Every project comes with its own set of challenges, and having the right tools and support can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve been focusing on making our products customisable and adaptable to various needs. To help installers handle specific challenges, we’ve created the Software Integrator Program. This program links you with experienced software integrators who can create solutions tailored to you, making it easier to get the most out of your Victron system.

One of our long-time partners, Tropik Elec, from the island of La Réunion, recently used the Software Integrator Program to solve a major problem they were facing. In this blog, we will take a look at how they did it and how the program could help you too!

The challenge: ESS management during cyclone season

Tropik Elec, a Victron distributor for over eight years, has installed more than 600 ESS systems on the cyclone-prone island of La Réunion. The company’s Director, Guillaume Guinebaud, explained their challenge: “The ESS algorithm is great and works perfectly to optimise our solar production on a day-to-day basis, but it cannot account for something like a major storm or hurricane coming in.”

Whenever a cyclone is forecasted, Guillaume must manually adjust the battery modes across all installations—a task that can take nearly an entire day. This process not only demands a significant amount of time but also adds stress during an already critical period.

The solution: Software Integrator Program

Tropik Elec needed a solution tailored to their unique challenge, so we connected Guillaume with one of our trusted software integrators, Thijs.

Together, they developed a tool that simplified the process of preparing ESS installations for cyclones, where power outages are both common and prolonged. Guillaume explains: “At a glance, I can visualise the battery status of all my systems and change it all at once with a single click.”

Implementation and collaboration

The strength of the Software Integrator Program lies in its collaborative nature. The custom software is created through close communication between the customer and the software integrator.

For Thijs and Guillaume, one key challenge was ensuring that each system’s battery mode could be accurately identified and reset after the storm. By using the tagging feature on the Victron Remote Management (VRM) portal, they categorised systems based on battery types and specific operational needs.

Thanks to Thijs’s expertise and their strong collaboration, the tool was quickly developed and deployed, causing minimal disruption to Tropik Elec’s operations. Guillaume says, “It actually took me more time to tag all my installations than it did for Thijs to create the dashboard!”

Security and user-friendliness

Security was a top priority for Tropik Elec, and the custom tool is hosted on a secure server in Amsterdam. Only authorised personnel have access, giving installers peace of mind.

The interface was also designed with simplicity in mind, making it intuitive and user-friendly, even for those who might use it infrequently.

The outcome

This custom solution has transformed the way Tropikelec manages ESS systems during cyclone season. Guillaume and his team now have confidence that their systems are prepared for the cyclone season. But let’s hear from Guillaume himself:

“I am 100% satisfied and for a super reasonable cost. Victron offers so many possibilities with its products and the VRM portal that we’re always thinking of new features we’d love to have. With other brands, we’d just accept, ‘ This is what I get, and I have to deal with it.’ But with Victron and the Software Integrator Program, there’s no feature, need, wish, or request that can’t be done!”

Endless possibilities

No challenge is too unique or complex when you have the right tools. If you’re facing specific problems that standard solutions can’t solve, the Software Integrator Program could be the answer. With a tailored solution, you can improve efficiency, ensure system reliability, and deliver the best service to your customers. If you are an installer or a software integrator, here are some links that might be useful:

• To find a software integartor suitable for your project, visit our Victron Recommended Software Integrators list.
• Are you a software integrator? Take the next step and apply here.
• To learn more about the Software Integrator Program, please read our blog post, Introducing our new Software Integrator Program.

If you need any assistance or would like to share your story about the Software Integrator Program, please get in touch with us at softwareintegrators@victronenergy.com. We’d love to hear about your projects and see the innovative solutions you’re creating!