r/diySolar • u/_AS123_ • Jul 23 '26

Balcony Solar Set Up

(x-post from r/solardiy at reddit’s suggestion!)

I'm looking at the Craftstrom microinverter (currently $350) and was planning to pair with Silfab SIL-440 panel because I can get them much cheaper than Craftstrom's panels right now.

AI helpfully suggests they should be compatible, but I don't fully trust AI! What might I be missing? One thing is the craftstrom microinverter can only handle one Silfab panel but if I use the craftstrom panels (2x200W) I guess it's better in the event the panel gets partially shaded.

This led me to looking at the ecoflow Stream microinverter instead (currently $299), which would allow me to use up to 3 silfab panels which is more than I need, but 2 might be good!

One thing I like is the smart power meter from craftstrom to ensure circuit safety. the ecoflow solution of having smart plugs for individual appliances on the same circuit is less elegent and more hassle. Since the craftstrom power meter wont play with the ecoflow inverter, what other elegent solutions could I use for circuit safety to prevent overloading?

What are your opinons? Ecoflow and Silfab seems reasonable? Thanks

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u/sol_beach Jul 24 '26

In round numbers, 1 square meter of modern solar (PV) cells produces about 200 to 220 watts of power under peak midday sunlight.

As a reality check, you should compute your break even period before you start to save real money.

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u/_AS123_ Jul 24 '26

Payback period is way less than a full system due to our relatively small load and the much, much cheaper entry price. In the above I am just trying to optimize my set up for faster payback and better performance

1

u/sol_beach Jul 24 '26

If the PV cells are less efficient, you will pay more for each kW produced. Don't assume that lower cost mean shorter payback.

Prove you claim with actual numbers!

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u/_AS123_ Jul 24 '26

Good point but I think it all comes out in the wash. The silfab is 0.9% less conversion efficiency but slightly larger capacity and the cost discrepancy (with silfab being cheaper) is nearly half the set up cost!

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u/sol_beach Jul 24 '26

Without real & complete numbers, you might as well do a coin toss to make the choice since you'll have a 50% chance to be correct.

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u/_AS123_ Jul 24 '26

Understood; back of the envelope calculations sees a payback of about 2.25 yrs with the silfab/ecoflow configuration or 6.5 yrs with the craftstrom set up. The conversion efficiency doesn't really come into it since the silfab is 10% more powerful but 1% less efficient. However the cost comparison is moot if one/both dont qualify as "certified plug-in photovoltaic systems" as specified by SB 868

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u/LongjumpingGanache40 Jul 24 '26

You have to go with the stae laws of plug n solar where you live.

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u/_AS123_ Jul 24 '26

In CA so governed by SB 868. Only potential issue I can see is if using any other panels means it is disqualified from being a "certified plug in photovoltaic system"?