solar/mains switch

[oldalfie]

I want an automatic switch that I can connect to my mains which will not conduct at normal mains voltage but will switch on when my solar is operating to give an output to a 13A socket. Does one exist?

 

[JohnD]

There are various devices like the Immersun (?)

But they cost around £250 - £300

Unless you have no gas, they are a poor buy, because they cost more than you will save in a lifetime

I have one, but it went faulty and I can't get it repaired.

If you find anything cheap, let us know.

If you are in an all-electric house, and have storage heaters or a hot-water cylinder, they might possibly, just possibly, be worthwhile.

Remember that solar generation in winter is pretty negligible, so no use for heating.

 

[SUNRAY]

Is this not a simple current transformer type switch and contactor.

M3056 0.3-30A 240V AC/DC Current Detection Alarm Module Current Sensing Switch | eBay

Mutual inductance current monitoring, input and output safety. The monitoring threshold is adjustable from 0.2 to 30A. Basic function When the perforation current exceeds the set value, the output switch action will automatically reset when the perforation current is less than the set value.

www.ebay.co.uk

Even better would be a signal from the inverter but I don't know if that's a thing.

 

[JohnD]

I think that would operate an on/off contactor when the inverter output reached your threshold, but the usual solar immersion controllers ramp up the voltage they pass through, so that demand current reaches, or almost reaches, solar supply.

This works with a pure resistance load such as an immersion heater or a storage heater.

They can cope with varying solar supply, which is what you usually get.

 

[SUNRAY]

I think that would operate an on/off contactor when the inverter output reached your threshold, but the usual solar immersion controllers ramp up the voltage they pass through, so that demand current reaches, or almost reaches, solar supply.

This works with a pure resistance load such as an immersion heater or a storage heater.

They can cope with varying solar supply, which is what you usually get.

I've had muniscule experience with Solar, but have noticed the changes in lighting levels.

Not knowing what the application OP has I simply thought that sensing the solar is generating and providing current (as opposed to voltage) would be an easy way to energise the socket.

 

[JohnD]

It would, but I think it would annoyingly go on and off every time a cloud passed over the sun. With a heater, you don't notice the power seamlessly rising and falling.

 

[oldalfie]

thank you everyone. I just want my solar to reach via a 13a plug to my heater ()or what I connect) and disconnect the mains,

 

[oldalfie]

WHAT I wanted to say was my solar produces higher voltage than the mains and I only want an output to my item plugged into I 13 amp socket when the voltage exceeds the mains voltage. Hope that is clear as I am 82 I'm not oh bright as I was.