VENUS E app and working modes
The VENUS E 3.0 is set up and controlled with the MARSTEK app. This page explains the three working modes, what hardware each one needs, and what the Philippine-edition manual (MST-BIE5-2500) says about meters and on-grid output. For physical installation, see the VENUS E 3.0 installation guide.
Step-by-step: getting connected
Make sure the unit is installed and powered on
A qualified installer should have wired the Grid and BACKUP sockets correctly (installation guide). Press the On/Off button. The battery indicator stays steady on when the unit is on.
Download the MARSTEK app
The VENUS-E manual (section 3.1) says: "Scan the QR code to download the APP." Use the QR code printed in the manual or on the packaging. The Philippine-edition VENUS-E manual gives no store link or URL, so please don't guess one.
Open the app operation guide
Section 3.2 has a second QR code: "Scan the QR code to access the APP Operation Guide." Follow MARSTEK's guide for pairing and account setup. The manual itself does not list the pairing steps.
Check the connection LEDs
On the front panel, the WiFi and BT indicators turn steady on when connected. The CT indicator turns on when a CT is connected. If a CT is missing, Self-Consumption mode cannot work (see below).
Choose a working mode
The manual says all three modes are configured through the app. Pick the mode that fits the household, using the table below.
The three working modes
| Mode | What it does (manual section 1.6) | Needs a CT / meter? |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Consumption | When the CT detects an active load, the device supplies power right away. When the CT detects the solar PV system feeding power back to the grid, the device charges to store that energy. The manual describes the device plus CT as "an independent home energy management system that maximizes energy efficiency." | Yes, a CT is required |
| AI Optimization | Uses AI algorithms to build cost-effective charging strategies from the user's electricity consumption, solar generation and real-time electricity pricing. | The manual's meter section says CT002/CT003 "supports the system's self-consumption and AI optimization modes" |
| Manual | Runs user-defined charge and discharge strategies. | Not stated in the manual |
The VENUS-E manual says "Please refer to Chapter 3.4 for detailed operation steps," but the manual has no section 3.4. Chapter 3 only has 3.1 (QR code installation) and 3.2 (APP operation guide). Use the APP Operation Guide QR code for step-by-step mode settings.
These are suggestions only, not manual instructions. Self-Consumption fits homes with an existing solar system that sends surplus to the grid during the day, as long as a CT is installed. Manual fits customers who want fixed charge/discharge times. AI Optimization depends on real-time electricity pricing. The manual does not say which Philippine utilities or tariffs are supported, so confirm with MARSTEK before promising it to a customer.
Compensation: single-phase vs three-phase
The manual's "Compensation Function" (section 1.7) applies to the Self-Consumption + CT + Load setup. When the CT detects an active load:
| Compensation type | Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Single-Phase Compensation | The VENUS-E powers only the single-phase load connected to the live wire. |
| Three-Phase Total Compensation | The VENUS distributes power across phases A, B and C according to load demand. This keeps net power fed into the grid close to zero ("true zero-export"). |
"For multi-device installations at home, three-phase compensation mode is strongly advised for optimal system performance." (VENUS-E manual, section 1.7)
Meter compatibility
From the manual's "Meter Compatibility Instructions":
MARSTEK meters: the VENUS-E is fully compatible with MARSTEK's own CT002 and CT003 meters. These support the system's Self-Consumption and AI Optimization modes.
Third-party meters listed in the manual:
| Meter | Brand (as printed) |
|---|---|
| Shelly Pro 3EM | Shelly |
| Shelly EM Gen3 | Shelly |
| Shelly Pro EM-50 | Shelly |
| ECOTRACKER IR | Everhome |
| PI Meter | Homewizard |
The manual notes: "Each of the following meter models supports connecting only one device per phase." This applies to the third-party meters above.
The manual names only these meters. Do not tell a customer that any other meter brand or model is compatible. Trademarks as printed: Shelly is a registered trademark of SHELLY EUROPE LTD.; Everhome of everHome GmbH; Homewizard of Homewizard B.V.
See the CT002 product page for CT002 details. This knowledge base has no CT003 datasheet yet.
On-grid output: 800 W default vs 2.5 kW "Premium"
The Philippine-edition spec table lists the on-grid side as:
| Parameter | Default | *Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Rated power | 0.8 kW | 2.5 kW |
| Rated grid current | 3.48 A | 10.9 A |
| Grid | 220 V, 60 Hz, 198–242 V, L/N/PE | same |
| Power factor | >0.99 (default) / 0.8 leading – 0.8 lagging (adjustable) | same |
The BACKUP (off-grid) side is listed separately at 2.5 kVA rated, 3.5 kVA for 10 s.
The manual's footnote on the 2.5 kW Premium figure: "Enabling this function must comply with local regulations and should only be performed by authorized personnel!" The safety chapter also requires approval from the local utility before operating in grid-tied mode. Silvera staff should not enable or promise Premium output without confirming it is compliant.
The VENUS E 3.0 datasheet lists 230 V / 50 Hz (187–253 V). The Philippine-edition manual lists 220 V / 60 Hz (198–242 V). The values above come from the Philippine manual. Check the unit's rating label.
Related pages
- VENUS E 3.0 product page
- VENUS E 3.0 installation guide
- VENUS E troubleshooting and error codes, including Bluetooth (5C0), Wi-Fi (5C2–5C4), network (5C8–5CB) and CT connection (5D2) codes
- CT002 smart meter
Sources
- VENUS E 3.0 user manual, Philippine edition MST-BIE5-2500 (Drive)
- VENUS E 3.0 datasheet (Drive): source-conflict note only