I got an Arlec smart metering socket from Bunnings and then flashed it with Tasmota and integrated it into my existing Home Assistant install. I now have two, one tracking the power consumption of the dryer and another on my home server cabinet. Since it's in Home Assistant there's no time limit on how long it will track data.
The current model of these (PC399HA on the label on the back) has new firmware that is unable to be flashed to Tasmota without opening it up and soldering on a serial interface. And the screws used are ones that there are no screwdrivers for in NZ that I can find. To unscrew them, according to the web page I found, you have to get a Torx screwdriver (T20?) with a slim shaft and file it down to match the screws. Unfortunately, I only found this out after I had bought one. The non-energy monitoring version was still able to be easily flashed to Tasmota the last time I checked, but that was months ago and it is possible that it has had a firmware update too by now.
Not a real geeky suggestion, but had you considered fitting water meters and simply apportioning power depending on usage?
That would be more complicated. You'd still need to know how much power was required to pump any given volume of water, and that may change over time as well levels change, equipment ages etc. Metering and charging for water would make this look more like a supply arrangement than a friendly agreement between neighbours, if that really is going to be an issue.
The current model of these (PC399HA on the label on the back) has new firmware that is unable to be flashed to Tasmota without opening it up and soldering on a serial interface. And the screws used are ones that there are no screwdrivers for in NZ that I can find. To unscrew them, according to the web page I found, you have to get a Torx screwdriver (T20?) with a slim shaft and file it down to match the screws. Unfortunately, I only found this out after I had bought one. The non-energy monitoring version was still able to be easily flashed to Tasmota the last time I checked, but that was months ago and it is possible that it has had a firmware update too by now.
Yeah, the open it up and flash it is the way I've done the couple I have - the details are in that YouTube video I linked. The screw is annoying but yeah, it's not too difficult to make up a screwdriver to get into it. The soldering is a bit fiddly but if you've got a decent soldering iron and the necessary USB-Serial adapter it's not impossible and worth it in the end to have a cheap, compliant and open-source power metering socket
Yeah, the open it up and flash it is the way I've done the couple I have - the details are in that YouTube video I linked. The screw is annoying but yeah, it's not too difficult to make up a screwdriver to get into it. The soldering is a bit fiddly but if you've got a decent soldering iron and the necessary USB-Serial adapter it's not impossible and worth it in the end to have a cheap, compliant and open-source power metering socket
Sounds like a lot of hassle. I'd just use a product that's better suited, or use Kasa and put a reminder in my calendar to check usage every month and write it down.
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