Locus vs. SolarEdge Monitoring

[mbster]

So, our (self-owned) system has been up and running here in MD (under Pepco) for about 2 weeks now and everything seems fine. Our current monitoring is tied to a Locus monitor (LGate 120). Seems ok, but no mobile app option and almost 2.5-3 h lag in updates (cellular based). Since our system utilizes a SolarEdge S6000 inverter system, I was wondering if it's possible to have two monitoring approaches at the same time (I know I would need to modify the system to add some form of internet support whether Zigbee or ethernet, neither would be a problem adding). Any thoughts?

Also, just found out that the Locus cellular monitoring is a 5-yr plan so I'm assuming I would need to pay for it after then? What about SolarEdge, it's free for life, isn't it?

[ButchDeal]

So, our (self-owned) system has been up and running here in MD (under Pepco) for about 2 weeks now and everything seems fine. Our current monitoring is tied to a Locus monitor (LGate 120). Seems ok, but no mobile app option and almost 2.5-3 h lag in updates (cellular based). Since our system utilizes a SolarEdge S6000 inverter system, I was wondering if it's possible to have two monitoring approaches at the same time (I know I would need to modify the system to add some form of internet support whether Zigbee or ethernet, neither would be a problem adding). Any thoughts?

Also, just found out that the Locus cellular monitoring is a 5-yr plan so I'm assuming I would need to pay for it after then? What about SolarEdge, it's free for life, isn't it?

The Locus is a revenue grade meter. you are required to have a revenue grade meter for your MD SRECs. SolarEdge has an optional revenue grade meter for their inverters which we use for simplicity but many installers don't know about it so they add locus meters (actually more expensive options).

Your SE6000 inverter has an ethernet connection inside of it that can give you nice general monitoring and module level monitoring at that. SolarEdge monitoring is free but without the revenue grade meter it would not meet the requirements for the SRECs. So you would have to renew the Locus plan to keep the sale of SRECs. You can make that decision latter based on the market though.

It is very possible to have both systems working. Did the installer give you a map of the optimizers on your roof so you can set up the solaredge module level layout? you don't need it but it does help with some of the options.
If getting ethernet to the inverter is not a problem, I would go that route.

Just make sure you shut everything off before opening the inverter. Flip the on/off switch under the inverter, then turn the DC disconnect and then turn off the AC disconnect.