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New energy meter compatibility with rfxpower

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2012 5:03 pm
by Jeroen Bartels
I just received my12 solar panels so I will need a new meter with return counter.

I don't know what model I will get but I would like to keep on using my rfxcom power meter (optical counter).
How can I be sure if the new meter will have a blinking led?
And is there a second blinking led that measures the return energy to the grid?

Otherwise I cannot see my total usage.

Thanx

Re: New energy meter compatibility with rfxpower

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 10:38 am
by AshaiRey
Hi Jeroen,

You have a few options.
I prefer this one, the pvlogger from fp4all.com/index.php?main_page=product_ ... cts_id=188
It is also compatible with a few other converters.

You can also use a DIN Kwh counter in your feed-in line. Those aren't expensive, have a blinking led but you can also get them with a S0 output for an even more reliable connection with RFXMeter (The switch cable used is just a piece of wire and a jack plug)

Re: New energy meter compatibility with rfxpower

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 6:10 pm
by nico_gh2
Hello Jeroen,

Why would you need a new meter in the first place?
If you got one of the older 'draaimeters' with the spinningwheel they will just turn back.

You could install a plugwise plug to measure the returned power by the PV installation.

rgds
nico

Re: New energy meter compatibility with rfxpower

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 8:23 pm
by Bwired
Hi Jeroen

Elaborate a bit on your situation.
I got the actaris meter when i installed my solarpanels, that has a pulse output which you can use on the rfxmeter. ask the engineer to connect 2 wires before he seals up the meter.
Better is to ask a smartmeter then you can measure everything the best!
I also use plugwise circle on my inverter and have a rs485 connnecting to the inverter.
if you have an old draaischijf its the best for your wallet :)

Re: New energy meter compatibility with rfxpower

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 9:09 pm
by Jeroen Bartels
I have an Enermet t5070 double count meter. Night and day.
With blinking led.

Re: New energy meter compatibility with rfxpower

Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 9:41 am
by AshaiRey
Hoi Jeroen,

I can't find a image of this type of meter so i can't say for sure.
However, with your 12 panels on a sunny day your counter should go slowly backwards. But there is a slight catch. Some (also the draaischijf ferrarismeters) don't count back. They are mechanically restricted to do so. The disk turns backward but the counter(s) doesn't. It's rare but it happens so you should write the numbers down and keep an eye on it for a few hours on a sunny day.

Please consider the solar converter too. btw. which one is it?
It probaly will have counter for output, temp, daily production and total production too that you can read.\

Re: New energy meter compatibility with rfxpower

Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 9:46 am
by Bwired
Depends what you get
if you get a smart meter then blinking wont work (i think, i get the smartmeter soon :) )
But if you get the actaris 3000 then blinking led (or pulse) will work, but only for consuming power, not your solarpanels
So I would go for the smartmeter (best accurate reading), and use the p1 or ir reader then you have
- Current
- usage low
- usage high
- solor low
- solar high
- gas (once every hour)