[PaulDavisThe1st]

> The solar systems, as currently pushed, are designed to be carefully monitored at all times; if you read the contract ( in IL anyway, but I presume it is common, because my mom had a similar experience ), I have to give the company a way in every time they desire to look at the panels.

I did my own install of a ground mount 6.7kW array. I initially declined to connect to the inverter manufacturer's monitoring, because I did not want my system hooked up to the internet.

Then, in the spring of 2024, the inverter failed (it was still under warranty). I was travelling at the time, but that may have made no difference at all. It took me a month to notice that generation had gone to zero.

Once I found out, and replaced the inverter, I chose to connect it not because the system requires it (it absolutely does not!), but so that the manufacturer would alert me in the future if a similar failure happened.

Ideally, I'd like to be able run a monitoring app locally, with no internet connection. For now, I'll take the remote monitoring despite my misgivings about it.

[conk]

There are inverters with local only monitoring and control. I have one integrated locally with home assistant. You can also add an external current transformer and monitor the production with that independent of the inverter.

[iugtmkbdfil834]

Oh? Could you go into any details? I will clearly need to do some research now, but if I can save myself some time, all the better.

[Huppie]

Not the person you responded to, but for a current monitor you could look at e.g. Shelly devices.

I have a Shelly Pro 3EM three phase current meter device on my home battery connection just to get more accurate data into Home Assistant because the battery provider doesn't provide it. (In hindsight I should've bought a different battery install but that's not something I can change after the fact...)

[iugtmkbdfil834]

Hmm, could you recommend any good references for a personal build? I was debating doing a test run with a shed ( if I mess it up too bad, it won't hurt as much kinda deal ).

[PaulDavisThe1st]

Sorry, can't recall anything in particular that I used. I'm a pretty handy person to start with, nothing about the system was complex except for building scaffolding to pre-assemble the metal pipework that formed the frame for the array(s). I used a company (then called Wholesale Solar) to design the system and buy the parts from, which made it all pretty simple.

I did have to take a very challenging exam to get licensed by the state for "home owner solar" - much harder than I expected given the NEC sections and the fact that it was open book.