Plug-in batteries and UK rules
In Great Britain, rules that took effect on 27 August 2026 allow plug-in solar panel kits of up to 800W to be self-installed, but they explicitly exclude plug-in batteries. A battery like this still needs fitting under the normal UK electrical and battery-storage rules. Also check whether a Hoymiles product is sold and supported in the UK, because the listings we found were for European markets.
- Hoymiles Power Electronics Inc. is a microinverter and solar maker whose MS-A2 and HiBattery 1920 AC are AC-coupled plug-in home batteries marketed mainly in Europe
- The MS-A2 stores 2.24 kWh in LFP cells with 800 VA output, retailer-listed 6,000-plus cycles and IEC 62619 compliance; two units can be combined
- The HiBattery 1920 AC lists 1.92 kWh per unit, 800 VA grid output, IP66, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, with up to six units (11.52 kWh) per setup
- Hoymiles' European warranty terms give 10 years as standard plus a 70% performance warranty; we could not confirm which terms apply in the UK, so ask the seller
Independent coverage
This page reflects our own independent assessment of Hoymiles, not a sponsored placement. If we later add affiliate links to Hoymiles's site, any commission we might earn does not change what we say about the brand here.
Who is Hoymiles
Hoymiles Power Electronics Inc. is a solar technology company best known for microinverters, which sit behind individual solar panels. It moved into storage with the MS-A2, which it launched as the first AC-coupled balcony power storage system on the market, and followed with the HiBattery 1920 AC. In April 2026 it also announced HiFlow and HiFlow Pro microinverters for the European plug-in solar market.
Its batteries are aimed at plug-in setups where solar panels connect to a microinverter and a socket, which is a popular model in parts of Europe. UK availability and approval are separate questions, so check them before buying. Hoymiles showed its HiBattery 4020 series at Solar & Storage Live UK 2026, and its own press release says HiBattery systems fall outside the UK plug-in solar framework but can be hardwired into the consumer unit as an installed system.
The Hoymiles product range
The MS-A2 is a 2.24 kWh LFP battery with a built-in inverter, 800 VA output, a size of 455 x 220 x 457 mm and a weight of 32 kg. It connects by a plug-and-play cable to the socket that a micro inverter feeds, and works with microinverters generally. You can add a second MS-A2 to double capacity.
The HiBattery 1920 AC holds 1.92 kWh per unit with an 800 VA grid output. Hoymiles says up to six units can be combined for 11.52 kWh, and that it supports dynamic price control and a time-of-use mode. Hoymiles has also said it plans a hybrid micro-storage product.
2.24 kWh
capacity of the Hoymiles MS-A2
6,000+
battery cycles retailers list for the MS-A2
11.52 kWh
maximum capacity of six HiBattery 1920 AC units
Key technology behind Hoymiles batteries
AC coupling means the battery connects at the mains side rather than to the solar panels directly, so it can be added to an existing microinverter setup. The MS-A2 uses LFP cells and is described by Hoymiles as complying with IEC 62619, and a retailer notes TÜV Rheinland certification.
Monitoring runs through the S-Miles cloud and an app. The HiBattery adds Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and an AI-assisted time-of-use mode. As with any smart mode, test whether it fits your tariff before relying on its savings claims.
Strengths and limitations
Here is a balanced picture of Hoymiles storage.
Strengths
- Established solar electronics maker rather than a start-up
- AC-coupled design that retrofits to an existing microinverter system
- LFP cells and a retailer-listed 6,000-plus cycle life on the MS-A2
- Expandable: two MS-A2 units or up to six HiBattery units
Worth checking before you buy
- Listings we found were for European markets, so UK availability, support and compliance need checking
- We could not confirm which warranty terms apply to UK purchases
- The MS-A2 weighs 32 kg, so it is awkward to move
- Plug-in batteries are excluded from the UK's 2026 self-install rules for plug-in solar
Where Hoymiles fits the market
Hoymiles sits in the plug-in battery segment with Marstek, Zendure, Anker SOLIX and Indevolt. Its edge is a long-established microinverter business.
For a UK home, see our plug-in versus installed comparison and check what applies in your area before buying any plug-in battery.
Common questions about Hoymiles
What does Hoymiles make?
Hoymiles makes microinverters and storage products, including the MS-A2 and HiBattery 1920 AC plug-in batteries.
Is Hoymiles a UK company?
No. Hoymiles Power Electronics Inc. is an international solar electronics company and the batteries we found were marketed in Europe.
Is a Hoymiles battery legal to self-install in the UK?
The rules that took effect on 27 August 2026 allow DIY installation of plug-in solar panels up to 800W but explicitly exclude plug-in batteries, so a battery like this should be fitted under the normal rules.
What is the difference between the MS-A2 and HiBattery 1920 AC?
The MS-A2 stores 2.24 kWh with 800 VA output. The HiBattery 1920 AC stores 1.92 kWh per unit, also with 800 VA grid output, is IP66-rated, and up to six can be combined.
What warranty does Hoymiles give?
Hoymiles' European terms list 10 years as standard plus a 70% performance warranty. We could not confirm which terms apply in the UK, so check them with your seller.
Do I need solar panels for a Hoymiles battery?
An AC-coupled battery can also store off-peak grid power in principle, but the benefit depends on your tariff and usage, so test the maths with our calculator first.
Not sure a plug-in battery pays back for you?
Run your own numbers with our free, independent calculator and see the capacity and payback range that fits your usage.