Best 10 Solar Monitoring Systems Reviews for 2023
When looking for a good solar monitoring system to track your home’s energy use and production, you’ll find you have a few options. The price range is significant and so are the various features, but rest assured that you can’t go wrong. No matter your choice, you’ll find yourself saving money and energy.
How to Choose Solar Monitoring Systems
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular as a renewable and sustainable source of power. With the rise in solar panel installations, it has become more important than ever to monitor their performance. This is where solar monitoring systems come into play. A good solar monitoring system can help you keep track of your solar panel’s output, efficiency, and any potential issues that may arise. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the best solar monitoring system for your needs.
Understanding Solar Monitoring Systems
Before we delve into how to choose a solar monitoring system, it is essential to understand what they are and how they work. A solar monitoring system is a tool that tracks the performance of your solar panel system. It collects data on the amount of energy generated, the efficiency of the system, and any potential issues that may occur. This information is then relayed to you, the user, in real time, allowing you to monitor and optimize your system’s performance.
Types of Solar Monitoring Systems
There are two main types of solar monitoring systems: wired and wireless. Wired systems use a physical connection to transmit data from the panels to the monitoring device, while wireless systems use radio signals to transmit the data.
Wired Solar Monitoring Systems
Wired solar monitoring systems are often considered the most reliable option, as they have a direct physical connection between the solar panels and the monitoring device. This eliminates the risk of interference or signal loss that can occur with wireless systems. Wired systems are also generally more cost-effective than wireless systems.
Wireless Solar Monitoring Systems
Wireless solar monitoring systems use radio signals to transmit data from the solar panels to the monitoring device. They are often considered more convenient than wired systems, as they eliminate the need for physical connections between the panels and the monitoring device. However, they can be more expensive and are susceptible to interference and signal loss.
Features to Consider
When choosing a solar monitoring system, there are several features to consider. These include:
Data Accuracy
The accuracy of the data collected by the monitoring system is crucial. It is essential to choose a system that provides accurate and reliable data to ensure that your solar panel system is performing at its best.
Compatibility
It is crucial to choose a solar monitoring system that is compatible with your solar panel system. Not all systems work with all types of solar panels, so it is essential to check compatibility before making a purchase.
Ease of Use
A good solar monitoring system should be easy to use and understand. It should provide clear and concise information on your solar panel system’s performance, without requiring technical knowledge or expertise.
Real-Time Monitoring
Real-time monitoring is an essential feature of any solar monitoring system. It allows you to keep track of your system’s performance in real time, so you can quickly identify and address any issues that may arise.
Mobile App
A mobile app can be a convenient feature for solar monitoring systems. It allows you to monitor your solar panel system’s performance from your phone or tablet, no matter where you are.
Cost
Cost is, of course, an important factor to consider when choosing a solar monitoring system. It is essential to find a system that fits within your budget while still providing the features you need.
Best 10 Solar Monitoring Systems Reviews
As solar energy becomes increasingly popular, many homeowners and businesses are investing in solar panel systems to save money and reduce their environmental impact. To ensure that your solar panel system is functioning at its best, it is essential to invest in a reliable and accurate solar monitoring system. In this article, we will review the top 10 solar monitoring systems available on the market.
1. Sense Energy Monitor with Solar
If you are starting to look at solar monitoring system options, you will come across the Sense name quite often, either as a suggestion or as a bar to be compared to. That’s for good reason – Sense energy monitor has built a reputation as having a good all-around system that is well maintained.
What stands out is the ability to track your electricity usage and solar production in real time as well as the strict standards that have been upheld. Also, the system now supports time-of-use rate plans. The side-by-side production and consumption view helps you to make the most of the power you produce while reducing the power used, keeping extra money in your wallet.
Besides usage tracking, Sense also recognizes patterns of energy usage and alerts you to energy emergencies, helping you be more cognizant and efficient.
PROS:
- Real-time data
- Side-by-side production and consumption view
- ETL and Intertek certified to operate inside an electrical panel
- Option to set custom notifications for critical devices
CONS:
- Cloud-based data / Wi-Fi required
- Not available or compatible outside of the U.S. and Canada
2. Eyedro Home Solar & Energy Monitor (EYEFI-2)
This Eyedro system offers very detailed and dependable solar and net metering. The EYEFI-2 is a single-phase electricity monitor that allows you to customize your rate to match your utility bill. As was the case with Sense, you’ll need Wi-Fi access, as the data is stored on Eyedro’s included free cloud service.
You also have the alternative to access instant demand from the built-in web server on the Wi-Fi version. There is a requirement to access the electric wiring to be monitored. Accuracy is as good as you can get with a current clamp and you have the option to buy different amp-rated versions of the current transformers.
PROS:
- Easy to install
- Easy to use
- Accurate enough for what is usually needed
CONS:
- Poorly constructed CTs
- The software isn’t user friendly
3. Eyedro Home Solar & Energy Monitor (EYEFI-4)
Eyedro’s EYEFI-4 with 4 sensors will help you save money on your electricity bill with the solar and electrical monitoring it provides. As with the EYEFI-2, the rate is customizable.
You can save on your electricity bill by monitoring both your solar and electricity usage simultaneously because of the 4 included sensors. The Eyedro is a thorough and dependable source to view your electrical usage.
