Fronius WattpilotFAQ
Basics
The Fronius Wattpilot is the intelligent charging solution for all electric car owners. The Wattpilot is available in the following variants – the fixed-mounted Wattpilot Flex Home for home use, the fixed-mounted Wattpilot Flex Pro for billing-relevant applications, the fixed-mounted Wattpilot Home for home use, and the mobile Wattpilot Go for on the go. Each variant is available in 11 and 22 kW.
The device can be operated via the associated Solar.wattpilot app, which also provides an overview of the charging process. The intelligent plug-and-play charging solution features three different charging modes: Standard, Eco, and Next Trip Mode. Additionally, the Wattpilot is PV-optimized, allowing the car to be charged particularly cost-effectively and sustainably with excess solar energy through automatic 1-/3-phase switching from 1.38 to 22 kW in amperage steps.
Downloads & Links
For
basic charging, all you need to do is connect the Wattpilot to the power
supply and plug in your car. You can use the Solar.wattpilot app for special
settings (PV optimisation, charging modes, etc.).
You can integrate the Wattpilot into a network using WLAN. If the Wattpilot is outside WLAN range, you can boost the WLAN signal using a repeater, WIFI Access Point or PowerLine adapter.
The warranty term is 2 years.
Yes, you
can do that. You can run as many Wattpilots in parallel as you like. Each
Wattpilot must be individually integrated into the network. However, PV
optimisation only ever works on one device.
No, the
Wattpilot communicates with the network via WLAN. It detects and dials into
the WLAN network automatically.
WLAN will increasingly be provided in car parks as many new cars need WLAN,
for example for OTA (over-the-air) software updates.
It is not possible to bill for charging costs directly in the back-end, so there is no way of officially producing an invoice in kWh.
However, it is possible to record the power used for charging in kWh and to
individually log the time for each RFID chip and charging process. This data
can be exported as a CSV file, which would enable the charging time to be
invoiced (in minutes).
Wattpilot Flex: Wattpilot Flex, mounting bracket and Type 2 plug holder including screws and dowels, reset card, 2 ID chips, quick guide, strain relief 10 - 15mm and 15-20mm including screws, 2 cable ties, 6 rubber grommets. Optionally, ID chips (10 pieces) and a stand can also be purchased.
Wattpilot Home / Go: Mounting bracket, including screws and dowels, Wattpilot, theft protection, reset card, ID chip, and quick guide. Optionally, a Type 2 cable (5m), ID chips (10 pieces), an additional mounting bracket, and various adapter sets can be purchased.
The
Wattpilot is made in Austria.
Wattpilot 2.0 has been developed based on a normative change (IEC 61851-1:2019 and IEC 62752:2016). This standard only concerns the manufacturer. The previous version of Wattpilot 2.0 may still be sold and used.
The Wattpilot 2.0 is produced with a newly designed housing. This ensures a higher IP protection (IP 65 instead of IP 54). The safety plug adapter cable is produced in a shorter length. The WLAN range has also been improved. In line with our sustainability strategy, more components from Europe are used to avoid long transport routes. Furthermore, there are two new versions of the Wattpilot 2.0: the Wattpilot Home 22 J 2.0 and the Wattpilot Go 22 J 2.0 AUS (for Australia). All known software features like PV surplus charging etc. are still available for Wattpilot (1.0) as well as for Wattpilot 2.0.
The two additional strands serve as digital input for future applications and currently have no function.
Installation and start-up
You will need to use the Solar.wattpilot app when starting up
the Wattpilot for the first time. The Wattpilot
must be connected to the Internet to enable various settings to be made and
for remote access.
Yes!
There are no additional, recurring checks and therefore no need for any
servicing.
The device has a built-in residual current protection module with residual current detection (30 mA AC and 6 mA DC). This means that no upstream type B RCD is required. A separate type A RCD and an automatic circuit breaker must be connected upstream for each Wattpilot.
CEE
sockets are designed for continuous loads. However, it is important to ensure
correct installation and that the plug contacts are in perfect condition (no
soiling or oxidation).
A Fronius inverter with Fronius Smart Meter is required at the feed-in point. The following Fronius
inverters are compatible with the Wattpilot: SnapINverter with Datamanager 2.0 and GEN24 as
well as IG, IG Plus, IG TL and CL series in combination with a Datamanager 2.0.
