I’ve been on a journey to create a smarter, more energy-efficient home, and I’m thrilled to share my recent success with the Shelly and Meross devices. 
The Challenge:
I wanted to automate my dishwasher to run only when my solar panels were generating excess energy. The goal was to reduce grid reliance and save on electricity costs. However, setting this up wasn’t straightforward. The Shelly 3EM and AhoyDTU combination provided the necessary data, but integrating it with the Meross Wi-Fi outlet was a puzzle at first.
The Solution:
After some trial and error, I created a system where the Meross outlet powers the dishwasher only when solar production exceeds household consumption. Here’s how it works:
- Data Collection: The Shelly 3EM tracks solar production and household consumption in real-time.
- Automation Trigger: When solar production surpasses consumption by a set threshold, the Meross outlet switches on, powering the dishwasher.
- Energy Efficiency Check: The system ensures the dishwasher runs only during peak solar production, optimizing energy use.
Key Learnings:- Timing is Everything: The dishwasher starts at a programmed time to avoid running during off-peak hours.
- Energy Monitoring: Continuous monitoring ensures the system doesn’t overdraw from the grid.
- Automation Logic: Using a timer and energy sensors together was the key to making this work seamlessly.
Outcome:
This setup has reduced our grid dependency by 30% and saved us over $50 a month on electricity. It’s a win-win for both our budget and the environment! 
Tips for Others:- Start small and test each component before full integration.
- Use timers and sensors to create a failsafe system.
- Don’t hesitate to tweak settings for optimal performance.
I’m excited to explore more automation possibilities with my Shelly and Meross devices. If anyone has similar projects or questions, I’d love to hear from you! 