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DRBO GreenenergyArticle published at:
July 01, 2026
In short: If you don't want to feed your solar surplus into the grid for free, you can use it to power specific appliances or charge your battery. In the Anker ecosystem, the Anker Smart Plug takes care of this, along with the Smart Meter. The more open, manufacturer-independent alternative is the Shelly Pro 3EM – it precisely measures three-phase power and controls zero export as well as appliances, also with the SunEnergyXT battery.
Key points at a glance
- Anker Smart Plug: simple in the Anker ecosystem, switches individual appliances when there's a surplus.
- Shelly Pro 3EM: precise 3-phase meter, basis for zero export, manufacturer-independent.
- Tip: With SunEnergyXT battery + Shelly Pro 3EM, you are not tied to one ecosystem – and the EcoTracker IR is a smart addition for surplus detection.
What does "utilizing PV surplus" even mean?
Your balcony power plant often produces more electricity during the day than is currently consumed. This surplus would otherwise flow unused (and uncompensated) into the grid. Two ways to utilize it:
- Switching consumers: A smart plug switches on, e.g., a boiler, heat pump, or washing machine when there is a surplus.
- Charging the battery & zero export: A smart meter detects the surplus and controls the battery so that as little as possible goes into the grid (zero export).
Anker Smart Plug: simple, but ecosystem-bound
The Anker Smart Plug is a switchable smart socket within the Anker ecosystem. Together with the Anker Smart Meter, the system detects a surplus and switches on the connected appliance. Advantages: easy setup in the Anker app, good integration with Anker batteries. Disadvantage: The solution primarily delivers its benefits within the Anker ecosystem – combining devices from different manufacturers encounters limitations.
Shelly Pro 3EM: precise, open, manufacturer-independent
The Shelly Pro 3EM is a precise 3-phase energy meter. It measures household consumption in real-time and forms the basis for reliable zero export – this is precisely the meter that BILD's practical test used for its battery comparisons. Strengths:
- Precise 3-phase measurement as the basis for zero export.
- Manufacturer-independent: works with many batteries – including the SunEnergyXT BK215/500.
- Openly integratable into smart home systems (e.g., Home Assistant) – ideal for switching consumers when there is a surplus.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | Anker Smart Plug (+ Smart Meter) | Shelly Pro 3EM |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Switch consumers when there's a surplus | 3-phase measurement, zero export, control |
| Ecosystem | primarily Anker | manufacturer-independent |
| Zero export | within the Anker system | with many batteries (incl. SunEnergyXT) |
| Smart home integration | limited | extensive (e.g., Home Assistant) |
Our recommendation: combine openly instead of locking yourself in
If you want to maintain the freedom to choose your battery and control independently, the combination of SunEnergyXT battery + Shelly Pro 3EM is the more flexible choice. For contactless surplus detection via infrared, the EcoTracker IR is also a suitable addition. This way, you make optimal use of your solar power – without a single manufacturer's ecosystem.
Set up zero export: The Shelly Pro 3EM is the proven basis – compatible with the SunEnergyXT BK215 & 500.
View Shelly Pro 3EM →Also relevant: SunEnergyXT 500 PRO (5 kWh, immediately available) and the Anker Solarbank overview with alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I switch on a consumer when there's a PV surplus?
Via a smart plug (e.g., Anker Smart Plug) in the respective ecosystem, or manufacturer-independently via a Shelly in conjunction with a smart home control system.
Do I absolutely need Anker hardware for zero export?
No. A Shelly Pro 3EM works with many batteries, including the SunEnergyXT BK215/500.
What is the EcoTracker IR?
An infrared-based meter reader head for surplus detection – useful if a modern meter is not installed.
Status: June 2026. Information based on publicly available manufacturer/retailer information, subject to change. Brand and product names belong to their respective manufacturers. Editorial guide, not legal advice.
