Optimizer – Qilowatt

Using PV Forecast

Qilowatt Support — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:12:04 +0000

Introduction

A new setting called “Use PV forecast” has been added under the Qilowatt Optimizer.
This setting allows you to decide whether the Optimizer should take solar production forecasts into account when making its calculations.
While this option is very useful in normal conditions, it requires special attention during the winter period.

Why is this setting important?

When Use PV forecast is enabled, the Optimizer includes solar energy production forecasts in its decision-making process.

During winter, situations may occur where:
• solar panels are covered with snow,
• panels are not cleaned regularly,
• actual production is significantly lower than the forecast.
In these cases, the forecast may not match reality and can negatively affect the Optimizer’s performance.

If your solar panels are covered with snow during winter or are not cleaned regularly, we recommend disabling the PV forecast.
See muudab Optimizeri töö täpsemaks, stabiilsemaks ja Teie jaoks kasulikumaks.

Step-by-step Guide

How to find and change the PV forecast setting
1. Open Qilowatt App.
2. From the left-hand menu, select “Addons” and klick “Optimizer”.
The Optimizer view will open:

3. Find the section “Solar panels”.

4. Enable or disable Use PV forecast as needed.
5. Klick “Save”.

Result

After saving, the Optimizer will:
• use solar production forecasts when the setting is enabled, or
• rely only on actual measured data when the setting is disabled.
Disabling the PV forecast during winter helps avoid inaccurate decisions and ensures reliable Optimizer performance.

Custom Control Logic Adjustable Parameters

Qilowatt Support — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:46:13 +0000

Introduction

The Custom control logic allows users to modify detailed parameters that directly influence how the inverter and battery operate. This provides flexibility but also requires a solid understanding of how the system works. Incorrect configuration may reduce profitability or cause unexpected behavior.

Prerequisites

• Qilowatt account created → Creating a User Account
• Device connected to WiFi → Connecting a Device to WiFi
• Inverter added to the Qilowatt app → Module Setup
• Solar inverter configured → Solar Inverter Setup
• Control logic set to Custom → Control Logics

Step-by-step Guide

1. Charging and discharging losses

• Low-voltage batteries (<100 V): typically 14–20% loss per cycle.
• High-voltage batteries: typically 8–14% loss per cycle.
• Adjust values according to your battery’s voltage. The higher the voltage, the lower the current → less heat and lower losses.

2. Charging and discharging degradation cost

• Every kWh charged into or discharged from the battery shortens its lifespan.
• Manufacturers usually guarantee a lifetime of ~6000 cycles. Based on battery cost, capacity, and expected cycles, you can calculate LCOS (Levelized Cost of Storage), which shows the cost per kWh of using the battery.
• LCOS should be split equally between charging and discharging degradation costs.

3. Minimum state of charge for selling (Sell Min SOC)

• Defines how much energy must remain in the battery after a sell command finishes.
• Example: if Min SOC = 15% and Sell Min SOC = 20%, then 5% remains in the battery after selling.
• Each percent left unsold reduces profitability but may be useful in specific cases.

4. Minimum state of charge for PV Sell (PV Sell Min SOC)

• Defines the minimum SOC required before PV Sell mode can activate.
• PV Sell starts in the morning when PV forecast ≥ historical average consumption.
• For fluctuating loads, it’s wise to store some energy in the battery before PV Sell to avoid covering consumption from the grid.

⚠️ Recommended: 2–5% higher than Min SOC. If set too high, expensive morning energy will be stored in the battery, reducing profitability.

5. Enable PV Sell

• Should be disabled if the inverter has no PV input or for specific models (e.g., Deye, Sungrow) where the export limit is more than 2× lower than the total PV capacity.
• If PV input and export work normally, keep this enabled.

6. Planned battery state of charge (end of period)

• The “end of period” = the last hour for which day-ahead market prices are available.
• This setting controls the target battery SOC at the end of that period.
• Recommendation: set around 60% SOC.

7. Buy price

• Minimum extra revenue required for charging the battery.
• Not recommended — no practical use case has been identified.

8. Sell price

• Minimum extra revenue required when discharging from the battery.
• Example: if set to 0.10 €, the system will only sell if it earns 10 cents per kWh in addition to covering losses and degradation costs.

Result

The Custom control logic enables detailed fine-tuning of inverter and battery behavior. With correct settings, the system can be adapted to very specific use cases. However, incorrect values may lead to lower profitability.

If it Doesn’t Work

• If the system does not behave as expected, review all parameters carefully and compare with your battery manufacturer’s specifications.
• If the outcome is unsatisfactory, restore default logic → Maximum Profit or Self-consumption.

⚠️ Qilowatt support does not provide assistance with Custom settings or troubleshooting. Responsibility for Custom configuration lies entirely with the user.

Control logics

Qilowatt Support — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:49:04 +0000

Introduction

The Optimizer uses different control logics to decide how to manage the battery and solar energy usage. Choosing the right logic directly impacts profitability and energy efficiency.

