Is it possible with EasySolar to give PV charging poriority over grid charging?

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arsmachina asked Sep 30, '21

Is it possible with EasySolar to give PV charging poriority over grid charging?

I am thinking about replacing and upgrading all the electric stuff in my 1997 mobile home.

I want to add photovoltaik and as the mobile home is also permanently connected to the grid (I am only visiting at the weekends) I am looking for a solution that is charging my batteries mainly from photovoltaik and only uses the grid for charging when there is not enough sun.

My compressor fridge is running all the time, so I need permanent power.

Is it possible with EasySolar (not yet sure which size I will take) to get this PV charging priority over grid charging so I do only have to pay for grid power when there is not enough sun to power my fridge while I am away over the weekdays.

Thanks for your help!

Jochen

EasySolar All-in-One

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Answer 1 · 2021-09-30T23:39:05Z

rickp answered · Sep 30, 2021 at 11:39 PM

In the Multiplus there is a function called “AC Ignore” that accomplishes this. I’m not sure if it exists on the EasySolar, but you can check the manual for it.

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arsmachina commented · Oct 01, 2021 at 09:25 AM

Hello Rick,

can I switch this “AC Ignore” automatically depending on the charge state of the battery and the PV output state?

Thanks Jochen

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Answer 2 · 2021-10-01T07:58:59Z

JohnC answered · Oct 01, 2021 at 07:58 AM

Hi @ArsMachina

The EasySolar has a Multiplus aboard, so it has all the same functionality.

The simple way to give the solar priority is to just set the Multi charge setpoints a little lower than the solar mppt. In that case you could just switch in the grid manually as you need it, whether or not the solar is active.

This can all be 'automated' to a high degree, but comes with the need for a little experience to know what you actually need, then how to set it up.

The Easy is a good choice, providing the components within are all suited to your needs. It's really just a 'combo' box of devices that you can purchase separately.

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arsmachina commented · Oct 01, 2021 at 09:23 AM

Hello John,

Quote: In that case you could just switch in the grid manually as you need it

The problem is, that I am not there to switch anything manually. The car is alone over the weekdays and I am only there the weekends. So I need automatic charging switching to keep the costs low (grid power) but still have my 12V fridge running all the time.

Thanks Jochen

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JohnC ♦ arsmachina commented · Oct 01, 2021 at 11:30 AM

@ArsMachina

Ok. This leads to the 'Ignore AC input' thing that Rick mentioned. You'll need access to the Multi settings either with a MK3 Adaptor, or via VRM (some bigger Easy's have a GX aboard to get there).

I'd do it with an Assistant, described broadly here.. https://www.victronenergy.com/live/assistants:start

In particular, this one.. https://www.victronenergy.com/live/assistants:ignore_ac_input_using_the_generator_assistant

The example there isn't suited to you, but the objective is to switch on/off the Ignore AC (your grid) using the onboard ac relay in the Multi, based on (maybe) low voltage in your batts.

Bit of a learning curve to tackle here, but you'll find it worth the effort.

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Answer 3 · 2021-10-01T11:22:40Z

Alexandra answered · Oct 01, 2021 at 11:22 AM

@ArsMachina

Virtual switch or ac ignore under assistants will work.

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Answer 4 · 2021-10-02T02:04:22Z

rickp answered · Oct 02, 2021 at 02:04 AM

I have the AC Ignore set for state of charge at 30% I believe, which takes a bit of trial and error setting with LifePe04 batteries because voltage drop reading is near flat and goes quickly at the end. I have shore power available and it kicks in to charge at that point, charges back to 100%, then resets to AC Ignore until the next time the “on” parameter is met.

Once you get in there and see the logic of how the settings interact, it’ll make a lot more sense. It’s like a reverse-UPS, backwards to the default setup. You can pick which conditions work best for your need.

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Answer 5 · 2021-10-02T10:11:29Z

Paul B answered · Oct 02, 2021 at 10:11 AM

To do this you need to setup ESS. so look up ess setup on the victron site

once this is setup and you will need a GX device to do this. then you can set the min bat state of charge to say 90% also set the grid set point to say 50 watts and then turn on the DC coupled PV (ie the smartsolar units) on

Then the solar well be used to charge the batteries until they are 100% then it will export the solar excess if there is a grid or the smartsolars will reduce charge then at night it will take from the battery until the soc set point is reached

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ess:quick-installation-guide

Make sure you are on the latest fw for everything.

I have just finished setting one up for a client and its working great for him

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Paul B commented · Oct 02, 2021 at 10:14 AM

you can then also monitor the site remotey and do all adjustments remotely Inc FW upgrades and adjustments to the easysolar regulator and the multiplus inside (Note Internet access is required)

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