If you have a plug-in solar kit (often called balcony solar) and its manufacturer allows it to connect through a plug-in device, you can use an Emporia Smart Plug to see how much energy your panels produce, right in the Emporia app. The Generation only setting tells the app to show the plug's readings as solar generation instead of energy use. This article covers what the setting does, what to check before you start, and how to turn it on and off.
Note: Generation only requires version 5.2.0 or later of the Emporia app. Update through the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) if you don't see the setting.
Why Monitor Your Plug-In Solar
Plug-in solar is new for a lot of homes, and the first question most owners have is how much their panels actually produce. Generation only answers that right in the Emporia app.
See what your panels produce - Track your solar output by the hour, day, and month, so you know how well your panels are performing
Keep everything in one app - See your solar production alongside the rest of your Emporia devices
Nothing to install in your panel - All you need is an Emporia Smart Plug between your solar kit and a wall outlet
Readings that make sense - Without this setting, a Smart Plug shows solar flowing through it as energy being used. With it turned on, your production shows up as generation
What Generation Only Does
The Smart Plug measures how much energy flows through it, but it can't tell which direction that energy is flowing. Without this setting, solar power flowing through the plug shows up in the app as energy use.
When you turn on Generation only:
Readings show as generation - All of the plug's energy is reported as solar generation instead of consumption
History changes too - The setting applies to the plug's entire history, past and future, as soon as you save it
Only this plug changes - The setting affects how this plug's own readings appear. If you also have a Vue monitoring your main panel, its whole-home readings already include the energy your panels produce
Before You Start
Check with your solar kit's manufacturer first - Before connecting your kit through a Smart Plug or any other plug-in device, confirm with the manufacturer that it's allowed, and follow their installation instructions. Rules for plug-in solar also vary by state and utility, so check what's allowed where you live
Use an indoor outlet - The Smart Plug is rated for indoor use only. Don't use it outdoors or in a wet location
Stay under the 10A continuous limit - Solar panels produce steadily for hours at a time, so your kit's output needs to stay under the plug's continuous limit of 10A, about 1,200 W at 120V. Check the maximum AC output on your inverter's label or spec sheet. If the plug detects current above its peak rating, it shuts itself off for 24 hours as a safety measure
For full load limits by region, see the Smart Plug Compatibility & Buying Guide.
Turning On Generation Only
If your Smart Plug isn't set up in the app yet, add it first. See Setting Up Your Emporia Smart Plug.
To turn on Generation only:
Open the Emporia Energy app and tap Menu
Tap Manage Devices and select the Smart Plug connected to your solar kit
Tap Smart Plug Info
Turn on the Generation only switch
When the "Mark as generation only?" message appears, tap Mark as generation only
Tap Save
The plug's energy now appears as generation in the app.
Starting With a Clean History
Because Generation only applies to the plug's entire history, anything the plug measured before (like a lamp or appliance) now shows as generation too. To start fresh, clear the old readings.
To clear the plug's old data:
Tap Menu, then Manage Devices, and select the Smart Plug
Under Support & Maintenance, tap Clear Data
Under Time Range, choose Full history to clear everything, or Custom range to clear only the dates before you connected your solar kit
Tap Clear Data, then tap Delete to confirm
Important: Cleared data is permanently deleted and can't be recovered.
Turning Off Generation Only
If you move the Smart Plug back to a regular appliance, turn the setting off.
To turn off Generation only:
Tap Menu, then Manage Devices, and select the Smart Plug
Tap Smart Plug Info
Turn off the Generation only switch
Tap Save
The plug's entire history, including the readings recorded while Generation only was on, switches back to energy use. To remove the solar readings, use Clear Data as described above.
Keep the Plug Switched On
When the Smart Plug is switched off, your solar kit is disconnected and can't deliver power to your home. To keep your panels connected:
Don't add it to a schedule - Schedules switch the plug on and off at set times
Leave it out of energy management features - Smart Saver, Peak Demand Management, and Excess Solar can switch plugs off automatically. Don't add the solar plug to any of them
Watch the quick controls - The power button in the app, the button on the plug itself, and voice assistant commands all switch the plug off
Mind the load limit - If the plug's high-load cutoff turns it off, it stays off for 24 hours
What's Not Available Yet
Generation only lets you see how much energy your plug-in solar produces. Using those solar readings to automatically turn on other devices, like a dehumidifier, when your panels are producing isn't available yet.
Feedback and Suggestions
This knowledge base is continuously updated to provide the most helpful guidance for Emporia customers. If you found this article unclear or have suggestions for improvement, please contact our Customer Support team.
Related Articles
How Your Emporia Smart Plug Works - Product overview and specifications
Controlling Your Smart Plug in the App - On/off control, schedules, and settings
Smart Plug Compatibility & Buying Guide - Regional models and load limits