Solar Inverter Wireless CT Clamp: Zero-Export Control & Smart Monitoring for PV + Storage

Introduction

As distributed PV and heat electrification (EV chargers, heat pumps) surge across Europe and North America, installers and integrators face a common challenge: measure, limit, and optimize bidirectional power flows—without tearing into legacy wiring. The answer is a wireless CT clamp meter paired with an Energy Data Receiver. Using LoRa long-range communication (up to ~300 m line-of-sight), the clamp meter snaps around conductors in the distribution panel and streams real-time current data for PV generation, load consumption, and grid import/export. This enables zero-export / anti-backflow control, accurate solar energy monitoring, and smooth integration with storage and smart meters.

System Architecture (Based on OWON Solution)

• Measurement point: The OWON Clamp Meter is installed non-intrusively on feeder lines (no circuit break), covering PV inverter output, main grid line, or branch loads.

• Wireless backhaul: Data is sent via LoRa to the Energy Data Receiver over long distances and through complex indoor layouts.

• Data hub: The receiver aggregates measurements and forwards them to EMS/Cloud or a solar inverter interface to execute export limitation and analytics.

• Ecosystem devices: Works alongside utility meter readings, EV chargers, heat pumps, and storage batteries, giving a holistic view of site energy flows.

Why LoRa? Compared with short-range Wi-Fi, LoRa offers better penetration, lower power consumption, and stable performance in electrical rooms or metal-dense environments—ideal for multi-meter, multi-branch deployments.

What the Wireless CT Clamp Enables

1. Zero-Export / Anti-Backflow
   Real-time grid-tie monitoring lets the EMS or inverter cap export at 0 kW (or a utility-defined threshold), preventing reverse power flow and avoiding penalties.

2. PV + Storage Optimization
   By measuring PV, load, and grid simultaneously, the system shifts surplus PV to charge storage or adjusts inverter set-points dynamically.

3. EV & Heat Pump Coordination
   With EV charging and heat pumps adding large variable loads, the clamp data supports dynamic load control to avoid main breaker trips and demand peaks.

4. Retrofit-friendly
   Clamp-on installation (no conductor cut) reduces outage time and site risk—perfect for brownfield upgrades and commercial retrofits.

Compliance & Market Fit

• Utility programs: Many regions require export limitation for PV interconnections; a wireless CT clamp provides the measurement backbone for compliance.

• Safety & data privacy: Measurements stay behind-the-meter; the receiver can route data to local EMS or approved cloud endpoints to meet enterprise and regulatory policies.

• Scalability: LoRa topology supports multi-clamp, multi-feeder expansions across warehouses, campuses, and light-industrial facilities.

Comparison: Wireless CT Clamp vs. Traditional Wiring

Procurement Checklist for B2B Buyers

• CT range & accuracy: Select clamp ratings matching feeder currents; confirm accuracy over bidirectional flows.

• Wireless spec: LoRa link budget for your site layout; interference tolerance.

• Receiver interfaces: Data export to EMS/Cloud/inverter (e.g., common industrial protocols or vendor APIs).

• Zero-export logic: Verify control loop latency (measurement → set-point command) meets your utility’s rules.

• Safety & install: Tool-less closing, UL/CE compliance where applicable; enclosure ratings for panel environments.

• E2E solution: Pair with smart energy meters to enrich analytics (load profiles, tariff optimization).

Conclusion & Next Steps

For PV-plus-storage sites adding EV chargers and heat pumps, a Solar Inverter Wireless CT Clamp with a LoRa Energy Data Receiver delivers the missing real-time visibility to limit export, balance loads, and cut OPEX—all without invasive rewiring.
OWON provides clamp meters, receivers, and complementary smart energy meters to build a complete, scalable solution for distributors, integrators, and OEM partners.

Call to Action
Plan your zero-export rollout or retrofit today. Contact OWON for project sizing (CT ratings, receiver counts, data interfaces) and B2B pricing.