Prerequisites

Step-by-step Guide

1. Maximum Profit

• Purpose: use the battery primarily for generating revenue.
• The system automatically finds the best times to charge and discharge the battery.
• Higher-value solar energy is sold directly to the grid.
• Only the required amount of energy is stored for later sales or self-consumption.

2. Self-consumption

• PV production is stored in the battery exclusively for local use.
• Energy is only sold from the battery to the grid when prices are very high.
• If the user has no agreement to sell energy to the grid, this logic must be used.

3. Custom

• Allows manual adjustment of parameters and control logic.
• Before making changes, we recommend clarifying how a particular parameter affects the system → Custom Control Logic Adjustable Parameters
• A working configuration can always be restored by selecting Maximum Profit or Self-consumption.

⚠️ The user takes full responsibility for incorrect settings when using Custom. Qilowatt support does not provide recommendations for parameter values and will not troubleshoot issues caused by Custom settings.

4. Note

While Self-consumption logic is available, we recommend using Maximum Profit. Battery technology is becoming cheaper every year, and in about 10 years, current batteries will be obsolete. New batteries will cost the same (or less) but have 2–3 times higher capacity.

Result

By choosing the correct control logic, Qilowatt Optimizer will manage your inverter and battery in the most efficient way to match your goals.

If it Doesn’t Work

• If the inverter does not behave as expected, ensure that Maximum Profit or Self-consumption is selected.
• If you changed parameters in Custom mode, try restoring the default settings.
• If the issue persists, contact our team: support@qilowatt.eu

Inverter Operating Modes

Qilowatt Support — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:17:41 +0000

Introduction

The Optimizer can control the inverter in different operating modes. Choosing the right mode is necessary to ensure optimal energy usage and avoid unnecessary costs.

Prerequisites

• Qilowatt account created → Creating a user account
• Device connected to WiFi → Connecting the device to WiFi
• Inverter added to Qilowatt app → Module setup
• Solar inverter data entered → Solar inverter setup
• Price parameters entered → Prices and marginals

Step-by-step Guide

1. Normal

• PV production first covers the current consumption.
• The surplus is stored in the battery.
• If the battery is full or has reached its charging limit, the surplus is exported to the grid (according to the parameter Maximum export limit).
• When there is no PV, consumption is covered from the battery. If the battery is empty, the deficit is purchased from the grid.

2. Export limit

• Used during hours with negative electricity prices to avoid costly exports.
• PV production is limited to exactly the amount required for current consumption and battery charging.
• Once the battery is full, PV production is reduced to match the load.
• If consumption exceeds PV production or battery output, the deficit is purchased from the grid.

3. Buy

• Energy is purchased from the grid to charge the battery.
• If PV is available, it is used first.
• Current consumption is also covered by grid energy.

4. Sell

• The battery is discharged to sell energy to the grid.
• Most inverters prioritize PV production for selling, but if needed, additional energy is taken from the battery.
• Consumption is covered from PV and the battery.

5. Save battery

• All energy is purchased from the grid.
• Used, for example, at night when electricity is cheap, to later sell or use during more expensive hours.

6. PV Sell

• PV first covers consumption.
• The surplus is exported directly to the grid (according to the Maximum export limit).
• If PV production exceeds this limit, some inverter models (e.g. Solis, Solax Ultra, Sofar) direct the excess into the battery.

Result

The inverter’s operating mode is set according to your chosen strategy.

If it Doesn’t Work

• If the inverter does not follow commands, check the selected operating mode.
• If the battery does not react, ensure the mode supports battery usage.
• If the problem persists, contact our team: support@qilowatt.eu

Prerequisites

Qilowatt Support — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:57:25 +0000

Introduction

Before using the Qilowatt Optimizer, you must ensure that all devices, connections, and software are properly set up. This guarantees that the Optimizer can collect data correctly, control devices, and calculate accurate forecasts and control decisions.

Prerequisites

• Qilowatt account is created and the app is ready for device setup → Creating a user account
• Device connected to WiFi → Connecting a device to WiFi
• Module firmware is up to date – Qilowatt always uses the latest Modbus protocol from the manufacturer
• Inverter and battery firmware updated – without updates, control may fail
• SmartMeter (smart power meter) installed and operational
• Current transformers (CTs) correctly installed and facing the right direction (A/B orientation determines whether energy is read as consumption or production)
• Electrical connections carried out by a certified electrician
• Access to the Qilowatt app (mobile or web) for Optimizer setup

Step-by-step Guide

Check that the inverter and battery are running the latest firmware.
Update the Modbus module firmware if necessary.
Verify that the SmartMeter is measuring correctly and CTs are properly connected.
Log into the Qilowatt app and ensure that all devices are visible in the device list.
When solar panels are installed on the inverter, it is critically important to correctly fill in the coordinates and solar panel groups in the solar station data. → Solar inverter setup

Result

Once all prerequisites are met, the Optimizer is ready for setup. The system can collect accurate data from the inverter, battery, and grid, and apply control logic.

Result

• If the device does not appear in the Qilowatt app, follow the guide → Connecting a device to WiFi
• If data does not update, check SmartMeter and CT connections
• If firmware update fails, contact the Qilowatt support team: support@qilowatt.eu