How Solar Daytopper was born

30/04/2024

Solar Daytopper originated about three years ago from a simple idea and a passion for solar energy. It started as an internal hobby project, intended to compare the output of solar panels. Initially, this was done with a custom integration. Subsequently, data from the solar panels was retrieved and forwarded via a script.

In the initial phase, Solar Daytopper existed solely as a web app. However, it quickly evolved into an R&D project for an app that would be available for both Apple and Android devices. As more and more people from the community showed interest in being added, the construction of a module based on the ESP32 began. This was because we wanted to read the inverters through a user's account using this module. This way, we wouldn't encounter limits when retrieving the data. Additionally, the premise was that this would keep the data under the user's control and even within their own home. Initially, the module was quite simple; all the data was hardcoded and couldn't be easily modified.

As interest grew, we started refining both the module and the app. To make the product more accessible to a wider audience, the decision was made to make the app as simple as possible. Users only needed to input their inverter data, after which the module handled everything for them.

After completing the app and module, the final step in development was the launch of the website. This website offers a webshop where users can purchase the module along with any necessary cables and USB adapters. Additionally, it provides comprehensive information, documentation, and useful blog articles about usage, as well as tips and tricks.