Thinking of using a Quikswitch WiFi bridge and 30 amp relay, this way I can use my phone to both monitor the Victron remote portal and switch the geyser on and off to utilize any excess solar pv.

 Any pro’s/con’s to this idea, am handy at DIY but not computer programming, etc

The QwikSwitch is a very easy a simple product to install and setup. I have retrofitted their stuff to everything in my hours and have kept building over the last 7 years (lights, pool, watering system, geysers, heater panels, etc)

QwikSwitch also have a full Geyser Controller which is similar to the GeyserWise controller (although not as configurable from a temperature vs time perspective).

 

What I have done on my system is install a QwikSwitch relay to drive a relay in my DB that changes a circuit of plugs from Eskom to Inverter. I had it running in my previous setup for over a year without any issues controlling my pool pump & well point as the seasons changed vs solar generation. I have just re-installed it to remove the heavy kitchen plugs (kettle and the likes) while the geyser is running

Have a look at the last two posts in the following thread - 

 

 

Let me know if you have any questions

Thanks Jay-Dee, i got the idea from your post and then saw the WiFi bridge and relay.

    Vassen , can I set up a Sonoff system that will be able to switch on/off the geyser from my phone, ( while at work ), the aim being to use the idle pv array when the wife is not using the washing /drying appliances

Would I be able to use a 2000 ( 8.69 amps ) watt geyser element, or would you advise against it

ok, just saw another post that advises against it

Edited September 19, 20205 yr by Tariq

9 hours ago, Tariq said:

Thanks Jay-Dee, i got the idea from your post and then saw the WiFi bridge and relay.

 Glad to be an inspiration. 

Just an item of note... If you are going to put in a relay to move between Eskom and Inverter... make sure your relay is rated accordingly as if you switch with load, there can be a decent spike

1 hour ago, Tariq said:

Would I be able to use a 2000 ( 8.69 amps ) watt geyser element, or would you advise against it

ok, just saw another post that advises against it

I change my 4kw element to a 2kw element on a Kwik-Kot 200L geyser. No issues at all, works like a charm and as others have posted... I find it more efficient (somehow) than the 4kw element.

Have not seen anyone advise against it... Have a link to the post?

Apologies, the second part was for Vassen regarding using a Sonoff switch and having to use a contractor to switch the geyser instead of the Sonoff relay by itself

A good reason why you would want to use a relay
 

I had a 10A QwikSwitch Relay that this has happened to in a minor way with fluorescent tubes with starters over time (pays to read, they specifically advise against fluorescent tubes). 

As mentioned previously, I have their specific geyser controller and they still recommend a relay... If you element is 9A, you startup power or spike can easily go over 30A. Rather be safe than very very sorry

Edited September 19, 20205 yr by Jay-Dee

so I should be able to use a Sonoff Basic and a contactor, was looking for a relatively inexpensive way to switch on and off the geyser to utilize an idle pv array, thanks guys, for all the help 😋😋