EV Charger pre-purchase Query - Current setup AlphaESS & GOODWE

Smart Chargers
1

Hi there,

I have a multi question request that hopefully can be answered on this forum.

As mention in subject, AlphaESS B3 Smile Battery & GOODWE GW-5000-EH

AlphaESS is what I use most and fine tune my home requirements from whereas Sems Portal App doesn’t seem to have much functionality, it’s all online but some information appears to be missing when viewing the app…

The aim is to use excess solar to charge vehicle (no grid).

My first question is, can I and should I connect Charge HQ to AlphaESS or Sems Portal?

If AlphaESS, is the B3 Smile compatible with the charge HQ service?

Second question is, do you have a recommended EV charger to purchase?

Thanks, Jordan.

2

Hi Jordan,

When you have a home battery and solar, you only connect the home battery (assuming it’s compatible).

The AlphaESS should work fine, you can test it via a free 2-month trial.

For the EV charger, if you have a Tesla EV I personally like the Tesla HPWC because of the unlock button on the handle.

For a non-Tesla EV, the Wallbox, Fronius Wattpilot and ZJ Beny are all worth a look. More details here: Smart Charger Recommendations - 2024

Andrew

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Thanks for getting back to me so quickly on this. I’ll do a trial tomorrow

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Hi, I’ve returned back to this topic looking for help with selecting and purchasing an EV charger, with a couple of questions this time which may relate to my current setup, as mentioned above GoodWe inverter and Alphaess B3 Smile battery.

First question is I’m looking to use excess solar. I’ve seen your list of supported chargers that will use excess solar but of that list is there a way of knowing if that charger is compatible with my current setup?

Of course I’d like to use chargeHQ but I’d also like to know which chargers also have their own in built software for using exces solar that is compatible (if required) for me current setup?

Thanks in advance!
Jordan.

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Hi @leejordan86 . This article may help: Options for EV charging from solar

Most EV chargers which support solar charging require a separate CT clamp or meter to be installed in your meter box. Charge HQ is different: it communicates with your existing solar / battery system to determine the amount of excess solar. This is explained in the above article.

So, most EV chargers which support solar charging should be compatible with your setup, unless you have 3 phase supply in which case you’ll need to confirm with the vendor.