Solar Inverter Query

Telegraph_Sam

I don't think my solar has got web portal stuff but it is worth asking. Otherwise it's a matter of what I can extract from the octopus app - which does show historical consumption

Qyburn

If you have the Octopus Mini then it will read zero if your solar meets or exceeds your house load. As will the smart meter display.

Telegraph_Sam

In real time??

Qyburn

The Mini updates at 10 second intervals.

Telegraph_Sam

I confess that I have yet to use it !

pete-20-11

Not only that, but it can show the live exporting of energy too (for most types of smart meter). 

(Aclara or Honeywell/Elster branded meters do not support live export functionality).

Telegraph_Sam

Ah that might explain it. Mine is an Aclara 

jennifernil

If you note your generation over 24 hours, and your export for the same period, subtracting export from generation will give you a pretty good idea of how much of your generation you are using yourself in that period.

We are on an Octopus fixed rate at present, but just a regular type fix, so no cheap overnight power. We do not have batteries.    We try as far as possible to use the dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer when we have good generation, but are not so bothered if we need to put on the dishwasher in the evening, or do washing on dull days.

Our 13 year old panels have long since repaid our investment, and now the money we get from our FIT payment, and metered export, both now moved from EDF to Octopus, more than covers all our fuel bills.

Telegraph_Sam

"Not for the faint hearted " as they say. I think the solution that I'm looking for would give me the net balance: consumption minus generation ( or v.v.) in real time so that I can react.
Being on Tracker there is for me no  hour to hour price varation so the contribution of panels is all the more relevant.  My panels are of approx the same vintage as yours, and I now get FIT and export payments. But I'd be surprised if these outweigh the consumption charges (but do add to the attraction of the wee small hours for trying to keep track of both payment streams)
Much in common ..

Qyburn

There are various home energy monitors that might do this. Even if not bidirectional you could install the CT clamp round the other way so it reads export power.

But in your case where you have no cheap time, you might as well schedule your heavy loads for when the sun might be shining. Worst case if there was no generation at all, you haven't lost anything.