Ocular IQ Home Solar User Manual

Welcome to your Ocular IQ Home Solar!

Download the Ocular app to get started.

For iOS devices, search for the Ocular app on the App Store. You can click here to download.

For Android devices, search for the Ocular app on the Google Play Store. You can click here to download.

Warning: This product shall only be installed, repaired or serviced by an authorised electrician. All applicable local, regional and national regulations for electrical installations must be respected.

Section 1: Ways to Charge - IQ Home Solar

The Ocular Home Solar charger can start a charging session in two ways depending on the settings: using the Ocular app and Plug & Charge.

Ocular App

After downloading the Ocular app and adding the charger to it (See section 3), you can start and stop a charging session via the app. You can also stop a charging session through your car.

Plug and Charge

If the charger is set to plug and charge (See section 3: Plug & Charge), you can start a charging session by simply plugging the charger to your car. To stop charging, push the button on the front of the charger. You can also stop charging from your car (check owner's manual for instructions) or from the app.

Scheduling

You can set a schedule to start and stop a charging session. Set the start and stop times and the days for the schedule to repeat. Just plug the car in and the car will start charging when the schedule starts.

Section 2: Set Up the App & Charger

Please ensure you have downloaded the OCULAR app; other apps will not be compatible with your charger. (See page 1)

Scan the QR code or click here to watch a video on how to connect your charger and start charging!

Step 1: Register and Log In

Register for an account, then log in. After logging in, you will see the main dashboard.

[Visual Description: A mobile phone screen displaying the Ocular app interface. It shows a 'Customer' header, a 'Station' tab, a message indicating 'No Station!', and an 'Add Station' button.]

Step 2: Add Your Charger

Press 'Add Station', then enter your charger's serial number. The serial number can be found on the silver sticker on the side of the charger. The serial number begins with 'AW'. Example: AW12345678912.

[Visual Description: A mobile phone screen displaying a field to 'Enter device's serial number' with 'Cancel' and 'Add' buttons.]

Step 3: Add Gateway

Select the 'Energy' tab, then select 'Add Gateway'. Enter 'M_' followed by the serial number. Example: M_AW12345678912.

[Visual Description: A mobile phone screen displaying the 'Energy' tab with a message 'No Gateway!' and an 'Add Gateway' button.]

Step 4: Charger Successfully Added

Now your charger has been successfully added. You can see your charger under the 'Group' tab, and the Energy tab will show a diagram of your home's electrical setup.

[Visual Description: Two mobile phone screens. The left screen shows the 'Group' tab with charger statuses like 'Idle' and 'Offline'. The right screen shows a diagram illustrating the home's electrical setup, including 'Grid', 'Solar Assist', and 'Charger' components.]

How to Invite People to Your Group

After registering your account and charger, you can invite other users to your group so that they can also use your charger from their app.

1. They will need to download the Ocular app and register for an account following instructions from Section 2, Step 1.
2. Once registered, go to your group and click on the invite symbol (person icon with a plus) on the top right corner of the screen. Enter the email address they used to register their account and click 'Confirm'.
3. An invitation will be sent to their Ocular app shortly after. To accept it, they should first go to the 'My/Profile' tab, then click on the message symbol (envelope icon) on the top right corner of the screen.

[Visual Description: A sequence of mobile phone screens illustrating the invitation process: one showing the 'Group' tab with an invite option, another showing an email input field, and a final one showing a message notification for an invitation.]

Section 3: Start & Stop a Charging Session

Option 1: Using the App

1. Under the 'Energy' tab, choose your desired charging mode: Solar only, Solar assist, or Fast mode by pressing the dropdown and selecting the desired mode. You can change the mode on the Energy tab at any point during the charging session; you do not have to unplug or restart. (For more information on these settings, please see the FAQ section at the end of this manual.)
2. Go to the 'Group' tab and select your charger.
3. Plug your charger into the car, then start a charging session by pressing the 'Start' button. This button will change to a 'Stop' button; press this to stop the charging session or stop charging through the vehicle. To delay the start, press the 'Delay Start' button and choose up to a 3-hour delay.

[Visual Description: Mobile phone screens showing the charging interface. One screen displays charging mode selection (Fast, Solar Assist, Solar Only). Another shows the 'Group' tab. A third shows the 'Start' and 'Delay Start' buttons, and a fourth shows the 'Stop Now' and 'Delay Stop' buttons with a charging status.]

