The demand for efficient home energy solutions is constantly increasing, and Anker has developed an innovative solution that takes balcony power stations to a new level with the Solix Powerdock. In our comprehensive test, we examine how this clever accessory upgrades the popular Solarbank 3 Pro to a fully-fledged mini PV system. We shed light on the installation, performance and cost-effectiveness of the system – and clarify for whom the investment is really worthwhile.
What is the Anker Solix Powerdock?
The Anker Solix Powerdock is the heart of the new Anker Solix Multisystem. It is a central interface that connects up to four Anker Solarbank 3 Pro storage systems and allows them to be operated as a single unit. With dimensions of 429 x 174.5 x 345 millimeters and a weight of around 11 kilograms, the Powerdock is compact enough to fit in any garage or utility room.
The decisive advantage: While a single balcony power station with a solar bank is limited to 800 watts of feed-in power, the Powerdock enables a bundled feed-in of up to 4800 watts into the household grid. This means that the system exceeds the limits of a classic balcony power station and becomes a fully-fledged mini PV system that must be registered and installed by an electrician.
Technical data and scope of delivery
Technical specifications
- Dimensions: 429 x 174.5 x 345 mm
- Weight: approx. 11 kg
- Connections for up to 4 Solarbank 3 Pro
- Maximum output power: 4800 W (4 x 1200 W)
- Maximum PV input power: 14,400 W
- CEE connections for EV chargers (single-phase up to 7.5 kW, three-phase up to 22 kW)
- Requires 5-core supply cable (6-10mm²)
- Control via Anker app
Scope of delivery
- Anker Solix Powerdock
- Wall bracket with mounting material
- Quick start guide
- Installation guide
Installation and commissioning
The installation of the Anker Solix Powerdock differs fundamentally from that of a balcony power plant, as it is a fully-fledged PV system that must be registered and installed by an electrician.
Requirements for the installation
- Suitable installation location (garage, utility room, weather-protected outdoor area)
- Sufficient space for the solar bank storage tanks
- Access to the main meter cupboard
- 5-core supply cable from the meter cupboard to the installation site
- Suitable roof or open space for additional solar modules
Installation service from Anker
In cooperation with its partner Solar Can, Anker offers an installation service that takes care of the professional installation and registration of the system. For 1,299 euros, customers receive a complete installation included:
- On-site inspection and consultation
- Installation of the Powerdock and connection to the meter cabinet
- Registration of the PV system with the grid operator
- Commissioning and function test
Important: Additional costs may be incurred if structural measures such as wall openings, longer cable runs or the installation of an additional meter cabinet are required. The installation of the solar panels can also be commissioned, which increases the price.
Step-by-step installation
- Inspection by the installation partner
- Planning the cable routing and installation position
- Installation of the 5-core supply cable to the meter cupboard
- Mounting the power dock on the wall
- Connecting the supply cable to the power dock
- Connecting the solar bank storage system to the Schuko sockets of the Powerdock
- Registering the PV system with the grid operator
- Setup via the Anker app
Our test setup
For our test, we installed the Anker Solix Powerdock with two Anker Solarbank 3 Pro and a total of 18 solar modules (different sizes). The total capacity of the two solar banks is 5.4 kWh (2 x 2.7 kWh) and we also connected three extension batteries (2x BP2700 & 1x BP1600), giving us 12.4 kWh. The maximum PV input power is 7,080 watts. The installation was carried out by the Anker partner service, whereby a new supply line had to be laid from the sub-distribution board in the garage to the power dock.
Test configuration
- 1x Anker Solix Powerdock
- 2x Anker Solarbank 3 Pro (2.7 kWh each)
- 4x Anker RS40D, 440W
- 4x Anker RS40P, 445W
- 3x Anker RS50B, 540W
- 3x Anker RS50S, 500W
- 4x Zendure 230W
- Anker Smart Meter for consumption monitoring
- Test duration: 3-4 months
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Feed-in power and energy management
With two Solarbank 3 Pro connected, the system achieves a maximum feed-in power of 2,400 watts (2 x 1,200 watts). In practical tests, this output was easily achieved on sunny days. The intelligent energy management system ensures that the exact amount of energy currently required is always fed into the household grid.
The reaction time of the system is impressive: if a consumer is switched on, the system adjusts the feed-in power within 1-2 seconds. Even power-hungry appliances such as kettles, coffee machines or dishwashers can be largely operated with solar power. Only during extreme peaks in consumption (e.g. simultaneous operation of hob and instantaneous water heater) does additional mains power have to be drawn.
Storage management
The Anker Solix Multisystem has an intelligent charge management system that ensures an even charge level for all connected solar banks. If a solar bank is supplied with higher PV power, it is also discharged correspondingly faster so that all storage tanks always have a similar charge level.
In our test with two Solarbank 3 Pro, this principle worked reliably. Only in operation with excess PV charging did it become apparent that the system initially only charges one solar bank and only distributes the additional energy to the second solar bank when 1,200 watts are exceeded or when the first solar bank is almost fully charged.
App control and monitoring
The Anker Solix Powerdock is controlled via the familiar Anker app, which has been expanded to include corresponding functions for the multi-system. The setup is simple: After connecting the solar banks to the Powerdock, they are added via the app and connected to the WLAN.
The app offers extensive monitoring functions, including
- Real-time monitoring of generation, consumption and feed-in
- Display of the energy flow between solar modules, storage units and the home grid
- Historical data on generation and consumption
- Control of operating modes (self-consumption, schedule, smart mode)
- Integration with the Anker Smart Meter for optimized zero feed-in
Charging electric vehicles
A special feature of the Anker Solix Powerdock are the integrated CEE sockets for connecting a wallbox. The blue plug on the left-hand side offers a single-phase connection with a maximum output of 7.5 kW, while the red plug on the right-hand side can provide up to 22 kW via three phases.
