As with large-scale PV systems, the question of what happens to the surplus energy that is fed into the grid when it is not being used must also be asked with balcony power plants. To achieve this goal of zero feed-in, the right solution is an energy storage system. However, installing a suitable storage system can sometimes be complicated. In the Hoymiles HiBattery AC Review, we looked at an uncomplicated plug & play solution that is conveniently connected to the inverter or connected wirelessly to the smart meter and offers a capacity of 1,920 Wh.
Technical data
| Model | Hoymiles HiBattery 1920 AC |
| Dimensions | 46 x 24 x 20.3 cm |
| Battery weight | 24 kg |
| Battery capacity | 1.92 kWh (expandable to 3.84 kWh) |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to 55°C |
| IP protection standard | IP66 certification |
| Cell chemistry and service life | LiFePO4 (min. 6,000 charging cycles) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, WiFi (2.4 GHz) |
| App | Yes |
| Output power | Max. Output power: 800 W (peak: 1,200 W) |
| Input power | Max. Input power: 1,800 W |
| Mains type | Single-phase |
| Price | € 558.00 * |
Scope of delivery
- Hoymiles HiBattery 1920 AC unit
- Connection cable (160 cm, quite short)
- Inverter connection cable (35 cm)
- Quick guide for inverter cable
- Operating instructions
Hoymiles HiBattery AC Review: Design and workmanship
The HiBattery AC comes in pleasingly compact dimensions of 46 × 24 × 20.3 cm and thus fits in perfectly with the space-saving balcony power stations. Weighing around 24 kg and with practical carrying handles on the sides, the storage unit is easy to carry from A to B. According to the manufacturer, the HiBattery has a robust aluminum housing with IP66 certification, which allows it to be used outdoors.
In terms of appearance, Hoymiles has opted for a restrained but modern design. The storage unit has a cuboid shape and uses the now standard industry color combination of light grey and dark grey. The LED strip on the upper front is a visual highlight. The charge status can be easily read off here. Even more information can be found on the display below.
Here you can see the battery status, temperature and input and output power. The display shines with good readability and high viewing angle stability. The connectors are located on the sides. These also make a very robust impression, which once again makes it clear that the memory can also be used outdoors without any problems.
This is also supported by the wide operating temperature range. Hoymiles promises smooth operation at temperatures between -20°C and +55°C. All in all, the design of the storage unit is completely convincing. The compact size in particular scores points with us. Thanks to the resulting small footprint, the HiBattery even fits into small corners in the cellar or on the balcony.
Hoymiles HiBattery AC Review: Connections
The Hoymiles storage unit does not have many connections. But that doesn’t really matter. After all, this is not a power station, but a genuine energy storage system for PV systems. Firstly, there is the On Grid AC connection, which you use to connect the HiBattery to your home grid.
Apart from this, there is also a suitable interface for connecting the storage system directly to the inverter. However, you cannot connect PV modules directly to the HiBattery.
This clearly shows that it is a storage system without an integrated inverter. Connect the enclosed cable and red socket to the off-grid connection. You can then connect not only the inverter but also electrical appliances here.
Hoymiles HiBattery AC Review: Setup and commissioning
AC solutions such as the HiBattery score points above all with one thing: very easy commissioning. This is also the case with the Hoymiles. The system is ready for use in just a few minutes. This is all thanks to the practical plug & play concept of the HiBattery. All you have to do is find a suitable indoor or outdoor socket in your home and plug the energy storage unit in directly using the AC cable. The battery is then charged via the socket or feeds power into the household grid.
There are two ways of ensuring that the storage system receives the data it needs to work in a targeted manner. Firstly, there is a wireless solution using an intelligent meter or smart meter. If you do not have a smart meter such as the EverHome EcoTracker or a Shelly Pro 3EM, you can also connect the storage system directly to the inverter. As soon as the HiBattery is connected to the socket, the smartphone is pulled out.
Hoymiles HiBattery AC Review: Intuitive app control
You can then set up the storage system in detail using the S-Miles Home app available for Android and iOS. Once you have created a user account, you can add the storage unit as a new device. It connects to your home network, which enables practical remote control and monitoring.
The app itself scores with a good overview and guarantees intuitive control of the system. If everything runs smoothly, it takes just under half an hour to set up the system completely. This even applies to newcomers in this area. If the 1,920 Wh of the HiBattery is not enough for you, you can easily upgrade.
A total of two models can be plugged together to double the storage capacity without further ado. Of course, competitors with a modular approach sometimes offer significantly more storage capacity. But for owners of a balcony power station, the maximum of just under 3,800 Wh will certainly be sufficient.
Hoymiles HiBattery AC Review: Practical test
You can connect the HiBattery from Hoymiles to micro inverters of balcony power plants as well as to more powerful inverters of full-blown PV systems. The storage system can withstand an input power of up to 1,800 watts. However, the battery itself can only be charged with a maximum of 1,000 watts. The system then simply feeds the excess 800 watts into the grid so that they can either be used directly by the consumer or end up in the public grid.
The compatibility of the HiBattery must be emphasized positively. You don’t necessarily have to use a model from Hoymiles itself. In fact, the storage system is pleasantly open to other manufacturers. The zero feed-in capabilities when using a smart meter must be emphasized positively. This makes it possible to specifically determine what should happen to the surplus energy.
Even under full load, the memory worked pleasingly quietly. This is due to the fact that no fans were installed here. Instead, the system cools itself by means of natural convection. The reliable cell chemistry certainly also ensures smooth operation. Hoymiles relies on LiFePO4 cells, which not only promise longevity but also reliable protection of the battery. Over 6,000 charging cycles should be possible. The off-grid socket is also really practical. Not only does it ensure that the socket occupied by the HiBattery is skillfully replaced.
It also provides a convenient power source for devices that are not connected to the HiBattery. On top of that, it transforms the storage unit into a practical power supply in the event of a power failure. At the time of testing, Hoymiles’ system still had one major drawback. After all, the socket did not offer an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). UPS ensures that the storage unit automatically steps in as a power supply for the device connected to the socket in the event of a power failure.
However, Hoymiles has now rolled out an update that solves this problem and has implemented UPS in the HiBattery. This means that the storage unit can also be used as a reliable emergency power supply for essential household appliances such as refrigerators. However, it should be noted that the Hoymiles HiBattery AC only makes sense if you already have an inverter. Hoymiles does not integrate this here.
Conclusion
The Hoymiles HiBattery 1920 AC is a well thought-out and easy-to-install energy storage system for balcony power plants and smaller PV systems. It impresses with its compact, weatherproof design, high-quality workmanship and particularly simple plug & play commissioning. Thanks to the clear S-Miles Home app, even beginners can set up and control the system quickly and easily. In operation, the storage system scores points with its high compatibility with inverters from various manufacturers, quiet operation without a fan and long-lasting LiFePO4 cell chemistry.
The option of zero feed-in via smart meter and expandability up to 3,840 Wh make it practical and flexible. The off-grid socket is a useful extra and transforms the storage unit into an emergency power supply in the event of a power failure. You should bear in mind that the HiBattery does not have an integrated inverter, but is purely a storage device. Overall, the Hoymiles HiBattery 1920 AC is a very good solution for optimizing self-consumption, as long as the aforementioned limitations are taken into account.
PRO
CONTRA
Compact, weatherproof AC storage system with very simple plug & play installation - ideal for optimizing self-consumption in balcony power plants.
Hoymiles HiBattery AC
Design and processing
Commissioning
Ease of use
Performance
Range of functions
Price-performance ratio
92/100
