How to change the settings on a SunSynk battery

Our electrician explains how you can change your SunSynk battery settings to charge at different times and more. Read the blog or watch the video tutorial.

Getting Started with SunSynk

SunSynk batteries are sophisticated energy storage systems that offer extensive customization options. Understanding how to adjust these settings allows you to maximize savings, especially when combined with time-of-use electricity tariffs.

Accessing the System

You can access SunSynk settings through:

LCD Touch Screen on the inverter

SunSynk Connect App on your smartphone

Web Portal on computer

Local WiFi connection

Basic Navigation

Home Screen Overview

The main display shows:

• PV Power: Current solar generation
• Battery Status: Charge level and flow
• Grid Power: Import/export status
• Load Power: Current consumption
• System Mode: Current operating mode

Menu Structure

Main menu options:
• Basic Settings
• Battery Settings
• Work Mode
• Time of Use
• Advanced Settings
• System Info

Essential Battery Settings

Battery Capacity

Set your actual battery capacity:
• Navigate to Battery Settings
• Select Battery Capacity
• Enter total kWh (e.g., 5.12, 10.24)
• Confirm selection

Charge/Discharge Limits

Protect battery lifespan:
• Max SOC (State of Charge): Usually 95%
• Min SOC: Typically 10-20%
• Shutdown SOC: Emergency reserve 5%

Charge/Discharge Rates

Adjust power flow rates:
• Max Charge Current: 50-100A typical
• Max Discharge Current: 50-100A typical
• Calculate: Amps * Battery Voltage = Watts

Time of Use Settings

Why Use Time Settings?

Maximize savings with cheap rate electricity:
• Charge during off-peak hours
• Discharge during peak rates
• Avoid grid import when expensive
• Optimize solar self-consumption

Setting Time Periods

Up to 6 time periods available:

#### Period 1 - Overnight Charging

• Time: 00:30 - 04:30
• Mode: Grid Charge
• Power: 3000W
• SOC Target: 100%

#### Period 2 - Morning Peak

• Time: 04:30 - 07:00
• Mode: Battery First
• Grid Charge: Disabled
• Min SOC: 20%

#### Period 3 - Solar Hours

• Time: 07:00 - 16:00
• Mode: Solar First
• Battery Charge: From solar only
• Export: Enabled

#### Period 4 - Evening Peak

• Time: 16:00 - 19:00
• Mode: Battery First
• No Grid Import
• Min SOC: 10%

#### Period 5 - Evening Off-Peak

• Time: 19:00 - 22:00
• Mode: Load First
• Battery Charge: If needed
• SOC Target: 50%

#### Period 6 - Night

• Time: 22:00 - 00:30
• Mode: Battery First
• Preserve: For morning

Work Modes Explained

Zero Export/Limited Export

For properties with export restrictions:
• Select Work Mode
• Choose Zero Export
• Set Export Limit (W)
• Enable Export Control

Backup/UPS Mode

For power cut protection:
• UPS Switching Time: less than 20ms
• Backup Loads: Essential circuits only
• Reserve SOC: 30% minimum
• Auto-restart: Enable

Time of Use Mode

Most common for savings:
• Enables scheduled charging
• Allows multiple time periods
• Integrates with tariffs
• Maximizes self-consumption

Advanced Settings

Grid Charge Settings

Control grid charging behavior:
• Grid Charge Enable: On/Off per period
• Grid Charge Power: Limit charging rate
• Grid Charge SOC: Target percentage
• AC Couple: For existing solar

Generator Settings

If you have backup generator:
• Generator Input: Enable
• Start Signal: Voltage/SOC based
• Charge from Gen: Usually enabled
• Priority: Battery or Load first

Communication Settings

• Modbus Address: For monitoring
• CT Direction: Ensure correct
• Meter Type: Match your meter
• WiFi Setup: For remote access

Common Scenarios

Octopus Go Setup

Popular cheap night tariff:
• 00:30-04:30: Grid charge to 100%
• 04:30-00:30: Battery first, no grid charge
• Min SOC: 10% always
• Solar Priority: During day

Agile Tariff Setup

Variable pricing needs:
• Update daily via app
• Set multiple charge windows
• Adjust based on prices
• Automate with third-party apps

Solar Self-Consumption

Maximize solar usage:
• Daytime: Solar first
• Evening: Battery first
• Night: Minimal battery use
• Morning: Battery until solar

Using the App

SunSynk Connect Features

• Real-time monitoring
• Remote settings changes
• Historical data
• Alarm notifications
• Firmware updates

App Setup Process

• Download SunSynk Connect
• Create account
• Add device via serial number
• Connect to inverter WiFi
• Configure settings

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Battery Not Charging

Check:
• Time settings correct
• Grid charge enabled
• SOC limits appropriate
• Work mode selection
• CT clamp direction

Excessive Grid Import

Verify:
• Battery SOC adequate
• Discharge limits correct
• Time periods accurate
• Load first not selected
• Firmware up to date

Poor App Connection

Try:
• Restart inverter WiFi
• Check router settings
• Update app version
• Re-pair device
• Contact support

Best Practices

Regular Monitoring

• Check daily generation
• Verify charge cycles
• Monitor battery health
• Review grid usage
• Adjust seasonally

Seasonal Adjustments

Summer vs Winter settings:
• Charge targets lower in summer
• More grid charging in winter
• Adjust time periods
• Update export settings

Battery Health

Maximize lifespan:
• Avoid 100% SOC daily
• Limit deep discharges
• Moderate charge rates
• Keep cool if possible
• Regular firmware updates

Safety Warnings

Important Precautions

• ⚠️ Only adjust software settings
• ⚠️ Never open equipment covers
• ⚠️ Don't exceed specifications
• ⚠️ Maintain minimum SOC
• ⚠️ Keep access passwords secure

When to Call Professionals

Contact installer for:
• Physical connections
• Fault conditions
• Warranty issues
• Major changes
• Safety concerns

Video Tutorial Highlights

Key moments from our video:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 02:30 - Accessing settings
• 05:00 - Time period setup
• 08:45 - Testing changes
• 11:00 - Common mistakes
• 13:30 - Advanced tips

Firmware Updates

Checking Version

• Menu → System Info
• Note current version
• Check SunSynk website
• Compare versions

Update Process

• Backup settings first
• Stable internet required
• Don't interrupt process
• Verify after completion
• Reconfigure if needed

Integration with Solar

AC Coupled Systems

• Existing solar compatible
• Set CT clamp correctly
• Enable AC coupling
• Adjust charge priorities

DC Coupled Systems

• Direct solar connection
• MPPT settings crucial
• String configuration
• Voltage matching

Conclusion

Mastering your SunSynk battery settings enables significant energy savings and system optimization. While the interface might seem complex initially, understanding these core settings allows you to tailor the system perfectly to your usage patterns and electricity tariff.

Remember to document your settings, monitor performance regularly, and adjust seasonally for best results. When in doubt, consult your installer or SunSynk support to avoid inadvertently affecting system performance or warranty.

CRG Direct provides comprehensive SunSynk installation and support services, including personalized setup optimization based on your specific energy usage and tariff. Contact us for expert assistance with your SunSynk system.