PV-optimised charging extends the reev Platform with cloud-based, forecast-driven charging optimisation. By taking expected PV yields and on-site energy demand into account, charging processes are planned in advance to maximize the self-consumption of solar power.
Prerequisites for PV-optimised charging
A PV system is installed at the site.
reev EMS is activated.
Drivers use the reev App, connect their vehicle, and set charging schedules.
Unlike Local PV integration, PV‑optimised charging requires no on‑site hardware installation or local metering infrastructure. Optimisation runs in the cloud, so setup is quick and without additional effort on site.
How it works
Goal: Maximise the direct use of self‑generated PV energy to charge vehicles. This reduces grid consumption and charging costs while ensuring vehicles are sufficiently charged by the desired departure time.
Forecast‑based optimisation
reev EMS automatically creates charging schedules* based on:
expected PV generation
current weather data
vehicle information from the reev App: desired departure time and target state of charge
The system plans charging proactively and shifts charging to periods with sufficient PV availability. Optimisation is forecast‑based in the cloud — no additional local hardware is required.
*Charging schedules define when and at what power a vehicle charges so the target state of charge is reached by the selected departure time.
Dynamic adaptation
reev EMS continuously adapts schedules to changing conditions, for example when weather changes or when additional vehicles start charging. The system ensures vehicles are charged on time as specified.
Important: Prioritisation suspends PV optimisation
If a driver or charge point is prioritised, PV optimisation is disabled for those sessions. Use prioritisation selectively to preserve cost‑savings potential.
Activation and setup in the reev Platform
The following steps are required to enable PV‑optimised charging and configure forecasts:
Open Energy management → Configuration.
Enable “PV‑optimised charging”.
Review the projected savings potential and the information about the 14‑day trial.
Click “Start” to begin the trial and confirm activation.
Provide the following data:
PV system: installed capacity (kWp) [required]; orientation/tilt [optional]
For multiple sites: select the site
Other energy assets: battery / heat pump / generator [optional]
Note: Without accurate PV master data (kWp, orientation, tilt), no reliable PV forecast can be generated.
Use in daily operations
Monitoring and analysis
Energy management → Overview: Retrospective PV KPIs for the last 30 days
PV self‑consumption rate
CO₂ savings
Estimated cost savings*
Energy management → Live Monitoring: Live PV generation shown in the context of current fleet load
Energy management → Configuration: Review or change PV settings; toggle the feature on/off
*Note: Electricity price fields in Configuration influence only the displayed cost estimates, not the charging plan. If no values are entered, the display uses default assumptions.
Driver preferences in the reev App
Drivers set departure time and target state of charge in the reev App (charging schedules). These inputs are the basis for PV optimisation and ensure vehicles are ready on time.
Costs
PV‑optimised charging is included or available as an add‑on depending on your licence tier:
Included: reev Business and Enterprise
Add‑on: €3 per charge point per month
Activation starts with a 14‑day trial and can be cancelled at any time during the trial.
Frequently asked questions
How does the system ‘know’ when PV power is available?
Via a site‑specific PV generation forecast.
Do I need additional hardware or an inverter connection?
No. Optimisation is cloud‑ and forecast‑based and works without a direct inverter connection.
Does PV optimisation apply to all charge points?
Yes, site‑wide - except for prioritised charge points or users. For those, PV optimisation is suspended while prioritisation is active.
Can PV‑optimised charging be cancelled?
You can cancel the feature at any time in the reev Platform. Please observe your contract terms.
Are there restrictions for users due to PV‑optimised charging?
No. Demand‑based charging is ensured at all times.
For registered users with a charging schedule in the reev App, the system optimises intelligently so the vehicle is ready with the desired state of charge at the desired time. If no schedule is set (or for ad‑hoc/eRoaming charging), the session starts immediately without aligning to current PV generation.
Do drivers have to connect their vehicle via the app?
Only registered drivers who start the session via the reev App and have set a charging schedule (target state of charge and departure time) contribute to PV optimisation. If charging is started without the app (e.g. RFID), no dynamic shifting based on PV generation occurs.
How does the system react to bad weather?
If the weather is poor, grid energy is added automatically to keep the charging schedule. The system uses forecast data (e.g. weather predictions) for planning and falls back to real‑time measurements when conditions change suddenly — vehicles are still charged on time.
What happens if vehicles arrive at different times?
The calculation is adapted dynamically. When new vehicles start charging, total demand is recalculated and PV distribution is re‑optimised.
Is there a minimum PV power required to charge surplus?
No. reev EMS can charge even when available PV power is below the vehicle or wallbox minimum. The missing share is automatically provided by the grid so a stable session can proceed - the system simply maximises the PV share to increase self‑consumption.
Can PV‑optimised charging be used when a battery is present?
Yes. Charging is shifted into periods with predicted PV surplus without conflicting with the battery. Current battery behaviour is not actively considered yet.
Can the estimated PV generation be corrected manually or sent via API?
Manual corrections of the PV forecast are currently not possible. We are working on improvements.