Powerstations: The All-in-One Solution for Solar Systems
Powerstations: The Pocket-Sized Power Plant
"Powerstation" translates roughly to "power plant" or "energy centre". These compact devices are the Swiss army knife for small solar systems and balcony power plants.
What Distinguishes Powerstations from Normal Battery Storage?
The functionality of a powerstation goes far beyond a simple battery storage unit:
| Component | Battery Storage | Powerstation |
|---|---|---|
| Battery cells | ✓ | ✓ |
| Charging electronics (BMS) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inverter | External | Integrated |
| MPPT controller | External | Integrated |
| Sockets | – | Integrated |
| Display/App | Optional | Standard |
| Mobility | Stationary | Portable |
Powerstations are complete energy systems in one device!
Structure of a Powerstation
The Most Important Components
Solar modules ─────► MC4 connector
│
▼
┌───────────────┐
│ Socket strip │
│ (In/Output) │
└───────┬───────┘
│
┌─────────────┴─────────────┐
▼ ▼
┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐
│ Power │ │ Battery │
│ electronics │◄─────────►│ storage │
│ (Inverter) │ │ (LFP cells) │
└───────┬───────┘ └───────────────┘
│ ▲
▼ │
┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐
│ Control │ │ BMS │
│ (MPPT, EMS) │◄─────────►│ (Battery monitoring)
└───────────────┘ └───────────────┘1. Socket Strip – The Interface to the World
The socket strip is the gateway between powerstation and the outside world. Depending on the model, various connections are available:
| Connection Type | Function |
|---|---|
| MC4 connector | Solar module connection |
| Schuko plug | Grid feed-in / consumers |
| USB-C/A | Smartphones, tablets |
| 12V DC | Camping devices |
| Anderson connector | High-current applications |
2. Power Electronics – The Heart of Conversion
The power electronics handle all power conversion tasks:
| Component | Task |
|---|---|
| Inverter | DC → AC conversion |
| Rectifier | AC → DC conversion (grid charging) |
| DC-DC converter | Voltage adjustment for battery |
| MPPT controller | Maximum solar harvest |
Bidirectional models can:
- Charge solar power into the battery
- Discharge battery into the home grid
- Use grid power for charging
3. Battery Storage – The Energy Tank
The integrated battery storage largely determines the possible applications:
| Property | Typical Values |
|---|---|
| Technology | LFP lithium-ion |
| Capacity | 500 Wh – 5,000+ Wh |
| Voltage | 12V / 24V / 48V |
| Charge cycles | 3,000+ |
4. Battery Management System (BMS)
The BMS monitors and protects the battery through various safety functions:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Cell balancing | Equal charge across all cells |
| Temperature monitoring | Protection against overheating |
| Deep discharge protection | Prevents battery damage |
| Overcharge protection | Stops when battery is full |
| Short circuit protection | Emergency shutdown |
5. Control and Software
The "brain" of the powerstation handles various control tasks:
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| MPPT tracking | Maximum solar harvest in any weather |
| Energy management | When to charge, when to discharge? |
| Operating modes | Economy, Performance, Fast charging |
| App control | Remote monitoring and control |
Classification by Capacity
Small Powerstations (up to 500 Wh)
These compact models are primarily suitable for mobile applications:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 500 Wh |
| Weight | 3–6 kg |
| Use | Smartphones, laptops, camping |
| Solar | Not for balcony power plants |
Typical consumers:
- Smartphone (~10 Wh) → 50+ charges
- Laptop (~60 Wh) → 8+ charges
- LED lamp → Days
Medium Powerstations (500–1,500 Wh)
The mid-range already offers significantly more possibilities:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 500–1,500 Wh |
| Weight | 6–15 kg |
| Use | Small solar systems, camping |
| Solar | Conditionally for balcony power plants |
Typical consumers:
- Coffee machine (1,000 W) → 30–60 minutes
- Cool box → Several hours
- Power tools → Multiple uses
Large Powerstations (over 1,500 Wh)
Large powerstations are the first choice for serious solar applications:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,500–5,000+ Wh |
| Weight | 15–50 kg |
| Use | Balcony power plants, emergency power |
