Accessories
‘Accessories’ refers to equipment required for use with one’s own photovoltaic system, other than the modules, inverters or storage units themselves: charging technology for electric cars, energy meters for the meter cupboard and power optimisers for shaded modules. In addition, there are two items of equipment unrelated to photovoltaics: a pedestal fan and a television.
PV accessories at a glance
Wallboxes charge electric cars at home, using surplus energy from the roof if desired. The range includes models from EcoFlow with 11 kW, as well as from Huawei, Solplanet and SunGrow with 7.4 kW; some come with a permanently attached charging cable, whilst others feature a Type 2 socket. Details and differences are shown in the Wallbox for Photovoltaics category.
Smart meters measure consumption and grid feed-in at the property connection point and transmit the data to the inverter. Without this measurement, neither on-demand battery charging nor grid feed-in limitation or surplus charging will function. The meters from Fronius, Growatt, SAJ and SunGrow are each linked to the inverters from their respective manufacturers; these can be found under Smart Meters for PV Systems.
Power optimisers are installed behind individual modules and decouple them from the rest of the string if a chimney, dormer window or tree casts a shadow over individual modules. The range includes the BRC Power Optimizer from M600-M.
In addition, there is an Ai dongle from Solplanet, which connects the Solplanet inverter to the manufacturer’s cloud and app, thereby enabling system monitoring. Further dongles, Wi-Fi sticks and communication modules are available in the inverter accessories range.
What needs to be compatible
When it comes to PV accessories, the inverter manufacturer’s specifications are decisive. Smart meters, dongles and wallboxes with solar integration exchange data with the inverter, usually via RS485, Wi-Fi or LAN, and this communication is manufacturer-specific. The meters in the range are each designed for the inverters produced by their own manufacturer. Anyone retrofitting a system should therefore first check the make and model of the existing inverter and then select the appropriate accessories. The inverter’s technical data sheet specifies which meters and communication modules it supports.
Beyond photovoltaics
For the summer, the range includes the Hantech floor fan FD-40MD, a simple alternative to an air conditioner for rooms where circulating air is sufficient. From TCL – which usually stocks air conditioners in the shop – comes a 65-inch television with a Mini-LED display.
Frequently asked questions about PV accessories
Do I need a smart meter for my battery storage system?
Generally speaking, yes. The inverter needs to know how much electricity the house is currently using in order to charge and discharge the storage system correctly. The inverter’s data sheet specifies which meter is suitable.
Can I use a wallbox to charge my car with solar power?
Yes, provided the wallbox supports solar integration and can detect surplus energy via an energy meter. According to the manufacturers’ specifications, this applies to wallboxes from EcoFlow, Huawei and Solplanet.
Is a power optimiser worth it?
Particularly where individual modules are regularly shaded. On a roof without any shade, the benefit is minimal.