The Anker Solarbank 4 Pro boasts a photovoltaic (PV) input power of 5000 watts and can feed in up to 2500 watts. Here’s a detailed look at what it offers.
The Anker Solarbank 4 Pro is much more than just a simple storage solution for a balcony power plant. With its four integrated MPPT trackers, it can accommodate up to twelve solar modules, allowing the maximum PV input of 5000 watts to be fully utilized. For higher power needs, three Solarbank 4 units can be interconnected, or even four devices can operate simultaneously through the Anker Power Dock, increasing the output to 7.5 kW or even 10.5 kW, with a PV input capacity of up to 15 kWp or 20 kWp. Additionally, up to five extra batteries can be stacked under a single Solarbank 4 Pro—yielding a total storage capacity between 90 kWh and 120 kWh when using three or four Solarbanks.
However, to fully exploit the capabilities of the Solarbank 4 Pro, you’ll need an electrician and to register it as a conventional PV system. Only in its factory-delivered state is the system qualified for simplified registration as a balcony power plant in the market registration system.
In practice, how well does the Anker Solix Solarbank 4 Pro E5000 perform? Our extensive testing reveals its effectiveness.
Anker Solix Solarbank 4 Pro: Features and Specifications
With a capacity of 5.02 kWh, the Anker Solarbank 4 Pro is relatively compact, measuring 46.0 × 30.5 × 35.5 cm (W/D/H). Staying true to its design lineage, Anker encases the technology in a silver aluminum housing. A new feature in the Solarbank 4 is the front display, which informs users about the current device status and key operational parameters like solar production and feeding power. However, it cannot control the Solarbank 4.
The power switch is located below the four MPPT trackers on the left side of the casing. Each MPPT tracker provides an input capacity of 1250 watts, enabling the Solarbank to absorb a total of 5000 watts from solar panels. According to Anker, operating twelve 500-watt panels with a total of 6 kWp is seamless, and they offer this configuration in their shop. When connecting twelve solar panels, adapter cables are used to connect three panels per MPPT tracker.
The rear of the casing is surrounded by a substantial heat sink. On the right side, there is an AC connection that links the storage unit with the home network via a Schuko or Wieland socket. Additionally, a communication port for other Anker devices such as EV chargers, an emergency power socket, and a pressure relief valve can be found.
Legal Framework, Installation, and Registration
In its factory configuration, the maximum feed-in capacity of the Solarbank 4 Pro is limited to 800 watts. This allows users to register it as a balcony power plant in the market registration system. When connecting more than two modules, a Wieland socket meets the appropriate VDE standard.
According to VDE, for a system exceeding 2 kWp PV capacity, an electrician must be consulted to check and register the system. This is clarified in the FAQ concerning the new VDE standards:
“For plug solar devices, the product and testing standard DIN VDE V 0126-95 applies, under which only plug solar devices up to 2 kWp can be operated without professional electrical assistance. All other generating systems and storage units must comply with DIN VDE V 0100-551-1, DIN VDE 0100-712, or VDE-AR-E 2510-2, which consistently requires professional electrical involvement.”
Efficiency and User Experience
With a round-trip efficiency of about 82% when charging and discharging at 800 watts, it is slightly lower than the Zendure Solarflow 2400 Pro’s 87%. Given the higher capability in terms of PV input compared to 3000 watts for Zendure and a slightly higher feed-in capacity of up to 2500 watts, this performance is justifiable.
In terms of zero feed-in functionality, the Solarbank 4 Pro performs slightly better than the Zendure Solarflow 2400 Pro. Both systems start regulation equally quickly; however, the Solarbank 4 Pro is less prone to releasing energy back into the grid. Compared to the Solakon One, it also holds an advantage.
Conclusion
With the Solarbank 4 Pro, Anker offers a power storage solution that is overdimensioned for a classic balcony power plant with two PV panels. It is only with four solar panels that the Solarbank 4 Pro can be fully utilized during the summer months. In our tests, it stored up to 9.5 kWh of power in one day, even on sunny days with less than optimal panel positioning. In its standard setup, the feed-in capability is limited to 800 watts, enabling simplified registration as a plug solar device. For users looking to maximize their Anker Solarbank 4 Pro, registration as a PV system is essential, allowing operation with up to 12 solar panels and benefiting from a maximum feed-in capacity of 2500 watts. Currently, there are few better alternatives for this application.
