Recently defunct Solar Analytics

Energy Meters
1

Hi — Jef here from Auckland, New Zealand.

I’m looking for advice on a multi-channel energy monitoring system known to work well with ChargeHQ , preferably via Ethernet or Wi-Fi rather than cellular .

Current setup

  • Tesla Model 3 with Tesla Wall Connector
  • 4 kW Trina PV array
  • Solis-1P5K-4G inverter
  • Solar Analytics (WattWatchers) energy monitor
  • No battery (NZ tax treatment currently makes payback marginal)

Unfortunately:

  • My Solis inverter has never successfully connected to the Solis cloud (despite being the 4G model).
  • The Solar Analytics monitor has become unreliable since the 3G shutdown (~-107 dBm reported signal).
  • External HGA antenna made no practical improvement (-82 dBm measured at the connector).
  • Solar Analytics advised WattWatchers are now in administration and recommended a CatchPower 6-channel monitor (~NZD 750), which I purchased.

I’ve since read here that ChargeHQ does not support Solar Analytics when paired with CatchPower , so I’m concerned I may be heading down the wrong path.

Goals

  • Reliable solar-tracking EV charging in Auckland’s fast-changing cloud conditions
  • Good update rate (15-minute data feels too slow)
  • Local network connectivity preferred (Ethernet/Wi-Fi)
  • Multi-channel monitoring desirable (future load control / hot water integration)

I already use Shelly devices for hot-water control, but understand Shelly PM integration isn’t currently supported by ChargeHQ.

Questions

  1. What energy monitors are currently giving the best real-world results with ChargeHQ?
  2. Is it worth persisting with Solis cloud integration instead?
  3. Are there supported systems that avoid dependence on cellular connectivity altogether?
  4. Can ChargeHQ ingest Fronius Smart Meter data without a Fronius inverter present?

Appreciate any guidance before I double down on more hardware. :slightly_smiling_face:

2

Hi @jef.j.wright. You are correct that Charge HQ does not integrate with the CatchPower device, nor with any other general purpose energy meter such as Shelly.

The Solis update rate is around 3 to 8 minutes (per this page) which probably doesn’t meet your requirements.

If you are willing and able to run a local device such as a Raspberry Pi, you could choose an energy meter that has a good API, and develop an adapter which pulls data from your energy meter then pushes it to Charge HQ via the Push API.

I don’t have hands-on experience with any meters, but I think Shelly does provide a free API? Perhaps others have tried it?

Cheers,
Jay.