In combination with the Anker Solix V1 EV Charger, the system enables intelligent charging of electric vehicles with surplus solar power. This function worked reliably in the test: With sufficient solar production and fully charged storage, the surplus electricity was automatically used to charge the electric vehicle.The integration of a charging option for electric vehicles is a real added value of the Anker Solix Powerdock. The installation of a separate wallbox would normally incur additional costs of 1,000 to 1,500 euros.
Costs and amortization
Acquisition costs
| Component | Price (RRP) |
| Anker Solix Powerdock | 399 € |
| Anker Solarbank 3 Pro | 1.299 € |
| Installation service (basic) | 1.299 € |
| Installation of 8 PV modules | 999 € |
| 8 solar modules à 455W | approx. 1,600 € |
| Total costs (approx.) | approx. 5.600 € |
Amortization calculation
Anker states that the degree of self-sufficiency can increase to up to 80 percent with the multi-system – twice as much as with a classic balcony power plant. For an example household with an annual consumption of 5,000 kWh and an installation with two Solarbank 3 Pro and 12 solar modules (6,000 Wp), Anker calculates the following values:
- Annual solar power generation: 6,797 kWh
- Self-consumption: 3,982 kWh (approx. 80% self-sufficiency)
- Annual savings: approx. 1,195 € (at 30 cents/kWh)
- Amortization period: approx. 4-5 years
In our test with two Solarbank 3 Pro we were largely able to confirm these values. At an electricity price of 30 cents per kilowatt hour and an annual generation of approx. 3,500-4,000 kWh, this results in savings of €1,050-1,200 per year. Under realistic conditions, the amortization period is likely to be 5-6 years.
Compared to conventional PV systems, the Anker Solix Multisystem is an economically attractive alternative, although it does have its limitations, as only a maximum of 4800 watts can be fed into the grid. The Anker Solix Multisystem is particularly interesting if you start small and want to upgrade over time.
Conclusion: For whom is the Anker Solix Powerdock worthwhile?
The Anker Solix Powerdock is a well thought-out solution for anyone who wants to gradually expand their balcony power station into a fully-fledged mini PV system. The option of connecting up to four Solarbank 3 Pro units to form a powerful system offers considerable advantages over conventional balcony power plants: higher feed-in power, more storage capacity and the option of connecting significantly more than four solar modules.
The system is particularly recommended for:
- Owners of an Anker Solarbank 3 Pro who want to expand their system
- Households with higher electricity consumption who are aiming for a high degree of self-sufficiency
- Electric car owners who want to charge their vehicle with solar power
- Users who want a PV system but shy away from the effort and costs of a classic roof system
The system is less suitable for
- Users who only want to operate a minimal solar system with 1-2 modules
- Tenants without the possibility of installing a fixed supply line
- Households with very low electricity consumption
In our test, the Anker Solix Powerdock was convincing in all areas. The installation by the Anker partner service went smoothly, the performance in everyday life is impressive and the app control works intuitively. With a realistic payback period of 5-6 years, the system is also economically attractive. However, if you want to cover your entire roof directly, you should compare it with a classic PV system.
With the Anker Solix Powerdock, you can upgrade your balcony power plant to a fully-fledged mini PV system and achieve up to 80% self-sufficiency.
- Simple upgrade path from balcony power plant to mini PV
- Increased feed-in power of up to 4,800 watts
- Intelligent energy management for optimum self-consumption
- Integrated connection option for electric vehicles
- Modular design, can be expanded step by step
- Professional installation service available
- Intuitive app control
- Shorter amortization time than with classic PV systems
- High initial investment for the entire system
- Installation by electrician required
- Registration as a PV system required
- Complex cabling for many modules
- Optimization potential for PV surplus charging
- Power limitations compared to standard PV system
Anker Solix Powerdock
Installation
Performance
App control
Price-performance ratio
92/100
The Anker Solix Powerdock is a clever upgrade path from balcony power station to mini PV system. The modular design, intelligent energy management and e-car charging function justify the investment - provided you are not afraid of the mandatory installation by an electrician and the high purchase costs. However, if you need more power, you should go straight for a classic rooftop system.
Frequently asked questions about the Anker Solix Powerdock
Can I expand my existing balcony power station with the Powerdock?
Yes, if you already own an Anker Solarbank 3 Pro, you can expand it with the Powerdock. The Solarbank 2 Pro, 2 Plus and 2 AC are also compatible, but with a limited feed-in power of 800 watts per unit.
Do I need an electrician for the installation?
Yes, as the system is considered a fully-fledged PV system, it must be installed by an electrician and registered with the grid operator. Anker offers an installation service for 1,299 euros.
What is the maximum number of solar modules I can connect?
With four Solarbank 3 Pro, up to 32 modules (with Y-adapters) could theoretically be connected, which corresponds to a total output of 14.4 kWp. For most applications, however, an installation with 8-12 modules and two Solarbank 3 Pro makes more sense.
Can I also earn money with the system?
Yes, as the system is registered as a PV system, you will receive the current feed-in tariff for surplus electricity that is fed into the grid. However, the focus is on maximizing self-consumption.
How long does the system last?
The solar modules have a typical service life of 25-30 years. You should expect the storage units to lose power after around 6-8 years and will need to be replaced at some point. Anker gives a 5-year guarantee on the Solarbank 3 Pro.
