Node-RED Seminar for Official Victron Energy Installers
We recently had the pleasure of delivering an introductory Node-RED seminar for official Victron Energy installers. This training focused on the automation and integration possibilities offered by this powerful visual programming tool within the Victron ecosystem.
What is Node-RED?
Node-RED is a flow-based programming tool, originally developed by IBM, that allows you to connect hardware devices, APIs, and online services in a visual and intuitive way. For solar energy and storage system installers, Node-RED opens up a world of possibilities for creating custom automations.
Native Integration with Victron Energy
One of the great advantages of the Victron ecosystem is the native Node-RED integration in their GX devices (such as Cerbo GX and Venus GX). This means installers can:
- Access Node-RED directly from the GX device without additional hardware
- Read real-time data from inverters, chargers, batteries, and energy meters
- Create complex automations based on specific system conditions
- Send notifications and custom alerts
- Integrate with home automation systems and other IoT devices
Seminar Content
During the seminar, we covered the following topics:
Node-RED Fundamentals
- User interface and basic concepts
- Input, processing, and output nodes
- Flows and subflows
- Debugging and troubleshooting
Victron-Specific Nodes
Victron provides specialized nodes that facilitate interaction with their systems:
- Input nodes: Reading data from inverters, chargers, batteries, system status
- Output nodes: Relay control, parameter adjustment
- Service nodes: VRM Portal integration
Practical Use Cases
- Load automation based on solar production
- WhatsApp/Telegram alerts when the system detects anomalies
- Integration with smart irrigation systems
- Custom dashboard for clients
The Expanding Ecosystem
The Victron Energy integration ecosystem continues to grow. For example, tools like the MCP server for Victron VRM already exist, allowing integration of Victron installation data with AI assistants, opening new possibilities for energy system analysis and management.
Venus OS: The Foundation
All of this is possible thanks to Venus OS, the open-source operating system that runs on Victron’s GX devices. Venus OS provides:
- SSH access for advanced configurations
- Pre-installed Node-RED ready to use
- ModbusTCP API for industrial integrations
- Connection with VRM portal for remote monitoring
Key Takeaways
The seminar demonstrated that Node-RED is an invaluable tool for professional Victron Energy installers. It allows offering clients:
- Greater added value with custom automations
- Differentiation from competitors
- Tailored solutions for specific needs
At Solventus, we remain committed to training professionals in automation and integration technologies. If you’re interested in similar training for your team or company, contact us.
Seminar Video
You can watch a summary of the seminar in the following video:
We also shared key moments on our LinkedIn post.
Additional Resources
- Official Node-RED documentation on Victron
- Victron Community
- Official Node-RED
- MCP Server for Victron VRM - AI assistant integration
Does your company need training in automation or energy system integration? At Solventus, we offer specialized courses and consulting. Let’s talk.