Wallbox
A wallbox charges an electric car at home with significantly more power than a domestic socket and with the necessary safety features. When combined with a photovoltaic system, it can ideally charge the car when the roof is generating more electricity than the house currently needs. The range includes wallboxes from EcoFlow, Huawei, Solplanet and SunGrow.
Charging capacity and connection
| Wallbox | Max. charging power | Connection | protection rating | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow PowerPulse | 11 kW | Type 2 | IP65 | 2 years |
| Huawei AP07N-EU | 7.4 kW | Type 2 socket | IP54 | 3 years |
| Solplanet SOL7.4H-WP | 7.4 kW | Permanently attached Type 2 cable, 5 m | IP65 | 3 years |
| SunGrow AC007E-01 | 7.4 kW | Permanently attached Type 2 cable, 7 m | IP65 | 5 years |
7.4 kW is the power output provided by a single-phase 32 A connection; a three-phase wallbox with 16 A delivers 11 kW. A qualified electrician will clarify with the network operator whether it is permitted to charge at full power via a single-phase domestic connection. The speed at which a car actually charges is also limited by its own charger. With a wallbox fitted with a socket, you plug in the vehicle’s charging cable; with a permanently attached cable, it is connected to the box. For wallboxes with sockets, Type 2 charging cables from Fronius are also available here in lengths of 5 and 7.5 m (up to 32 A). The protection rating is IP54 (Huawei) and IP65 (the remaining three models).
Charging with solar power: surplus PV charging
For surplus PV charging, the wallbox requires the current reading from the property’s connection point: how much electricity is currently flowing into the grid. This reading is provided by an energy meter, usually via an inverter from the same manufacturer. The wallboxes from EcoFlow, Huawei and Solplanet feature solar integration as a function; EcoFlow and Solplanet also mention dynamic load management, which reduces the charging current before the domestic connection becomes overloaded. Depending on the model, the devices connect via Wi-Fi, LAN or Ethernet, RS485 and Bluetooth.
Suitable meters can be found in the Smart Meters for PV Systems’ section, whilst inverters are listed under hybrid inverters. Those wishing to store surplus energy for use in the evening will find batteries in the ‘energy storage section.
Connection and registration
A wallbox is permanently connected to the domestic electrical installation. This is carried out by a qualified electrician, who registers the box with the network operator before commissioning. ACTEC supplies the wallbox but does not offer installation services. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Huawei, Solplanet SunGrow wallboxes are fitted with a residual current device (RCD); the qualified electrician determines what additional fuse protection is required in the sub-distribution board.
Frequently asked questions about the wallbox
Can I charge using solar power with the wallbox?
Yes, provided the wallbox can detect surplus energy at the property connection. To do this, it requires an energy meter, which is usually connected via the inverter. Check the technical data sheet to see which inverters and meters the wallbox is compatible with.
Is 7.4 kW enough, or do I need 11 kW?
This depends mainly on the vehicle’s charger. It limits the power output and the number of phases used for charging; this information can be found in the vehicle specifications. An 11 kW Wallbox only offers an advantage if the car is capable of three-phase charging.
Do I need to register the wallbox?
Yes, with the network operator. This is usually handled by the qualified electrician who connects the wallbox.