EMS + Dual Inverters with Octopus Shape Shifters Agile

Hi all,

I’m looking for some advice on how best to configure my system in the GivEnergy app/portal to take full advantage of a smart tariff setup.

System configuration:

10.8 kW solar PV

2 × 3 kW GivEnergy inverters

Batteries: 8.2 kWh + 9.5 kWh

GivEnergy EMS controlling both inverters

This is installed at our cricket club.

We’ve recently had a smart meter installed and moved onto Octopus Shape Shifters Agile tariffs for both import and export (single meter with two MPANs). The aim is to have the system operate as automatically and optimally as possible based on price signals.

However, I’m struggling to understand the correct configuration in the GivEnergy app/portal, particularly in relation to:

Smart tariff integration

Prescribed charging/discharging periods

How the EMS coordinates the two inverters and batteries under a dynamic tariff

Whether the system should be automatically responding to Agile prices, or whether manual schedules are still required

At the moment it doesn’t appear that charging/discharging is automatically responding to the tariff, so I’m keen to understand whether I’m missing something in the configuration.

Has anyone got a similar setup (EMS + multiple inverters + Agile tariff) and if so:

How have you configured it in the portal/app?

Are you relying on Smart tariff mode, manual schedules, or a mix?

Any tips for ensuring the system charges at cheap import periods and discharges during high export prices?

Any guidance or screenshots of recommended settings would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

combr06 shape shifters agile sounds like a business not domestic tariff. I don’t know whether the smart card tariff works for business tariffs, not heard of anyone on a business tariff using it

The EMS will control your two inverters based on how it is programmed to charge or discharge, the question is really about the configuration of the charging/discharging schedules. the EMS isn’t really part of the issue.

You mentioned agile export, do you have to be on agile export as part of this as well as the agile import? Agile export is only going to give you reasonable rates during the evening peak. You might be better financially off with fixed export if it’s available to you.

combr06 I don't much about, well, anything, really. But I'd be a little surprised if GE's Smart Tariff support would be up to the job. To do it well is quite hard - because an Agile tariff changes daily, optimal decisions depend on how much solar there is predicted to be the next day, and how much consumption is to be expected. Eg no point importing overnight if it's going to be a sunny day the next day, with not much consumption, unless the import price is going to be lower than the export price ; but if it's going to be a dull day, with lots of consumption, it would make sense to pick out the cheapest 6 half-hour slots to charge from grid.

(I must point out that I've not tried GE's Smart tariff support - my own needs are very simple, and I have cobbled together some scripts for a little bit of local control.)

AIUI, the EMS only works with AC-coupled inverters ? So you with 2 x 3kW inverters, but potentially 10kW solar, you could be exporting quite a lot anyway ? I'm not sure what sort of consumption cricket clubs usually have - is it electric heating, for example ?