At Better Earth, we want to ensure your solar system continues to perform optimally for years to come. Many of our installations use SolarEdge inverters, which include a built-in modem with a prepaid 5-year data plan for connectivity to SolarEdge's cloud server. This article explains the data plan renewal process, why it's important, who is responsible for the costs, and how to handle it step by step. If you've received an email from SolarEdge about your plan expiring (like many customers do after 5 years), this guide will help clarify your options.
Note: This information is based on SolarEdge's standard policies and your installation agreement with us (or our predecessor, such as Regal Solar). Always refer to your specific contract for details, but in general, the initial 5-year monitoring is included at no extra cost, and any extensions are your responsibility.
What is the SolarEdge Data Plan?
The SolarEdge Data Plan is a cellular connectivity service that keeps your solar inverter connected to SolarEdge's cloud-based monitoring platform. It enables:
Real-time tracking of energy production, consumption, and system efficiency.
Alerts and notifications for issues like faults or underperformance.
Access to the mySolarEdge mobile app.
Remote support from installers like Better Earth, which can diagnose and resolve problems without an onsite visit—potentially saving you time and money.
Monthly performance reports.
Smart energy management features, like optimizing usage during low utility rates and comparing year-over-year performance.
Your system came with a prepaid 5-year plan included in the original installation cost. This plan powers the "24/7 web-enabled monitoring" referenced in your agreement.
When Does the Data Plan Expire?
The plan typically expires 5 years after your system's activation date (e.g., if activated in March 2020, it might expire around March 2025).
SolarEdge may provide a courtesy extension for a short period after expiration (e.g., a few months) to keep your system connected temporarily.
To check your exact expiration date, chat with SolarEdge support on their website, as it's not always visible in the app or platform yet.
If your system uses older 2G/3G/CDMA technology (common in pre-2020 installations), you may need a modem replacement instead of a simple renewal. SolarEdge provides instructions and a video for this.
What Happens If You Don't Renew?
Your solar system will continue to produce energy and function normally without the data plan—there's no impact on power generation. However:
You'll lose access to the mySolarEdge app and monitoring platform.
Remote diagnostics and support from Better Earth or SolarEdge will be unavailable, which could mean paying for onsite service calls (typically $100–$300 or more) if issues arise.
You won't receive performance reports, alerts, or insights into your system's efficiency.
Per your installation agreement (see the Disclosures section), you are responsible for any monitoring service charges after the initial 5-year period. Better Earth does not cover renewal costs, as this is a manufacturer-provided service.
Renewal Options and Costs
SolarEdge offers renewal plans based on your system type and size. Pricing is per installation and cannot be discounted or bundled separately from performance reports. Here's a breakdown for residential systems:
System Type | Size | Duration | Cost | Included Features |
Residential | Under 15 kW (most home systems) | 1 year | $44.99 | Real-time insights, app access, monthly performance reports, alerts, remote support |
Costs are your responsibility: As outlined in your agreement, Better Earth covers the initial 5-year plan, but renewals are handled directly with SolarEdge and paid by you.
How to Renew Your Data Plan
Renewing is straightforward and done directly through SolarEdge—no service call or hardware change is needed (unless it's an older modem). Here's the step-by-step process:
Visit the Renewal Page: Go to SolarEdge Data Plan Renewal.
Gather Your Information: You'll need:
Customer Number (from your SolarEdge account or installation docs).
Customer Email.
Site ID (unique to your installation; check your mySolarEdge app or contact SolarEdge support).
Zip Code of the installation site.
First and Last Name.
Agree to Terms: Check the boxes to acknowledge the Service Plan Terms and Conditions, consent to data processing (as per SolarEdge's Privacy Policy), and optionally agree to promotional communications.
Submit and Pay: Click "Purchase" to complete the transaction. SolarEdge accepts standard payment methods—proceed through their secure form.
Confirmation: You'll receive an email confirmation, and connectivity should resume immediately.
If you need help finding your Customer Number or Site ID, click the "Need help finding your customer number?" link on the form or chat with SolarEdge support. The purchase form looks like this (based on common layouts):
Fields for Customer Number, Email, Site ID, Zip Code.
Checkboxes for agreements.
Name fields.
"Purchase" button.
For modem replacements (if applicable), order through SolarEdge and follow their installation video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JptuUrVEXdw.
Benefits of Renewing
Renewing ensures you get the most out of your solar investment:
Peace of Mind: Automatic alerts catch issues early.
Cost Savings: Remote fixes avoid expensive truck rolls.
Insights: Track savings, compare performance year-over-year, and optimize energy use (e.g., during off-peak rates).
Reports: Receive monthly summaries of your system's output.
Without renewal, you miss these features, but you can always renew later if needed.
Alternatives to Cellular Connectivity
If you prefer not to renew the cellular plan, you can switch to:
WiFi: Connect via your home network.
Ethernet: Use a direct wired connection to your router.
Both options require professional installation to avoid voiding warranties or safety risks. Contact Better Earth support if interested.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the data plan covered under my warranty? No, warranties cover hardware like panels and inverters, but not communication services like the data plan.
Can I cancel after renewing? Yes, but terms are non-refundable for the full duration (1 year for residential). Contact SolarEdge for specifics.
Are there alternatives to the cellular plan? Yes, you can switch to WiFi or Ethernet connectivity, but this requires professional installation to avoid voiding warranties or safety risks. Contact Better Earth support if interested.
What if my plan is already expired? SolarEdge may offer a grace period; renew as soon as possible to restore access.
Does Better Earth handle renewals? No, renewals are direct with SolarEdge. We're here to assist with questions or remote support once connected.
Is the plan transferable? No, it's tied to your specific system and site.
Why did I get an email from SolarEdge? They manage the data plan and notify you directly when it's time to renew.
Still Have Questions?
If this article doesn't answer your query or you need help with your specific system, contact Better Earth support at [email protected] or (888) 373-9379. For data plan-specific issues, chat with SolarEdge at their support page. We're committed to your satisfaction and can guide you on next steps.