Home Assistant : Q&A, Tips & Tricks, Your Configs

[w1tw0lf]

With the whole energy thing that was added to home assistant... I am now looking at starting to monitor my electricity usage. Looked at this that was on the blog, https://github.com/klaasnicolaas/home-assistant-glow but cant seem to find anything similar to "4Pin Photodiode Sensor Controller Module Measure Module" locally. Any suggestions ?

 

[MidnightZA]

Create a template sensor that converts the voltage to %. Then base your gauge on the template sensor instead.

If only I knew what any of that meant
Let me start doing some reading on that topic

 

[Tinuva]

If only I knew what any of that meant
Let me start doing some reading on that topic

Have a look here: https://community.home-assistant.io/t/how-to-calculate-ah-balance-on-my-battery/221447

I think that will give some hints but not sure if that is going to get you what you want.

 

[furpile]

With the whole energy thing that was added to home assistant... I am now looking at starting to monitor my electricity usage. Looked at this that was on the blog, https://github.com/klaasnicolaas/home-assistant-glow but cant seem to find anything similar to "4Pin Photodiode Sensor Controller Module Measure Module" locally. Any suggestions ?

I see some on bidorbuy. How accurate would this be in terms of consumption? The rate at which the LED blinks gives you an idea of the current energy consumption but I wonder how refined the values are?

A more accurate reading would be to use a small camera to take photos of the meter value and try to get the value out of that with character recognition somehow?

 

[Tinuva]

I see some on bidorbuy. How accurate would this be in terms of consumption? The rate at which the LED blinks gives you an idea of the current energy consumption but I wonder how refined the values are?

A more accurate reading would be to use a small camera to take photos of the meter value and try to get the value out of that with character recognition somehow?

I found bidorbuy interesting. Like I once tested an order. Turns out, the item was shipped from China, like it was ordered from banggood by the bidorbuy seller but with my address and then I still had to pay import costs. It was then I decided to never use bidorbuy again and just buy from banggood directly myself.

 

[w1tw0lf]

I see some on bidorbuy. How accurate would this be in terms of consumption? The rate at which the LED blinks gives you an idea of the current energy consumption but I wonder how refined the values are?

A more accurate reading would be to use a small camera to take photos of the meter value and try to get the value out of that with character recognition somehow?

Klaas Schoute was heavily involved with the energy page and the one doing all the research for what can be used to measure energy(electricity). He also designed this "diy' unit.

I have one of these units next to the electricity box.



The idea is to place it on this and get an reading from it. It would be to see what our daily usage be over a month or 2, to get an idea of what solar system would be needed.

Ordered from banggood.

 

[furpile]

I found bidorbuy interesting. Like I once tested an order. Turns out, the item was shipped from China, like it was ordered from banggood by the bidorbuy seller but with my address and then I still had to pay import costs. It was then I decided to never use bidorbuy again and just buy from banggood directly myself.

Never bought from bidorbuy before although one of my friends frequently did. As always, try to make sure before you buy.

 

[furpile]

Klaas Schoute was heavily involved with the energy page and the one doing all the research for what can be used to measure energy(electricity). He also designed this "diy' unit.

I have one of these units next to the electricity box.

View attachment 1124244

The idea is to place it on this and get an reading from it. It would be to see what our daily usage be over a month or 2, to get an idea of what solar system would be needed.

Ordered from banggood.

Cool, please keep us posted on progress and effectiveness.

 

[Tinuva]

Klaas Schoute was heavily involved with the energy page and the one doing all the research for what can be used to measure energy(electricity). He also designed this "diy' unit.

I have one of these units next to the electricity box.

View attachment 1124244

The idea is to place it on this and get an reading from it. It would be to see what our daily usage be over a month or 2, to get an idea of what solar system would be needed.

Ordered from banggood.

I went rambo with the solar system. But its good that you doing the planning.

Chose a 5kW inverter on CoCT approved list.
For batteries and panels went with what my budget allowed, which I thought was 50% of what I wanted.

So that was 3.3kW panels and 2x US3000 pylontech batteries.
I really wanted 6.5kW panels with 4x US3000 batteries.

