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A plug & play home battery allows you to store energy without requiring immediate extensive installation. You connect the battery to a suitable power outlet, link the P1 dongle to your smart meter, and configure the system via the ZinVolt app. Afterward, the battery can store available solar power or affordable grid power for later use.
ZinVolt offers various home batteries that can be used this way. The ZinVolt Power and ZinVolt Base are designed as true plug & play home batteries. The ZinVolt Core can also be connected via a power outlet, but for maximum power, we recommend professional installation via a dedicated circuit and disconnect switch.
In this article, we explain how a plug & play home battery works, what connection you need, and the differences between the ZinVolt Power, Base, and Core.
What is a plug & play home battery?
A plug & play home battery is a battery that you can connect to a suitable grounded power outlet. The battery can then draw energy from the home and feed stored energy back to the appliances in the house.
The battery works in conjunction with a P1 dongle. This dongle connects to the P1 port of your smart meter. This allows the system to see how much power your home is currently using, how much power your solar panels are feeding back, and when there is capacity to charge the battery.
The basic setup usually consists of:
- The home battery: stores available energy for later use.
- The P1 dongle: reads current power consumption and feed-in.
- The ZinVolt app: provides insight into battery status, energy flows, and settings.
- A grounded power outlet: connects the battery to the home's electrical system.
For standard plug & play use, you don't need to make any modifications to your meter cupboard. The battery connects directly to the power outlet and operates within a limited power range.
How does a plug & play home battery work?
The home battery continuously monitors the energy flows in your home. The P1 dongle reports how much power is being consumed or fed back.
On a sunny day, it might work like this, for example:
- Your solar panels generate electricity.
- The appliances in your home first use some of this electricity.
- Solar power remains that would otherwise go to the grid.
- The P1 dongle detects the surplus.
- The home battery starts charging.
- Later in the day, your home uses the stored energy.
The battery can also be used without solar panels. With a dynamic energy contract, you can have the system charge during off-peak hours. The stored energy can then be used later when electricity rates are higher.
The precise operation depends on the chosen settings, energy contract, and household electricity consumption.
What is the advantage of storing energy?
Solar panels typically generate the most electricity in the middle of the day. Many households, however, use more energy in the morning and evening. This means that the time of generation doesn't always align with the time of consumption.
A home battery helps to reduce this discrepancy. Energy available during the day can be stored for later use.
This can help to:
- Use more of your own solar power at home
- Feed less solar power directly back to the grid
- Draw less power from the grid at other times
- Manage dynamic energy prices more smartly
- Gain more insight into your home's energy consumption
A home battery usually does not make a home completely independent of the electricity grid. However, the system does give you more control over when energy is stored and used.
Which plug & play home batteries does ZinVolt offer?
The ZinVolt Power, Base, and Core can all be used via a power outlet. However, they clearly differ in capacity, application, and recommended installation.
ZinVolt Power
The ZinVolt Power is a compact and portable plug & play home battery. The battery starts with 1 kWh of storage capacity and can be expanded to 6 kWh with ZinVolt Mate modules.
The Power is suitable for households looking for a flexible battery. You can use the system at home, but also take it to a shed, campsite, or other location.
Suitable devices can be powered directly via the built-in connections. This means the Power can also be used as a mobile power supply or emergency power for selected devices.
Its main features are:
- Standard 1 kWh storage capacity
- Expandable to 6 kWh with ZinVolt Mate modules
- Plug & play via a grounded power outlet
- Portable and flexible to use
- Suitable for use with solar panels or dynamic tariffs
- Maximum 2,000 W power on a suitable dedicated circuit
ZinVolt Base
The ZinVolt Base is a fixed plug & play home battery for in-home use. The battery comes standard with 4 kWh of storage capacity and can be expanded to 8 kWh with a ZinVolt Stack.
The Base is intended for households that want to store more solar power without immediately undergoing an extensive installation. You connect the battery to a suitable power outlet, link the P1 dongle, and configure the system via the app.
Its main features are:
- Standard 4 kWh storage capacity
- Expandable to 8 kWh with a ZinVolt Stack
- Plug & play via a grounded power outlet
- Designed as a fixed home battery
- Smart control via the ZinVolt app
- Maximum 2,000 W power on a suitable dedicated circuit
ZinVolt Core
The ZinVolt Core is our all-in-one home battery for households seeking a fixed and professionally installed solution.
