Hi everyone, I’m thrilled to share my recent project where I integrated a solar PV system with Home Assistant to optimize energy usage. The goal was to maximize self-consumption and reduce reliance on the grid, especially with the increasing gap between feed-in tariffs and electricity costs. I stumbled upon an innovative solution involving the SCR-485, a linear power controller that adjusts the power output of resistive loads like water heaters based on real-time grid power.
The setup involved connecting the SCR-485 to the heater and integrating it with Home Assistant through MQTT. I created an automation that monitors the grid power feed-in and adjusts the heater’s power accordingly. The process was quite involved, but the results were rewarding. During peak solar production, the heater uses excess energy, significantly reducing our grid consumption.
I’d love to hear if anyone else has implemented similar solutions or has tips for further optimization. It’s been a fascinating journey, and I’m excited to see how this setup performs over time, especially during different seasons when solar production varies. Happy tinkering! 