Enphase Software Question for Homeowner

[Alisobob]

shade.JPG

Thats pretty cool, how the remaining panels keep chugging along...

[logdin]

It works! It doesn't look like you have shading problems, did you use microinverters for the per-panel data?

Here's mine showing my chimney blocking panels in the morning, and a tree blocking them in the afternoon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h77H-ZanJyU

We're getting off topic a bit. To get back on track, the OP asked was it worth it for per panel monitoring. To have the ability to troubleshoot, confirm panel output, determine shading issues, etc..... you need per panel monitoring. We have two videos showing generation throughout the day. We also have a JPG that shows total daily output per panel. Its not meant to be a commercial to entice someone to buy it. Its more about a set of features you get if you pay for it.

If the OP finds this information useful and something he was unaware of, now he is, and can make an informed decision about buying it or not.

[rwb1921]

We're getting off topic a bit. To get back on track, the OP asked was it worth it for per panel monitoring. To have the ability to troubleshoot, confirm panel output, determine shading issues, etc..... you need per panel monitoring. We have two videos showing generation throughout the day. We also have a JPG that shows total daily output per panel. Its not meant to be a commercial to entice someone to buy it. Its more about a set of features you get if you pay for it.

If the OP finds this information useful and something he was unaware of, now he is, and can make an informed decision about buying it or not.

Thanks, that is true. I see some of the benefits of having the per panel option now. I just need to weigh if it is something I would use. Over the course of time, may not be an everyday kind of thing I would use, but would be a nice tool to have. After all, will be spending quite a bit for a system. This is not too expensive if you consider the credit we get. I am rethinking it now and may check with installer.

Thanks for all the info posted. It has been a great help.

[guy94568]

You're not really getting software, you're getting access to data on their web site.


Don't forget that you can log into the Envoy directly and look at the statuses and error messages to see if any inverters are acting up. You don't even need the internet for that. Matter of fact in the US you may not even need an Envoy if you don't need monitoring of any kind.

Hello and thanks in advance for your help. Can you explain how to log into the Envoy directly, without the internet? Also, what if Enphase went out of business...Would we still be able to see panel level graphics, etc? Thanks!

[sensij]

Hello and thanks in advance for your help. Can you explain how to log into the Envoy directly, without the internet? Also, what if Enphase went out of business...Would we still be able to see panel level graphics, etc? Thanks!

Here is a cut and paste from the Envoy manual:

envoy.GIF

Looks like you can just browse to the local IP to see the data, the manual explains in more detail how to navigate the Envoy's web interface.

[sdold]

Hello and thanks in advance for your help. Can you explain how to log into the Envoy directly, without the internet? Also, what if Enphase went out of business...Would we still be able to see panel level graphics, etc? Thanks!

You're welcome. You also need to know what the username and password are for the Envoy. I forget the default, it's something like "admin" and "admin", and if it is, be sure to change it to something more secure like "password" . No graphics that I've been able to find in the local interface, but there might be ways to access the data that I'm not aware of.

[rwb1921]

You're welcome. You also need to know what the username and password are for the Envoy. I forget the default, it's something like "admin" and "admin", and if it is, be sure to change it to something more secure like "password" . No graphics that I've been able to find in the local interface, but there might be ways to access the data that I'm not aware of.

I have logged into the Envoy by IP and can get basic info and per panel info too. Not too pretty, but some info is there. I did go for the extra amount and get the per panel monitoring with Enlighten Manager. Interesting to see the progress during the day. In the morning chimney plays a big part in shading (see picture), but not a big factor for total output since not much power is generated at that time. Still was interesting to see how it goes during the morning. Have shade from chimney from early morning to about 10:30am (one panel at that time). On a bright morning summer day, 11 panels (out of 21) are affected first thing in morning, then it keeps going down over the next few hours. Then no more shade rest of day. In late Spring or Fall it will be different as my panels face south and sun will be changing positions. Will be interesting to see how it changes during the year.

In the end, the money was not that big a deal. Will I use all the time, no. But it is there to check when I want to look. So for me it was worth it. For someone else, maybe not.

Early Morning Solar Display.jpg