Option 2: Plug & Charge

1. Go to the 'Group' tab and select your charger. Turn on the 'Plug and Charge' feature by pressing the button.
2. When you plug the car in, it will start charging using the saved mode settings and override any scheduled charging sessions; you do not have to press 'Start'. To stop charging, push the button on the front of the charger. You can also stop charging from your car (check owner's manual for instructions) or from the app.
3. You will charge with the pre-selected energy mode. You can change the mode on the Energy tab at any point in the charging session; you do not have to unplug or restart.

[Visual Description: A mobile phone screen showing the charger interface with the 'Plug and Charge' feature toggle enabled.]

Option 3: Scheduled Charging Sessions

1. Press the plus button (+) on the top right of the 'Schedule' tab, and set the start time and end time.
2. Select 'Repeat' to choose which days to utilize this charging schedule. You will charge with the pre-selected energy mode. You can change the mode on the Energy tab at any point in the charging session; you do not have to unplug or restart. The session will stop at the set time, or you can stop it earlier through the app or car.

YOU MUST TURN OFF PLUG AND CHARGE FOR THIS FEATURE.

[Visual Description: Mobile phone screens showing the scheduling interface. One screen allows setting start/end times and repeat days. Another shows the 'Add Schedule' form with fields for device, connector, times, repeat settings, and current limit.]

Section 4: Energy Tab

On the Energy tab, you will see a diagram of the charger setup. The top represents the grid, the middle is your home, and the bottom shows your charger.

In the grid section, you will see either one number (for single-phase) or three numbers (for three-phase). A positive number indicates your home is drawing power from the grid. A negative number means you are producing excess solar, which is being exported to the grid.

Underneath the icon representing the home, you will find the dropdown menu for changing charging modes.

[Visual Description: A mobile phone screen displaying the Energy tab diagram. It shows 'Grid' with a current value (e.g., 0.1A), a house icon, and a 'Charger' icon with a current value (e.g., 0.0A). A dropdown menu for charging modes (Fast, Solar Assist, Solar Only) is visible.]

Section 5: Charging Modes

Fast Mode

⚡ In this mode, the vehicle will be charged at maximum power. This power can come from your solar panels or the grid. If you have set a current limit on the schedule or by the electrician during installation, that will determine the maximum charging speed.

Solar Assist

☀️☁️ This mode will charge your EV at a minimum of 6 Amps plus any excess solar produced. If solar production is low, up to 6 Amps will be drawn from the grid. This is the preferred solar mode, particularly on cloudy days or when you have a smaller solar system. It ensures a continuous charging session without frequent stopping and starting due to clouds, which is not ideal for the vehicle.

Solar Only

☀️ This mode charges your EV only when enough excess solar is produced. Note that there is a minimum amount of amps that need to be produced before the solar mode will start charging. This is because electric vehicles do not like being charged slower than these levels.

• Single Phase: Minimum 7 Amps
• Three Phase: Minimum 21 Amps total across all three (3) phases.

If the solar production drops below the threshold, the charging will pause and then restart after 2-3 minutes of continuous excess solar above the threshold.

We recommend this mode when you have a clear excess of solar power produced. Use Solar Assist when your production is low or intermittent.

Section 6: Understanding & Changing Charging Speed

If your charger is not providing maximum charging speed, your current limit may be set too low.

There are two ways to change the charging speed:

1. Change Charging Speed During a Charging Session (Smart Charging Speed)

Once the charging session has begun, a slider will appear on the screen to adjust the speed up to 32 A. However, the maximum charging speed depends on the 'Maximum Current Limit' set on the charger. For example, if the smart charging speed is set to 32 A but the maximum current limit is set to 10 A, then the charger will only charge up to 10 A.

[Visual Description: A mobile phone screen showing a 'Smart charging' section with a slider allowing adjustment of charging speed, with current limits displayed.]

2. Change Maximum Current Limit

To change the max charging speed, select your charger from the 'Group' tab, then click on the three dots (⋮) on the top right of the screen to enter settings. There will be another slider to change the maximum current limit.

[Visual Description: A sequence of mobile phone screens. The first shows the 'Group' tab with chargers. The second shows a charger detail screen with a menu icon (three dots). The third shows a settings screen with 'Maximum current limit' slider.]

If the charger is still charging slow after changing both the Smart Charging Speed and Maximum Current Limit, check if the charger is set to Solar Only or Solar Assist mode following instructions from Section 3.

Please note: the inbuilt load controller in your charger monitors your home's available power and will slow charge to ensure your home does not get overloaded. Your charger may also have been down-rated by your electrician during installation.

