Accuracy of Solar Apps v Octopus

TheBrigadier

Hi all. We use the Growatt Shine App but, comparing the 'Imported from Grid' value with the Octopus 'Electicity Consumption' value, there is often a difference of a few kw. Am I right in thinking that these two values should, ideally, match or more realistically be very, very close? I'm presuming that the Octopus value is correct. Do others notice the same thing?

MrMessy

TheBrigadier
My GivEnergy inverter typically reports approx 5% under for both import and export compared to Octopus ie. the smart meter. It's well within the expected levels, and I'm comfortable with that.
What you get on your inverter app is reliant on the accuracy and fitting of the CT clamp. They're not always the best.
As long as the results are consistent, I wouldn't worry about it. If you suddenly find you have a discrepancy of more than 10%, then you have an issue that needs resolving.

WindyMiller

MrMessy I've come to the conclusion that the few lost % on GivEnergy is down to the failure of the inverter to send its stats for a half hour to the server. This occurs fairly regularly as I can see the gaps in the graphs. Mine also reports about 5% under the smart meter readings for import and export.

I bet Growatt does the same.

My Emporia energy monitor system accumulates during network outages and uploads the missing data when it next connects. It also integrates the actual use across each half hour rather than take a snapshot. This is also what the official smart meters do.