PROS:
- Easy installation
- Responsive tech
- Reliable real-time and historical data
Cons
- Software isn’t user friendly
- Website only, no app
- No Alexa support in Canada
4. Neurio Home Energy Monitor
Neurio also gives you real-time data on your home’s electricity, with 1% accuracy, and access via an app on your phone or on a website application. Users have access to daily, weekly, or monthly data and it’s even sensitive enough to notice an LED bulb powering on and off.
Reported energy cost savings are as high as 20%. A unique feature provided is bill forecasting so you will be prepared for your utility bill before it even arrives in your mailbox. It’s also good to know that it’s simple to install and is compatible with several systems. If you plan to upgrade to Intelligent Home Monitoring to add appliances for tracking, expect to pay an additional $70.
PROS:
- Real-time data
- Bill forecasting
- Accuracy
- Simple installation
- Compatible with 120/208/240V
CONS:
- Tech support can be lacking
- The app is not user friendly
5. Smart Home Energy Monitor with 8 50A Circuit Level Sensors
This system supports single-phase (up to 240 VAC line-neutral), single split-phase 120/240VAC, and three-phase (up to 415Y/240VAC, no Delta). It should install easily in-circuit panels of most homes, though an electrician is recommended.
If your panel only has access to busbars, you’ll need to make sure you purchase flexible sensors, which Emporia Energy has available. You’ll be able to view the solar and net metering, with an additional option for light commercial three-phase. 1-second data is retained for 3 hours, 1-minute data is retained for 7 days, and 1-hour data is retained indefinitely. The ability to export the data when needed is quite useful.
PROS:
- Easy to use and set up
- Accuracy
- 1-year warranty
CONS:
- No local data, data stored on cloud-based servers
- Only 8 sensors
6. Emporia Smart Home Energy Monitor with 16 50A Circuit Level Sensors
Emporia’s 16-sensor model (Sense Flex Home Energy Monitor) is not much different from the 8-sensor model, but you can rest assured knowing that you’ll have plenty of options for monitoring your household.
Again, we are looking at very good accuracy that will help you save money each month on your utility bill. The user-friendly app allows the user to pull live data whenever needed.
PROS:
- Many sensors
- Accurate
- Easy to set up
- Well-designed app
- 1-year warranty
CONS:
- Cloud-based data
7. 3-Phase Emporia Smart Home Energy Monitor
The third Emporia option is a great option for most light commercial circuit panels (up to 415Y/240VAC & less than 600A, 3-phase/4-wire electrical systems). This could be an option for those with higher electricity usage in their homes.
The real-time data does require a 2.4 GHz Wi-FI with an internet connection to use with mobile apps. sensors provide 1-second data and are accurate from +/-2%.
PROS:
- Crisp app interface
- Easy to install
- Multiple views
- Ability to name circuits
- Excellent tech support
CONS:
- Long wires / disorganized panel
- Connection jacks do not lock-in
- UX is underdeveloped
- Data stored on a cloud server
8. Efergy E2 2.0 Wireless Electricity Monitor
Effergy allows you to see how much electricity you are using at any moment as well as historically. It even allows up to five different world currencies ($, €, £, ₹, Kr, R) and will help you better understand your energy usage.
It has an improved display, storing up to 24 months with multiple options (such as weekend and off-peak), and will automatically change between those configurations. It will send an audio alert if the maximum consumption target has been surpassed.
PROS:
- Good wireless range
- Portable
- Effective
CONS:
- Data may not be completely accurate
- The software could use improvement
9. Efergy Elite 4.0 Wireless Portable Home Energy Monitor
The Efergy Elite 4.0 is uniquely easy to install and program without an electrician. There’s no need to change your existing meter as your existing breaker box cables will work with this system. The display is portable and compact so you can place it anywhere in your home.
Large memory allows you to store data over days, weeks, and months. Like the 2.0, it has an audible alert to warn of excessive usage. What is unique about Efergy is that Wi-Fi is not required.
PROS:
- Setup is easy
- A portable monitor works anywhere in the house
- Nice design and feel
CONS:
- You can’t set the day of monthly usage to the power company billing date
- Hub version needed to get exact readings (not averages)
- Users only find access to an 8-day history
10. IAMMETER Bi-Directional Din Rail Monitor Solar PV System Power Usage Monitor
The IAMMETER allows you to monitor the exported and imported energy versus the solar production and track your energy use in real-time. You can even create the billing information on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis.
Another useful feature is comparing your electricity bill and the income of your solar PV system as a wall and monitoring your energy flow.
A feature that many other systems do not have is an open API for integration into your own server or home automation platform.
PROS:
- Online support is responsive.
- An Internet connection is not needed to collect data
- The small 2.4GHz antenna for wireless works well
- CT Clamps are sized well
CONS:
- Can be a challenge to setup
- DIN rail mounting is not typically used in the US
Conclusion
Choosing the right solar monitoring system is essential for maximizing the performance and efficiency of your solar panel system. When selecting a system, consider the data accuracy, compatibility, ease of use, real-time monitoring, mobile app, and cost. By taking these factors into account, you can find the best solar monitoring system for your needs.
As you prepare for your purchase, be sure to know what is important to you (portability, live data, accuracy, off-line access, price, etc.). Once you narrow your criteria, a few products will stand out. In the end, gaining awareness of control over your power usage is certain to be your new superpower. You’ll be your own hero with any of these choices.
