Somfy tackles energy monitoring with a module for Linky
Announced at the start of the year and available for a few weeks, this new device fills a missing brick in Somfy’s offering: direct reading of electricity meter data. Concretely, the sensor plugs into the TIC (Tele-Information Customer) port of the Linky meter and communicates via the Zigbee protocol with the user’s TaHoma Switch home automation box.
The primary objective is visibility. Unlike the sometimes delayed readings from suppliers, this module allows you to consult the instantaneous power in watts from the mobile application, as well as the consumption history in kWh and its conversion into euros. The user can set a monthly budget and track its progress via graphs, regardless of their energy supplier.
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Monitoring with automation as a target
The main interest of this solution lies less in observing the curves than in taking action. By integrating this data into the TaHoma ecosystem, the sensor makes it possible to create “intelligent” scenarios.
The sensor makes it possible, for example, to activate various scenarios to optimize consumption. Charging or energy-consuming devices can be automatically scheduled for off-peak times. Connected equipment, heating, lights or roller shutters, switch to economy mode at night or during prolonged absences. A load shedding function also signals an imminent risk of disconnection in the event of a consumption peak, in order to avoid outages.
According to a CSTB study cited by the manufacturer, the combined control of heating, shutters and hot water could allow up to 30% energy savings.
Rather restrictive technical prerequisites
If installation is intended to be simple via the application which guides the user step by step, this sensor is not universal and imposes several technical constraints to check before purchasing.
The accommodation must be equipped with:
- A single-phase Linky meter (three-phase is not supported).
- Physical access to the meter with a 3-pin TIC port available.
- A TaHoma Switch home automation box located at a maximum distance of 10 meters from the meter to ensure the radio link.
- A 12 kVA electricity contract (most homes in France are equipped with 6 or 9 kVA according to Engie).
Note that for remote meters, the addition of Somfy Zigbee connected sockets can extend the range of the radio signal.
Price and availability
With such restrictions, we understand that this type of solution is aimed more at professionals or large homes. Somfy also communicates a recommended price for its HT connected consumption sensor. However, it can be found at resellers for €58.25 excluding VAT (i.e. around €70 including VAT).
