DonB (Customer) asked a question.
Solar panel control help...
I am off grid solar using grid tie inverters. I am looking for a wifi voltage monitor with relay output and programmable presets.
I am off grid solar using grid tie inverters. I am looking for a wifi voltage monitor with relay output and programmable presets.
Currently, I'm using a battery monitor that activates a 12V output signal at a low footage trigger point and cancels at a higher voltage. It connects to a coil relay that cuts the panel circuit. My problem is that it only uses whole number values and I need more accuracy.
My house battery is 48V and the lithium chemistry tops out at 58.8V. I need to be able to monitor voltage and program via WiFi. The units I have found have everything I need except WiFi access for monitoring or programming. Any leads would be appreciated!
I am not aware of an all in one solution but I am doing something similar with switch gear battery monitoring. I am not using WIFI so I am using a productivity 1000 as I am more familiar with that platform but click does have a WIFI version.
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/sensors_-z-_encoders/current_-a-_voltage_sensors_(ac_-a-_dc)/voltage_transducers/ac-z-dc_voltage_transducers#sort=undefined%20desc&start=0
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/programmable_controllers/click_series_plcs/click_plus_plcs_(stackable_micro_modular)/cpus/c2-02cpu
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/programmable_controllers/click_series_plcs/click_plus_plcs_(stackable_micro_modular)/cpu_option_slot_modules/c2-08d1-6c
If you are looking for something cheaper you could probably put something together with a ESP32 and something like this
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/17873
Sorry for breaking into the discussion so late. I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble finding a wifi voltage monitor that fits all of your needs. Have you tried looking into any custom or programmable options, or reaching out to manufacturers? Another resource you might want to check out is https://yenex.com. They specialize in distributed energy systems, including solar panel systems, and they may be able to provide you with expert advice and guidance on your voltage monitoring issue. It's always great to have a knowledgeable team to turn to when troubleshooting a problem. I hope this helps!
What worked for me was using a device called the Victron Energy BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor. It offers precise voltage monitoring down to 0.01V increments and has built-in Bluetooth for programming and monitoring via their app. This could solve your problem of needing more accuracy and WiFi access for monitoring and programming. Additionally, the app is very user-friendly, making it easy to set up and manage your presets remotely.
Last year, I also installed solar panels at my home, and what helped me a lot was finding the world's #1 solar generator review site. It provided me with comprehensive reviews and detailed information on various solar generators and monitoring devices. This made it easier for me to choose the right equipment for my needs. You might find it useful to check out their reviews and recommendations to find the best solution for your setup. Here's the site I used: https://solargenerators.to/.
Just stumbled upon your post while searching for solar panel control tips. I’ve been off-grid for a while and know how tricky it can be to find the right monitoring gear. For my setup, I needed something that would accurately read my battery voltage without just whole numbers, so I feel your pain.I ended up using a Wi-Fi-enabled battery monitor that has great accuracy and customizable alerts. It took some digging, but it made a huge difference for keeping my batteries healthy. I found some solid options on https://solarsmart.ie/ that specialize in solar power systems in Ireland. They might have the tech you need.