Just installed a 4kW solar panel system and am considering buying a Fluksometer for monitoring. I understand that with a basic config, I would get a single unit with two sensors (one sensor for overall power usage, one for the solar/inverter circuit). But I have a number of other circuits which are heavy electricity users.
What I would really like to do is monitor:
* overall power consumption
* solar power system generation
(would want to know when solar generation exceeds consumption, thereby confirming Exported electricity)
* spa circuit usage
* 2 x aircon circuits
Given those extra requirements, am I right in concluding that I will need 2 x Fluksometers (one with 3 sensors, one with 2 sensors)?
Given all those sensors, will I be able to generate a coherent set of reports that correctly identify when I am Importing power from the grid and when I am Exporting power?
You should first check whether you've got a single-phase or 3-phase electrical setup. You should also check this and this forum post on proper fuse box wiring for separating electricity consumption and production readings.
Thanks,
I'll be getting a friend who knows his way around the fuse box to do the wiring part for me.
My solar installation paperwork has a form for the electricity company which says that my Existing supply is:
* pole to pit
* mains # of phases: 1
* size: 16mm
* max demand: 30A/phase
There is also a Metering section on that form which nominates it as single phase, 30A.
I've been investigating a few other options, but I keep gravitating back here. One of the biggest problems I have found with some of the other solutions is that even though they offer an attractive technology solution, they also require (or are planning to introduce) ongoing monthly fees for the reporting component on their website. I find that a major disincentive, though I can understand why they would do it in order to address the ongoing costs of running the website.
What is the current and planned situation with the Fluksometer? Is the reporting free and likely to remain so? Or maybe is there a possibility that we might one day be able to run our own monitoring? e.g. I have a website which would allow me to install my own monitoring app if such an app was available. An ideal solution for me would be if the website monitoring could be downloaded as a VMware virtual machine (known as a VA or virtual appliance).
I suggest you use pvoutput.org for your data monitoring site . It is free and direct setup with Flukso. You can run more than one account as well.
All costs, solar output, consuption, can be factored in.
,,,In the next post there is a sample of one day and one month from mine. There is a multitude of viewing options and functions etc
Bazzle
Here you go:
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3678/pvoutputdailysample.jpg
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/4593/pvoutputmonthlysample.jpg
Bazzle
Thanks Bazzle,
Those output charts look exactly like the sort of thing I wanted.
Can I ask whether all that was achieved with a single Fluksometer, or did you buy multiple units?
Steve.
Single.
I orig used the supplied mag loop sensors but changed to din rail mounted kw/h meters with pulse outputs as my system showed a reading even with no output.
You can have all the outputs showing on the Flukso Dash but only 2 on Pv Output atm as far as I am aware.
My system is in Melbourne Oz.
The temp is from an external site that links where you live with another api.
Bazzle
I'm in Melbourne too, Lilydale actually. Any chance I could catch up with you some time to learn more and take a look at your install? Would love to see it in operation and see how the physical install was done. e.g. did you install it yourself, or employ an electrician? what is the "Flukso Dash" that you refer to? and so on ...
I've checked here for a private messaging feature but cannot find it. If you are open to the idea, the Contact Us page on my website (www.frostbyte.com.au) has my contact details.
Got your email, thanks! I will be in touch.
I can see the "Dash" option in the menus here now that I look more closely, so I guess that will kick in if/when I configure the site to link to my yet-to-be-purchased device.
@steve3140:
1/ When purchasing an FLM, rendering of the sensor data is part of the package, which means that access to the dash should be free.
2/ The Flukso platform is in a constant state of flux, with features added regularly. Furthermore, new firmware versions can be downloaded to the FLM from flukso.net. Doing all the VM setup and maintenance work for just a single (or even a couple of) FLM is a bit of overkill IMHO.
3/ You can PM another person on the site by clicking on his avatar, then selecting the contact tab.
Cheers,
-Bart.