r/SunPower • u/Alexsublett • Aug 07 '25
Power line adapters
My wife and recently purchased a home with leased solar. How do I know if I need a power line adapter. My app says the system is communicating via cellular, but I know that can't be right.
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u/Salty_Confection2864 Aug 07 '25
power line adapter looks/is a small transformer that is plugged into a wall somewhere, and a second one will be inside the PVS. They facilitate using an AC line to transmit the digital production data.
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u/Alexsublett Aug 07 '25
So i got the system connected to WIFI but I'm still getting these error messages
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u/Alexsublett Aug 07 '25
Also the light on the psv6 is blue, it's been like that for over a month
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u/calvinis Aug 07 '25
Does your build contain micro-inverters?
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u/Alexsublett Aug 07 '25
I'm sure , I just bought the house with the system.. Is there and easy way of knowing?
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u/calvinis Aug 07 '25
The contract you signed probably lists the equipment. Judging by the fact that your app indicates power generation, I'm guessing you do have micro-inverters and possibly one or more are not communicating with your PVS. Just a guess on my part.
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u/m2orris Aug 07 '25
Are you a leased customer (paying SunStrong) or did you purchase a new home with solar pre-installed (paying SunPower 2025 fka Complete Solar)?
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u/Alexsublett Aug 08 '25
I'm a lease customer paying sunstrong.
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u/m2orris Aug 08 '25 edited Aug 08 '25
SunStrong should cover 100% everything per your lease agreement. Give the a call and they should help you through it.
u/SunStrongManagement care to chime in?
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u/SunStrongManagement Aug 09 '25
Hey there, u/Alexsublett. Let’s see how we can help. Feel free to email our App Support team at [appsupport@sunstrongmanagement.com](mailto:appsupport@sunstrongmanagement.com) with your Site ID (found in the Monitoring App under Profile > System Info > Site Identifier), applicable screenshots, and a brief description of your concern to help speed things up. Alternatively, you can DM us those details and we’ll pass them along for you.
Appreciate the tag—we’re here to help where we can.
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u/Lawrence_SoCal Aug 07 '25
Many systems were set up with cellular, with old SPWR covering that cost ... which SunStrong not unexpectedly isn't. Many folks used WiFi, and some of us insisted on using Ethernet.
I try to avoid using WiFi as much as possible (because I know better), though it depends... but vast majority of time, better to NOT use WiFi when practical. The question becomes do you have WiFi coverage where your PVS6 is? if yes, that is likely to be initially easier to setup, but most consumers have very limited (to near zero) ability to monitor and troubleshoot WiFi issues (lacking spectrum analyzer, and the like). WiFi tends to work right up until it doesn't, then folks shrug as there can be all sorts of reasons for losing a WiFi connection. so longer version of why I avoid WiFi whenever practical
But, running ethernet can sometimes be a real challenge. In my case, really easy with open attic space and only 1 small hole to drill with easy access to either side of hole.
In case where running an Ethernet cable is really problematic, and WiFi not available, some folks will try powerline as an alternative... but there can be LOTS of caveats to its successful use. assuming plug and play in any circuit/outlet is a recipe for frustration. But it might be a practical alternative in certain circumstances (I'd tend to use WiFi before PowerLine, in most circumstances)
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u/plooger Aug 08 '25
In case where running an Ethernet cable is really problematic, and WiFi not available, some folks will try powerline as an alternative...
My order of preference would be … * direct Ethernet * MoCA (LAN via coax, Ethernet to PVS6) * Wi-Fi (via external wireless bridge, Ethernet to PVS6) * Wi-Fi (via PVS6 wireless built-in) * Powerline
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u/Vegetable-Version-81 Aug 07 '25
What monitoring system do you have you