Extend Wi-Fi Coverage to New Solar Inverter?

justtoreply on 01/08/2022 - 01:56
Last edited 01/08/2022 - 02:09

Getting solar tomorrow.

I had intended the inverter be in a particular spot for aesthetic reasons, but the wifi doesn't reach there.

What should I buy to extend the range?

Wife wants the modem-router to stay where it is.

I don't understand the tech but am I right the inverter would need to be mu-mimo compatible to use a mesh system?

We're very low bandwidth etc family until the kids get 5 years older so a wifi repeater might work too.

Open to ideas but don't want to spend $500+…

I can also run Ethernet cables in my roof if it helps.

Currently running a tp-link ac1900 and prefer an all in one modem router.

Coverage everywhere but this one corner of the house is currently ok.

Computing Wireless Range Extender

Comments

  • justtoreply on 01/08/2022 - 01:59
    -1

    First result on Google is this, which is priced ok. But again there might be a better solution with a single repeater or Ethernet cable?

    https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-Deco-E4-AC1200-2-Pack/dp/B…

  • coxjon on 01/08/2022 - 06:08
    -1

    I wouldn’t bother, you can just look at the display on you inverter (unless inverter wifi technology has changed in 5 years?)

    • geekcohen on 01/08/2022 - 06:20

      Yeah, because that is handy when you want to check and have to go outside. Sounds like you don't have solar……

      • coxjon on 01/08/2022 - 07:00
        +1

        No, I just never look at the app any more! It was fun for the first few weeks to see how many trees saved that’s all.

        How often do you “check”?

        • geekcohen on 01/08/2022 - 08:33
          +1

          Daily, when the sun is good. I Chromecast it to my TV in the office (since I WFH) as well to keep an eye on it. In conjunction with my PowerPal, it helps me review what I am buying vs generating. Then make a choice of "oh, the sun is good and I am not buying anything. Time for a load of washing". Just helps me monitor and take advantage of what I am generating. Might as use it then sell it cheaper than what I buy it for.

          • coxjon on 01/08/2022 - 09:16
            +2

            @geekcohen: I just look out the window :)

            • geekcohen on 01/08/2022 - 09:23

              @coxjon: Well, that is convenient if you have the Inverter in easy view. Mine is down the side of the house.

              • coxjon on 01/08/2022 - 09:27
                +1

                @geekcohen: I just look out the window into the sky…

                • geekcohen on 01/08/2022 - 09:34

                  @coxjon: and you can magically go "oooo, I must be generating 2kWh on my 6kWh system"?

                  Honestly.

                  • GordonD on 01/08/2022 - 11:56

                    @geekcohen: You are right. What is the point of monitoring how much power your solar power system is producing? Its not as if you can do anything to change it. Surely people must tire of it very quickly after the first couple of times, when the novelty has worn off, and its producing exactly the same as it was yesterday. You check it the first couple of days to ensure that its all working properly, then you check it every couple of weeks, and after a while you just look at your electricity bill to ensure its still working. It is not worth spending anything just to give you wifi access to the inverter. Its like having some piece of electronic equipment left turned on day after day, month after month, when you will only need it once every blue moon.

  • samcro on 01/08/2022 - 06:09
    +6

    Just get a cheap single band (2.4Ghz) WiFi extender if it's only for the inverter. It will not need a high bandwidth.

  • iforgotmysocks on 01/08/2022 - 08:03

    Get a mesh network like this and enjoy better wifi throughout your whole house as well. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/714702

    It’s just a wifi network your inverter should connect to it like any other.

  • BigBirdy on 01/08/2022 - 08:29

    I use one of these plugged into an old USB phone charger, cheap and easy Xiaomi Mi 300Mbps WiFi Repeater 2

  • justtoreply on 01/08/2022 - 09:18

    Any links to repeaters?

  • jv on 01/08/2022 - 09:49

    I can also run Ethernet cables in my roof if it helps.

    I don't think that is legal.

