EcoFlow brings its plug-in solar power plant to US homes

is a deputy editor and Verge co-founder with a passion for human-centric cities, e-bikes, and life as a digital nomad. He’s been a tech journalist for 20 years. The US is finally getting a version of EcoFlow’s DIY balcony solar system that I reviewed in Europe last year. EcoFlow says its Stream Series will be the first plug-in solar products to go on sale domestically, allowing anyone in a house or apartment rental to easily lower their energy bill, while also providing a modicum of backup power if the grid goes down. Unfortunately, they’re only going on sale in Utah, which recently approved balcony solar systems that plug directly into 120V wall outlets — no messy (and costly) interconnection agreement required with your utility company. EcoFlow tells me that there’s no need to wait for a federal certification standard under The National Electrical Code or a tailored product safety standard from Underwriters Laboratories as some have interpreted. Balcony solar systems have already s ... Read full article.