After months of research and experimentation, I’ve successfully integrated my smart lighting system with energy monitoring in Home Assistant. This setup not only enhances my daily life but also helps me manage energy consumption more efficiently. Here’s my journey and some tips for others looking to do the same!
The Challenge:
I wanted to automate my lighting system using Govee LED strips and Zigbee bulbs while monitoring their energy usage. However, getting accurate energy data was a hurdle. I tried several methods, including template sensors and utility meters, but nothing seemed to work seamlessly.
The Solution:
After some digging, I discovered that integrating energy sensors directly with Home Assistant’s energy dashboard was the key. For my older solar system, I created a custom sensor using the template platform. This sensor calculates energy production by dividing the Enphase system’s output by a factor of 6, providing a close approximation of my old system’s performance.
Here’s the setup I used:
yaml
- platform: template
sensors:
old_solar_system:
friendly_name: “Old Solar”
unit_of_measurement: “kW”
device_class: power
value_template: “{{ (states(‘sensor.envoy SERIALNUMBER_today_s_energy_production’) | float / 6) | round(3) }}”
I also configured a utility meter to track daily energy consumption:
yaml
old_solar_estimated_energy:
name: Old Solar Estimated Energy
source: sensor.old_solar_system
cycle: daily
The Results:
This setup now appears in my energy dashboard, allowing me to monitor both my new and old solar systems in one place. It’s a simple yet effective solution that gives me peace of mind knowing my energy usage is under control.
Tips for Others:
- Start Small: Begin with one system or device and gradually expand. This helps identify and fix issues early.
- Leverage Custom Sensors: Don’t hesitate to create custom sensors for legacy systems. They might not be perfect, but they can provide valuable insights.
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically check your energy sensors and dashboard to ensure everything is working as expected.
This project has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to continue optimizing my smart home setup. If anyone has questions or needs help with similar integrations, feel free to reach out!
Happy automating! 