Anker Solix Solarbank E1600 vs. SunEnergyXT 500 PRO: The Honest 5 kWh Comparison 2026

In short: The Anker Solarbank 4 Pro and SunEnergyXT 500 PRO are remarkably similar: both feature around 5 kWh LiFePO4, 4 MPPT trackers, robust emergency power output, and are expandable up to 30 kWh. In the independent practical test by BILD-Kaufberater, only minor details differentiated them – and these details determine which storage system is the better choice for whom.

What is it about? Two 5 kWh storage systems of the new generation

In 2026, compact all-in-one storage systems that combine a battery, inverter, four MPPT charge controllers, and an emergency power outlet in one casing will be in focus. It is precisely in this class that the Anker Solarbank 4 Pro and SunEnergyXT 500 PRO compete – both with around 5 kWh, both significantly above simple 800 W systems.

What the independent BILD practical test says

The BILD-Kaufberater tested both storage systems under identical conditions (same modules, same Shelly Pro 3EM, same home network). The most important results:

• Capacity & efficiency: In the discharge test via the emergency power socket, both storage systems achieved a calculated practical efficiency of around 95% – practically a tie.
• Emergency power & UPS: Both kept a fan heater running without interruption when disconnected from the grid. Anker is slightly ahead with up to 2,500 W compared to SunEnergyXT (up to 2,400 W); according to the test, this did not result in a clear practical advantage.
• Zero feed-in: In the toughest load change test (hair dryer), the SunEnergyXT 500 PRO regulated more smoothly and with less overshooting than the Anker Solarbank 4 Pro – this point went to SunEnergyXT.
• Low light: In dim morning light, the SunEnergyXT with an identical module setup already showed output, while the Anker was still at 0 W – earlier PV start for SunEnergyXT.
• App: Anker's app seems more modern and includes AI functions, but sometimes has nested menus; SunEnergyXT shows more detailed MPPT values (voltage, current, power per input). The overall app point narrowly went to Anker, the MPPT details to SunEnergyXT.
• Size & weight: The Anker is more compact and lighter at ~50 kg, the SunEnergyXT (~58 kg) is larger and heavier – but usually only set up once in everyday use.

Source: BILD-Kaufberater, practical test 2026. Summarized in essence.

Technical data in comparison

Feature	SunEnergyXT 500 PRO	Anker Solarbank 4 Pro
Storage capacity	5,024 Wh (4.8 kWh usable), LiFePO4	5,024 Wh, LiFePO4
Practical efficiency (BILD test)	~95 %	~95 %
Inverter (AC)	up to 2,400 W	up to 2,500 W (Bypass up to 3,600 W)
MPPT trackers	4	4
Max. PV input	approx. 2,500 W	up to 5,000 W
Emergency power	up to 2,400 W; UPS without visible interruption	up to 2,500 W; UPS without visible interruption
Weight	approx. 58 kg	approx. 50 kg
Expandable up to	30 kWh; three-phase up to ~270 kWh (PowerBOX)	30 kWh; multi-system via Power Dock
Software / Smart Home	App + detailed MPPT values, local Home Assistant API	App + AI energy management
Price (as of June 2026)	€1,349, immediately available	from approx. €1,499

Technical specifications according to manufacturer data sheets; test values according to BILD-Kaufberater. As of June 2026, prices are subject to change.

Where the Anker Solarbank 4 Pro scores

• Significantly higher PV input power (up to 5,000 W) – ideal if you want to connect many modules or a larger roof area.
• Lighter & more compact (~50 kg) and with a more modern app including AI functions.
• Slightly higher emergency power output (up to 2,500 W) and multi-system expansion via the Power Dock.

Where the SunEnergyXT 500 PRO scores

With almost identical capacity, the strengths of the SunEnergyXT 500 PRO lie where it matters in everyday life:

• Smoother zero feed-in and earlier PV start in low light – in the BILD test, both points for SunEnergyXT. More self-consumption, especially in the morning and evening.
• More attractive price: €1,349 instead of around €1,499 for a comparable 5 kWh base – immediately available.
• Independently awarded: additionally "VERY GOOD" in the ComputerBild practical test (computerbild.de, 15.04.2026).
• Open software: detailed MPPT values per input and local Home Assistant API – your data stays with you.
• Largest expansion path: three-phase up to approx. 270 kWh via the SunEnergyXT PowerBOX – up to the emergency power supply for the entire house.

If you want to feed in less than 800 W, choose the cheaper SunEnergyXT 500 (800 W) and later expand with B500 additional batteries. For zero feed-in, a Shelly Pro 3EM is recommended – the same meter used by the BILD test.

Important: Operation with more than 800 W feed-in power

Both devices deliver more than 800 W and therefore no longer fall under the simplified balcony power plant regulation. The BILD test also points out that higher power levels are no longer classic plug-and-play operation and must be clarified with an electrician or grid operator. Practical solution: limit the feed-in to 800 W via zero feed-in/smart meter – this way you use the full storage and emergency power capacity while adhering to the feed-in limit. Our MaStR step-by-step guide explains how to register.

Conclusion: Which 5 kWh storage system for whom?

Anker Solarbank 4 Pro: the better choice if you want to connect a lot of PV power to a storage system (large roof area), value low weight, and want to stay within the Anker ecosystem.

SunEnergyXT 500 PRO: the more well-rounded choice for most households – cheaper, with smoother regulation and earlier PV start in practical tests, open software, and the largest expansion path towards a three-phase house system. A multi-comparison can be found in our article SunEnergyXT 500 PRO vs. Anker Solix vs. Zendure SolarFlow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which storage system regulates zero feed-in better?
In the BILD practical test, the SunEnergyXT 500 PRO regulated more smoothly and with less overshooting during abrupt load changes than the Anker Solarbank 4 Pro.

Which storage system starts earlier in low light?
The SunEnergyXT 500 PRO already showed output with the same module setup, while the Anker was still at 0 W.

Which storage system is suitable for many solar modules?
The Anker Solarbank 4 Pro – it processes up to 5,000 W PV input power, the SunEnergyXT up to approx. 2,500 W.

Which one can be expanded more?
Both up to 30 kWh. The SunEnergyXT 500 PRO goes beyond that three-phase with the PowerBOX (theoretically up to ~270 kWh).

Am I allowed to feed in 2,400 W?
Not under the simplified 800 W balcony power plant rule. You can limit the feed-in or register the system as a larger PV system.

Status: June 2026. Technical specifications according to manufacturer data sheets, test results summarized in essence according to BILD-Kaufberater (practical test 2026). Prices and specifications are subject to change. Brand and product names belong to their respective manufacturers. Editorial comparison, not legal advice.