Cheapest way to monitor solar pv is working

michaels

Mine came with a geo solo 2 which has a sender unit that counts the red flashes and a PDA type display which I think can also talk USB. However my inverter has a LAN output (it doesn't have the optional wireless module) and I have used an old broadband modem router to link the lan cable to my network and there is a web interface so I can monitor my production when I am out - there is even a phone app - very useful to know that I was generating less than 100w most of the day.


It would be nice to know how much I export, I do have one of the Eon energy meters (EnviR) but don't know how I would configure this to tell me if I was exporting, I also have an iBoost sender unit but again not sure if this can tell me how much I export?

ely_ellis

michaels wrote: »

It would be nice to know how much I export, I do have one of the Eon energy meters (EnviR) but don't know how I would configure this to tell me if I was exporting, I also have an iBoost sender unit but again not sure if this can tell me how much I export?

I think both Martyn and Tunnel have mentioned the 'Optismart' add-on which, from how I understand it, will fit over the LED and then together with the E.ON monitor will then tell you if your importing or exporting!


Martin (With an I)

EricMears

A word of caution on 'flash counters.

I've built my own and it works quite well during the E7 period (1am - 8 am when I generate very little - nothing at all in winter months).


However, when exporting it seems to be picking up flashes. My meter is one of the infamous Siemens models that sometimes charge you for exports (although mine definitely doesn't). That of course makes it useless for daytime use.

michaels

So I have dug out the eoN ENVIR again but can't find the power brick/adaptor from, amongst the 200 odd black adaptors in the house - could someone with one post up details (form factor, voltage/current, pin config, and labels etc) so I can try and find the right one.

Thanks

[Deleted User]

Also have the EON Current Cost EnviR though ever since I moved it to another socket I cannot get it to pair with the OptiSmart stuck on the generation meter. Nothing to suggest it's faulty Works on the main feed [clamp] to the house fine but that reading is not accurate and not much use for the solar side of things. One day It'll all get tossed...

So now the cheapest way is just to check the inverter periodically...

zeupater

jeepjunkie wrote: »

Also have the EON Current Cost EnviR though ever since I moved it to another socket I cannot get it to pair with the OptiSmart stuck on the generation meter. Nothing to suggest it's faulty Works on the main feed [clamp] to the house fine but that reading is not accurate and not much use for the solar side of things. One day It'll all get tossed...

So now the cheapest way is just to check the inverter periodically...

Hi

We occasionally need to repeat the pairing of communication between the sender unit and our Owl monitor by resetting both ... could be worth a try.

HTH
Z

ispookie666

I'm in a similar boat
I have an enphase system and have virtually no access to the PV wiring - the PV output goes into a MCB panel and they are very flush fitted. This makes using Owl Intuition PV - completely useless.
Is there any other way of knowing real time output from the solar panels?

I currently have Owl+ which gives the Net values - but it does not differentiate if its import/export!

Dave_Fowler

ispookie666 wrote: »

I'm in a similar boat
I have an enphase system and have virtually no access to the PV wiring - the PV output goes into a MCB panel and they are very flush fitted. This makes using Owl Intuition PV - completely useless.
Is there any other way of knowing real time output from the solar panels?

I currently have Owl+ which gives the Net values - but it does not differentiate if its import/export!

I built a circuit to do what you want, but you'd need to put together some parts on a circuit board. It works by comparing the phase of the current measured by the clamp with the phase of the mains voltage.

If you're able to work with a bit of Vero board and a soldering iron, drop me a PM.

Dave F

ASavvyBuyer

We have one of the standard electric monitors (An old British Gas one bought off ebay) that shows how much electric is being used, but have put the sensor round one of the cables that comes from the solar panels after the invertor but before it connects in to the consumer unit. It gives us a good indication of when and what we are generating (to within about 10%) compared with the solaredge display.

phsci

michaels wrote: »

So I have dug out the eoN ENVIR again - could someone with one post up details (form factor, voltage/current, pin config, and labels etc)

I have a couple of these. The wall warts are both labelled HSK Model TXD0300080B28. Pri 220-240, 50 Hz, 35 mA. Sec 3V, 80 mA. Made in China.


Happy hunting!