| Solar | Ideal for balcony power plants |
Typical consumers:
- Refrigerator → Several hours
- Complete household → Hours
- Motorhome → Days
Classification by Functionality
1. Simple Powerstations
Entry-level models offer basic functions at low prices:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Operation | Unidirectional (discharge only) |
| Communication | Minimal (LED display) |
| Connections | Few, basic |
| Price | Low |
| Solar | Not suitable |
2. Standard Powerstations
The mid-range already meets most requirements for solar applications:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Operation | Bidirectional |
| MPPT | Integrated |
| Operating modes | Several available |
| Connections | Comprehensive |
| Price | Medium |
| Solar | Suitable |
3. Smart Powerstations
Premium models offer the full range of functions for demanding users:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Operation | Bidirectional |
| App control | Complete |
| Smart Home | Compatible |
| Expandable | Additional modules possible |
| Price | Premium |
| Solar | Optimal |
Integration into Balcony Power Plants
Typical Setup
┌─────────────────┐
│ Solar modules │ (max. 2,000 Wp)
│ on balcony │
└────────┬────────┘
│ DC
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Powerstation │
│ with MPPT │
└────────┬────────┘
│ AC (max. 800 W)
▼
┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐
│ Home grid │◄───►│ Electricity │
│ │ │ meter │
└────────┬────────┘ └─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Consumers │
│ in household │
└─────────────────┘Legal Framework (2025)
For balcony power plants in Germany, the following regulations apply:
| Regulation | Value |
|---|---|
| Max. module power | 2,000 Wp |
| Max. feed-in | 800 W |
| Registration | In the Market Master Data Register |
Sizing for Balcony Power Plants
Rule of thumb: Battery capacity = 0.9 to 1.6 × system power
Depending on the installed module power, the following recommendations apply:
| Module Power | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|
| 600 Wp | 540–960 Wh |
| 800 Wp | 720–1,280 Wh |
| 1,000 Wp | 900–1,600 Wh |
| 2,000 Wp | 1,800–3,200 Wh |
Advantages of Powerstations
The all-in-one solution offers numerous advantages for beginners and professionals:
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| All-in-One | Everything in one device |
| Plug & Play | Simple installation |
| Mobile | Flexible use |
| Self-sufficiency | Independent of the grid |
| Emergency power | Backup during power cuts |
| Expandable | Additional modules possible |
Disadvantages of Powerstations
Despite their versatility, powerstations also have some limitations:
| Disadvantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited capacity | Smaller than stationary storage |
| Higher price | More expensive per kWh than individual components |
| Compromises | Jack of all trades, master of none |
| Weight | Large models difficult to transport |
When Does a Powerstation Make Sense?
Ideal for:
- Balcony power plants with storage requirements
- Rental apartments (no fixed installation)
- Camping and outdoor with solar charging
- Emergency power supply for important devices
- Mobile work (home office anywhere)
Less suitable for:
- Large PV systems (better: stationary storage)
- Stationary operation only (cheaper alternatives)
- Very high power demand (capacity limits)
Conclusion
Key Point: Powerstations are the ideal solution for everyone who values flexibility and mobility, wants to operate a balcony power plant with storage, or seeks emergency power supply without installation effort. For balcony power plants, we recommend a capacity of at least 1,500 Wh with bidirectional operation, integrated MPPT controller and app control for optimal convenience.
Continue reading: In the next article Market Analysis 2025: Battery Storage and Powerstations, you will learn everything about current trends, manufacturers and market developments.
The Complete Article Series "Battery Storage and Powerstations"
- Battery Technologies Compared: Lithium, Lead and Solid-State – Technology comparison
- Powerstations: The All-in-One Solution for Solar Systems – You are here
- Market Analysis 2025: Battery Storage and Powerstations – Trends and manufacturers
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