Deye Inverter - SolarMan App Issues
Anyone who has used the Solarman app or software has probably been frustrated by the constant issues and poor user interface, especially with the Deye hybrid inverter range. I’ve had nothing but problems with the Wi-Fi dropping out and failing to reconnect.
Solar Assistant to the Rescue
Fortunately, there is a relatively cheap solution that works really well. I purchased a Solar Assistant module for an off-grid system powered by a Deye SUN8K hybrid inverter, and it’s been a game changer. The monitoring has been flawless so far. There have been no issues with the connection dropping out, and the monitoring data is real-time, far better than the slow (delayed) SolarMan App.
Remote Configuration
However, the biggest advantage of Solar Assistant is the ability to remotely manage and configure the system. All the settings are accessible and changeable via the app, and it works seamlessly. It’s also fully compatible with Home Assitant for complete smart home integration.
Cost?
Unlike the SolarMan App, Solar assistant isn’t free, but it is cheap. The cost for the software only is US$55 (AUD$87). However, it requires a Rasberry pie (tiny, cheap PC) to operate. If you need to buy the whole kit, including a pre-programmed Rasberry Pie, it’s US $180. Considering how reliable and easy it is to use, I think it’s a good investment.
Improvements
My only real criticism of the Solar Assitant App is that the layout is currently designed for grid-tied hybrid systems, not off-grid. The Dashboard only shows grid voltage, it cannot be changed to display the generator status or power. The only way to quickly determine whether the generator is running is to dig into the charts page and go down to the Generator power.
