Hey Stefan! Gald to have you join us! I also come from EV automotive backgorund as a Battery pack and module design engineer for the last decade. I worked on various (current/future) EV SUV platforms at Honda, and Nikola Motors!

Check out Sense or Emporia Vue. Both are great for tracking real-time energy usage, and Sense even uses machine learning to identify which devices are using power. Setup’s straightforward, and the apps are pretty slick. They’re also compatible with most solar setups.

I’ve dabbled in it, and it can be hit or miss. Smart bulbs and thermostats are easy wins, but things like smart locks or automated blinds can be more hassle than they’re worth. If you’re into tinkering, though, it’s a fun way to level up your home.

If you have the budget and space, I’d go for the Level 2. It’s a big step up in convenience—you can fully charge most hybrids overnight. Level 1 is fine, but it’s slow as molasses if you’ve got a larger battery. Plus, a Level 2 will future-proof your setup if you ever go full EV.

I’d second the Enphase suggestion. They’re great for integrating with rooftop solar setups and you can add more units as needed. If they’re willing to go DIY, there are some solid LiFePO4 kits out there too. Depends on how hands-on they want to be.