EcoFlow’s $200 PowerStream is so clever, you might buy a $4,000 solar generator - eviltoast

Title reads like at ad, but this is a new way to reach energy independence. I actually have a small EcoFlow device and it’s pretty good for the price.

I hope this tech can be made available in the US soon.

  • mxcory@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    6 months ago

    I know enphase micro inverters have “anti-islamding” tech that disables output when they lose grid connection. I would expect any reputable manufacturer to also have the same tech.

    I don’t expect that for backup generators, but the proper way for them is via a transfer switch. You can wire in a properly made cable instead of a suicide cable. The transfer switch would prevent the inlet connector to the house from ever being live. (And since it is a proper cord from the generator, there would be no exposed ends coming from it.)

    • ArbiterXero@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      I agree on all points, but honestly I’d be pretty upset if I got a solar setup that didn’t work when the power was out haha

      • mxcory@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        6 months ago

        There is still a solution for that, solar + battery. I would love to have one myself, but solar alone can be a bit expensive on its own.

          • emeralddawn45@discuss.tchncs.de
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            6 months ago

            Yes it is if you read the article, that’s exactly how he had it set up, and then you just have to manually move the battery where power is needed. You just can’t use your wall outlets when there’s an outage.

        • Serinus@lemmy.world
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          6 months ago

          A battery is ~$8300 - 10k. It’s amazing how many places will try to charge $16k.

          • Juvyn00b@lemmy.world
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            6 months ago

            48v 100ah battery with Bluetooth BMS built in is around 700$ on ali express… Slightly more direct from Amazon in the USA if you want it fast. Will store close to 5kwh which I guarantee you beats out this solution. Of course you’d still need to buy the grid sync inverter (available in many places) as well as a solar mppt charger and solar cells. Still will come below this cost - or you’ll simply blow by the capacity of what you would have paid for this solution. But gotta have the old noggin on straight to do it yourself.

            • Serinus@lemmy.world
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              6 months ago

              If it was that easy to do it right, you’d have small businesses offering to do it for thousands, instead of the current going rates, which is tens of thousands.

              • Juvyn00b@lemmy.world
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                6 months ago

                I don’t disagree for sure, but at some point the price will become more competitive as other companies see dollar signs…

      • phx@lemmy.ca
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        6 months ago

        A LOT are like that though. They just get you a smaller bill by sending power bank to the grid, rather than making you grid-independent.

      • scarabic@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        Yeah this is not an emergency backup at all. It’s an attempt to add some local storage to the grid and lower your bill. Everything about it is wrong for a power outage. I’m SURE they make this clear on the box!! ;D