Balcony batteries are the fastest-growing part of plug-in solar in Europe. Instead of exporting midday surplus, they store it and release it in the evening, ideally matched to your consumption with a smart meter. Here is how the main systems compare, based on manufacturer specs and public reviews.
Plug-in / balcony solar rules change often and vary by country, utility and building. Check your grid operator, your landlord or condominium rules, and have the socket and circuit checked by a qualified electrician.
What to compare
- Usable capacity and how far it expands.
- MPPT inputs: more inputs let panels face different directions.
- Max solar input: how many panels you can connect (within local rules).
- Output control: settable feed-in (600/800 W) and smart meter support.
- Emergency socket: backup during a power cut.
- Placement: IP rating and operating temperature for outdoor use.
| Model | Capacity | Output | Solar in | Voltage | UPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 Pro | 1,600 Wh | 800 W | 2,400 W | 230V (EU) | n/a |
| EcoFlow STREAM Ultra | 1,920 Wh | check | 2,000 W | 230V (EU) | n/a |
| Zendure SolarFlow 800 Pro | 1,920 Wh | 800 W | check | 230V (EU) | n/a |
"check" = not confirmed on the sources we used; verify on the manufacturer page before buying.
Best expandable
Anker SOLIX Solarbank 2 E1600 Pro
Best for: Balcony solar with storage (EU)
| Capacity | 1,600 Wh |
|---|---|
| Output | 800 W |
| Solar input | 2,400 W |
| Voltage | 230V (EU) |
| Weight | See spec sheet |
| Cycle life | 6,000+ (manufacturer) |
| Chemistry | LFP |
| MPPT | 4 x 600 W |
| Grid output | 800 W (settable 600/800 W) |
| Emergency socket | 230 V, up to 1,000 W |
| Expansion | Up to 9.6 kWh with BP1600 packs |
Strengths
- 4 MPPT inputs: up to 4 panels facing different directions
- Built-in 1,000 W emergency socket during outages
- Expandable to 9.6 kWh
Watch-outs
- Smart-meter based zero-export needs the optional meter
- EU product (230 V)
Specs: manufacturer / retailer spec sheets (source 1). Prices change daily, so we do not print them.
Four 600 W MPPT inputs (2,400 W total), output settable to 600 or 800 W, a 1,000 W emergency socket and expansion to 9.6 kWh with extra batteries: on paper, the most complete system here. Anker specifies at least 6,000 cycles.
Best all-in-one
EcoFlow STREAM Ultra
Best for: All-in-one balcony storage (EU)
| Capacity | 1,920 Wh |
|---|---|
| Solar input | 2,000 W |
| Voltage | 230V (EU) |
| Weight | See spec sheet |
| Cycle life | See spec sheet |
| Chemistry | LFP |
| MPPT | 4 (retailer listing) |
| Max AC output | 2,300 W listed by a retailer (grid feed-in is capped by local rules) |
Strengths
- 1.92 kWh all-in-one unit with 4 MPPT inputs
- Modular STREAM family (extra batteries)
Watch-outs
- Several specs only confirmed via retailers so far
Specs: manufacturer / retailer spec sheets (source 1 · source 2). Prices change daily, so we do not print them.
Outdoor-rated
Zendure SolarFlow 800 Pro
Best for: Outdoor-rated balcony storage (EU)
| Capacity | 1,920 Wh |
|---|---|
| Output | 800 W |
| Voltage | 230V (EU) |
| Weight | See spec sheet |
| Cycle life | See spec sheet |
| Chemistry | LFP |
| MPPT | 4 |
| Protection | IP65 (retailer listing) |
Strengths
- IP65 rating listed: suited to outdoor balcony placement
- 4 MPPT inputs
Watch-outs
- Check solar input and expansion on Zendure's sheet
Specs: manufacturer / retailer spec sheets (source 1). Prices change daily, so we do not print them.
Installation checklist
- Check rules: country, grid operator, landlord or co-ownership.
- Have the circuit checked by a qualified electrician; storage may require a sensor installed by one.
- Register the system where required (Marktstammdatenregister in Germany, CACSI with Enedis in France).
- Place the battery away from direct sun and within its temperature range.
FAQ
Is a battery worth it for balcony solar?
It depends on how much midday production you would otherwise export. If you are away during the day and your base load is low, a battery raises the share of your solar you actually use. If someone is home and appliances run at midday, the gain is smaller. We do not publish generic payback figures.
Do balcony batteries work during a power cut?
Grid-tied balcony systems must stop feeding the grid during an outage. Some units, like the Solarbank 2 E1600 Pro, have a separate emergency socket (listed at up to 1,000 W) you can plug devices into directly.
Do I need an electrician for a balcony battery in Germany?
According to the BSW as reported by heise, systems with storage need a current sensor installed by an electrician and separate registration with the grid operator. Rules may evolve with a planned separate standard for mini-storage.
What is a smart meter mode?
Several systems read your home's consumption via a smart meter or sensor and adjust output to match it (zero export), so stored energy is not pushed to the grid.