Plug-in balcony solar is exploding right now with 28+ states considering legislation to make it legal. As someone who has been testing and using the best systems on the market for years, I am breaking down the only two systems you need to know about and sharing a DIY battery hack that can speed up your return on investment by 4X.
First up is the Craftstrom system. It is the more expensive option, but its smart power meter and zero-export technology make it compatible virtually everywhere, even in states that have not fully legalized plug-in solar. If it can satisfy PG&E in California, it can likely satisfy your utility too. The tradeoff is you will need an electrician for about an hour to install the power meter inside your breaker panel.
Next is the EcoFlow Stream. This is the more budget-friendly, true plug-and-play option. No breaker panel work required. Just plug it into a standard 120V outlet. The catch is it will backfeed to the grid nonstop, so it can only be used in states like Utah where backfeeding up to a certain wattage is already legal without permits or interconnection agreements.
Important note: even in Utah you need to request a meter swap from your utility so you are not charged for power you send back to the grid. That swap is free.
Finally, I share a bonus hack that neither company officially endorses. By adding a 48V LiFePO4 battery between your solar panels and the microinverter using MPPT charge controllers, you can massively expand your solar array, run the inverter at full capacity around the clock including nighttime and cloudy days, and potentially achieve a 4X faster payback period. The added benefit is you now have a battery-based system that can pair with an off-grid inverter for backup power during outages, something grid-tied microinverters alone cannot do due to anti-islanding and rapid shutdown requirements.
Watch all the Craftstrom Solar playlist videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-2uuHDasQcqTQtaY11i9MyMo-YJ5qB2n
Watch the EcoFlow stream video: https://youtu.be/E_BFfrL80O0
Watch the video about shared versus dedicated circuits: https://youtu.be/E_BFfrL80O0?si=RsCsWtxF8SV9RcwY&t=302
Watch how to expand your EcoFlow stream with 48V batteries: https://youtu.be/7DPk8DixJmU
Watch how to expand your Craftstrom system with 48V batteries: https://youtu.be/2KjfZpPuvHc
Buy a Craftstrom Solar kit: https://craftstrom.com/shop/ref/2/
IMPORTANT: Be sure and use the exclusive discount code for viewers of There’s A Trick For That at checkout to save some considerable cash: THERESATRICKFORTHAT
Buy the EcoFlow Stream Micro-Inverter: https://tidd.ly/3JMXE7k
Buy the EcoFlow Stream Ultra Inverter: https://tidd.ly/4nfTjrB
Buy adjustable solar panel stands: https://poweredportablesolar.com/product/portable-solar-panel-stand-legs/ref/84/
Buy Amazon solar panels: https://amzn.to/46PNZ8M
NEED HELP? Ask me a question and get a personal in depth response: https://ko-fi.com/s/8d8df1880c
OR
Sit down for a personal 1-On-1 hour long video consultation with me and I’ll provide answers and insights to anything you want to ask me about from this channel: https://ko-fi.com/s/dd139831a7
All donations get 100% re-invested in the channel:
https://buymeacoffee.com/theresatrickforthat
🔍 Looking for something specific? Search across hundreds of my videos — way better than YouTube search: https://tatftsearchapp.netlify.app/
Disclaimer: The battery hack discussed in this video is not endorsed or recommended by Craftstrom or EcoFlow. Always consult your local electrical codes and a licensed electrician before making any modifications to your electrical system. Proceed at your own risk.
Chapters:
0:00 DIY Plug-in Solar!
0:54 1st Option: Craftstrom Solar Plug-In Balcony Solar!
4:03 2nd Option: EcoFlow Stream Plug-In Solar
5:49 Bonus Hack!
#PlugInSolar #BalconySolar #DIYSolar #SolarHack #PlugAndPlay #theresatrickforthat
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you! Thanks for your support!
Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. There’s a Trick for That assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. There’s a Trick for That recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not There’s a Trick for That.
Leave a Reply