[RE-wrenches] Internet-based monitoring

[Andrew Truitt]

Joel - Check out Locus Energy (http://locusenergy.com/).  Key features:

- Production and demand monitoring
- single and 3-phase options
- relatively simple to install (for single-phase at least)
- inverter direct monitoring for some manufacturers
- user configurable performance alert emails
- reasonable price point
- good customer service

Ask for Adrian and tell him Drew sent you... and he'll probably charge you
double.

Andrew Truitt
Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting
202 486-7507
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-truitt/8/622/713

Please excuse brevity and typos - this message was typed on tiny keys.

On Nov 26, 2010 8:43 PM, "Philip Boutelle" <philboutelle at gmail.com> wrote:

Joel,
I have installed a few more eGuage units since I last posted about them.
Each time, the end-user has been totally satisfied with what they ended up
with. I haven't installed these in any commercial systems, but have them in
several massive residential jobs (400-800A services). eGauge has an internal
web server, so the hosting is free; no monthly service fee ever. Aside from
showing generation (or usage if wanted), there is not much on the
trouble-shooting side. For more info you need an inverter-direct system from
Fat Spaniel or Energy REcommerce, and even then you don't get much beyond
aggregate DC numbers and inverter error messages unless you spring for
string monitoring and/or a weather station. Or if you happen to have SMA
inverters, use their WebBox; we have several of those on commercial sites,
work great, also free hosting. If you are looking for a single portal to
host everything, you'll have to stick to third party unless you have all the
same brand inverters.
Adding monitoring to 50 sites in several states is no small project, and
won't be cheap. And since you specify internet-based, be prepared for a lot
of time troubleshooting networks. On commercial sires, this can be pretty
tough (you might need a static IP address, etc). That being said, you should
avoid a product that won't be there to support you through those
installations and all the networking trouble you are bound to hit.
-Phil




On Thu, Nov 25, 2010 at 2:48 PM, Joel Davidson <joel.davidson at sbcglobal.net>
wrote:
>
> Hello Wre...

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