The information below will help you solve connection issues between your solar inverter and your home modem.
Most modern solar inverters have WiFi built in to allow you to remotely monitor your solar performance. Connecting your solar inverter to your home modem is usually easy if the modem is within 2-10m of the inverter and only a few walls. If you are having problems connecting your inverter to the home network, you may need to consider a WiFi booster.
(typical price range $100 - $150)
Brand is not important, but the technology is. The technology is a 'Ethernet over power with WiFi'. We recommend this device because it has been a reliable solution for hundreds of our previous clients and it is the easiest solution to set up.
This WiFi extender has two boxes. One plugs into a powerpoint next to your modem, and the other one plugs into a powerpoint closer to the inverter and creates a new WiFi network. Please contact us if you need assistance setting this up.
Why doesn't my inverter connect to my home WiFi modem?
There can be many reasons your inverter does not speak to your modem.
- Your modem is too far away (usually more than 10m between the modem and inverter is too far)
- Your modem may be closer, but internal walls, cupboards and furniture can degrade the WiFi signal
- Your modem has a firewall setting that may need adjusting to allow communication with your inverter
- Your modem is older than 5 years old and may not have the right communication 'ports' to talk to an inverter
- You have a 3G/4G modem instead of a wired modem (These can work if a solid connection can be sustained)
Solar inverters by nature are dealing with high voltage energy generation (DC energy is converted to AC energy). This conversion process and the volume of energy means that the solar inverter will produce a small electro-magnetic field (EMF) which can degrade WiFi strength. Even if you are standing next to the solar inverter with your phone connected to your modem with a good WiFi strength, you many not be able to connect the inverter.
It's worthwhile testing a range extender to try an establish a solid connection between your inverter and modem. When you purchase the WiFi range extender, ask the sales person if returns are possible if the range extender does not work.
Why is setting up WiFi Monitoring important?
Monitoring your system has some very significant benefits.
- You can be emailed alerts for problems or outages that will help you resolve issues and avoid shock energy bills
- You can save more each billing cycle by understanding when solar production is working (or when you use energy)
- You can share your monitoring with GI Energy for faster issue resolutions or bill assessments
- In the event of issues with your energy provider, historic data from the monitoring can support your position in a claim or support case
All of these benefits are related to either an additional cost saving or minimising financial loss. It certainly makes having a functional WiFi solution worthwhile.