The combination with a Fronius Ohmpilot and a Fronius compatible DC-coupled battery is also possible.
The Wattpilot can also be operated with other inverters / energy sources in combination with a Datamanager Box 2.0 and Fronius Smart Meter at the feed-in point. However, no other selfconsumption controls (battery, Power2Heat, etc.) may be implemented in parallel, because the controllers can interfere with each other. The loads in the household are not taken into account in the display in the Solar.wattpilot app.
The combination with a Fronius Ohmpilot and a Fronius compatible DC-coupled battery is also possible.
The Wattpilot can also be operated with other inverters / energy sources in combination with a Datamanager Box 2.0 and Fronius Smart Meter at the feed-in point. However, no other selfconsumption controls (battery, Power2Heat, etc.) may be implemented in parallel, because the controllers can interfere with each other. The loads in the household are not taken into account in the display in the Solar.wattpilot app.
In this
case, the maximum charging current is automatically limited to 16 A.
As soon
as a CEE plug is fitted, a maximum connection cable length of 30 cm is
stipulated by the governing standards. It is therefore not permitted to fit a
CEE plug to the connection cable of the Wattpilot Home. Should you require a
CEE plug, please opt for the Wattpilot Go.
Features
You can
change the charging mode either using the app or a button on the device.
Next Trip Mode ensures that your vehicle is sufficiently charged for your next trip. Watch the video to learn how to use Next Trip Mode.
The Wattpilot can be reset to factory settings using the RFID Reset Card included in the delivery.
Currently, there is no standard for intelligent charging. Therefore, certain car models may experience limitations in cost-optimized charging. Fronius is attempting to configure the optimal charging behavior for each vehicle.
The following car models are affected:
- Renault Zoe (minimum charging current 10A)
- Twingo (minimum charging current 10A)
- Kia e-Soul
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV
- Citroen C-Zero
- Peugeot iOn
- VW ID.3 / ID.4 (The charging behavior means that charging must not be interrupted)
As vehicle manufacturers continuously offer new software updates, limitations may have been resolved. You can find the selection of the car model in the Solar.wattpilot app under Settings - Cost Optimization - Car.
No, this
is not possible with the Fronius Wattpilot.
All settings can also be made locally by connecting to the Wattpilot's hotspot. This is permanently open and secured with a password. The following functions are not possible without a network connection:
- Remote app access via the internet
- Coupling with the PV system (PV-optimized charging)
- Use of flexible electricity tariffs
- Dynamic load balancing
- Software updates
No, it
is not possible to do this. However, you can set it to charge to a specific
power level in kWh or km, and the electric car will then be charged to this
level within a defined time period.
It is
possible to combine the Wattpilot with Fronius-compatible DC-coupled battery
storage units and the Fronius Ohmpilot. Threshold values can be defined for
both the battery (state of charge in %) and the Ohmpilot (temperature in °C).
As soon as the threshold values are reached, the current power values of the
battery and Ohmpilot are considered as surplus. This means that the presence
of a battery or Ohmpilot can also be taken into account within the system.
Prioritization of the Wattpilot is possible, plus further prioritization of
the Ohmpilot and battery can be carried out in the web interface of the
inverter.
In the Solar.wattpilot app, you can activate PV surplus charging and make some advanced settings. We show you how to do this in the video.
With the flexible electricity tariffs Lumina Strom HOURLY and aWattar HOURLY you can charge your vehicle with the Wattpilot cost-optimized. In the video we explain the activation in the Solar.wattpilot app.
The variable electricity tariff can be activated under ‘Settings’ – ‘Cost optimisation’. Depending on the country-specific availability, either specific tariffs or bidding zones can be stored. A bidding zone is a defined geographical area in the energy market in which electricity is traded at the current market price. The additional surcharges of the specific electricity tariff used must be added manually.
Yes, PV optimisation can also be implemented with non-Fronius inverters. However, these must be combined with a Datamanager Box 2.0 and a Fronius Smart Meter at the feed-in point. Apart from that, no further energy management (battery, Power2Heat, etc.) may be implemented at the same time, as the control systems can cause faults. The loads in the household are not included in the display in the Solar.wattpilot app.
It
certainly can! You can easily activate and deactivate PV optimisation and
variable electricity tariff use in the app. This would enable a user without
a PV system to use variable electricity tariffs. Conversely, a user with a PV
system can use the charging modes without variable electricity tariff. And,
as you’d expect, both options can be used at the same time.
