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Smart Charging - What if there is less sun than expected?

The Autarco Smart Charging algorithm uses advanced weather forecasting to optimize your battery usage. However, weather can be unpredictable. When actual solar production is lower than forecasted, the system is designed to adapt, though performance for that specific day may vary.

Problem description

Solar forecasts are not always 100% accurate. If a day is cloudier than predicted, the battery may not reach its target state of charge (SoC) using PV alone, potentially leaving the household with insufficient energy for the evening or missing out on optimal price windows.

Description of the solution

The Cloud-based Smart Charging model is built to be resilient. To handle discrepancies between forecasted and actual sunlight, the following logic is applied:

  • Dynamic Re-calculation: The model does not just set a schedule once a day. It has a fixed re-calculation interval. During these intervals, it compares actual performance with the forecast.

  • Recovery Scheduling: If the system detects a significant shortfall in PV production, it will attempt to "recover" by scheduling additional charging moments (often from the grid during the next available cheap window) to ensure your energy needs are met.

  • The "Perfect Optimization" Gap: While the cloud model adapts, it is important to note that on days with highly volatile weather, the optimization might not be perfect. Because the data travels to the cloud and back, there is a slight lag in response compared to real-time events.

Cloud vs. Local EMS: For users who require instantaneous correction of solar fluctuations, a local EMS controller (such as the Autarco Smart Core) is recommended.

  • Cloud EMS: A cost-effective, software-only solution that works well for most scenarios but has a slower response to sudden weather changes.

  • Local EMS: Requires a higher initial investment in hardware but provides real-time, second-by-second adjustments, resulting in superior optimization during unpredictable weather.