Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a plug & play or home battery can sometimes raise quite a few questions. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions for you.

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How does a home battery work?

A home battery stores the power your solar panels generate during the day, so you can use it later.
A battery can also purchase power at the most favorable times when using a dynamic energy contract. This tool is AI-powered for most brands.

When the sun shines, your solar panels often produce more energy than you use at that moment. The home battery stores this excess solar energy. In the evening or when there's little sun, your home automatically uses the stored energy. This means you need to draw less power from the grid, saving you money on your energy bill.
With the right home battery, you'll no longer feed power back into the grid. Your self-generated power will be used when you need it.

With a home battery, you use more of your own green energy, save costs, and become less dependent on the energy grid.

Where do I place a home battery?

It's best to install a home battery in a safe and well-ventilated location, such as a garage, basement, or utility room. This location ensures optimal operation and a longer battery lifespan.
Ideally, have the battery installed near the inverter or meter box to minimize energy loss. Some models can also be installed outdoors, provided they are weatherproof and protected from extreme temperatures.
We at AboutWatt are happy to advise you on this!

How much does a home battery cost?

The price of a home battery depends on the brand, the capacity (kWh), and the installation costs. On average, a home battery costs between €4,000 and €10,000, including installation.
There is a cheaper alternative in the form of Plug & Play batteries , these are compact batteries that cost an average of €1,000 to €4,000 including installation.

The final price also depends on:

  • the brand (e.g. Anker Solix, Sigenergy, Huawei or Marstek)
  • the battery type (lithium-ion or alternative);
  • whether you combine the battery with solar panels or an existing installation.
  • possible subsidies or premiums in your region.

Tip:
View our Plug & Play battery range or our Home Battery range, or request a free quote to see which battery and capacity best suits your energy consumption – so you'll know immediately what it really costs!

Is a home battery dangerous?

A home battery is generally not dangerous, as long as it's installed and used correctly. Most modern home batteries are equipped with multiple safety mechanisms that prevent overheating, overcharging, or short-circuiting.

In addition, they are extensively tested and certified according to European safety standards.

Always have the installation carried out by a certified installer – this is not only safer, but also necessary to maintain the warranty and insurance.

What is a home battery backup?

A backup function with a home battery ensures you still have electricity during a power outage . The battery then temporarily supplies power to essential appliances in your home, such as lights, refrigerators, or Wi-Fi modems.

Not every home battery has a backup function as standard; sometimes additional equipment is required, such as a special inverter or emergency power module.

In short: with a backup, your home will continue to receive (partial) power, even if the grid goes down. Without a backup, the battery only works when there's power from the grid.

AboutWatt's range of plug & play batteries and home batteries offers various backup options. Feel free to request a free consultation if you're unsure whether you're making the right choice!

How do I get a maximum AC power of 3600 W from the Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro?

You can connect up to three Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro units within one home energy system to provide a maximum AC power of 3600 W.
Want a higher total output? Then you can use the Power Dock . It supports parallel connection of up to four Solarbank units , good for a total output of up to 4800 W. The Power Dock also allows you to connect an EV charger .

Please note: The installation of the Power Dock must be carried out by a certified electrician.

Which Solarbank models support connecting and using multiple devices within the same home energy system?

Currently , only the Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro is suitable for directly connecting and using multiple units within one home energy system.
The other Solarbank models do not offer this plug and play functionality, but can be connected in parallel via the Power Dock .

Please note: The Solarbank 2 E1600 AC is expected to receive Power Dock support at the end of December.

What are the differences between using multiple Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro units in plug-and-play mode and via the Power Dock?

The main differences are:

  1. Number of units supported
    Plug-and-play: maximum 3 Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro units.
    Power Dock: maximum 4 units connected in parallel.
  2. Maximum output power
    Plug and play: up to 3600 W total power.
    Power Dock: up to 4800 W total power.
  3. Installation requirements
    Plug and play: connect immediately, no professional required.
    Power Dock: Must be installed by a certified electrician .
  4. EV charging
    Plug and play: Does not support EV charging stations.
    Power Dock: Supports single-phase and three-phase EV chargers.
  5. Energy management
    Plug and play: standard power management.
    Power Dock: Three-phase output and unified energy management for the entire system.
  6. Compatibility
    Plug and play: Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro only.
    Power Dock: Supports mixed Solarbank models and is future-proof for new products.
  7. Meter connection
    Plug and play: compatible with P1 Meter access.
    Power Dock: Works with Anker Smart Meter , Shelly 3EM or Shelly Pro 3EM .

What do I need to do to use multiple Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro units in a plug-and-play setup?

Please note the following:

  1. Update the Anker app
    To properly configure multiple units, make sure your Anker app is updated to version 3.12.0 or later .
  2. Registration with grid operator
    Register your system (if applicable) with the local grid operator and relevant authorities so that the installation complies with all regulations and can be safely put into operation.
  3. Setting the output power
    When using multiple Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro units, you can set the total output power to 800 W, 1200 W, 2400 W, or 3600 W.
    If the set power exceeds 800 W , professional installation is strongly recommended . This prevents safety risks, potential equipment damage, and regulatory issues.

How do I add multiple Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro units to a home energy system in the Anker app?

Expand existing energy system

If you want to add one or more Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro units to an existing home energy system, follow these steps:

  1. Open the energy system homepage in the Anker app.
  2. Tap the gear icon at the top right to access settings.
  3. Select 'Manage Devices' .
  4. Tap the '+' icon at the top right to add additional devices (e.g. Solarbank 3, smart meters or smart sockets).
  5. Make sure that all devices within the same system are connected to the same WiFi network .

Setting up a new home energy system

  1. Installing the Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro for the first time? Follow these steps:
    Connect one Solarbank 3 E2700 Pro and add it via Bluetooth to the device page.
    Press the IoT button on the Solarbank to confirm the Bluetooth pairing.
  2. Set up the WiFi connection .
  3. Add additional devices (e.g. Solarbank 3 units, smart meters or smart plugs) and ensure they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network .
  4. Update the firmware to the latest version.
  5. Set the desired operating mode , such as AI mode, self-consumption, or custom mode.

How do I set the maximum total grid power for Solarbank via the Anker app?

First, make sure all Solarbank units are connected to the same power system . Then follow these steps:

  1. Open the energy system homepage and tap the gear icon at the top right.
  2. Go to 'Grid-tied AC settings' .
  3. Tap 'Max. total power' at the top right.
  4. Select the desired output power and choose 'Save' .
  5. If you select a value above 800 W , a safety message will appear. Confirm this to apply the setting.