Section 7: Guide to Charging Records & Cost Estimates

Records

Go to the 'Record' tab for a complete overview of your charging history. You can choose the time frame of your records: 7 days, 30 days, 90 days, up to 1 year, by selecting from the dropdown menu.

You can export the data by selecting the share button (⬆️) and receive the data in your chosen email.

[Visual Description: A mobile phone screen showing the 'Record' tab with charging history details and time frame selection options.]

Costs

Go to the 'Cost' tab. Here you can enter your electricity rate and press 'Calculate' to see the cost of electricity over the chosen period of time.

[Visual Description: A mobile phone screen showing the 'Cost' tab with fields for electricity rate, total energy, and total cost, along with a 'Calculate' button.]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the charger need to be connected to the internet?

Yes, the charger must be connected to the internet to function normally.

• Ethernet using a CAT 6 cable to your internet modem
• WIFI to the charger

The installer will need to enter the WIFI name and password into the charger backend. Please note a minimum of 4 bands is required for a strong and stable connection. It is the homeowner's responsibility to supply a reliable internet connection where the charger is to be installed. If either of these is unable to be implemented, then a TP-Link Wi-Fi extender is recommended.

What happens if my charger goes offline or loses internet?

If the unit goes offline, the charger will actively try to re-connect. The app will not work if the Wi-Fi has dropped out. If this happens, the charger will not work unless 'Plug and Charge' was set on the app, or until the Wi-Fi signal returns. If you change your Wi-Fi password, you will need to refer to the installation guide to reset it.

How far can the charger be from my electricity supply?

The CT Clamps that come with the charger have a cable length of 20 meters. If the charger needs to be installed further away from the switch box than 20m, the installing electrician can extend the CT clamp cables by following the instructions in the installation guide. The CT clamps can be extended up to 75 meters.

Should I purchase a single phase (7kW) or three phase (22kW) charger?

The 7kW option is a single-phase (1P) charger, whereas the 22kW option is a three-phase (3P) charger. Which phase charger you choose depends on the phase of your EV, house supply, and solar inverter. If you're not sure what type of power supply you have in your home, please speak to your electrician.

*For max charging speed priority, choose 3P; whereas for max solar consumption, choose 1P.

Is the Ocular IQ Home Solar compatible with all EVs?

Yes, the IQ Home Solar is compatible with every EV in Australia and New Zealand that uses and adheres to the Type 2 charging standard.

Does the Ocular IQ Home Solar work with any solar system?

Yes. If you have a solar system that is constantly exporting electricity to the grid, the Ocular IQ Home Solar will allow you to use that excess solar efficiently to recharge your vehicle's battery. CT Clamps installed on the incoming mains supply are used to measure the excess solar being sent to the grid in real time.

[Visual Description: A diagram illustrating how the Ocular IQ Home Solar understands home electricity usage. It shows rooftop solar generating electricity feeding into the home. Excess solar energy is shown being exported to the grid. An EV is shown connected to the charger. A CT Clamp is depicted measuring electricity export/consumption.]

Do I need solar to use the Ocular IQ Home Solar?

No, the hardware unit can be operated as a smart EV charger that can still schedule, record, and monitor all your charging sessions. Solar modes or CT clamps can be connected in the future for an added cost. The CT clamps will also allow the charger to be load managed, meaning that your home is protected from overloading during charging sessions.

What happens if I have a home battery?

For the most part, any excess solar produced by the system will be absorbed by the battery. The Ocular IQ Home Solar modes work by using CT clamps to understand what you are exporting to the grid. You may find that the home battery is absorbing most of your excess solar generated first, resulting in minimal export to the grid. It is still fine to install a charger, but you may find the Solar Assist mode best for drawing a small amount from the grid/battery when no excess solar is being produced. If excess solar is available, it can then utilize the available excess solar that the battery is not taking. Every battery system behaves differently, and the Ocular team cannot guarantee the interaction between the charger and the battery.

How many CT clamps are provided?

One CT for single-phase versions and three for three-phase versions. You must only use the CT clamps provided or an approved CT from the Ocular team to ensure that the solar and load control readings are accurate at all times. CTs are supplied in the charger box.

Does the unit connect directly to a home battery?

No, the unit does not connect directly to the battery. It uses CTs to monitor the excess solar being exported to the grid at the home's switchboard. It does not connect directly to any battery system.

What mode should I choose based on my solar production?

This depends on the mode you have set the IQ Home Solar to.

