Brief: Is there a way to make better use of excess solar energy automatically?
In a modern home, there are a whole range of electrical consumers. Lighting, heating systems, kitchen appliances, computers, electric cars and so on. However, homes not only consume energy, but they can also generate it. The most common way of achieving this is through solar panels. The so-called PV systems, however, generate energy exactly when it is needed least. During the day, the solar yield is highest, but electricity consumption is the lowest. Therefore, the surplus must be intelligently controlled and directed in the right direction.
The energy generated can be used, for example, to charge an electric car or to raise the boiler temperature. This converted and stored energy can then be used at a later date.
Solution: Using Loxone to automate the use of excess solar energy from panels.
With a Loxone-controlled excess solar energy management system, you can make your customers’ buildings more energy efficient. It is important to optimise the building’s own consumption in such a way that the energy generated by the building is used efficiently.
With the “Energy Manager” Function Block any produced energy can be used in a targeted way. You can use the block to control up to 12 devices with different priorities. If more energy is produced than is currently consumed, the various devices are automatically switched on.
The Energy Manager processes the list according to the level of the connected load. If there is a surplus, it tries – starting with the smallest connected load – to switch on as many devices as possible. In order for the energy manager to do its job, it must know how much electricity is currently being produced or consumed. In order to use the free solar energy even more efficiently, predicted values can also be included in the logic thanks to the Loxone Weather Service.
Hardware:
- Loxone Miniserver
- Modbus Extension
- Modbus Electricity Meter (3 Phase)
- IR Meter Reader Air
- Weather Service
Configuration:
Download the sample file:
PV Surplus
Why you and your customer should consider Loxone to manage excess solar energy?
An excess solar energy management system helps your customers to save valuable energy and thus reduce the energy costs of the building. With Loxone, your customers will be able to use the self-produced electricity of any solar panels optimally. Through the open interface structure of the Loxone Miniserver, any electrical device can be included in the energy management.
Whether that’s battery storage, electric cars, washing machines, heat pumps or freezers, all electrical devices in the building can be controlled depending on the required power.
With Loxone automation, you’ll help your customers to operate their building as economically as possible.