Frequently Asked Questions

Product & Features

+ What is SHYFT and how does it work?

SHYFT is a web-based energy management platform that supports real-time monitoring, revenue-grade metering, control and automation of energy-related assets including inverters with batteries, solar, generators, utility grid, tanks and sub-metered facilities. watch 1-min explainer video

The core of SHYFTs platform is the SHYFT Smart Transfer Switch (STS) which connects to SHYFTs cloud and delivers users real-time insight and control via the SHYFT Connect web and mobile application (iOS and Android). Users can also still physically interface with the SHYFT Smart Transfer Switch in addition to using the app.

The SHYFT STS allows users to:

  • Metering of energy consumed and load profile from each source
  • Remotely control or automate switching of power between power sources
  • Analytics and KPIs including tracking cost across all sources
  • Advanced optimization modes that can improve asset lifetime
  • System alarms, preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of energy assets

You can add optional extenders to the SHYFT STS that include:

  • SHYFT GX: advanced generator insight including alarms and alerts
  • SHYFT Ultrasonic Fuel Sensor: the gold-standard of reliable fuel monitoring using a no-contact technology and can identify fill and loss events, including abnormalities or unaccounted for loss
  • SHYFT IX: integrate your inverters, batteries and solar and enable sophisticated optimization modes

+ How is SHYFT different from a manual or automatic transfer switch (ATS)?

Unlike manual or automatic transfer switch systems, SHYFT Smart Transfer Switches put flexible, remote control over energy systems in the palm of your hand. Although it installs at the same point in the electrical system, SHYFT uses intelligent internet-of-things technology to provide a novel energy management experience that does not require manual intervention, while also not locking you into rigid automatic rules like an ATS. With SHYFT, you can set your system to operate in intelligent modes, provide real-time alerts on power source changes, and even set custom schedules for when you would like certain power sources to be used.

Additionally, SHYFT has built in protections and breakers to reduce vulnerability to low-voltages and surge events.

+ Will SHYFT control my lights and other electrical appliances?

SHYFT is designed to help manage your energy resources (electricity grid, generators, solar and/or batteries). It does not directly control or interface with your lights or electrical appliances.

+ How do you keep my data secure?

At SHYFT, we take security very seriously and we take extensive measures to ensure your data is secure. All communications between SHYFT devices, the SHYFT cloud servers, and SHYFT apps are fully encrypted with TLS/SSL (HTTPS). All data is encrypted in transit, and all sensitive information (such as passwords) is encrypted at rest. SHYFT leverages industry-leading service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Heroku for cloud servers and online storage. Services are hosted in data centers, and physical security is managed by these partners, offering state-of-the-art physical protection for the servers and infrastructure that comprise the SHYFT operating environment. All SHYFT products and services employ stringent access control measures to ensure only authorized parties ever have access to customer data. You can read our full privacy policy here.

+ What safety tests have SHYFT conducted?

SHYFT conducts extensive in-house testing to ensure it is safe to use when properly installed and operated. SHYFT SMart Transfer Switch has been tested by Intertek. Intertek is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and the CE mark is functionally equivalent to the UL mark. SHYFT products have been designed to conform to the following industry standards:

  • Conforms to IEC 61010
  • Conforms to IEC 61000-4-4
  • Conforms to IEC 61000-4-5
  • Conforms to IEC 61000-4-11

+ I only need to monitor one part of my system, not everything. Can I do that?

The SHYFT Smart Transfer Switch is the core of the platform and a necessary component. It gives standard information about energy usage and is the ‘brain’ of the entire platform. The SHYFT GX (advanced generator insights), SHYFT IX (battery or solar monitoring) and fuel sensor are optional accessories that you can add to monitor and get more advanced insights about specific parts of your system.

+ What monitoring information does SHYFT provide?

Standard Features

  • energy consumed/produced by source (solar, generator, grid, batteries)
  • money spent on each source
  • runtime of each source
  • power (kW)
  • voltage (V)
  • historical data and analytics
  • current system status and power source
  • CO2 emissions and mitigation

Inverter (Battery and/or Solar) via SHYFT IX

  • solar production
  • battery state-of-charge
  • operating mode
  • Most things that can be viewed on the inverter or via the inverter's monitoring capabilities

Advanced Generator Support via SHYFT GX

  • common alarms and warnings
  • run-hours
  • forecasted maintenance date
  • maintenance requirements
  • operating status

Fuel or Diesel Management via SHYFT GX and Fuel Sensor

  • fuel level
  • fuel consumption
  • fill and loss events
  • abnormal activity (unaccounted loss, leaks, etc)

+ How is SHYFT different from other monitoring systems?

