I'm looking to install a balcony solar solution in the UK, but many options aren't rental-friendly. I've found the EcoFlow Stream Ultra and Zendure 800 Pro solar kits, which seem great, and I need some advice on which might be better. I plan to charge at night with an Octopus tariff (Agile, Go, or Cozy) and offset my usage during the day with solar power. One of the main differences I see is that Zendure allows local API access, while EcoFlow's setup feels more locked down, although their app is polished. I want to achieve a zero feed-in setup since these kits likely won't get MCS certification. I've been considering options like the Shelly 3EM Pro for monitoring, but I need to ensure I gather usage data effectively without modifications that my landlord might not approve of. I generally prefer less restrictive systems, so I'm leaning towards Zendure, but would love to hear your thoughts on both options and if one is better for maintaining a zero feed-in status. Also, I'm curious about setting up a bot to optimize charging based on pricing and usage forecasts, which seems less feasible with EcoFlow due to the API limitations. What's your take?
3 Answers
When you're considering a battery system like these, keep in mind that charging and discharging comes with efficiency losses. For example, you might lose about 20% of energy during the roundtrip. Moreover, the lifetime of the inverter, charger, and batteries plays a role, as the first to fail will bring the entire setup down. I've noted that EcoFlow setups generally last around 2000 kWh. Also, it's worth mentioning that you can draw higher wattages directly from the battery even beyond the 800W limit for injection, but this is more viable for high-demand appliances. Do you have any high wattage devices you'll use regularly?
That’s a lot of useful info! I didn’t realize the importance of those efficiency numbers. It definitely seems like I should focus on the appliances I run regularly and how these systems can integrate.
Honestly, renting with solar can be tricky for sure. Many systems are affordable enough that you might as well own one, ensuring you get the latest panels and better efficiency. Instead of heavily researching every rental solution, dive in and learn to build your own simple system. It’ll give you practical skills and likely save you more long-term!
I just ordered the Zendure 800 Pro, so I can’t share my thoughts based on experience yet, but I’ve been hearing mixed things. A friend has the older Zendure model and mentioned compatibility issues with the Shelly system, so keep that in mind. Just be patient; it’s worth waiting to see how it performs when it arrives!
Thanks for the insight! I hadn't considered how efficiency would impact the overall system. Would you say going for a separate battery and inverter setup is a smarter choice? With some night rates as low as £0.07/kWh, it looks feasible to save quite a bit on bills. If I set this up in a kitchen to power high-demand appliances like a kettle or air fryer, I'd definitely maximize savings!