Having it installed for 2 months now, I can say I think I was spot on with my "want". This house will run perfect with 6.5kW panels and 4x batteries.

So even if you start with less batteries and panels than you need, just make sure you get the correct inverter at least. 5 or 8 kW inverter is what most free standing houses will need.

 

[B-1]

.

With the whole energy thing that was added to home assistant... I am now looking at starting to monitor my electricity usage. Looked at this that was on the blog, https://github.com/klaasnicolaas/home-assistant-glow but cant seem to find anything similar to "4Pin Photodiode Sensor Controller Module Measure Module" locally. Any suggestions ?

Not seeing anything on my local sites either so its either china or another method like this I would think:

ESP8266 NodeMCU – Simple LDR Lux Meter

In this tutorial, we will learn how to use an LDR resistor to make a simple lux meter and display the light intensity. A lux meter is a device that measures illuminance and luminous emittance using the SI unit of lux. It effectively measures the amount of power from the light falling on a given...

www.geekering.com

 

[w1tw0lf]

Cool, please keep us posted on progress and effectiveness.

Will do so.

I went rambo with the solar system. But its good that you doing the planning.

Chose a 5kW inverter on CoCT approved list.
For batteries and panels went with what my budget allowed, which I thought was 50% of what I wanted.

So that was 3.3kW panels and 2x US3000 pylontech batteries.
I really wanted 6.5kW panels with 4x US3000 batteries.

Having it installed for 2 months now, I can say I think I was spot on with my "want". This house will run perfect with 6.5kW panels and 4x batteries.

So even if you start with less batteries and panels than you need, just make sure you get the correct inverter at least. 5 or 8 kW inverter is what most free standing houses will need.

That is the idea. To get the right inverter as a start, then add the "correct" solar and batteries as budget allows. As you say, don't want to end up with wanted this, but got this instead... no offense.

.


Not seeing anything on my local sites either so its either china or another method like this I would think:

ESP8266 NodeMCU – Simple LDR Lux Meter

In this tutorial, we will learn how to use an LDR resistor to make a simple lux meter and display the light intensity. A lux meter is a device that measures illuminance and luminous emittance using the SI unit of lux. It effectively measures the amount of power from the light falling on a given...

www.geekering.com

Thanks. Did look at the LDR route as well.

Ended up ordering from banggood, including shipping was about R250.00. Now for the wait....

 

[Tinuva]

That is the idea. To get the right inverter as a start, then add the "correct" solar and batteries as budget allows. As you say, don't want to end up with wanted this, but got this instead... no offense.

No offense taken. Even if I DID do homework, it would end up the same. Thats what a budget does, it limits options. Instead, I went for the correct inverter and downsized the panels and batteries to allow upgrades.

I am very happy with the inverter I have, it is big enough for what I need and want. Guess what? I will be upgrading the panels in the near future to what I wanted. Also already upgraded the batteries to what I wanted as a special came up and already saving money.

Thats why I said, make sure you get a big enough inverter the rest is very easily upgradable without having to sell anything.

 

[B-1]

Will do so.

That is the idea. To get the right inverter as a start, then add the "correct" solar and batteries as budget allows. As you say, don't want to end up with wanted this, but got this instead... no offense.


Thanks. Did look at the LDR route as well.

Ended up ordering from banggood, including shipping was about R250.00. Now for the wait....

In the past mine have been quick from them except 2 orders that have been in the SA buffelo depo since the 1st and 2nd of this month and aren't going anywhere...

Maybe buy the LDR and resistor locally and play with that until the rest active to keep yourself busy.

 

[w1tw0lf]

No offense taken. Even if I DID do homework, it would end up the same. Thats what a budget does, it limits options. Instead, I went for the correct inverter and downsized the panels and batteries to allow upgrades.

I am very happy with the inverter I have, it is big enough for what I need and want. Guess what? I will be upgrading the panels in the near future to what I wanted. Also already upgraded the batteries to what I wanted as a special came up and already saving money.

Thats why I said, make sure you get a big enough inverter the rest is very easily upgradable without having to sell anything.

