Hoymiles HiBattery 1920 AC: A Compact Energy Storage Solution for Balcony Power Systems

Balcony power plants, much like large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems, must address the management of surplus energy fed into the grid. A viable solution for achieving zero feed-in is an effective energy storage system. The Hoymiles HiBattery 1920 AC offers a straightforward plug-and-play option, connecting seamlessly to an inverter or wirelessly to a smart meter, with a total capacity of 1,920 Wh.

**Technical Specifications**

- **Model**: Hoymiles HiBattery 1920 AC

- **Dimensions**: 46 x 24 x 20.3 cm

- **Weight**: 24 kg

- **Capacity**: 1.92 kWh (expandable to 3.84 kWh)

- **Operating Temperature**: -20°C to 55°C

- **Protection Standard**: IP66 certified

- **Cell Chemistry**: LiFePO4 (minimum 6,000 cycles)

- **Connectivity**: Bluetooth, WiFi (2.4 GHz)

- **App**: Yes

- **Output Power**: Max 800 W (peak 1,200 W)

- **Input Power**: Max 1,800 W

- **Price**: €545.00

The HiBattery 1920 AC features compact dimensions that make it suitable for use with space-saving balcony power stations. Weighing 24 kg and equipped with carrying handles, it is easy to transport. The manufacturer states that it has a durable aluminum housing suitable for outdoor use due to its IP66 rating.

The design of the HiBattery is contemporary yet understated, utilizing a light grey and dark grey color scheme. An LED strip on the front indicates charge status, while a digital display shows battery status, temperature, and input/output power, all of which are easily readable.

**Connection Options**

The device features an On Grid AC connection for linking to the home grid, along with an interface for inverter connection. However, direct connections to PV modules are not supported, delineating it strictly as an energy storage system without an integrated inverter.

**Setup and User Experience**

Setting up the HiBattery is simple, taking only a few minutes.

Users plug the unit directly into a household socket via the provided cable. The system can either charge through the socket or feed power into the home grid. It can communicate with smart meters wirelessly, or connect directly to the inverter if a smart meter is unavailable.

The S-Miles Home app facilitates detailed setup and monitoring, enabling users to connect to their home network. The intuitive app can guide even new users through setup within about half an hour. The HiBattery's capacity can be expanded up to 3,840 Wh by connecting another unit.

**Performance and Compatibility**

The HiBattery can connect to both micro inverters of balcony power plants and larger inverters from full PV systems. It can handle an input power of 1,800 watts; however, charging is limited to 1,000 watts. The system can feed excess power back into the grid, enhancing user flexibility. Notably, the storage system works well with inverters from various manufacturers.

Operating quietly, the HiBattery uses natural convection for cooling, without the need for fans.

Hoymiles incorporates LiFePO4 cell technology, ensuring longevity and efficiency with over 6,000 cycles. The versatile off-grid socket provides power for external devices and turns the unit into an emergency supply during outages. Importantly, an update has been released to incorporate an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) feature, enhancing its function as an emergency power source.

**Conclusion**

The Hoymiles HiBattery 1920 AC is a functional energy storage solution for balcony power plants and smaller PV systems, characterized by its compact design, durability, and easy installation. It supports a range of inverters and operates quietly with a long service life, making it a practical choice for optimizing self-consumption. While it lacks an integrated inverter and has some limitations regarding capacity expansion, its overall performance and user-friendly app make it a commendable option for energy storage needs.