Plug-in solar steals the show at IFA 2026: top 5 products from Anker, DJI, EcoFlow and more
At IFA 2026 in Berlin, plug-in solar kits and batteries took center stage as EcoFlow, Anker, Zendure, DJI, and Bluetti unveiled new products. The tech is gaining legal ground in the UK and more US states, promising simpler, cheaper home energy.
EcoFlow introduced two products: the Stream 2 home battery, offering 3-5 kWh capacity with support for up to 5,000W of solar input and 3,000W output, enough to run washing machines and dishwashers. The modular unit can be stacked to scale capacity and includes four MPPT inputs for connecting panels in different locations. An AC version is available for homes with existing solar panels. EcoFlow also unveiled the Ocean 2, a fitted home battery replacing its PowerOcean line, providing up to 30 kWh with a single inverter and instant backup power during grid outages. Both require professional installation.
Anker showed off the Solix Solarbank Max, a home battery with 7 kWh of storage, enough to keep an average household powered overnight. Unlike Anker's existing AC version, this model connects directly to solar panels and can handle 10,000W of solar input across three MPPTs, expandable to 42 kWh with extra batteries. Anker said homeowners could recover upfront costs and start profiting within 2.5 years, though actual savings vary. Professional installation is required.
Zendure demonstrated two energy storage systems: the SolarFlow 2400 Pro, which accepts up to 4,800W of solar input across four MPPTs and offers 2,400W bi-directional AC power, and the larger SolarFlow 4000 Mix Pro, with up to 13,000W solar input across two MPPTs and 4,000W bi-directional output. Both can connect to plug-in solar panels or be retrofitted to existing rooftop arrays.
DJI announced plans to turn its Power 2000 portable power station into a complete balcony solar system, including solar panels and a microinverter for grid connection. The bundle will launch in Germany first, with pricing and international availability yet to be confirmed. DJI's technical expertise suggests a compelling product, and the portable setup could also be used for camping.
Bluetti showcased its Balco 260 and Balco 500 kits, unveiled just before the expo. The Balco 260 supports 2,400W of solar input via four MPPTs, while the Balco 500 handles 4,300W through a single MPPT. These models continue the trend of simple, plug-in solar storage solutions.
A significant caveat remains: in the UK and US, grid-tied plug-in batteries are not yet legal as part of plug-in solar systems, so these products require professional installation in those regions, somewhat contradicting the 'plug-in' label. However, there are indications that plug-in batteries could soon be legalized in the UK and elsewhere, potentially making these products a glimpse of future home energy systems.