#Recommendation for Solar Hardware

1 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

mossy comet
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So I'm looking at getting Solar installed at my new home, and ideally would like to have a system that ties into Home Assistant's Energy dashboard. So far I've been quoted both Powerwall and Enphase systems, so I wanted some recommendations. From what I've looked at, the Enphase system seems a bit more robust and gives out more information when compared to a powerwall system.

And then also have you used either system, how do you like it? I recognize this is HA chat not (Insert Solar Vendor Here) but integration with HA is an important part for me so.

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Recommendation for Solar Hardware

nimble fjord
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I've gotten an enphase system and I ignore the data they have. I've instead just done power monitoring of the relevant circuits themselves. I find this is a bit less restrictive and more importantly, updates don't break my plans.

Where this opinion breaks down is with is controlling advanced features like batteries and generators connected to the solar system.

So, if it's simple and you're goal is just solar panels I wouldn't over worry and invest in monitoring power.

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I've been using IotaWatt but can't say if it's the best option today.

fast bough
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GivEnergy has been rock solid for me with the HACS integration and they've recently come out with a powerwall alternative which I'm quite jealous of

limpid shoal
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I second what @nimble fjord said. I have a SolarEdge system, and it does give nice enough 15-minute interval data - but I prefer to measure the energy output using CT clamps which gives much more granular data.

frigid briar
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From my last year experience of maintaining the HA core Enphase integration I can't say that I've seen proof that Enphase is committed to a local Home owner API. Their documentation is minimal, firmware updates get poorly, if at all, communicated. Newer versions seem to lock down more rather then open up. Data collection is working fine, 5 minute updates with simple model and no CT, 1 minute or faster updated with metered model equipped with CT. Controlling advanced option for batteries were available but seem to be locked more and more. You can get a DIY account and do more with some custom integrations, but I'm not into those details.

(Aside from, that I'm a happy owner of an Enphase PV installation that does it's prime job, generating solar energy, well.)

mossy comet
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That’s an interesting pov, thank you @frigid briar !

My biggest concern with going with the alternative (Tesla) is they have been known to nuke APIs (see Owner API) which gives me pause. That said as a Tesla EV owner the integration between their solar system and my car would be beneficial to charge using excess energy.