How to protect your SMA EV charger from unauthorized use
Zonnefabriek has already installed a significant number of charging stations for electric vehicles, most of them from SMA. The SMA EV charger is an advanced charging station that works perfectly with the Sunny Home Manager and ensures that your car charges primarily using your own solar energy rather than electricity from the grid. This prepares you well for the upcoming phase-out of the net metering scheme.
Protection from the neighbors
Most products are continuously improved thanks to firmware updates that are automatically installed via the internet. The same applies to the EV charger, for which a new firmware version was recently introduced. This version includes an option to lock the charging station by default. When this option is selected, the charger will only begin charging once someone authorizes it via the SMA Energy App. This way, your neighbor won’t be able to secretly use your charger when you're not home!
The SMA EV charger is SMA's smart charging station that can be perfectly combined with solar panels.
How to enable the new functionality
To activate the lock function, you need to log into the user interface of the EV charger. You can do this by scanning the QR code on the device or via the router if you know the EV charger's IP address. Then, log in as “installer” using the correct password (usually: postcode_zf). Look in the settings for “charging settings” and then for the checkbox “Charging release via app” (see screenshot). If this box is checked (don’t forget to save!), the new feature is activated.
In the settings of the EV charger, there is a checkbox called 'charging release via app': when this is ticked, the charger is locked by default.
How does it work in practice?
Once the feature is enabled, you will see a new button in the SMA Energy App to unlock the EV charger. The charging station will only start charging when this button is pressed. Note: if you’re used to always plugging in your car when you get home (which we recommend), don't forget to also press the unlock button in the future.
What other new features are available?
In addition to this locking function, a few other updates have been added to the EV charger. From now on, you can connect not just one, but up to three EV chargers to be managed by the Sunny Home Manager. This can be useful if you have multiple electric vehicles.
Additionally, you might be interested to know that the brightness of the LED lights on the EV charger can now be dimmed. Apparently, some SMA customers requested a change to make the lights less bright.
If you’re interested in adjusting your EV charger settings and need help, feel free to contact our service team at service@zonnefabriek.nl. Please note that we are currently experiencing high demand, so our response may take a bit longer than usual—our apologies for the delay. And if you’re considering installing one (or more) new EV chargers, we’ll be happy to assist you with that as well!
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