Understanding SOC (State of Charge) Settings and Why They Matter
The last-minute announcement of Stage 3 load shedding has probably reached you by now. If you’re experiencing power shortages at night despite having a solar system installed by Alumo Energy, you might find that your battery settings need to be adjusted. Many systems were initially configured to prioritize efficiency based on grid stability. However, with load shedding now in effect, ensuring that your State of Charge (SOC) settings are optimized is crucial to keeping your home powered at night.
What is SOC and How Does It Affect Battery Performance?
SOC refers to the percentage of charge remaining in your battery at any given time. It is a crucial setting that determines how much stored power is available for use when the sun is not shining. By default, many solar systems are programmed to prioritize energy efficiency and battery longevity, often preventing deep discharges to extend battery life. However, in a load shedding scenario, adjusting SOC settings allows for increased energy availability during outages and nighttime use.
Steps to Adjust SOC Settings
Sunsynk Systems
- If you have a Sunsynk inverter, follow the step-by-step guide in this YouTube tutorial to adjust your SOC settings: Sunsynk SOC Settings Guide
AlphaESS Systems
- If you have an AlphaESS inverter, follow the step-by-step guide in this YouTube tutorial to adjust your SOC settings: AlphaESS SOC Settings Guide
Save and Monitor Performance
- Apply the new settings and observe power usage trends.
- Adjust the SOC limits as necessary to achieve an optimal balance between battery longevity and energy availability.
How Alumo Energy Can Help
Adjusting SOC settings can be complex if you are unfamiliar with your system’s interface. At Alumo Energy, we offer support to help our customers reconfigure their solar systems for optimal nighttime performance. If you need assistance, contact our expert team, and we’ll guide you through the process or adjust the settings for you.
Need help updating your SOC settings? Reach out to Alumo Energy today to ensure your solar system is ready for loadshedding use!
Contact us on our 24/7 Tech Support number: 064 926 1019