EcoFlow's new backyard solar energy system starts at $599 – no installation crews or permits needed

EcoFlow just launched a plug-and-play solar energy system for houses or apartments. Designed for homeowners and renters alike, the Stream series features a set of portable solar panels that don’t require hard-wiring, permits, or installation crews to let you harness up to 3,200W of solar energy. 

The Stream system is modular and available with or without a battery, but the battery version can help maximize solar energy savings and act as backup power during outages. The Stream series will include the Stream Ultra, a battery, and a Stream Microinverter, with the option to buy both in a bundle. 

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The Stream system’s plug-and-play quality makes it a cost-effective way to convert and store solar energy. The Stream Microinverter converts solar energy into usable electricity in real time, making it the perfect solution for customers who want to lower their utility bills. The Microinverter starts at $599 and doesn’t store energy in a battery. It has a maximum input of 1,200W. 

If you want to store energy, you can consider the Stream Ultra, a 1.92 kWh battery with a built-in inverter. The Ultra stores solar energy for use anytime, whether it’s throughout the day with time-of-use or on an emergency basis, like during power outages. The Stream Ultra battery costs $1,899, and you can bundle it with the Microinverter for a total cost of $2,399.

The two solar panels are rigid in nature but offer flexible installation — simply place them on a balcony, roof, or backyard, and plug the system into a wall socket. There’s no drilling or wiring involved; you can reap all the benefits of solar without having to alert your utility provider or pull construction permits.

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EcoFlow’s Stream series is debuting today on a preorder basis in Utah, though the company plans to expand to other states later. Utah was chosen as a testbed for the system due to its strong solar energy potential, rising electricity rates, and growing number of multifamily homes. The full rollout for the Stream Series will begin on July 14. Until then, you can take advantage of early bird offers on the Stream Ultra for $1,199, the Microinverter for $299, or the bundle for $1,459.

Even if the full Stream series rollout in the US is months away, EcoFlow’s capitalization on plug-and-play solar solutions provides an affordable alternative for those looking to get into solar energy — especially those on a budget or tight on space.