Two problems for me... 1. No space for a sub-panel 2. No desire to preselect 'critical circuits. I'm running part-time off-grid with a main panel generator interlock.

[@Obi_Wan_Wan]

Does this smart panel 2 only work with the ultra or can the pro connect as well?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

It will accept 2 Delta Pro units connected to a new dual voltage hub that will provide the new infinity plus plug that will be compatible with the Smart Panel 2. I will do some testing on my other KZbin channel (Everyday Solar) in the coming months where I use the Ultra and then 2 Delta Pro units both feeding the Smart Panel 2

[@Obi_Wan_Wan]

@@EverydayHomeRepairsGood to know... I have the Delta pro and was going to get a second Delta pro but really didn't like the og smart panel...

[@gman1868]

Can there be more than 12 breakers or can you run more than one Smart Panel 2 at a time?

[@hgodtx]

You can have 12 breaks if they are all 110's. A 220 breaker will take up two spots. As far as I understand, just add a 2nd smart panel to get another 12 circuits, but you would also have to have another inverter/batt to plug into it. Typically, just add another 100amp breaker in your original panel to bring in the 2nd smart panel.

[@gman1868]

@@hgodtx I've since learned that we can put duplex breakers in the panel as well. Two circuits in one slot.

[@hgodtx]

@@gman1868 Oh dayam! That's a game changer!

[@HallaranElectric-t9x]

I love watching what appears to be unlicensed, or untrained people do electrical. I can count about ten code violations.

[@acefire4050]

Either hook up my kitchen oven stove to it or my water. Heat up to it and it'll run it indefinitely one or the other. But it will not run both of them. So one or the other, but then again it could run 2 kitchen stove. Ovens, but that's besides the point. Just not the kitchen oath, stove oven and water heater. And it won't better under white heater and dryer it just one or the other. And that's if I have two of them connected together with all their batteries still won't be enough.

[@paulh6591]

Not interested in having that much flammable lithium battery in my basement. It's lead-acid in a ventilated area, or it has to be in a detached outbuilding.

[@JohnSmith-wt3mw]

Knockouts?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

No knockouts, to ensure the unit could be installed outside they didn’t provide knockouts. Need to break out the drill 😁

[@JohnSmith-wt3mw]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs That's a bummer but not a deal breaker. Thanks😁

[@seanohaoda2841]

I bought a smart home panel 2 that turned out to be faulty. After I had paid an electrician $2500 for the install Ecoflow sent me another panel BUT gave me the runaround and left me hanging on the cost of the reinstall. DO NOT BUY.

[@johnmirbach2338]

😎✌🖖👍👌🤓

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey John 👋

[@dasfahrer8187]

Solar... 🤣

[@stephenwire]

Wow Ecoflo is really pimping out their shills this week...just in time for CES. When 5 channels I watch push the same product line in the exact same week it destroys any perceived integrity a channel has as well as Ecoflo. They might be great but so much blatant shilling is suspect.

[@firstnlast]

I noticed this as well. Eco flow has been prominent on several channels this week.

[@darrendolphdragos9752]

​@@firstnlast Yep I noticed this as well.

[@Wegetsignal]

I would say the logical thing to do would be to evaluate the products on their own merits. Marketing a product is not a bad thing if it leads to objectively evaluation to better inform the consumer based on performance not hype.

[@gary29585]

His work is atrocious.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Was there something specific about the Smart Panel 2 installation that was atrocious? Always welcome feedback.

[@djaliendenis]

Not good and too much expensive

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Not cheap, what do you consider a better option with this type of capability?