Shelly relay devices cannot be configured as PV inverters

DIY
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1

Hello everyone,

I’ve just put a Shelly Pro 1PM into operation together with a small single-phase PV system.

I would consider my level of knowledge in the Victron ecosystem to be quite solid, having completed three ESS installations (two three-phase systems and one single-phase system).

Now I’m facing the problem: I can only configure my Shelly as an AC load.

Then I found the following under Features in the Shelly integration section of the GX documentation:

“Using a dedicated EM (one without switching capabilities) with one of the following roles: Genset, AC load or PV Inverter. Note that the Grid role is not supported.”

Cerbo GX, firmware v3.75

Does this mean that only the “Shelly Pro 3EM (3-phase EM only)” can be used as a PV meter?

What’s the point of excluding all devices with relays from this?

2

The smaller Shellys should also be configurable as PV inverters in one of the next VenusOS versions.

Unfortunately, that really isn’t possible at the moment; it’s probably a bug…

What does work, though—and it works really well and is fairly straightforward—is integrating the Shelly 1PM as a virtual device via Node-RED.

That’s what I’ve done too; it works really well and displays the power correctly.

3

All Shelly devices could be used in node red as virual pv-inverter

4

I’m well aware that this is possible; however, surely the whole point of native integration is not having to do this anymore.

5

At the moment, not all Shelly devices are supported for every function.

If my Shelly devices aren’t supported, I’ll quickly write something in Node-RED :wink:

6

Native integration means not having to load custom drivers into venus to make the meter accessible.
It integrates natively into nodered, new features like opportunistic loads etc.
It does not mean it suddenly becomes an approved replacement for a certified energy meter, nor that it ever will be.
A lot of this functionality is new and will improve with time.

7

I understand that a Shelly is not a substitute for a grid meter at the point of connection. That’s also stated in the documentation.
It should work as a PV meter. With 3.80 ~39, it now works that way too.

8

Yes. Functionality is rolled out in phases, as there is time and as it makes sense to do so, given many other priorities.
It is rarely a good idea to be first to try these capabilities, there are often lessons to be learned or limitations that apply.
Personally, I try to stick to tried and tested configurations for critical components, even if it costs a bit more.
But this is the DIY section, so that isn’t always a consideration.

9

Yes, using proven technology is always a good idea. But since this feature is now available, I wanted to give it a try.
The current system consists solely of a microinverter with two modules to power a small ski lift clubhouse.
Since we’re considering adding more PV and a ESS, I went ahead and installed a Cerbo along with a VM-3P75CT.

10

I intend to use some Shelly meters/switches, since we now get a good variety here, but mainly for load metering/control for the new opportunistic load feature of ESS that supports them.
No doubt all this functionality will appear, there is a strong focus on integrating Shelly devices where it makes sense.
3.80 should be out quite soon, it is overdue.