• Fast Mode: The vehicle charges at maximum power from solar panels or the grid. There is NO minimum amount of excess solar energy required for use.
• Solar Assist: Charges your EV at a minimum of 6 Amps plus any excess solar produced. If solar production is low, power is drawn from the grid. This is preferred for cloudy days or smaller solar systems, ensuring continuous charging. There is NO minimum amount of excess solar energy required for use.
• Solar Only: Charges your EV only when enough excess solar is produced. For a single-phase charger, a minimum of 7 Amps (approx. 2kW) exported to the grid is needed. For a three-phase charger, a minimum of 21 Amps total (approx. 5kW) across all three phases is needed. If solar production drops below the threshold, charging pauses and restarts after 2-3 minutes of continuous excess solar. Recommended for clear excess solar production. Use Solar Assist for low or intermittent production.

Our experience shows that large variable loads like air conditioning can absorb most of the solar generation. Use the Energy tab on the Ocular app to understand the excess available and choose the Solar Assist mode if excess generation is consistently below the Single and Three phase threshold.

How much excess solar energy is my home producing?

You can tell this from the Energy tab on the Ocular app. This will differ slightly depending on whether your system is single or three-phase. For single-phase, only one value will be shown. Reading this is important for determining whether 'Solar Only' can be used.

• Single Phase: A negative sign indicates excess power being exported to the grid. If this number is consistently between 0 and -7 Amps, there is not sufficient excess solar to use 'Solar Only'.
• Three Phase: There will be three numbers on the app. The net power exported or drawn from the grid is found by adding the numbers together. 'Solar Only' mode works only when all three phases export greater than 21 Amps in total. For example, 5+5+14 = 24 Amps total export. 'Solar Only' mode will not work if all three phases export less than 21 Amps in total, meaning there is no clear excess.

Solar excess is indicated by a negative (-) value. In cases where excess is insufficient, choose Solar Assist or Fast Mode.

[Visual Description: Mobile phone screens showing examples of the 'Grid' display for single-phase and three-phase systems. Some examples show sufficient excess solar (indicated by negative values like -21.9A or a sum of 24A) marked with a checkmark (✔️), while others show insufficient excess solar (e.g., 3.2A, 6.8A, or a sum of 4A) marked with a cross (❌).]

What is Net Metering?

Net metering is a function specific to 3 Phase installations and affects only 'Solar Only' and 'Solar Assist' modes. The charger monitors solar excess on all three phases and will charge if the total excess across all phases is greater than 21 Amps, rather than needing 7 Amps individually across each phase. This means that if one phase has a high load (e.g., the rest of the household load), the charger will still operate as long as the other phases are exporting enough for the total to exceed 21 Amps.

Can I use my own installer?

If you wish to use your own installer, they must be a fully qualified electrician. Ocular cannot be held responsible for any issues or failures of any products caused by the installation process or from an incorrect setup and configuration.

What is Load Management?

The Ocular IQ Home Solar CT Clamps can perform both solar and load management. If set up by the electrician, the CT clamps will monitor the home's power consumption. The Ocular IQ Home Solar will then balance the charging speed based on the real-time load in the house to prevent the home's electricity from overloading.

Where do I download the Ocular app?

The Ocular app is required to use the charger. Click on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store icons to download the Ocular app, or search via your relevant app store.

[Visual Description: Icons for 'Get it on Google Play' and 'Download on the App Store'.]

Can you schedule a charging session?

Yes, you can schedule multiple sessions per day and also adjust your charging speed. Take advantage of solar daytime charging or schedule to charge off-peak. You must be plugged in before the start time for the schedule to work. Otherwise, you need to press 'Start' on the app.

Do I have to be plugged into the charger before a scheduled app charging session?

Yes, you must be plugged in before the start of the app scheduled session for the schedule function to work. For example, if you set a schedule from 6 pm to 7 pm, you must be plugged in before 6 pm for the scheduling to start. If you plug in after 6 pm, then you need to press the 'Start' button on the app to start a charging session. This will override the schedule for the individual charging session for that day.

Is the Ocular IQ Home Solar OCPP compatible?

Yes, the Ocular IQ Home Solar is OCPP compatible. Please note, if an OCPP software platform is enabled on the charger, the Ocular app and some of the local functions of the unit will not be available.

Will the Ocular IQ Home Solar work with off-grid solar systems?

No. We require a grid connection to ensure reliable charging. A very minimal amount of electricity may be taken from the grid for a short period if solar production drops suddenly.

What is the refresh rate for the Energy tab?

The Energy tab will be refreshed every 30 seconds via the cloud servers, which are hosted in Australia.