    • justtoreply on 01/08/2022 - 13:39

      It is if it meets Australian standards and gets signed off by an electrician. Afaik.

      • jv on 01/08/2022 - 14:01

        Pretty sure the person installing it needs to be a licenced cabler…

        • DoctorCalculon on 01/08/2022 - 22:15

          The last sparky I hired had to run a dedicated circuit for an air conditioner. He ran the cable up through the second story roof which minimised the amount of conduit that had to be used. Are you saying he should have subcontracted the cable run to a licensed cabler (most of whom actually charge a lot more than a licensed sparky)?

          If it is illegal to run your own (above ground) cabling, which agency enforces such BS regulation? If it is ACMA, they are a toothless tiger.

          • jv on 01/08/2022 - 22:42

            @DoctorCalculon:

            The legalities
            In Australia, it's illegal to do your own fixed home cabling. It's legal to connect devices using pre-made Ethernet cables strung along skirting boards or under carpets but this wiki is about permanent installations. Any under-floor, in-wall or in-roof cabling must be done by a registered cabler. This is for your safety as well as the safety of technicians who work on the external networks which are (or may be) connected to your home. It's also to preserve the integrity of the public telecommunications network by ensuring that all connected cabling meets acceptable standards. The purpose of this wiki is not to teach you how to do your own cabling – it's to give a better understanding of what your cabling requirements are likely to be. There is a link to a list of registered cablers in the footnotes below.

            https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/structured_home_cabling

            • DoctorCalculon on 01/08/2022 - 22:52

              @jv:

              in-roof cabling must be done by a registered cabler

              Do you seriously think this can be easily enforced in a residential setting?

              • jv on 01/08/2022 - 22:56

                @DoctorCalculon: It can void any home insurance you have…. read you T&Cs…

  • Porker on 01/08/2022 - 10:55

    What do you intend to achieve by connecting the inverter to home wifi?

    You might not need to extend your wifi at all. Don't know what functions your inverter has, but mine (Xiaomi) has a local wifi that I can connect directly to via my phone. I can update and get all the details I need when I direct connect - it does require me to be within a few metres of the inverter (I can read mine from the wall inside of the inverter location). Your inverter may have some other functions that you want to control real-time though.

    Just highlighting that there might be unnecessary expense (eg. new extender or similar) when not required.

    • justtoreply on 01/08/2022 - 13:41

      It has generation and consumption monitoring. Also i think western power now requires back to base on all systems (were not quite sure.. We signed up during a transition phase and none of the 3 installers quoting were sure)

  • prhino on 01/08/2022 - 11:41

    You've got a few ways you can go here:

    1. Get a decent tri-band wifi 6 mesh system and improve the WiFi coverage in your home for all devices. Around $500.
    2. Get an extender, which will provide coverage to your inverter. $40. This will provide plenty of bandwidth for the inverter, but note that it may mean devices that connect to your wifi via the extended actually have 50% of the bandwidth they had previously,
    • justtoreply on 01/08/2022 - 13:44

      I used a mobile phone app last night to test and saw my wireless is running at 150mbps.. On an ac1900 modem router. I had no idea because we don't do much with it. Yikes.

      Only the inverter would be connected to an extender. The rest of the house has enough coverage

      • prhino on 01/08/2022 - 13:51

        Some devices near the extender may just automatically connect to it. Not much you can do about that.

  • netjock on 01/08/2022 - 12:52

    Get a Mercusys AC1200 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System 2 pack, less than $100

  • avoidfullprice on 01/08/2022 - 12:55

    I can also run Ethernet cables in my roof if it helps.

    I would suggest that if feasible.

  • the Unforgiven on 02/08/2022 - 00:40
    +1

    This is all you need, and it is by TP-Link as well, so it will be a cinch to set-up - $33.57
    https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-TL-WA850RE-300Mbps-Univers…

  • justtoreply on 02/08/2022 - 01:21

    Thanks everyone

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