Test result preview
The 1720W balcony power station from SUNPOWER4U is a high-quality solar system set, ideal for balconies, roofs, terraces or gardens. Installation is easy thanks to the cables and plugs supplied and does not require an electrician. Brackets and storage tanks are optionally available. The set consists of four 430W bifacial solar modules that generate up to 38% more yield by producing energy on both sides. The 1600W Hoymiles inverter is adjustable to 600W or 800W and can be quickly and easily connected to the modules. All components are CE, TÜV, VDE, ISO and IEC certified, guaranteeing the highest safety standards. With a 12-year manufacturer’s warranty on the inverters and a 30-year warranty on the solar modules, the product impresses with its longevity. A comprehensive app provides support in analysing performance and SUNPOWER4U can take care of registration with the market master data register and the energy supplier on request. The only negative aspect was that the standard scope of delivery does not include any mounting materials .
Overall, the balcony power station offers an excellent combination of high-quality components with long warranty periods, simple installation and real-time monitoring via app.
Advantages
- High-quality materials
- High-yield solar modules
- Quick and easy installation, plug & play connector
- User-friendly app
- Long warranty periods
Disadvantages
- No fastening in the standard scope of delivery
- Use of plastic film
The test
General information
We took a close look at and tested the product in a practical test. In the following, we take a closer look at the features and impressions. From the packaging, materials and quality to the range of functions and handling, the product is subjected to our test procedure.
To give you a quick overview, we work with a points system. The maximum achievable score per area is 100 points. The final overall score is calculated from the average of all tested features, taking into account the respective weighting. For a detailed insight into our comprehensive evaluation process, which forms the basis of all our product ratings, please click here.
The first impression
Packaging and contents
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
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Remark
Score achieved*
Product protection
Stably fixed on a pallet and delivered by a forwarding agent
Points
Sustainability Packaging
Unnecessary packaging waste has been avoided, plastic film protects the product, but the use of recyclable material would be desirable.
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions for use
Written in German and easy to understand, detailed explanatory videos available on the Internet
Points
TOTAL
93
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The packaging of the balcony power station leaves a positive impression. The stable fastening of the product on a pallet and the shipping by a forwarding agent ensures that the balcony power station arrives safely and undamaged, which would probably not be sufficiently protected against impacts with conventional shipping. However, the use of plastic film could be reconsidered. Although it protects the product, the use of recyclable material would be desirable. The contents of the packaging are complete and in good condition. Detailed operating instructions are included and can also be used for any extensions to the system. Detailed explanatory videos are available on the Internet for support.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
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Remark
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Attractive design
Points
Processing
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability
Very stable
Points
Sustainability of the product
Use of high-quality materials, minimisation of CO², a tree is planted with every purchase
Points
TOTAL
100
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The balcony power station impresses at first glance with its high-quality workmanship and sophisticated design. The set consists of four bifacial solar modules with 430W each, an inverter and the necessary cables. The use of high-quality materials and the sturdy aluminium frame give the product an elegant and robust appearance. The excellent workmanship contributes to a stable construction and a long service life . In addition, the product contributes to the reduction of CO² emissions and supports the “I plant a tree” environmental initiative by planting a tree with every purchase. The manufacturer gives a 30-year guarantee on the solar modules and 12 years on the inverters, which emphasises the confidence in the quality and durability of the product.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
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Remark
Score achieved*
Functionality of the panels
Bifacial 430W panels with high efficiency even in changing light conditions
Points
Weather resistance
Very robust and weather-resistant
Points
Electrics and cabling
Quick and easy cabling, high-quality cables
Points
App connection with the balcony power station
Stable data transmission, simple set-up
Points
User-friendliness of the app
User-friendly interface, real-time monitoring and data analysis
Points
TOTAL
98
Points
Weighting: 45%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The balcony power station from SUNPOWER4U impressed with its efficiency and robustness in the practical test. By using bifacial 430 W solar modules, the energy yield was increased by utilising the light from both sides. This feature proved to be particularly advantageous in changing light conditions. The power plant supplied constant power even in fluctuating weather conditions, which proves its reliability. On sunny days, it achieved a maximum output of just under 1200 watts, which corresponds to an impressive daily production of around 7 kilowatt hours. The robustness of the solar modules and the aluminium frame was also remarkable. They withstood heavy rain and wind without any problems, which speaks in favour of their durability. The very simple and quick installation as well as the high-quality cabling with plug & play connectors made handling much easier. In addition, a user-friendly app for real-time monitoring and data analysis offered great benefits for both experienced users and beginners. The connection to the application was stable and easy to establish thanks to the supplied data transmission unit (DTU). The ability to retrofit various mounting and storage options allows customisation to individual needs.
Overall, the balcony power station from SUNPOWER4U proved to be very efficient and weatherproof in the tests. The simple wiring and user-friendly app contributed to the positive overall impression.
Test plan of the Prüfengel Institute
You can find a detailed insight into the evaluation criteria of the practical part of the test and the distribution of points here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
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Remark
Score achieved*
Price / performance ratio
Very good performance in the lower price segment
Points
Rating cut
N/A
TOTAL
90
Points
Weighting: 15%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
At the time of testing, the product was not yet officially listed on Amazon. Therefore, no other reviews are available, so this point is neglected in the evaluation.
Prices of just under €1,330 are charged on the internet for equivalent products. Very affordable products are available from as little as €679 . The balcony power station 1720W from SUNPOWER4U is therefore currently in the lower price segment with a price of €769. For the quality and performance received, the price-performance ratio is very good.
Overall result
Weighting
Score achieved*
1. packaging & contents
20%
Points
2. product processing & appearance
20%
Points
3. in the practical test
45%
Points
4. price/performance & consumer reviews
15%
Points
TOTAL
Points
*Themaximum score is 100 points
