Hey everyone, I wanted to share my journey in making my home more energy-efficient using solar power and smart home technology. It’s been a fun project, and I’d love to hear your tips and experiences too!
My Setup
I’ve been working on integrating my dishwasher and washing machine into my smart home ecosystem to run more efficiently on solar energy. Here’s what I’ve done:
- Fibaro Smart Plug: Monitoring power usage for both appliances.
- Door/Window Sensor: Detecting when the washing machine door is opened (still looking for a neat solution for the dishwasher).
- HomeWizard P1 Dongle: Tracking energy flow back to the grid.
How It Works
I created statuses for each appliance to track their state: empty, loaded, running, full and dirty, or full and clean. Using logic flows, I ensure appliances start when solar energy is abundant, avoiding grid usage during peak times.
Challenges and Solutions
Initially, I faced issues with appliances turning on and off repeatedly when the grid state changed. Splitting the flows into separate triggers for starting and stopping solved this problem. I also added a failsafe to ensure appliances run by a certain time to prevent delays.
Fun Additions
When someone comes home and an appliance is done, my Google Home at the front door notifies them. I’m also working on a daily summary feature to greet us with fun facts about the day’s energy usage and upcoming events.
Looking for Feedback
I’d love to hear how others optimize their appliance usage with solar energy. Any tips or tricks you’ve found helpful? Also, if anyone has a cleaner solution for monitoring the dishwasher door, I’m all ears!
Thanks for reading, and happy smart home tinkering! 