SHYFT goes beyond monitoring, and instead enables remote control and automation. Additionally, our operating modes are designed to understand your usage and optimize the system based on your preferences.

SHYFT delivers full system monitroing from a single dashboard versus monitoring solutions that may be designed for a certain type of asset.

SHYFT is relatively brand agnostic, which means if you have various brands of assets in your portfolio or plan on making changes, SHYFT is designed to be plug-n-play.

SHYFT is an integrated platform with our own proprietary hardware designed to work alongside SHYFT software which permits increased flexibility, insight and control.

SHYFT manages connectivity and uptime of our assets. We're in the business of delivering reliable data and control and thus manage and ensure uptime of our devices. SHYFT products typically maintain over 97% data reliability whereas competitor solutions in market range from 40-70%.

+ Who can use SHYFT?

SHYFT is designed to be easy-to-use, suitable for both technical and non-technical users.

Multiple user access permission levels make it suitable for organizations as well.

Common use cases include:

  • Minigrid Developers
  • Power Service Providers
  • Infrastructure Solutions Providers
  • Homeowners
  • Property Managers & Landlords
  • Enterprise / Businesses
 

Installation & Compatibility

+ How do I know if SHYFT is compatible with my energy assets?

SHYFT is designed to help manage your energy resources (electricity grid, generators, solar and/or batteries). It does not directly control or interface with your lights or electrical appliances. If you are interested in further levels of control with your home or business, we’d be happy to discuss this use case and provide our recommendations. Please contact us at info@shyftpower.com.

+ How do I install SHYFT?

SHYFT Smart Transfer Switch system is installed by a team of SHYFT trained installers. The installation itself is quick and easy. In the case of a retrofit, your current changeover will be directly replaced. The same inputs and outputs of a standard changeover switch remain intact, meaning there’s no major reconfiguration of your electrical work. Your authorized resellers will offer SHYFT certified technicians to ensure proper installation.

The integration of the SHYFT GX (advanced insight from generators), will also be installed by the SHYFT certified team. The Ultrasonic Fuel Sensor system is installed on the top of your fuel tank. It is a non-contact technology that does not interfere with the diesel fuel stored inside.

A set of installation instructions is also included in the package, and available online.

+ Which inverter vendors does SHYFT support?

SHYFT technology can be integrated with many major device vendors in both the generator and inverter ecosystem. If you utilize assets from a major global manufacturer then we likely support integration with these assets.

Integrations that SHYFT systems currently support include:

  • Studer
  • SMA
  • Fronius
  • Victron
  • Schneider
  • Growatt

This list is regularly expanding. If you’re using a system from a different vendor, reach out to us at info@shyftpower.com, and we would be happy to evaluate your system.

+ I already have some monitoring. Can I still add SHYFT?

Yes. SHYFT has integrations with several vendors and can often also work alongside existing monitoring platforms.

Getting Started

+ How much does SHYFT cost?

SHYFT’s costs vary depending on the size of your assets and the components you decide you want to monitor. Contact an authorized SHYFT Reseller or our sales team at info@shyftpower.com for more details.

+ Does SHYFT work in my country?

SHYFT is designed to work in most regions that use three-phase 240V systems. You can contact us at info@shyftpower.com for further information to evaluate. We currently have authorized resellers in Nigeria to serve West Africa.

However, you can join our mailing list so you can stay updated with SHYFT developments and be the first to know when SHYFT products are commercially available in other territories.

+ Can I be an authorized reseller?

We're always excited to discuss new opportunities. Please contact us at info@shyftpower.com.

+ I am an Energy Service Provider, operator or system vendor. Can I offer SHYFT as a value-added service to my end customers?

Yes! Elements of SHYFT’s platform can be customized for your use case including elements designed for your end customers. Please contact us at info@shyftpower.com for more details to discuss opportunities.

+ Where can I buy SHYFT?

You can contact SHYFT Sales directly at info@shyftpower.com to help find a SHYFT authorized resellers in your region.

Existing User or Technician?

Visit the Help Center for support, manuals and troubleshooting assistance.

Still have questions?

We’d love to hear from you and to discuss opportunities.