The Plug-In Battery is currently only available in The Netherlands.
Please note that this article is aimed at business installers. If you are a consumer, read all about the Plug-In Battery here.
The HomeWizard Plug-In Battery is a home battery with a plug that allows consumers to store their solar power at home for use at a later time.
As an installer, you are familiar with the NEN standard, which states that you may only connect devices that generate solar energy inside your customer's home with fixed cabling. This is because of several reasons:
It is unknown whether appliances and electronics with a built-in plug have the necessary protections when there is a grid failure. The HomeWizard Plug-In Battery has these protections built in as standard and thus meets the standardization (EN 50549-1/2) that requires this.
It is unknown whether a higher (leakage) current can flow within an existing fuse box or earth fault than the group is fused to. The HomeWizard battery does not cause any delay in switching off the earth leakage circuit breaker fault during installation. The Plug-In Battery monitors for overloads via the primary connection to ensure safety and curb higher currents than the fuse (patent pending).
It is unknown if adequate disconnection protection is present when the plug is disconnected to de-energize the plug pins so that there is no more current on them and it is safe to touch. The HomeWizard Plug-In Battery switches off immediately (<20ms) when the plug is disconnected from the mains. Therefore, it has no current left on the plug and is safe to touch. This complies with EN 50549-1/2 and IEC 62109-1:2010.
With the above safeguards, the HomeWizard Plug-In Battery is safe to connect with a plug. If you want to connect the battery as an installer following NEN 1010, you can remove the plug and connect it with fixed wiring. When consumers want to connect four home batteries, we advise them to contact an installer. We recommend an installer for consumers who wish to charge and/or discharge more than 800 watts.
Are there any additional costs for using the Plug-In Battery?
No, you are done with the purchase of the Plug-In Battery. If you do not have a P1 Meter (€29.95), these are the only additional costs. The P1 Meter can be used to control the Plug-In Battery. The app and software updates are completely free.
What do I need to get the Plug-In Battery working?
You require a free power wall socket and a place to put the battery. You will need:
A Wi-Fi connection to the internet
A phone or tablet running on Android or iOS
Solar panels
A smart meter
A HomeWizard P1 Meter
Whatever energy supplier you are with and whatever brand of inverter or solar panels you have, the Plug-In Battery works independently of them. The Plug-In Battery works independently from energy suppliers, inverter brands, and solar panels.
How do I install multiple home batteries?
Each Plug-In Battery can be connected to a socket with its plug. If you want to connect four batteries, they must be placed on a separate fuse group. By default, the maximum discharge power is always 800 watts, regardless of the number of batteries. If these are connected to their group, the number of batteries can be unlocked to 800 watts. That means 1600 watts of charge and discharge for two batteries, 2400 watts for three batteries, and 3200 watts for four batteries.
Where is the best place to put the battery?
Place the home battery in a frost-free and safe location inside your home. Do not put the battery in direct sunlight. The attic, landing, basement, garage, central heating room, or technical room are popular locations. We do not recommend placing the home battery in an area that must remain passable in case of emergencies, such as escape routes. The home battery cannot be placed outside.