3G network shutdown - find out more

Why is the 3G network shutting down?

Mobile network providers are phasing out the 3G network across Australia. This is due to the need to free up the 3G spectrum in the 900 MHz and 2100 MHz frequency bands to reclaim this spectrum and allocate it to newer, more efficient technologies like 4G and 5G. Mobile network providers have been gradually phasing out 3G services over the past few years, with the final shutdown expected to occur in 2024. Refer to this article for more information.

What does this mean for Solar Analytics customers?

There are over two million 3G devices in Australia that will cease to communicate sometime over the next year, including the older Solar Analytics 3G Smart Monitor. Solar Analytics sold 3G devices from 2015, and replaced this with a 4G Smart Monitor in 2018. However, due to some devices sitting in the supply chain, some 3G devices were installed after this date.

If you have a 3G Smart Monitor, at some point over the next year we will no longer be able to receive data from your device, and hence will be unable to continue providing our services to you.

Solar Analytics is contacting customers who have a 3G Smart Monitor to inform them of the 3G shutdown.

What is Solar Analytics doing for customers with a 3G Smart Monitor?

We understand that the end of life for 3G devices is frustrating and disappointing for our customers, and particularly those who purchased a Lifetime* Solar Analytics subscription (refer below for more information about the Lifetime subscription).

Solar Analytics are addressing this impending loss of service by offering the following:

• A discounted 4G replacement device from Wattwatchers for $199 (see below). Discount offer ended on Friday, December 15th 2023
• Transfer of their Solar Analytics subscription to the new 4G Wattwatchers device.
• Customers with a Lifetime subscription will receive a new five year subscription on their 4G device (since Lifetime subscriptions are no longer offered by Solar Analytics)

Affected customers have three options:

1. Continue Solar Analytics service - requires the purchase and installation of a 4G device
2. Maintain Solar Analytics service until 3G drops out - reply to the email
3. Allow your Solar Analytics service to lapse - no action required

If you have an eligible Fronius, Sungrow, GoodWe or GE solar inverter that is connected to your home WiFi, Solar Analytics can capture your energy data via this inverter. In this case please click Contact Us button below to switch to our Inverter Integrated service with no hardware cost and receive the above subscription offer.

If you do not upgrade to a 4G device (option 2 or 3), we will no longer receive your energy data or be able to provide our services. You will still be able to see all of your historical energy data. If you email us (option 2) you will continue to see new data in your Dashboard until 3G communication is lost. If you don’t do anything (option 3) you will no longer see new data in your Dashboard after the date notified in your email. This is required to comply with privacy regulations to confirm that you do want us to continue collecting your energy data.

3G to 4G upgrade offer

Since Solar Analytics no longer sell hardware, we have partnered with our original equipment manufacturer Wattwatchers to provide a discounted 4G upgrade offer for Solar Analytics customers. This option to purchase the latest generation 4G hardware is approximately 30% off normal retail prices, and has the potential to increase the number of circuits being monitored from three to six channels, i.e. you may be able to monitor additional energy loads like hot water, air-con, electric vehicles etc. Talk to your electrician or solar retailer to discuss this option.

Installation cost is excluded, but due to the simplified plug and play nature of the device, this is estimated to cost $100 to $150 for a residential household. Commissioning of the software in the Solar Analytics portal to switch to the new 4G device will be done by Solar Analytics.

How long will the new 4G device and network last?

Like anything else, 4G will eventually become obsolete. However, it is expected that the 4G network will last well into the 2030s and possibly beyond.

Limited time offer

This discounted 4G device offer is for a limited time only. Discount offer ended on Friday, December 15th, 2023. Customers who do not respond by the cut off date in the 3G email announcement will not be eligible for the discounted rate. Due to 3G services already degrading, our manufacturer’s Support service will end for 3G-limited devices on January 31st, 2024. If customers would like to upgrade the hardware, we’d recommend to contact their installer to purchase the hardware upgrade through Supply Partners

Terms and Conditions and Lifetime subscriptions

Solar Analytics offered Lifetime subscriptions to selected hardware and site owners from August 2018. Lifetime for large commercial sites of 15kW was retired in 2020 and Lifetime for small residential sites (<15kW) was retired in October 2022.

Our Lifetime offer was accompanied by our software and hardware Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions, and any updates during the period of service, were accepted as part of the delivery of the service. The subscription is attached to the hardware device and is not transferable to another person, location or hardware. The Terms and Conditions include a clause advising owners that “Solar Analytics will endeavour to make the Product available at all times, but cannot guarantee a consistent or uninterrupted communication connectivity or availability of the Product. Any communication breakdown or unavailability of the Product arising from Hardware faults, Wi-Fi connectivity, 3G/4G disruption of service, the unavailability or the discontinuation of network service and/or withdrawal of support for technology from the telecommunication provider or any other acts or omissions of any third-party providers are beyond the control of Solar Analytics and Solar Analytics accepts no responsibility for any impact or consequences they have on the provision of service”.