Kill a watt meter

706jim
706jim Solar Expert Posts: 519 ✭✭✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
There appear to be three models of Kill a watt meters, standard EZ and remote. Thinking about buying the EZ model although reviews by users lament the lack of a back lit LCD screen. Which is the best option and are there similar, possibly better products that do the same thing?
Island cottage solar system with appriximately 2500 watts of panels, 1kw facing southeast 1.3kw facing southwest 170watt ancient Arco's facing due south. All panels in parallel for a 24 volt system. Trace DR1524 MSW inverter which has performed flawlessly since 1994. Outback Flexmax 80 MPPT charge controller four 467A-h AGM batteries. Insignia 11.5 cubic foot electric fridge 1/4hp GSW piston pump. My 31st year.
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #2
    There is a standard meter that just displays data. No battery/storage. AC power turns off, data is cleared.

    A second model does save the last state. Nice for use with a generator. Also can enter $/kwh for price of energy used. Nice, but I would not pay extra for the function. Bit more of a pain to program/use vs simple unit.

    Don't know anything about the remote model.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
    · Share on Twitter
  • 706jim
    706jim Solar Expert Posts: 519 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Thanks Bill
    Island cottage solar system with appriximately 2500 watts of panels, 1kw facing southeast 1.3kw facing southwest 170watt ancient Arco's facing due south. All panels in parallel for a 24 volt system. Trace DR1524 MSW inverter which has performed flawlessly since 1994. Outback Flexmax 80 MPPT charge controller four 467A-h AGM batteries. Insignia 11.5 cubic foot electric fridge 1/4hp GSW piston pump. My 31st year.
    · Share on Twitter
  • zoneblue
    zoneblue Solar Expert Posts: 1,220 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
    We dont have the kilawatt brand here, but the generic versions available all have a (coincell) battery. Its  a bit of PITA, because it goes flat about every nine months, and it never works just when you need it to.
    1.8kWp CSUN, 10kWh AGM, Midnite Classic 150, Outback VFX3024E,
    http://zoneblue.org/cms/page.php?view=off-grid-solar


    · Share on Twitter
  • JoshK
    JoshK Solar Expert Posts: 232 ✭✭
    #5
    I have this one, I don't think more features would be a good thing.

    · Share on Twitter
  • arby
    arby Solar Expert Posts: 108 ✭✭
    #6
    I have a Blue Planet one and prefer it to the Killawatt which I also have.
    3310 watts panels, Classic 200 controller, 8 Surette S530's, Xantrex 5548 inverter, Honda EX5500 backup Genny.
    · Share on Twitter
  • Johann
    Johann Solar Expert Posts: 245 ✭✭✭
    #7
    I got the Ensupra Electricity Usage Monitor,Watt Meter.
    I am very happy and if I want to I can add a battery to keep the data when I unplug it,
    I am happy with it.
    It goes back and forth between our place and friends and relatives.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories