Bluetti has launched the Balco 260 and Balco 500, two integrated PV storage systems for balconies that combine MPPT, inverter, battery storage and smart control in a plug-and-play architecture for urban households.
Bluetti, a California-based provider of portable solar plus storage systems, has launched two new energy storage systems for balcony PV applications.
The Balco 260 and Balco 500 integrate core power electronics, including MPPT (Maximal Power Point Tracking) controllers, microinverters, battery storage and safety modules, into a unified architecture.
The Balco 260 is positioned as an entry-to-mid-tier unit aimed at apartment and small household applications. It features a 2.56 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) with integrated heating and supports expansion up to 15 kWh via additional modules. The system delivers up to 2,400W of solar energy via four MPPT channels, along with 1,100W of AC input for charging.
In terms of output, it delivers 1,200W AC power for both on-grid and off-grid operation, while a 2,300W AC bypass allows higher throughput loads. The unit measures 476mm x 260mm x 336.3mm and weighs 28.5kg.
The Balco 500 is the higher capacity model, designed for larger apartments and whole house backup applications. It is equipped with a 5.02 kWh LFP battery with integrated heating.
At system level, up to three Balco 500 units can be connected in parallel to a home distribution panel, allowing an output power of up to 11 kW and a storage capacity of 15 kWh. On the solar side, the system supports up to 4.36 kW of input over a range of 70–470 V over a single MPPT channel, and up to 3.68 kW of AC input.
For output, it offers two modes of operation: a plug-and-play mode for the balcony with an output of up to 800 W, and a backup mode for the whole house that allows bidirectional input/output up to 3.68 kW. The system measures 450mm x 190mm x 580mm and weighs 65kg.
Both systems use a built-in inverter that supports both on-grid and off-grid operation. They are IP65 rated and operate in temperatures from −20 C to 55 C. Smart energy integration is supported via compatibility with BLUETTI, Shelly and Everhome smart meters, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for app-based control and monitoring.
The company offers a 10-year warranty on both products.
The Balco series is complemented by the Balco Transfer Hub, a grid-tied controller that allows existing portable power stations – including Bluetti and third-party devices – to be integrated into balcony PV systems, enabling up to 800W of grid-compliant output while maintaining off-grid functionality.
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