The triumph of balcony power stations is also unstoppable in Germany. More and more people are generating their own energy at home. However, to ensure that too much electricity is not simply lost and fed into the power grid, there is the option of collecting excess energy with a so-called balcony power station storage unit. The recently introduced Hoymiles MS-A2 is a particularly innovative solution, as our test reveals.

Technical data

Hoymiles MS-A2 review: design and workmanship

The Hoymiles MS-A2 micro storage unit is designed to make connecting a storage solution for balcony power plants much easier. The manufacturer claims that the solution can be connected to your own balcony power plant and is ready for use in just 7 seconds.

The new retrofit solution is compatible with all common balcony power plants and is weatherproof according to IP65, so that it can also be used outdoors. In addition to the Hoymiles MS-A2, the scope of delivery includes a plug-and-play cable, a wall bracket and an instruction manual.

The storage solution itself is a rather simple gray box with black design elements, which has various LED displays on the front that provide information about the charging status, the Wi-Fi connection and more.

Two buttons (power button and settings button) ensure simple and intuitive operation; the connection is via WLAN and Bluetooth, so that the storage solution can be conveniently set up and monitored via smartphone and the associated app.

On the side there is a Schuko plug and a power connection, which testify to the easy installation. On the back, the MS-A2 has a generous heat sink and a protected air outlet.

Hoymiles MS-A2: Structure and battery

When it comes to assembling the Hoymiles MS-A2, the manufacturer certainly didn’t promise too much, as it is extremely simple. At least once you have balanced the 32 kg behemoth and put it in its place.

To start up, simply unplug the existing micro inverter and connect it to the MS-A2. This is connected between the inverter and the power grid and is supplied with power via the socket as usual.

This is not only particularly easy and convenient, but also avoids potential complications, as the energy storage inverter does not have to be set to the power output and MPPT of the balcony power plant’s micro inverter. Connect, supply power, done.

Under the hood of the MS-A2 is a 2.24 kWh battery that uses modern and safe LiFePO4 technology. This is particularly durable and can easily withstand more than 6,000 charging cycles. It can easily withstand temperatures from 0°C to 55°C when charging and scores with discharge temperatures from -20°C to 55°C.

A maximum charging power of 1,800 watts of solar power is possible, provided your inverter allows it. A maximum of 800 watts can be fed into the home grid.

Hoymiles app and practical test

The AC connection of the Hoymiles MS-A2 naturally makes it very easy to set up. Simply connect the existing Schuko plug from the inverter to the energy storage unit and you’re ready to go.

The central point of operation is of course the app. It provides information on the efficiency of energy production on the home page and clearly shows how much energy is generated, made available for household use and stored in the MS-A2.

Here you can also clearly see how much energy comes from the inverter, how much is contributed by the energy storage and how much energy is fed into the power grid. The values ​​can of course be adjusted individually.

Statistics are also provided for the day, month, year and the total energy generated. Further information can be found in the menu of the storage device itself. For example, about operating temperature, energy curve or charging status. In the settings, in the “Operating mode” section, the “Portable Power Station Mode” can be set and the charging level can be adjusted.

You specify at what charge level the MS-A2 should either use the stored energy itself or serve as a power station for household appliances. In the “Charging power settings” area, the power can also be freely set up to a maximum of 800 watts. This allows you to set whether and, if so, how much energy should be fed into the home network.

The “Power Curves” can also be used to set how much energy should be fed into the home network at what time of day. The off-grid mode also enables use in the event of a power failure. In this case, the grounded socket to which the inverter is connected becomes an output to which other electrical devices can be connected and supplied with power if required. Very practical.

Hoymiles MS-A2 review: Conclusion

The Hoymiles MS-A2 is an exciting energy storage solution for balcony power plants that scores points above all for its simplicity. Unpack, connect to the inverter and get started.

Thanks to the practical and clear app, you always have an eye on energy production and demand and can set how much energy should be consumed or fed in and when in just a few steps.

The weatherproof and robust design as well as the high-quality workmanship are also impressive. With up to 2.24 kWh, the MS-A2 can also store a lot of energy and can easily supply electrical devices with energy as a power bank in the event of a power failure or when traveling.

The Hoymiles MS-A2 is therefore the perfect addition for anyone who operates a balcony power plant and does not yet have a storage unit. Not least because of its simple and innovative design, but also because of its truly impressive performance values.