Intro
Solar charging means charging an EV with the energy from connected solar panels, also known as PV panels. Here you can learn how to prepare and set up SolarCharge, based on your charge point brand and installation.
SolarCharge requirements
1. Your charge point is on this list of compatible charge points.
2. You have previously installed solar panels at your home.
3. Your charge point is connected to Monta
Set up SolarCharge
After you have added and connected a compatible charge point in Monta Charge you can start the setup. It is currently only possible to set up solar charging on a single charge point per user.
To access SolarCharge:
- Go to the Chargers page
- Click on the … button in the top right corner
- Click on Home features
- Click on Solar charging
- Next, you need to select one of the following methods to activate SolarCharge:
1. Set up Solar forecast
You need to share information about the positioning of your solar panels, so Monta can estimate your solar production and calculate the resulting charging speed.
Combined peak output – the maximum power output that your solar panels are rated to produce. This can be found on the box or be provided by your installer. You need to sum the output of all connected solar panels and enter the result in kW.
Declination – the tilt angle of the solar plan installation, relative to the ground. You can measure it yourself, or consult your solar installer.
Azimuth – the compass angle orientation of the solar panels,relative to due South. You can measure that with a compass or ask your solar installer. Due East is -90 degrees, and due West is +90 degrees, while due South is 0 degrees.
When you input the above information, you will see Monta’s calculation of the output.
Now is the optional step to calibrate Monta’s estimated production. If you have access to your real solar production from your PV inverter or other real time source, enter that now and Monta’s prediction algorithm will use these values to try and more accurately predict your solar production forecast.
2. Saveeye integration
Saveeye is a Smart Meter, which can send Monta granular data of your charge point’s consumption. This information is used for charging from surplus and Fuse protection. If you have a Saveeye, you need to register it in your account and then connect it to Wi-Fi. Afterwards, there is a very simple integration process of scanning the meter’s QR code, so you attach it to your Monta setup.
3. Charger with CT clamp
Only a few selected charge points support this option at the moment. CT clamps work the same as the Saveeye integration, but they have to be installed by an certified electrician. If you don’t see the option to integrate ct clamps your charge point doesn’t support it.
Now, you are ready to start a charge!
Set up troubleshooting
If there is an error in the setup process, here are a few troubleshooting options:
Firmware update – Make sure that your charge point is running on the latest firmware version. You can check for available updates in the charge point settings.
CT clamp installation – When you are setting up SolarCharge, make sure that you have a CT clamp installed and that it is placed correctly on your main home load. We recommend consulting an installer if there are any doubts.
Charge with SolarCharge
After you have enabled SolarCharge for your charge point, you are ready to start charging.
Currently, you can only perform a Charge now session with SolarCharge.
Just open your charge point, select Charge now, toggle on SolarCharge.
You will see straight away if there is enough sun power to start SolarCharging.
If there is not enough energy available to actively charge your car, you will see that on the screen. You can still start the SolarCharge and it will begin charging your car when there is enough sun power. When the sun goes down, the charge will pause, and resume when there is enough sun. The charge session will end when your car’s battery is full.