New Huawei Smartguard Solar off grid solution

Pavlova lova

Hi All,

After the recent power cuts I'm very much interested in a changeover backup solution to take advantage of panels and batteries. I'm tied to Huawei system so this limits my options for a changeover switch. Previously this could only be done by using the Huawei back up box which for my house was problematic as inverter and battery was in the attic in a three storey building and my consumer unit is located in the centre of my ground floor. The few solar providers I contacted wouldn't take the job installing this. I recently came across a new Huawei product called their Smartguard unit which has an improved offering with easy install to current systems as it's selling point. I'm asking has anyone read about this or got one installed? There's not much online about them and YouTube doesn't provide many videos. Interesting to hear people's thoughts on it.

Thanks

JohnySwan

It's an interesting bit of kit and you could just install it close to your distribution board. Looks like you still need to get a comms cable from the device to your router.

Will still prove difficult to get someone to install it, imo. Your average electrician will run a mile and most PV companies have no interest going to an install someone else did.

Keep trying though, you'll get lucky eventually. I'd say it will cost at least 600 quid to install, plus the 2k for the box. Ouch.

Jayd0g

This is interesting, looks pretty new.

Do the solar installers you spoke with usually install Huawei kit?

It could be a case of waiting for the Huawei training for solar installers to be updated with the new product.

Pavlova lova

Yeah won't be cheap but I reckon if cuts keep happening at their current rate I'll at least make the money back in 5 years instead of throwing out all the fridge and freezer food! That and the added convenience of having some power options in a cut. Most of the installers I contacted before wouldn't install the old backup box as it was a messy job, few tried the old 'it's not compliant with the regs…'. Supplier that fitted my huawei install said they'd do a schneider switch although this would only allow two switches on the consumer unit to function in a power cut. So it was too limited. I think you're right with waiting for the huawei training on it to get the installers up to speed. I'd assume most folk getting installs would ask about some off grid solution nowadays

volker81k

Hi all,

The backup box looks like a good solution and there are suppliers here selling them, with prices around €500 - €600.

With a 5kW battery in my Huawei system I would just be looking to power fridge/freezer, a socket for phones and a light.

My PV installer wouldn't do the work, so I am looking for a Huawei experienced installer who could do the job. Let me know if ye found one. I'll do the same.

lau1247

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123193473#Comment_123193473

I think you are looking at the older style box.

https://midsummer.ie/buy/HuaweiSolar/02406294

The newer SmartGuard one OP mentioned is just shy of 2K

https://midsummer.ie/buy/HuaweiSolar/SmartGuard-63A-S0

volker81k

Thanks @lau1247 !

I wasn't aware that they have a new system. Seems to be easier to install with no sensor required at the grid side. And it supports my SUN2000-5KTL-L1.

volker81k

Hi all,

I've found an installer who would be willing to install Smartguard mentioned above. The only showstopper is the pending approval from Safe Electric for this model. At least it shows me that the installer is legit.

I'll keep ye posted

randombar

Hi folks, just an FYI I've the solaredge version of this.

A great piece of kit in fairness.

brianatderrybeg

Thinking about pulling the trigger on SmartGuard-63A .. Yeah expensive - inline between ESB and main consumer unit so I'm wondering if it acts up could it leave the house with no power. Ive a 10Wp system, 6KTL-L1 inverter (limited to AC grid charge of 3000W) , 10KW of batteries & B0 backup box (a life saver with all the power outages). Looking to upgrade to a Sun2000-10K-Lc0 (5000W AC Grid charge) inverter with SmartGuard (old B0 not support with new Inverter) A real long term investment so plan to sell my 6K inverter and backup box to offset costs. All points to date valid as struggling to get a supplier / installer - too inexperienced and busy.