The Core combines 4 kWh of battery storage, a built-in inverter, and smart energy management in one compact system. With ZinVolt Link modules, storage capacity can be expanded to 8, 12, or 16 kWh.
The Core can also be connected via a suitable power outlet. When connected this way, the discharge power is set to a maximum of 800 W by default. For the full power of 3,680 W, we recommend installation via a dedicated circuit and disconnect switch.
Its main features are:
- 4 kWh integrated battery storage
- Expandable to 8, 12, or 16 kWh
- Built-in inverter
- Maximum 3,680 W charging and discharging power
- Smart control via the ZinVolt app
- Professional installation via a disconnect switch recommended
Comparison between ZinVolt Power, Base, and Core
| Model | Storage Capacity | Plug & Play | Maximum Power | Main Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZinVolt Power | 1 to 6 kWh | Yes | 2,000 W | Portable and flexible use |
| ZinVolt Base | 4 to 8 kWh | Yes | 2,000 W | Fixed plug & play home battery |
| ZinVolt Core | 4 to 16 kWh | Possible | 3,680 W | Professionally installed system |
The maximum power of the Power and Base can only be utilized when the battery is connected to a suitable dedicated circuit. For standard use via a shared circuit, the maximum output remains limited to 800 W.
The same basic principle applies to the Core when connected via a power outlet. Do you want to utilize the full inverter power? Then professional installation via a disconnect switch is the recommended choice.
How to connect a plug & play home battery?
Connecting a Power or Base involves a few steps.
1. Choose a suitable location
Place the battery in a stable, dry, and well-ventilated area. Ensure the battery remains easily accessible and has sufficient space for heat dissipation.
2. Connect the battery
Plug the power cord directly into a suitable grounded power outlet. Do not use an extension cord, power strip, or multi-plug adapter.
For standard use, the power is set to a maximum of 800 W. This is suitable for use on a normal power circuit that may also have other appliances connected.
3. Pair the P1 dongle
Connect the ZinVolt P1 dongle to the P1 port of the smart meter. The dongle transmits current energy consumption and feed-in data to the battery.
4. Configure the battery via the app
Open the ZinVolt app and add the battery. You can then view the current status, select an energy mode, and adjust settings.
The app shows, among other things:
- How full the battery is
- How much power the battery is supplying
- How much power the home is consuming
- How much power is being fed back to the grid
- When the battery is charging or discharging
Why is the power typically limited to 800 W?
A power outlet is often part of an electrical circuit to which multiple appliances are connected. When the home battery adds energy to that same circuit, the current from the battery can combine with current from the meter cupboard.
This can cause part of the wiring or a connection to be more heavily loaded than desired. The standard power of 800 W limits this risk with plug & play use.
Do you want to use more power with the ZinVolt Power or Base? Then the battery must be connected to a dedicated circuit where no other appliances are connected. Afterwards, you can request an increase to a maximum of 2,000 W via the ZinVolt app.
The connection will first be reviewed by ZinVolt. After approval, you will receive a confirmation and can set the higher power in the app.
Why is the ZinVolt Core professionally installed?
The ZinVolt Core has an inverter power of up to 3,680 W. This requires an electrical connection suitable for the higher power.
During professional installation, the installer checks:
- The meter cupboard and available circuits
- The selected phase
- The wiring and protection
- The desired battery location
- Communication with the P1 dongle
- Settings in the ZinVolt app
The battery is connected via a disconnect switch. This allows the system to be safely shut down during maintenance or inspection.
After installation, the Core is fully configured and tested. The installer ensures that the system can charge and discharge optimally within the home's capabilities.
Discover which home battery suits your home
A plug & play home battery makes energy storage accessible. The ZinVolt Power and Base can be easily used via a suitable power outlet. The ZinVolt Core offers the same flexibility as an additional option, but performs best with professional installation via a disconnect switch.
Looking for a fixed plug & play solution? Then check out the ZinVolt Base.
Do you want a powerful and expandable system with professional installation? Then check out the ZinVolt Core.
Not sure which capacity suits your home? Take the free Net Metering Check for an initial personal indication.
Do you have questions about the connection, installation, or different models? Please contact ZinVolt. Our team will personally assist you.
