Need switching device controlled by insolation. Does it exist?

[Sunking]

This is Indiana and they do things differently. I buy power from them at retail and sell them my excess at wholesale rates. Two separate lines on the monthly bill.

Then you do not have net metering.

To do what you want only takes a photocell and a small relay to turn on\off the vehicle charger..

[DanS26]

Then you do not have net metering.

To do what you want only takes a photocell and a small relay to turn on\off the vehicle charger..

Yes, our utility calls it "net billing". An REMC is a member owned unregulated utility and do not have to comply with the net metering rules that apply to investor owned utilities.

Thanks for the advice. I'll look into whether the vehicle charger can be tied to a relay.

Dan

[Sunking]

Yes, our utility calls it "net billing".

That is a code word for you get screwed, will not really but Net Meting by definition means they pay you the same for what they charge you.

Is your vehicle charger built into the car or external?

[john p]

I have just read all the posts and its just about all is irrelevent.
Sunking got it in one in one of his posts. You need nothing more than a photo electric cell and its few components to control a relay connected to your 120v cable to your vehicle charger.
The cells sensitivity needs to be controllled so it only opperates in bright light, and I would recommend you find a solid state relay that can handle at least 50% higher current than the charger can draw or a mechanical relay rated at least 100% above the chargers max draw.
Yes it of course can be done at a cost of aprox $50.

[Sunking]

I would recommend you find a solid state relay that can handle at least 50% higher current than the charger can draw or a mechanical relay rated at least 100% above the chargers max draw.

I don't think it would require that kind of set up, fact I know. The small relay would just simply parallel either the on/off switch or a safety interlock contact switch. All small current stuff. Would work just like starter on any vehicle where you use a small relay (solenoid) to control a high current device.

[john p]

Sunking .Yes. your method would work but it involves opening up the battery charger and that may void its warranty. I know its a simple mod. but a manufacturer may not agree. and as its a electric vehicle charger its most likely expensive. A stand alone device can simply be removed from the 120v supply. it would just be a plug and socket item.

[Ian S]

Sunking .Yes. your method would work but it involves opening up the battery charger and that may void its warranty. I know its a simple mod. but a manufacturer may not agree. and as its a electric vehicle charger its most likely expensive. A stand alone device can simply be removed from the 120v supply. it would just be a plug and socket item.

It apparently depends on the particular EV. However the fast charger which I suppose Dan would want to utilize is not going to be 120V. Nissan has a 240V one at $1800 installed for home charging of the Leaf. No way you wouldn't void the warranty opening it up to install a relay. The cable for connecting to the car looks proprietary too. Enjoy splicing a relay into that without a warranty problem.

[Mike90250]

I'd mount an adjustable thermal switch to the heatsink of the Grid tie inverter, when it's warm (producing power) it enables a SSR to the charger.
Or use a timer to control the charger.

Trying to "steer" local power, to local loads, and not feed the grid, is going to be a manual operation, as there is no "pre-made" gear for it. What if you start the washing machine, or vacuum cleaner, and the car still stays charging, now you are BUYING power.

[john p]

IAN S That is why I think Siunkings idea of connecting across the chasrger switch or safety lockout is a bad idea. As it more than likely opening it will void the warranty.. And im certainly not saying to connect it into the cable between the charger and vehicle, Im saying connect it between the cable socket/plug and the house wiring. This is an easy place to connect in a relay.

[Ian S]

IAN S That is why I think Siunkings idea of connecting across the chasrger switch or safety lockout is a bad idea. As it more than likely opening it will void the warranty.. And im certainly not saying to connect it into the cable between the charger and vehicle, Im saying connect it between the cable socket/plug and the house wiring. This is an easy place to connect in a relay.

As it turns out, the Leaf charger is in the car is in the car itself so your approach would probably be the only practical one. Not sure how other EVs handle it but the Leaf is likely typical.

Oh and Merry Christmas to all!

[dulcimoo]

How about ...

A photocell connected to a relay dpdt normally open When the light is on the relay would close the circut to charge the car?

I have no idea if this would be up to code or not...I'm a software guy.

[DanS26]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think I have found the off the shelf device I have been looking for as seen here:

http://www.intermatic.com/products/ec%204%20layer/electronic%20time%20switches/24%20hour%207%20day/et8000%20series%207-day%20astronomic.aspx

Hopefully this will help many others, especially if you live in Indiana and have to sell your excess energy at wholesale rates. I'd much rather power my EV with my excess power than take a haircut.

Also many solar power advocates would just be tickled knowing that their solar generated electrons were powering their EV, even if it was break even - grid vs array.

Dan

[theshadownose]

Stupid tag on question to this

As I was reading I was wondering what the point is.....If are producing power onsite, isn't it going to be used onsite if there is demand at that time?

[Sunking]

As I understand it, all he wants to do is to charge his EV when the sun is shining and not have it charge when it's dark or cloudy. All he's after is an automated method of plugging in his EV when the sun is shining and unplugging it when it's dark or cloudy. Maybe some kind of light controlled circuit that switches a high current SSR. Can that even be done to code?

Simple a stand alone system. No controls are needed. It works when the sun is out and shuts down when it is not. Well that is if he is there with the car plugged in. Otherwise it does NOTHING

[DanS26]

As I was reading I was wondering what the point is.....If are producing power onsite, isn't it going to be used onsite if there is demand at that time?

Here's the point. You need to understand the difference between Net Metering and Net Billing when EXCESS production is involved. In a Net Meter situation (most grid tie situations CA, AZ and most other states) then you're right it does not make any difference where the electricity is used or when it is used. But in a Net Billing situation (like we have here in Indiana with our unregulated REMCs) then it makes quite a bit of difference. You see I buy power at retail rates and sell my excess at wholesale rates. Thus it is to my advantage to use as much of my production internally as possible, thus I want to charge my EV with my excess power between 10am and 3pm when the sun shines.