storagefaults.comstoragefaults.com

Panasonic•EverVolt

Analysis by Marcus & Team

Panasonic EverVolt Discharging to Grid Instead of EV Charger

Panasonic EverVolt battery discharging to the grid instead of EV charger. Diagnose power flow issues, inverter settings, and safety. Expert tips inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the typical DC voltage range of the EverVolt battery system?

The DC bus voltage of the EverVolt system typically ranges from 400V to 800V.

•Where are the CT clamps located in a typical EverVolt installation?

CT clamps are typically located on the main service conductors entering the home, as well as on the conductors feeding the grid.

•What are the key parameters to monitor in the EverVolt monitoring app?

Key parameters include SOC, SOH, power flow (grid export/import), battery voltage, and temperature.

Related questions

Loading related questions...

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.

← Back to list

Critical Safety Precautions:

Working with battery storage systems involves high DC voltage. Always disconnect both AC and DC power sources before performing any maintenance or troubleshooting. Only qualified electricians should perform invasive measurements. Arc flash hazard exists. Follow all NEC guidelines and manufacturer-specific safety procedures. Wear appropriate PPE, including insulated gloves and safety glasses. Battery electrolyte is corrosive; avoid contact with skin or eyes.

Solution:

1

Verify Inverter Settings: Using the Panasonic EverVolt installer portal, confirm that the system is configured to prioritize EV charger supply over grid export. Check the "self-supply" settings.
2

Inspect CT Clamps: Ensure the CT clamps are correctly installed and functioning properly. Verify polarity and placement per the manufacturer's instructions. Use a clamp meter to verify current flow direction.
3

Check Communication Cables: Inspect all communication cables between the EV charger and the EverVolt system. Look for loose connections or damaged wires. Use a multimeter to verify continuity.
4

Review BMS Logs: Access the BMS logs to check for any error codes related to SOC, SOH, or communication. Contact Panasonic support for assistance interpreting the logs.
5

Perform a System Reset: Attempt a soft reset of the EverVolt system by disconnecting the AC and DC disconnects, waiting 5 minutes, and then reconnecting them. Monitor system behavior after the reset.
6

Update Firmware: Ensure that the inverter and BMS are running the latest firmware versions. Firmware updates often address known bugs and improve system performance. Refer to the Panasonic system manual for specific instructions.
7

Consult a Qualified Electrician: If the issue persists, contact a qualified electrician with experience in Panasonic EverVolt systems. NEC 706 covers energy storage systems.

Why This Happens:

Inverter Configuration Error: Incorrect settings within the EverVolt inverter may prioritize grid export over EV charger supply.
Current Transformer (CT) Clamp Malfunction: Faulty or misconfigured CT clamps may provide inaccurate load readings to the inverter, leading to incorrect power flow decisions. CT clamps are required for export limiting per NEC.
Communication Issue: Loss of communication between the EV charger and the EverVolt system prevents the battery from responding to EV charging demand.
BMS Error: The BMS may be incorrectly interpreting the battery SOC or available capacity, leading to premature grid export.
Firmware Bug: A software bug in the inverter or BMS could be causing the incorrect power flow behavior.
Metering Issues: Net meter not set up correctly by the utility, or a failed smart meter causing false export readings.

Technical Background:

The EverVolt system integrates a battery inverter, battery modules, and a Battery Management System (BMS). During EV charging, the BMS should direct DC power from the battery to the inverter, which converts it to AC power suitable for the EV charger. Grid export occurs when the battery SOC is high and EV charger demand is low, or if the system is configured to prioritize grid export. Proper power flow control depends on correct inverter settings, CT clamp readings, and communication between the EV charger and the EverVolt system. DC bus voltage is typically 400-800V, AC output is 240V split-phase, 60Hz. The BMS monitors individual cell voltages (2.5V-4.2V per cell), temperature (using NTC thermistors), and current.

Observed Symptoms:

The Panasonic EverVolt battery system is observed to be exporting power to the grid when an EV charger is connected and actively drawing power. The intended behavior is for the battery to prioritize supplying power to the EV charger before exporting to the grid.

Preventative Care:

Firmware Updates: Keep the inverter and BMS firmware up to date.
System Monitoring: Regularly monitor the system's performance through the Panasonic monitoring app. Pay attention to SOC, SOH, and power flow.
Capacity Testing: Periodically perform a full charge/discharge cycle to assess battery capacity.
Thermal Monitoring: Ensure proper ventilation around the battery system to prevent overheating. Use an IR thermometer to check for hotspots.