Successful PV Overload Charging Setup with EVCC - Tips and Tricks

Hi everyone, I wanted to share my recent success in setting up PV overload charging with EVCC. As a newcomer to the world of smart home automation, I found this project both challenging and rewarding. Let me walk you through my journey and some tips that might help you avoid common pitfalls.

The Challenge:
I decided to set up PV overload charging for my Volkswagen using EVCC. My setup includes a go-e charger V4, a SMA inverter, and a SMA Homemanager. Initially, I faced a lot of frustration as the setup didn’t work as expected. I spent hours tweaking configurations and checking connections, but nothing seemed to work.

The Solution:
After some research and reaching out to the community, I realized that the issue might be with my configuration file. I started by carefully reviewing the EVCC documentation and adjusting my settings. Here are some key steps that helped:

  1. Network Configuration:

    • Ensure your EVCC instance is correctly configured with the right schema, host, and port. Double-check all IP addresses and make sure they’re accessible.
  2. Meter and Charger Definitions:

    • Accurately define your meters and chargers in the configuration file. Pay close attention to the Modbus settings for your inverter and charger. I found that using the correct template for my devices was crucial.
  3. Vehicle Setup:

    • Make sure your vehicle is properly configured with the correct VIN and credentials. EVCC’s ability to enable PV charging when the vehicle is identified was a game-changer for me.
  4. Testing and Monitoring:

    • Use the built-in logging features to monitor your setup. I found that increasing the log level for specific components helped me identify issues quickly.

The Outcome:
After several iterations and adjustments, my PV overload charging setup finally worked! It’s incredibly satisfying to see my electric vehicle charging using solar energy. This setup not only reduces my carbon footprint but also saves me money on electricity bills.

Tips for Others:

  • Don’t hesitate to reach out to the community for help. The EVCC community is incredibly supportive and knowledgeable.
  • Take your time with the configuration. A small mistake in the settings can lead to significant issues.
  • Regularly check your system’s performance and adjust settings as needed.

I hope this post helps someone else looking to set up PV overload charging with EVCC. It’s a fantastic system once everything is working smoothly. Happy automating!

Best regards,
[Your Name]