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Panasonic•EverVolt

Analysis by Marcus & Team

Panasonic EverVolt Discharging During Solar Production

Troubleshoot Panasonic EverVolt battery discharging during peak solar hours. Identify causes, solutions, and safety steps for residential systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the typical lifespan of a Panasonic EverVolt battery in a residential setting?

The Panasonic EverVolt battery is typically warrantied for 10 years, and its lifespan is dependent on usage patterns, depth of discharge, and operating temperature. Proper maintenance and adherence to manufacturer guidelines can maximize its lifespan.

•How do I find a qualified technician to service my Panasonic EverVolt system?

Contact Panasonic directly for a list of certified installers and service providers in your area. Verify their qualifications and experience before engaging their services.

•What are the warranty terms for the Panasonic EverVolt battery?

The warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period (e.g., 10 years). Review the complete warranty document for specific terms and conditions, including limitations and exclusions related to capacity degradation and improper usage.

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Marcus leads the technical research department at Storage Faults. Together with a team of systems analysts, he specializes in translating complex solar storage error codes into actionable diagnostic steps for the US market.

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Pro Tip:

Access the EverVolt's service menu (refer to the installer manual or contact Panasonic support for the key combination) to view detailed cell voltage data and internal resistance readings. Significant cell voltage imbalances (greater than 50mV) or elevated internal resistance values can indicate underlying battery degradation or BMS issues.

How It Works:

The Panasonic EverVolt system integrates solar PV, battery storage, and grid interconnection. During peak solar production, the system should prioritize powering household loads, then charging the battery until it reaches its maximum SOC. Excess power should then be exported to the grid. Battery discharging during this period indicates a discrepancy in this power flow management controlled by the Battery Management System (BMS) and inverter logic. The BMS monitors cell voltages, temperature, and current, communicating this data to the inverter which controls DC/DC and DC/AC conversion.

Important Warnings:

Battery systems operate at high DC voltages, posing a significant electrical shock hazard. Only qualified electricians with appropriate PPE and training should perform any work on the system. Before any inspection or maintenance, ensure the DC disconnect switch is in the OFF position, isolating the battery from the inverter and solar array. Follow all applicable NEC guidelines and manufacturer safety procedures. Thermal runaway can occur under fault conditions, leading to battery fire. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures.

Symptoms:

The Panasonic EverVolt battery storage system is actively discharging, reducing the State of Charge (SOC), even when solar panel production should be sufficient to meet household loads and charge the battery.

Solution:

1

Using the Panasonic EverVolt monitoring app, verify system configuration settings, particularly charge/discharge profiles and self-consumption priorities. Consult the system manual for correct settings.
2

Check the communication link between the solar inverter and the EverVolt battery system. Consult the inverter's troubleshooting guide for communication error codes. Use a multimeter to verify CAN bus voltage levels (typically 2.5V).
3

Have a qualified electrician use a calibrated clamp meter to measure the DC current flowing into and out of the battery during peak solar production. Compare these measurements with the readings reported by the BMS in the monitoring app. Note any significant discrepancies.
4

Review the battery State of Health (SOH) data within the monitoring app. Significant degradation (e.g., SOH below 80%) may indicate capacity loss contributing to the discharge issue. Report SOH to Panasonic for warranty assessment.
5

Check the inverter and BMS firmware versions and update to the latest versions available from Panasonic. Follow the manufacturer's recommended update procedure.
6

Engage a qualified technician to perform a comprehensive system diagnostics, including cell voltage measurements and internal resistance testing. This requires specialized equipment and expertise.
7

Ensure compliance with NEC 690.12 (Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems) by verifying the proper operation of the PV disconnect and rapid shutdown switch.

Common Causes:

Incorrect system configuration settings within the EverVolt monitoring app, potentially prioritizing self-consumption over solar charging.
Communication failure between the solar inverter and the EverVolt battery system, resulting in inaccurate solar production data being used by the BMS.
Faulty current sensor within the battery system, leading to inaccurate measurement of charging/discharging current, thus affecting SOC calculation and BMS control.
Degradation of the battery cells, reducing capacity (SOH) and leading to premature discharge even when the SOC indicates sufficient energy storage.
Firmware bugs in the inverter or BMS software causing incorrect power management algorithms.
AC coupling issues where solar production is not properly recognized by the inverter.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly monitor the EverVolt system performance through the monitoring app, paying close attention to SOC, charge/discharge rates, and SOH.
Schedule annual inspections by a qualified technician to check battery terminals, wiring connections, and ventilation.
Keep the inverter and battery system firmware updated to the latest versions to benefit from bug fixes and performance improvements.
Periodically review and adjust system configuration settings as needed based on changes in energy usage patterns or solar production.
Conduct capacity testing every 2-3 years to assess the battery's ability to store energy and identify any significant degradation.