What inverter do you have ? Also looking at devices to monitor geyser and some plugs. Want to get something that integrates with home assistant. Plugs would be awesome if we can get something to replace existing wall sockets with built in monitoring. Looked at the cbi ones but not a big fan of having IOT devices connected to the internet. Currently my IOT network is blocked from any internet access except the home assistant server.

In the past mine have been quick from them except 2 orders that have been in the SA buffelo depo since the 1st and 2nd of this month and aren't going anywhere...

Maybe buy the LDR and resistor locally and play with that until the rest active to keep yourself busy.

That is the other side of the coin.... can't seem to find nodemcu in stock locally. Tried the usual places I order from, https://www.communica.co.za/ and https://www.robotics.org.za/

Robotics do have a esp32... sure that will work in place of the esp8266...

 

[B-1]

That is the other side of the coin.... can't seem to find nodemcu in stock locally. Tried the usual places I order from, https://www.communica.co.za/ and https://www.robotics.org.za/

Robotics do have a esp32... sure that will work in place of the esp8266...

These should work:

Node-M ESP8266 32MB - CH340 - Micro Robotics

Node-M ESP8266 32MB - CH340

www.robotics.org.za

NodeMCU Lua - CH340 USB - Micro Robotics

NodeMCU Lua - CH340 USB

www.robotics.org.za

You can try mantech as well:

KS0367 - NODEMCU LUA ESP8266 ESP-12 WIFI MOD+1M USB CAB

Mantech Electronics is an Electronic Component, Test and Measurement, Tool and Power Product Importer, Supplier and Distributor. Products are available from any one of our branches and distributors in JHB, DBN and CPT. We are committed to helping you succeed.!

mantech.co.za

 

[Tinuva]

What inverter do you have ? Also looking at devices to monitor geyser and some plugs. Want to get something that integrates with home assistant. Plugs would be awesome if we can get something to replace existing wall sockets with built in monitoring. Looked at the cbi ones but not a big fan of having IOT devices connected to the internet. Currently my IOT network is blocked from any internet access except the home assistant server.

Goodwe 5048d-es. However you can just go with the Sunsynk 5kW or 8kW. That is what I would do if I started now. Back when I started the process they were not approved by CoCT but they have since been added to the approved list.

I doubt we will get esp based wall sockets ever, the sellers always look to make things as cheap as possible and ESPs that run Tasmota is too expensive.

 

[w1tw0lf]

These should work:

Node-M ESP8266 32MB - CH340 - Micro Robotics

Node-M ESP8266 32MB - CH340

www.robotics.org.za

NodeMCU Lua - CH340 USB - Micro Robotics

NodeMCU Lua - CH340 USB

www.robotics.org.za

You can try mantech as well:

KS0367 - NODEMCU LUA ESP8266 ESP-12 WIFI MOD+1M USB CAB

Mantech Electronics is an Electronic Component, Test and Measurement, Tool and Power Product Importer, Supplier and Distributor. Products are available from any one of our branches and distributors in JHB, DBN and CPT. We are committed to helping you succeed.!

mantech.co.za

Thanks, will look into it as an option.

Goodwe 5048d-es. However you can just go with the Sunsynk 5kW or 8kW. That is what I would do if I started now. Back when I started the process they were not approved by CoCT but they have since been added to the approved list.

I doubt we will get esp based wall sockets ever, the sellers always look to make things as cheap as possible and ESPs that run Tasmota is too expensive.

Goodwe seems to have an integration available, don't see anything for Sunsynk ?

 

[Tinuva]

Thanks, will look into it as an option.


Goodwe seems to have an integration available, don't see anything for Sunsynk ?

Yeah with Sunsynk you will have to figure out how to make the modbus integration communicate with it. You will even have to figure out all the things yourself. The Goodwe integration makes it super easy, as long as you buy a supported inverter. Not all GoodWe inverters are supported. Have a look at https://github.com/mletenay/home-assistant-goodwe-inverter/issues - at least the 5048ES is definitely supported.

 

[B-1]

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[w1tw0lf]

"off topic".... how do you explain to S.O to troubleshoot if they have no clue how to look at errors in the logs or even look at code ?

My wife asked me how she is going to fix issues if something happens to me ?

PS: she doesn't know that 95% of the time is tinkering to improve or add more things