The computer image test winner among the micro inverters is the HM-800 from Hoymiles – we explain why the model has a weak point and what alternatives there are.
The inverter is one of the most important components of the solar power system. It serves as a converter between the solar modules and the power grid. It converts the direct current generated in the solar cells into alternating current – this is the only way our self-produced electricity can be used for supply. Computerbild tested inverters at the end of January and named a test winner. We take a closer look at the winner and present two alternatives.
The inverter test winner: Hoymiles HM-800
At Computerbild, the Hoymiles HM-800 is at the top in the test for around 150 euros. The 800 watt inverter impresses with its high performance and good price-performance ratio. The efficiency is also impressive and, at 94.2 percent, is way ahead among the tested products. But there is a small drawback: If you operate a balcony power plant at home, you currently have to reduce the power of the microinverter from 800 to 600 watts (W). With the HM-800 from Hoymiles, however, this is only possible with an additional product that is not included in the price. The Hoymiles DTU-WLite must also be purchased. This allows the inverter to be throttled to the VDE-compliant 600 watts and further data can be viewed in real time. The small data transmission and control unit costs around 25 euros and must be installed before first use.
Click here to see the offer on Ebay
Inverters: Current legal regulations and a look into the future
By law, small solar systems that are used to produce their own electricity are only allowed to feed up to 600 watts into the socket in Germany. The VDE (Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technology) has been calling for the maximum feed-in to be increased to 800 watts for some time. This has long since happened in other EU countries. The federal government and VDE are currently still working on the new regulation; the consultations have not yet been completely completed. Originally scheduled for January 1, 2024, future balcony power plant operators are waiting for approval of the new draft law and for the VDE to develop the product standard.
But anyone who is interested in having their own balcony power plant can take action now. There are now numerous inverter models that enable a feed-in of 800 watts, but can initially be throttled to 600 watts. If you buy now, you should make sure to buy an 800 watt balcony power plant now, which can be regulated to 600 watts until the new regulation comes into effect. Throttling is theoretically possible with the computer image test winner, but you also need a data transfer unit (DTU) and some time and patience to set up data retrieval.
Alternatives to the test-winning inverter
Additional accessories and effort during installation are not optimal? We present two alternative micro-inverters that do without all of this. There are now models that enable direct regulation and do not incur any extra costs.
1. The Hoymiles HMS-800W-2T inverter
Hoymiles enjoys a good reputation as a manufacturer of inverters, and one model is also the current test winner at Computerbild. The HM-800 is reliable, but also has a small disadvantage: without an additional DTU, the device cannot be throttled to the legally required 600 watts. That’s why Hoymiles has now brought a successor onto the market that overcomes this deficit: the HMS-800W-2T.
In addition to a new plug-in system, the most important adjustment is an integrated WLAN module that can be connected to the home WLAN. This means that the purchase of an additional DTU is no longer necessary. The data is transferred in real time directly to an app, which makes evaluation easy. Throttling the microinverter from 800 to 600 watts can also be done in a user-friendly manner directly in the app.
Monitoring and regulating the mini PV system is made much easier thanks to the direct connection to your own smartphone. And if the legal increase in the permissible performance limit occurs soon, the throttling can be lifted in no time. Kleines Kraftwerk currently has the Hoymiles HMS-800W-2T inverter on offer for 179 euros instead of 199 euros, and the company is offering a 15 percent spring discount. In addition, shipping is free.
- Developed specifically for balcony power plants to produce their own solar power
- Simple installation thanks to plug-and-play
- Integrated WLAN module for monitoring and regulation
- Increased security standards
- High performance
- Two MPP trackers
- Peak efficiency 96.7 percent
Click here for the offer at Kleines Kraftwerk
2. The SUN-M80G3-EU-Q0 inverter from Deye
Another alternative for the HM-800 from Hoymiles is the Deye microinverter SUN-M80G3-EU-Q0. This has an external relay box and is also WLAN-capable. This model is also equipped with a connected load of 800 watts. However, with integrated software it is possible to define a feed-in limit of 600 watts. You regulate it yourself using an app. Additional products are therefore not necessary here either – commissioning is possible immediately. Since Deye has now made a name for itself among balcony power plant owners, the costs for inverters etc. are often slightly higher. When purchasing, always pay attention to the power class that matches the size of the solar system and compatibility with the respective solar modules. There is currently a SUN-M80G3-EU-Q0 on Ebay for 105 euros.
- Efficiency up to 96.5 percent
- Easy to install using a plug connection directly on the module
- Integrated WLAN module simplifies handling
- Fast, separate MPPT tracking
- 800 W connected load, limited to 600 W
- NA protection thanks to external relay box
Click here to see the offer on Ebay
Inverter: New inverter generations make handling easier
The test winner from Computerbild is convincing almost across the board. There is a small catch with this inverter model: a data transmission unit must be purchased for the currently necessary throttling to 600 watts. If you want the complete package, you can use alternatives such as the successor model from Hoymiles or the SUN-M80G3-EU-Q0 from Deye, both of which have WLAN integration.
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