EcoFlow’s Power Ocean home energy system includes an inverter, 10kWh batteries, an AI-powered energy management system, and the option of a smart panel. | Image: EcoFlow
EcoFlow is powering up its first permanently installed whole-home energy solution for the US. The Ocean Pro system launches this week, featuring the new Ocean Pro Battery with 10kWh of storage expandable to 80kWh, and the Ocean Pro Inverter, which supports solar arrays of up to 40kWh.
EcoFlow claims the system delivers 24kW of continuous power, enough to support all your appliances, including two 5-ton HVAC systems. Ocean Pro will also work with EcoFlow’s new Smart Home Panel for more advanced energy monitoring and control capabilities.
Whole-home energy solutions, such as Ocean Pro, are fulfilling an increasing need among homeowners for energy independence and stability in the face of the impacts of extreme weather, rising energy costs, and the instability of the power grid in some areas. EcoFlow claims that the Ocean Pro is more powerful than any other system on the market, including Tesla’s Powerwall 3.
Ocean Pro’s support for 40kWh rooftop solar arrays is double that of the Tesla Powerwall 3, and it can handle eight batteries on one inverter, compared to only 3 for Tesla. It’s also rated higher for flooding, up to 2.6 feet, and comes with a 15-year warranty, compared to the 10-year warranty offered by Tesla. EcoFlow also claims a power switching time of under 10ms.
Another unique feature is that it can be installed inside. “We have UL 9540B safety certification approval, which means it’s safe enough to be installed in the house,” Felipe Burga of EcoFlow said in an interview with The Verge.
To better blend in, the system comes in three finishes: aluminum, walnut, and carbon fiber. It has a robust IP67 rating against dust and rain if you do put it outside, and the LFP batteries can operate between -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ocean Pro can operate in grid-tied mode to sell excess energy back to the power company, supporting 290V grid compatibility. Plus, the EcoFlow app will be able to integrate with any available Virtual Power Plant networks to help support the grid based on real-time conditions and prices.
EcoFlow says this is the first system with multi-source backup power, capable of working with solar, grid, its portable power stations, and most gas generators — meaning you should be able to keep your home powered from diesel, gasoline, natural gas, or propane if everything else fails.
“It’s the only system that you can run your generator and your solar system at the same time.”
Generators can connect directly to the inverter via an SS2-50 Port, and it will work with any 240-volt model, says Burga. “The inverter turns the power into DC right away, powers the loads, and charges the battery, so it becomes the voltage source. We’re the only system that you can run your generator and your solar system at the same time.”
EcoFlow claims homeowners can save up to 118 percent on electric bills with the real-time energy monitoring in its app and its AI-powered Oasis Home Energy Management System. The latter can predict weather, pricing, and energy consumption to optimize your production, use, and storage.
The app can integrate with several smart home systems and devices, including EV chargers, smart thermostats from Ecobee and Nest, energy-monitoring products like smart plugs from Shelly and TP-Link, and any Matter-compatible device. It also works with Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
Ocean Pro builds on the PowerOcean series launched in Europe in 2023 and is a big step up from EcoFlow’s home battery backup kits. That modular solution uses its portable power products to create a battery wall and works with EcoFlow’s original smart home panel. This system is a permanent installation, offering higher capacity and the ability to tie into the grid. It can work with your existing electrical panel, but if you want to add more smart/energy monitoring capabilities, you can install EcoFlow’s new Smart Home Panel.
The new smart panel is EcoFlow’s first full replacement electrical panel. Burga says it can handle up to 40 circuits, and you can add the Smart Home Panel 2 sub-panel for additional loads.
The panel allows you to customize which loads are running, and provides fine-grained energy monitoring and management. “Our AI learns from you when you use your power and recommends how to optimize your usage and suggest changes for saving money,” explains Burga.
EcoFlow isn’t publishing pricing for the battery, inverter, or smart home panel. The company says that, because it’s a complete system, pricing depends on the installer and the specific setup for each home.
However, for an average-sized US home, you should plan on spending at least $10,000 for two batteries and the inverter, and that’s before factoring in the installation costs.
Preorders are now open on the EcoFlow website, where you can input your details and be connected with an installer in your area.
EcoFlow is far from alone in looking to bring more robust home energy solutions to market. Schneider launched its Schneider Home system at CES last year; Savant Power, Anker Solix, Bluetti, Jackery, and Generac also offer whole-home backup solutions. However, the upfront cost of these systems remains a significant barrier for many, and time is running out to capitalize on existing tax incentives for clean energy upgrades, which expire on December 31, 2025.
“We’re here for the long term. We’re investing millions of dollars in the US market.”
The end of tax credits and the arrival of larger tariffs on batteries and solar panels bring much uncertainty to the home energy market. But Burga says EcoFlow is fully committed to its expansion into the US. “We’re here for the long term. We’re investing millions of dollars in the US market, and we actually see this as a great opportunity. The market is going to shift, and we are very committed.”
He points out that there’s still high demand. A recent survey commissioned by EcoFlow found that 70 percent of homeowners in California, Texas, and Florida believe having a power backup solution is important. “People want energy independence,” says Burga. “They don’t want to depend on the monopoly that energy companies have become.”
Additionally, a shift away from the current market leader, Tesla, has opened the door for new entrants. EcoFlow’s survey found 24 percent of respondents said they wouldn’t consider investing in Tesla’s power products due to “a desire for a less polarizing and more trustworthy solution.”
Updated, July 15th: Added that EcoFlow claims homeowners can save up to 118 percent on electricity bills with the EcoFlow app’s energy monitoring and AI-driven forecasting.
Lien de l’article original :
EcoFlow says its new Ocean Pro is better than Tesla’s Powerwall