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Neilxxx
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November 13, 2025
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Solar and Battery + Charge Anytime - How to stop battery draining when Zappi charges EV?

  • November 13, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 466 views

How to stop a new ovo installed and managed via charge anytime solar battery installation from draining the battery. I want the Zappi which is controlled by charge anytime to take power from grid by default unless I ask it to take from the battery.

Is there a grid or battery option in the app.

 

thanks in advance

Best answer by Peter E

Updated on 26/02/26 by Chris_OVO

 

Make sure that the Zappi takes its power BEFORE the CT clamp for the home battery. In that way the home battery won't see the load taken by the Zappi and it won't try and supply power for it.

 

Sometimes this involves teeing off a supply after the meter (or isolation switch) and before the consumer unit so the Zappi has it's own dedicated supply. Often that will go to a mini CU for the Zappi.

 

Economics means it isn't usual to try and charge the car from the home battery. You can charge the car for 14p. The energy in the battery is used to offset the peak rate of 26p for the house. It makes more sense to use it for the house rather than the car. 

 

Peter 

 

 

I just wanted to share a fantastic guide that ​@Peter E wrote up about this issue, hope it helps you:

 

 

 

4 replies

Peter E
Super User
Peter ESuper UserSolved
Super User
November 13, 2025

Updated on 26/02/26 by Chris_OVO

 

Make sure that the Zappi takes its power BEFORE the CT clamp for the home battery. In that way the home battery won't see the load taken by the Zappi and it won't try and supply power for it.

 

Sometimes this involves teeing off a supply after the meter (or isolation switch) and before the consumer unit so the Zappi has it's own dedicated supply. Often that will go to a mini CU for the Zappi.

 

Economics means it isn't usual to try and charge the car from the home battery. You can charge the car for 14p. The energy in the battery is used to offset the peak rate of 26p for the house. It makes more sense to use it for the house rather than the car. 

 

Peter 

 

 

I just wanted to share a fantastic guide that ​@Peter E wrote up about this issue, hope it helps you:

 

 

 

Reducing my yearly fossil fuel usage with an EV (-900 litres petrol), A2AHP (-8,700 kWh gas) and Timed Immersion heater (-1,500 kWh gas)
    N
    Rank 1
    NeilxxxAuthor
    Rank 1
    November 13, 2025

    Hi Peter

     

    Agreed re the economics but would expect that an OVO supplied system utilising an OVO approved and managed Zappi and charge their anytime app it would be very simple to set up and manage. These questions / requirements will come with most installations. If it involves electrics this should undertaken at the OVO install ?!

      Ben_OVO
      Community Manager
      Ben_OVO
      Community Manager
      November 14, 2025

      Welcome to the Forum ​@Neilxxx, I hope you’re well.

       

      I’ve added badges to your profile to display the kit you have. I can see ​@Peter E has given some great advice here (thanks Peter), and apologies that you have this issue.

       

      I just wanted to share a fantastic guide that ​@Peter E wrote up about this issue, hope it helps you:

       

       

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        Peter E
        Super User
        Peter ESuper User
        Super User
        November 14, 2025

        ​@Neilxxx Given that home battery systems and charge points come with differing abilities you often end up with different solutions. With the correct placement of CT clamps from both systems and the correct setting up of both apps it is possible to have the EVSE wired anywhere in the system and the apps prevent the discharge of the home battery into the car. However, you need an installer familiar with that particular combination of tech and detailed knowledge of both systems (they should know the Zappi but not necessarily the home battery) and how they need to work together.

         

        The owner will also have to understand how each app is set up and should either of the apps change (facilities added or removed) then you may end up with an undesirable result. This is because we have made systems too difficult to be easily understood either by the owner or the installer.

         

        The guide I gave (thanks ​@Ben_OVO) is simple and foolproof and it has limitations but it seems to be the go-to solution for many people in that situation.

         

        Peter

         

        Reducing my yearly fossil fuel usage with an EV (-900 litres petrol), A2AHP (-8,700 kWh gas) and Timed Immersion heater (-1,500 kWh gas)
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