Yes, you
can! You can define this setting yourself in the app. This also allows you to
define the maximum phase-load imbalance of the Wattpilot.
Yes, PV optimisation can also be implemented with third-party inverters. This must be combined either with a Fronius Smart Meter IP or with a Datamanager Box 2.0 and a Fronius Smart Meter at the feed-in point. In addition, no other self-consumption controls (battery, Power2Heat, etc.) may be implemented in parallel, as the controls can interfere with each other. The consumers in the household are not taken into account in the display in the Solar.wattpilot app.
PV
optimisation takes place in individual ampere increments and is provided as
standard from type 2.
This means charging increments of approx. 230 W (1-phase) or approx. 690 W (3-phase) are possible. The advantage is that the power range of the photovoltaic system can be used at optimum efficiency (charging power of 1.38 kW - 22 kW). Switching works on vehicles that have a 3-phase or 2-phase on-board charger.
This means charging increments of approx. 230 W (1-phase) or approx. 690 W (3-phase) are possible. The advantage is that the power range of the photovoltaic system can be used at optimum efficiency (charging power of 1.38 kW - 22 kW). Switching works on vehicles that have a 3-phase or 2-phase on-board charger.
Yes,
regular software updates are supplied for the Wattpilot. Providing the
Wattpilot is connected to the Internet, installing these updates is very
straightforward.
Yes, it
can. The ID chip has to be connected separately for each Wattpilot.
The Wattpilot will charge for at least 5 minutes to protect the relays.
It will
charge at the set amperage. There is no need to reset the electricity limit
values.
Yes, the Wattpilot can be controlled via the interface using the Solar.wattpilot app. This interface is encrypted for security reasons and is not disclosed. Furthermore, the Wattpilot offers OCPP 1.6J as an open interface.
In the Solar.wattpilot app, you can activate PV surplus charging and make some advanced settings for it. In the video we show you how it works.
There is no restriction.
For Dynamic Load Balancing, a Fronius Smart Meter IP or a compatible Fronius inverter with a Fronius Smart Meter or a Datamanager Box 2.0 with a Fronius Smart Meter is required at the feed-in point.
Yes, prioritization is possible. If the same priority is set, prioritization is as follows:
- Priority 1: Standard mode
- Priority 2: Next Trip Mode
- Priority 3: Eco Mode
If the charging mode is the same, the current is divided equally.
Yes, this setting can be activated in the Solar.wattpilot app under ‘Settings’ – ‘Load Balancing’ – ‘Dynamic Load Balancing’. This setting is necessary if the maximum current-carrying capacity of the supply line to the Wattpilot charging boxes is lower than the total current of the Wattpilot charging boxes. This avoids tripping the miniature circuit breaker of the supply line.
Yes, the
interface can be used to control the Wattpilot via the Solar.wattpilot app.
The interface is encrypted for security reasons and is not publicly
accessible.
With the charging timer, charging can be blocked or allowed at certain times. This allows, for example, cheaper electricity tariffs to be used overnight. The charging timer can be activated in the Solar.wattpilot app under "Settings" - "Charging timer". With the additional setting "Allow/block charging + PV surplus", charging (grid & PV surplus) is allowed/blocked during the defined period. However, PV surplus is still charged during the blocked times.
The Wattpilot Flex is equipped with ISO15118 communication hardware, which is a basic requirement for bidirectional charging. However, further requirements are necessary for bidirectional charging:
- The electric car must support bidirectional charging. There are already a few vehicles on the market that can charge bidirectionally with a special wallbox. However, this is usually not satisfactory for the end user, as the wallbox may no longer work if the vehicle is changed. The system usually offers an emergency power supply, but not a grid-connected function that allows, for example, the house to be supplied with the vehicle at night.
- If energy is fed back from the electric car into the house or even into the grid, the respective requirements of the grid operator must be met. In the case of an AC wallbox, the electric car must support this functionality, which means that an electric car must distinguish between different grid requirements depending on where it is currently connected.
In short, while the Wattpilot Flex is equipped with ISO15118 hardware, it does not yet support bidirectional applications.
Tip: Pay close attention to wallboxes from other manufacturers, as ISO15118 hardware is often mistakenly equated with bidirectional charging!
