Optimise your Solar Installation

Which inverters are supported?

Our energy optimiser is currently compatible with ATESS, SunSynk, Deye, Megarevo, Sinexcel and Goodwe inverters. Certain restrictions apply to specific models and configurations. If you have a different type of inverter, please contact us for further information. We currently support inverters between 5kW and 1500kW.

AC-coupled PV inverters are also supported. We currently support SMA, Solax, Solis and Deye grid-tie inverters.

Can Powerpilot manage my Generator?

At most sites, the generators are started directly from the inverter when the grid has failed and the battery SoC reaches a configured level. In some configurations, such as those with multiple inverters and batteries, Powerpilot can directly manage the generators. Powerpilot can also monitor generators with specific types of controllers, including Deap Sea controllers.

Can Powerpilot manage my Batteries?

Most sites use Lithium batteries, which have an internal BMS. If properly configured, the BMS will normally communicate directly with the inverters to control the charging. On sites with multiple batteries in parallel, Powerpilot can often monitor each battery individually, depending on the make and model of the batteries. Many Freedom Won and IES batteries support this functionality.

Are parallel inverters and combinations of inverters supported?

Most of our customers use two or more parallel inverters, together with AC-coupled PV inverters. These configurations are fully supported.

One of the most common problems experienced by customer using grid-tie inverters on the output of a PCS, is that the batteries will be over-charged if the grid fails. Powerpilot can seemlessly manage this scenario, limiting your PV output when the battery is full.

Do you support Time-of-Use tariffs?

Powerpilot currently supports Eskom's MegaFlex tariffs. Other tariffs can easily be added. Energy banking is also supported, and used to optimise your grid usage.

Which factors influence the charging?

Our optimiser uses numerous factors, including historical power usage, forecast weather and load-shedding, expected shadows on the solar panels, moisture in the air, and direct, reflected and ambient sunlight. Our machine-learning model continuously predicts consumption and availability and adjusts your inverter accordingly.

Which Home/Building Automation systems are supported?

We are currently able to interface directly with Nice/ELAN, C-Bus and Shelly devices. We also have limited support for Sonoff. In addition, Nice/ELAN is able to integrate your inverter information into the ELAN display pages. We are actively developing interfaces to other automation systems based on demand.

Will it save me money?

In most cases, Powerpilot Optimiser pays for itself, while ensuring that you have power available when there is load shedding and using excessive energy to power optional loads. We will advise you if we do not believe that Call us to discuss your requirements.

Can you install/upgrade my system?

We work with partners who can install inverters, solar panels, batteries and home automation systems. Contact us for more information.

How do the triggers work?

Trigger conditions are regularly evaluated based on the latest inverter data. Events such as power failures, unexpected power outages, low battery, or excess solar energy are monitored based on your requirements. If any of these conditions are detected, actions such as switching off heaters or lights can be configured.

Multiple actions can be defined for a single condition. If there is excess solar energy, for example, your geyser could switch on for 10 minutes, followed by your pool pump for 15 minutes.

Is WIFI required at each installation?

Our on-site gateway communicates with our cloud servers using an LTE router. We will evaluate the internet options available on site, and decide whether to use WIFI, Ethernet or LTE.