Charging Stations – Products, Technology & Planning
Electromobility is on its way to becoming the norm – at least in parts of Europe and Asia. As a result, the demand for reliable charging infrastructure is growing. Installers and system planners in particular are faced with the task of developing customized solutions that are not only technically sound but also economically viable – for both residential and commercial clients. Krannich Solar provides everything they need: products, information, and expert advice. Whether for a single-family home, multi-party solution, or commercial fleet – with smart planning, the EV charging station becomes a key component of a sustainable energy system.
AC or DC?
Charging stations are generally available in two types:
AC (alternating current): For private or semi-public use, typically 11 or 22 kW wallboxes.
DC (direct current): For commercial use or high-demand charging parks (30–300 kW and above).
Typical use cases:
Single-family home: 11 kW AC wallbox, optional phase switching (approx. 3.7 kW).
Multi-family dwellings: Multiple 11 or 22 kW AC wallboxes with load management and optional RFID access.
Commercial & fleets: Combination of AC chargers for staff and DC chargers for fleet vehicles.
Public locations: DC fast chargers, especially on highways.
PV Integration: How Surplus Charging Works
With surplus charging, the EV is charged when solar energy is available, reducing grid use. Dynamic PV surplus charging automatically adjusts charging power to available PV output, maximizing self-consumption.
Requirements: Compatible wallbox, compatible inverter, energy manager, smart meter.
Residential: All AC wallboxes in the Krannich portfolio support surplus charging.
Business/DC: Surplus charging is less relevant – focus on delivering performance.
Communication & Control
Modern charging stations rely on multiple protocols and standards:
OCPP – enables cloud/network services, §14a integration, dynamic tariffs, and load management
Modbus – for inverter, storage, smart meter, wallbox communication
LAN/Wi-Fi – for local/remote access
ISO 15118 – vehicle-to-charger communication, supports bidirectional charging
RFID – secures chargers, authentication typically via OCPP
Key Charging Station Manufacturers
Sungrow: Only DC supplier in portfolio. AC version with integrated fault detection, 7 m Type 2 cable.
Fronius Wattpilot: MID-compliant, dynamic PV surplus charging (1.38–22 kW), Design Award winner.
GoodWe HCA Series: Quiet wallbox, solar-only or hybrid PV/storage charging possible.
Huawei Smart Charger: Quick installation, supports phase switching.
SolarEdge EVK22C: Controls up to 3 wallboxes, supports surplus charging and low-tariff charging.
SolaX Smart EV Charger: TLS-encrypted cloud connection, 100% solar charging.