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Operating Modes and Battery Settings: A Guide for End Users and Installers
This guide explains the basic operating modes and battery settings for Solis inverters. It highlights key points important for both end users and installers to ensure optimal performance.
Settings can be configured directly on the inverter or via Solis Cloud.
Operating Modes
1. Self-Use Mode
In Self-Use Mode, solar energy is primarily used to supply household consumption. Any surplus solar energy is used to charge the battery. Once the battery reaches its configured charge limit, excess energy can be exported to the grid, subject to the system settings.
Benefit: Maximizes the use of self-generated solar energy and helps reduce electricity costs.
Recommended for: Homes that want to use as much of their own solar energy as possible and reduce their reliance on grid electricity.
2. Reserve Mode
Reserve Mode keeps a predefined amount of energy in the battery for backup power in case of a grid outage. The reserved amount is determined by the selected Reserve State of Charge (SOC).
Above the reserve SOC: The inverter operates according to the normal energy management priorities, such as Self-Use or Feed-in Priority, depending on the selected settings.
At or below the reserve SOC: The battery is reserved for backup use and is not discharged for normal household consumption. It can be used to supply backup power during a grid outage, provided the system supports backup operation.
Benefit: Helps ensure that a portion of the battery's capacity remains available when backup power is needed.
Note: Backup operation depends on the inverter model, battery configuration, and installation setup.
3. Feed-in Priority Mode
In Feed-in Priority Mode, solar energy is prioritised for export to the grid, according to the inverter's configured settings and applicable export limits.
Benefit: Can be useful where exporting electricity to the grid provides an attractive financial return.
Important: Battery charging and household consumption are managed according to the inverter's configured priorities. Check the relevant inverter manual for the exact operating behaviour.
4. Peak-Shaving Mode
Peak-Shaving Mode helps reduce the amount of power drawn from the grid when electricity demand is high. The battery can supply part of the demand to reduce grid consumption.
Setting: Configure the relevant power limits according to the system requirements and the inverter's available settings.
Application: Useful for homes or businesses with high electricity demand at certain times.
Benefit: Helps manage peak power demand and may reduce demand-related electricity charges where applicable.
5. Off-Grid Mode
Off-Grid Mode allows a compatible inverter system to operate independently of the utility grid.
Use case: Suitable for installations in remote locations without grid access or for systems specifically configured for standalone operation.
Important: The inverter, battery, and electrical installation must support off-grid operation. Battery capacity and available power must be sufficient to meet the expected energy demand.
6. Time Setting Mode
Time Setting Mode allows users to schedule battery charging and discharging during specified periods.
Setting: Configure the charging and discharging time periods according to the system requirements. Avoid overlapping schedules unless the inverter documentation explicitly permits them.
Benefit: Can help users charge the battery when electricity prices are lower and use stored energy when prices are higher.
Recommended for: Homes with time-of-use electricity tariffs or specific energy management requirements.
7. Grid Feed-in Power Limit
The Grid Feed-in Power Limit setting controls the maximum power that the inverter is allowed to export to the grid.
Setting: Configure the maximum export power according to local grid requirements, the installation design, and the applicable regulations.
Recommended for: Installations subject to export restrictions or users who want to limit the amount of electricity fed into the grid.
Important: Ensure that the configured limit complies with local requirements and the conditions specified by the grid operator.
Battery Settings
1. Battery Model
The Battery Model setting defines the battery type connected to the inverter.
Function: Allows the inverter to communicate with and manage the battery according to the selected battery configuration.
Selection: Choose a compatible battery model from the official Solis compatibility list.
Note: If the battery is not listed, do not assume that selecting User Define will make it compatible. Use this option only when the battery manufacturer and Solis documentation support the required manual configuration. Follow the specified battery parameters and communication requirements.
2. Overdischarge SOC (State of Charge)
Overdischarge SOC defines the configured minimum battery charge level for normal discharge.
Function: Helps prevent the battery from discharging below the configured threshold during normal operation.
Recommendation: Set this value according to the battery manufacturer's guidelines and the relevant inverter documentation to help protect battery health and lifespan.
Important: The available backup reserve and minimum discharge level may be affected by other battery and inverter settings.
3. Forcecharge SOC (State of Charge)
Forcecharge SOC defines the configured battery charge level at which the inverter initiates or prioritises charging, according to its control logic and settings.
Function: Helps prevent the battery from remaining at a very low state of charge.
Grid Charging: If Grid Charging is enabled and supported by the system configuration, the battery may be charged from the grid when the relevant conditions are met.
Recommendation: Configure Forcecharge SOC according to the battery manufacturer's recommendations and the inverter documentation.
Important: Maintain the required difference between Overdischarge SOC and Forcecharge SOC. A minimum difference of 5% may be required for certain configurations; verify the requirement for the specific inverter model and firmware.
Note: Solis technical support for battery-related issues may depend on the battery being officially compatible with the inverter.
Final Recommendations
Understanding the available operating modes and battery settings helps users make better use of their solar energy system and helps installers configure the inverter correctly.
Always check the documentation for the specific Solis inverter model, firmware version, and compatible battery. Configure all settings according to the manufacturer's instructions, local electrical regulations, and the requirements of the installation.
For questions about compatibility, configuration, or system behaviour, contact Solis technical support or a qualified installer.