App
You can
download the app from the Google Play Store (Android) and the Apple App Store
(iOS).
Yes,
this is possible via the Solar.wattpilot app.
English, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Spanish, Hungarian and Finnish
In the video we explain the meaning of all parameters in the Details menu of the Solar.wattpilot app.
All
information about the amount of electricity charged is displayed in the
Solar.wattpilot app.
To be able to assign a new password, the Wattpilot must be reset to factory settings.
Service
The Wattpilot can be reset to factory settings using the RFID reset card included in the scope of delivery and in the Solar.Wattpilot app under Internet / Factory settings.
The installer of the Wattpilot should create a service case for the affected Wattpilot on Fronius Solar.SOS. Please make sure to include the serial number, the invoice of the purchase and a picture of the data plate.
If the Wattpilot Flex is connected to the router via LAN, an internet connection is automatically established. To connect via WLAN, the WLAN password must be entered via the Solar.Wattpilot app.
- Check the phase switchover setting in the Solar.wattpilot app under Settings/Vehicle.
- Make sure that your charging cable and the charger in your car support three-phase charging and that the Wattpilot is supplied in three phases.
- Check in the car's app to see if there are settings that restrict charging to one phase.
Make sure to update your Fronius Solar.wattpilot app to the latest version first.
Update your components to the lastest firmware version. For GEN24 inverters with firmware version 1.14.110-1 or higher, make sure the Solar API is activated in the inverter's user interface under "Communication" - "Solar API". Also make sure your inverter and your Wattpilot are within the same IP network, especially if you are using subnets.
Check your network's wifi signal strength at your Wattpilot. For a stable connection the Fronius Solar.wattpilot app should detect your wifi with at least 50 % strength.
Any alterations or modifications to the device without first obtaining the manufacturer's permission can lead to loss of warranty.
Any alterations or modifications to the device without first obtaining the manufacturer's permission can lead to loss of warranty.
Solar.web
You can add your Wattpilot to your PV system in Solar.web in the tab "Settings" - "Components".
If you have not yet created a PV system in Solar.web, register on www.solarweb.com and add your Wattpilot and paired inverter when creating the new PV system. When adding the Wattpilot to Solar.web we recommend that the Wattpilot currently has internet connection and is paired with the inverter. Nevertheless it is also possible to add an offline Wattpilot to Solar.web, but Wattpilot data will first be shown, when the Wattpilot is online and paired.
If you have not yet created a PV system in Solar.web, register on www.solarweb.com and add your Wattpilot and paired inverter when creating the new PV system. When adding the Wattpilot to Solar.web we recommend that the Wattpilot currently has internet connection and is paired with the inverter. Nevertheless it is also possible to add an offline Wattpilot to Solar.web, but Wattpilot data will first be shown, when the Wattpilot is online and paired.
Yes, multiple Wattpilots can be added to a PV system in Solar.web.
For Wattpilot data to be displayed in Solar.web, ensure the following:
- The Wattpilot (as well as your inverter) must be added to your PV system in Solar.web in the tab "Settings" - "Components". If this tab is not visible, please ask your installer to assign you "Owner" or "Supervisor" rights for your PV system.
- Both the Wattpilot and the paired inverter must be connected to the internet.The Wattpilot requires firmware version 36.0 or higher.
- You can update your Wattpilot in the Solar.wattpilot app in the tab "Internet".
- The Wattpilot needs to be paired with your inverter. Go to the tab "Settings" - "Cost Optimization" in the Solar.wattpilot app to pair your Wattpilot with an inverter.
- If the paired inverter is a GEN24 or Tauro, firmware version 1.123 or higher is required. You can update your inverter in Solar.web in the tab "Settings" - "Components".
If the Wattpilot has no internet connection (e.g. due to weak WLAN), live and history data is not available in Solar.web. History data will not be restored when the Wattpilot reconnects to the internet.
Furthermore, Wattpilot data is only shown if the Wattpilot is paired with an inverter of the same PV system in Solar.web. For example, no data is displayed in Solar.web for periods when the Wattpilot Go is used on the go.
The Wattpilot must be paired with the new inverter in the Solar.wattpilot app in the "Settings" - "Cost optimization" tab. The inverter must be replaced in Solar.web in the "Settings" - "Components" tab. Afterwards, all Wattpilot data will be displayed again in Solar.web.