EcoFlow vs Hoymiles vs APsystems

The microinverter is the part that keeps your panel from backfeeding the grid during an outage. Everything else is mounting hardware and panels. If you are choosing between EcoFlow STREAM, Hoymiles HMS-800, and APsystems EZ1-LV, you are really choosing between integrated product marketing and bare-metal UL listings.

Compare full kits that use these inverters against your state's rate and sun hours.

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Quick comparison

	EcoFlow STREAM	Hoymiles HMS-800-2T	APsystems EZ1-LV
UL 1741 SB listed	Yes	Yes	Yes
Max AC output	800W (up to 1,200W variant)	800W	600–800W
Price (inverter only)	$299–$599 promo	$150–$250	$140–$220
App / monitoring	EcoFlow app, WiFi	Hoymiles app	APsystems app
State shipping	Gated (UT, MD expanding)	US distributors, wide	US distributors, wide
Battery path	STREAM Ultra integration	Third-party	Third-party
Best for	All-in-one buyers in legal states	DIY value	Compact single-panel builds

EcoFlow STREAM

EcoFlow sells the STREAM as a complete plug-in solar ecosystem: microinverter, optional LFP battery (STREAM Ultra), and app monitoring in one brand.

Pros:

Clean industrial design, strong consumer app
STREAM Ultra adds 1.92 kWh storage for evening self-consumption
Now shipping to Maryland post-HB 1532 (May 2026)

Cons:

State-gated sales. Utah was first; Maryland added; Oregon/Washington still blocked at checkout
Premium price vs bare inverters
Ecosystem lock-in for battery expansion

My take: Buy STREAM if you are in a state EcoFlow ships to and want one vendor for inverter + battery + app. If you are in Oregon, skip STREAM and go Hoymiles until EcoFlow expands.

Full setup walkthrough: EcoFlow STREAM Ultra setup guide.

Hoymiles HMS-800-2T

The default choice for price-sensitive DIY builders. Two MPPT inputs, 800W AC output, UL 1741 SB listing, sold through Signature Solar, Renvu, and other US distributors.

Pros:

Best $/watt when paired with Craigslist panels (budget DIY guide)
Ships nationwide without state-gated SKUs
Proven anti-islanding firmware

Cons:

You source panels, mounts, and cabling separately
No integrated battery; add storage later if needed
App is functional, not polished like EcoFlow

My take: What I’d install on my own balcony in a state without EcoFlow shipping. Total 800W build often lands at $650–$750 vs $899+ integrated kits.

APsystems EZ1-LV

APsystems targets the low-end microinverter market with a compact single-input unit (600W max on EZ1-LV). Good for single-panel 400W starters or tight balcony limits.

Pros:

Lowest inverter cost
UL 1741 SB listed, widely stocked
Simple install for one panel

Cons:

Lower watt ceiling per unit
Need two units or a higher-watt model for 800W systems
Less mindshare than Hoymiles in DIY forums

My take: Pair one EZ1-LV with a single 400W panel for a sub-$500 entry system. Scale to Hoymiles 800W when you add a second panel.

UL listing: what to verify

All three brands claim UL 1741 SB listing. Before you buy:

Download the manufacturer’s certificate PDF (not just marketing copy)
Match the exact model number on the label you receive
Prefer eventual UL 3700 full-system cert when available (UL 3700 explainer)

Generic Amazon microinverters without a certificate number are not worth the insurance risk.

Which inverter for which buyer

Buyer profile	Pick
Maryland renter, wants one box	EcoFlow STREAM 800W
Oregon DIY, shipping blocked	Hoymiles HMS-800
Starter budget, one panel	APsystems EZ1-LV + 400W panel
WFH, high evening load	EcoFlow STREAM Ultra
Lowest total system cost	Hoymiles + used panels

See also the full best kits 2026 roundup for complete SKUs including CraftStrom and Bright Saver.

Not sure which path fits your outlet and state law? Start with the readiness checker.

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