Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for a reliable DC monitor/logger to keep track of two solar strings—each running about 150 volts and 10 amps. I've noticed that most options out there, like the Victron SmartShunt, only go up to 70 volts input, which isn't going to work for me. I found a potential candidate, the Accuenergy AcuDC 240, but it seems more suited for commercial EV chargers. Ideally, I'd love something that integrates smoothly with Home Assistant, but it appears most solutions focus on the AC side. I recently purchased an Anker F3800 Plus with built-in controllers, but it lacks an API and any logging capabilities, so monitoring the AC side isn't feasible. I'd appreciate any suggestions or insights from the community on alternatives I might be overlooking! Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
I faced a similar challenge with my setup. I used an ESP32-c3 with ESPHome, an INA228 module, a buck converter, and a small battery to keep things running during the night. This setup is giving me real-time data, and it's been working well even in rainy conditions. If you want details on the INA228 and its integration with the ESP32, I’d be happy to share more!
There's a bit of a pricey option available. The high-end Tigo RSD/optimizers offer smart features for monitoring solar panels individually. However, I’m not sure how much logging they provide, and honestly, it's probably not worth it because of the cost associated with the cloud connect logger.
You might consider wiring two shunts in parallel to double the power rating, or even three to triple it. Just remember that the formula P = V^2 / R still holds true, but you'll adjust your resistance accordingly. Just a heads-up, though—the accuracy can take a hit with this setup.
This sounds perfect for what I need! I’ve seen the INA modules, but I wasn’t sure about connecting them to the ESP32. Would you mind sharing more info?