Hoymiles launches HiFlow Pro plug-in micro-inverter for low-cost home solar installations
Switching to residential solar can be challenging, especially if you're renting, living in an apartment, or not in a position to spend thousands of dollars on a retrofit of an existing electrical system. The Hoymiles HiFlow Pro micro-inverter system aims to address many of these issues, launching as a new 360–500 W micro-inverter system that is easy to deploy and can help reduce monthly energy spend and help convert some of your monthly usage to renewables.
Compact micro-inverter designed for DIY
The 360 W Hoymiles HiFlow Pro plug-in inverter system connects directly to your home's energy grid via a regular outlet, making it a perfect starting point for a small home, apartment, or condo, although larger systems will require a GFCI outlet. The micro-inverter is also quite compact and manageable, coming in at just 1.8 kg, and Hoymiles includes a 12-year warranty for peace of mind.
The HiFlow Pro micro-inverter system is made for applications that demand flexibility and where ease-of-deployment is a priority, like balcony or DIY solar installations, certain rooftop solar systems, or upgrading existing PV setups without modifying underlying systems. The company calculates that a 360 W micro-inverter can generate up to 721 kWh/year, and the system features a 22 V startup voltage and a peak efficiency of 95.5%.
HiFlow Pro safety and connectivity
Hoymiles says that the HiFlow Pro micro-inverter system is the first plug-in inverter in the US to feature UL3700 certification, which means it has to include over-current protection, touch safety, and ground-fault circuit interruptor protection. In addition to all of this, Hoymiles has equipped the HiFlow Pro with IP67-rated NEMA Type 6 connectors and enclosures and intelligent rapid voltage reduction, which drops the voltage of the AC plug to safe levels within one second of disconnecting.
The HiFlow Pro system also features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote monitoring via the S-Miles Home mobile app, and all data is stored and processed locally for enhanced privacy. The entry-level HMS-360-WM-LV is rated for a total of 360 VA power output, while the top-end HMS-500-1WM-LV is rated for 500 VA, while rated output current ranges from 3.0 A on the entry-level model and 4.17 A on the high-end variant, and nominal output voltage is 120/90–150 V.
Up to $822 annual savings
Hoymiles estimates that a single HiFlow Pro unit can save up to $246.59 annually, based on 5.6 peak sun hours per day and an electricity cost of $0.38/kWh. Up to four units can be connected into a system, outputting up to 1,200 W and generating 2,403 kWh annually for a potential savings of up to $822.03 in areas with high energy costs.
Pricing of the HiFlow Pro system starts at $152.72 for the model HMS-391-1WM-LV at NAZ Solar Electric, and balcony solar kits with the Hoymiles HiFlow Pro micro-inverter system are available from Bright Saver.