Home energy Monitors

mgbond · 12 April 2019 at 10:02AM

Hi,

Since I’ve just realised the meter in my system is a generation meter and not an export meter :rotfl:

I would like suggestions on what to use. I’m not going to fit a smart meter as I don’t want to effect FIT. Although it might turn out I’m exporting more and then I will switch.

So this one seemed to have won and award.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Efergy-Technologies-ELITE-CLASSIC-4-0/dp/B001Q1G4WK/ref=asc_df_B001Q1G4WK/?!!!!!googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=232042431268&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10255426500634788359&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006538&hvtargid=aud-548500765412:pla-421217890760&psc=1

Zarch · 12 April 2019 at 10:13AM

Tread carefully. A lot of these monitors work fine just dealing with usage, but go do-lally when you add in Solar.

Many monitors can't differentiate between the energy going out (usage) and the energy coming in (solar)...... and end up screwing the results up.

My old one used to do that..... was fine before I got Solar, ie recorded usage accurately. But add in solar and the thing was useless.

I know I keep banging on about emonPi..... but its bloody brilliant.

Granted, its £194 so it should be....... but you get what's you pay for.

https://openenergymonitor.org/

https://shop.openenergymonitor.com/emonpi-solar-pv-bundle/

mgbond · 12 April 2019 at 10:18AM

Are you suggesting that when exporting it messes it up

mre15 · 12 April 2019 at 10:20AM

As Zarch has mentioned the emonpi is good but expensive.

I use 2 x Geo minim monitors with led input as a cheaper alternative. I have one on my generation meter to show actual generation and I have one on my import meter to show consumption form the grid.

Nothing beats being able to see the import meter with a 0

mre15 · 12 April 2019 at 10:22AM

mgbond wrote: »

Are you suggesting that when exporting it messes it up

Clamp style meters sometimes can't differentiate between import and export current flow.

Zarch · 12 April 2019 at 10:22AM

mgbond wrote: »

Are you suggesting that when exporting it messes it up

I'm saying that when you've got electricity going both ways (export/generation), many clamp on monitors can't read the differences between the ins and outs. So the figures read are messy and muddy.

This is why many minotors work fine when reading a system that has no solar.... ie there is only one direction to consider.

Maybe this explains things better than I can.

https://learn.openenergymonitor.org/electricity-monitoring/ac-power-theory/introduction#determining-the-direction-of-power-flow

mgbond · 12 April 2019 at 10:23AM

mre15 wrote: »

As Zarch has mentioned the emonpi is good but expensive.

I use 2 x Geo minim monitors with led input as a cheaper alternative. I have one on my generation meter to show actual generation and I have one on my import meter to show consumption form the grid.

Nothing beats being able to see the import meter with a 0

I was thinking just that. They monitor what you use but if you fit the clip the other way round it will think it’s showing what you use but will show what your exporting.

Is this what you have.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/geo-Minim-Energy-Monitor-Self-Installed/dp/B00JIMQP6Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1GOSL0MQW20TB&keywords=home+energy+monitor&qid=1555060989&s=gateway&sprefix=home+energy&sr=8-3

mre15 · 12 April 2019 at 10:30AM

https://www.amazon.co.uk/geo-Minim-Energy-Monitor-Self-Installed/dp/B018WB6IXG/ref=pd_sbs_0_1/258-5587972-6678519?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B018WB6IXG&pd_rd_r=604e89b5-5d05-11e9-978b-c18f09fd2727&pd_rd_w=iJl83&pd_rd_wg=DfhI0&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=CN4G94Q18MD07N6VV1QC&psc=1&refRID=CN4G94Q18MD07N6VV1QC

I have this version with led sensor which fits over the flashing lens on my meters. Gives a true accurate reading compared to the clamp version as long as your meters have flashing led's.

mgbond · 12 April 2019 at 12:18PM

mre15 wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/geo-Minim-Energy-Monitor-Self-Installed/dp/B018WB6IXG/ref=pd_sbs_0_1/258-5587972-6678519?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B018WB6IXG&pd_rd_r=604e89b5-5d05-11e9-978b-c18f09fd2727&pd_rd_w=iJl83&pd_rd_wg=DfhI0&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=CN4G94Q18MD07N6VV1QC&psc=1&refRID=CN4G94Q18MD07N6VV1QC

I have this version with led sensor which fits over the flashing lens on my meters. Gives a true accurate reading compared to the clamp version as long as your meters have flashing led's.

My meter is a dial trype but does also have a flashing LED. However, how would it determine if it’s export or import?

EricMears · 12 April 2019 at 12:36PM

mgbond wrote: »

My meter is a dial trype but does also have a flashing LED. However, how would it determine if it’s export or import?

Usually when an import meter is exporting it stops flashing - usually with a steady red light but apparently sometimes with no light.

Zarch · 12 April 2019 at 12:38PM

Your energy meter will only show import.
Your generation meter will only show generation.

If you monitor the two independently you'll need to do the maths. Either point in time (with two monitors), or end of the day (one new import monitor and current gen meter)

My emonPi on the other hand provides real-time calculations of generation/export/import etc.

You'll get to see screens like this via browser.

There is also a Apple and Google app available for realtime monitoring.

Home energy Monitors

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