Solar power is a great way to save money on your energy bills in a world where tariffs only seem to be making things more expensive. Unfortunately, solar power is really only a solution that homeowners have been able to take advantage of because they have the ability to mount solar panels on the roof. If you lived in an apartment or condo, you've generally been out of luck, at least for getting solar.
The EcoFlow Stream series might be able to change that with what the company says is the world's first plug-and-play solar system. It'll launch in Utah, giving apartment, condo and single-family dwellers the option to set up a home solar system with a plug-and-play setup, similar to the instant solar kit announced by Zoltux at CES 2025.
The solar panels can be set up without a costly installation process.
EcoFlow"By launching Stream Series in Utah, we're taking the first step in making renewable energy simple and accessible for people in the US who have not been able to enjoy the benefits of residential solar," said Brian Essenmacher, head of North American business development at EcoFlow.
Plug-and-play solar (also sometimes called balcony solar) is a compelling idea but it faces legal complications in the US, where regular outlets aren't certified to support bidirectional charging in most US states. Utah may be the first state to make that change with HB 340, making balcony solar legal, but it's not likely to be the last.
How does the EcoFlow Stream work?
The Stream Series includes two main components: the Stream Ultra, a solar battery with a built-in microinverter, and the Stream Microinverter, which converts solar energy directly to usable household electricity. The Stream Ultra stores excess solar power for later use or during outages. The system allows for various configurations depending on energy storage needs, with options for direct power to the home or battery charging.
"We've successfully launched this solution across Europe over the past two years with more than 120,000 units sold," Essenmacher said. "We're now applying our global experience to bring flexible solar options to Americans beyond just single-family homes. Plug-and-play home solar systems allow people to save on electric bills while avoiding the high costs, permitting and months-long installation timelines of traditional systems."
According to EcoFlow, a setup with one Stream Ultra and one Microinverter could provide more than 6,000kWh of electricity annually, potentially cutting household bills by up to $1,027. The system is expandable, with multiple Ultra batteries connectable for increased storage during power outages.
The Ultra battery supports up to 2,000 watts of total solar input.
EcoFlowThis Stream system allows for solar panels to be set up on balconies, patios, backyards and other outdoor spaces in three configurations:
- Stream Ultra: Up to 2,000W of total solar input with up to 1,200W of it going directly to the home and the remainder for battery charging.
- Stream Microinverter: Up to 1,200W of solar power going directly to the home.
- Stream Ultra and Stream Microinverter: Up to 3,200W of total solar input with up to 1,200W going directly to the home and up to 2,000W for battery charging.
That means that all you need to set up solar panels is a regular outlet and enough outdoor space on a balcony, patio or backyard. Obviously, if you're in an apartment without a balcony, this system won't work for you, but aside from that, the requirements aren't particularly demanding. All you need is a dedicated circuit of at least 15 amps if you want to take advantage of the 1200W of solar power.
The Stream Series features a durable LFP battery, a weather-resistant design and compatibility with the EcoFlow Oasis AI-powered energy management platform, which CNET previously saw showcased at CES. The Oasis provides real-time usage tracking and smart recommendations for reducing energy costs but it can also generate detailed power use reports and optimize charging based on electricity pricing.
A 15-amp outlet should support the 2,000W of solar input as long as it's on a dedicated circuit.
EcoFlowPrice and availability
The STREAM Series will be available for preorder starting May 7, with official availability on July 14. Early-bird pricing will be offered for a limited time, requiring an email signup between May 7 and July 14. Early bird pricing ends July 31, but for the duration, you'll be able to get the Ultra battery for $1,199 , the microinverter for $299, and the battery and microinverter bundle for $1,459. Full pricing is $1,899 for the Stream Ultra, $599 for the microinverter and $2,399 for a bundle that includes the battery and microinverter.
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