ACRouter — Open Source Solar Router Controller

Intelligent AC Power Router for Solar Energy Management

Features • Hardware • Quick Start • Modes • Docs • Contributing

The project open-source code are available on the GitHub page
 and pre-built firmware binaries are available on the GitHub Releases page. Simply download, extract, and flash using the included scripts - no compilation required! ​

What is ACRouter?

ACRouter is an open-source controller that automatically redirects excess solar energy to resistive loads (like water heaters) instead of exporting it to the grid. It helps you maximize self-consumption of your solar power and reduce electricity costs.

Why ACRouter?

Typical daily behavior of a grid-connected PV system with a water heater load.

Features

⚡ Real-Time Power Monitoring

• AC voltage measurement (ZMPT107 sensor)
• Multi-channel current monitoring (up to 3× SCT-013/ACS-712 sensors)
• 12-bit ADC with DMA for high accuracy
• 200ms update cycle (5 updates/second)

🎛️ Intelligent Load Control

• Phase-angle AC dimming (0-100% smooth control)
• TRIAC-based, zero-cross synchronized
• Multiple operating modes for different scenarios
• Anti-flicker algorithms

📱 Easy Configuration

• Built-in WiFi Access Point for setup
• Modern web dashboard (Material UI)
• REST API for integration
• Serial console for advanced users
• All settings stored in non-volatile memory

🔌 Flexible Hardware

• Configurable GPIO pins via web interface
• Support for various sensor types
• Multiple dimmer channels
• Relay outputs for on/off loads

Web Dashboard

The web interface provides:
- Real-time metrics — Voltage, current, power for all channels
- Mode selection — One-click switching between modes
- Manual control — Slider for direct dimmer control
- WiFi settings — Network scanning and connection
- Hardware config — GPIO pin assignment without reflashing

Serial console for advanced users

• Real-time metrics display
• Command line for hardware and device parameter configuration
• Operating mode selection

See 🗺️ Commands Complete guide for ACRouter serial terminal and REST API commands.

Hardware

Controller Board

ACRouter runs on ESP32-based development boards designed for AC power control.

Sensors

Dimmers & Control

💡 Note: ACRouter is designed to work with hardware from rbdimmer.com and any opens source DIY modules

Operating Modes

ACRouter supports 6 operating modes to cover different use cases:

• AUTO and ECO modes are the primary solar routing modes used in grid-connected systems.

AUTO Mode — The Heart of Solar Routing

                                                    ☀️ Solar: 3000W    🏠 House: 800W    ⚡ Grid: -2200W (export!)
                              ↓
                    ACRouter detects export
                              ↓
                    Increases dimmer → heats water
                              ↓
☀️ Solar: 3000W    🏠 House: 800W    🔥 Heater: 2200W    ⚡ Grid: 0W ✓

                                                

Quick Start

1. Flash the Firmware

                                                    # Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/robotdyn-dimmer/ACRouter.git
cd ACRouter

# Set up ESP-IDF environment
. $HOME/esp/esp-idf/export.sh

# Build and flash
idf.py set-target esp32
idf.py build
idf.py -p /dev/ttyUSB0 flash monitor

                                                

2. Connect to ACRouter

After flashing, the device creates a WiFi network:

3. Configure via Web Interface

1. Connect to the ACRouter WiFi network
2. Open browser: http://192.168.4.1
3. Configure hardware GPIO pins
4. Connect to your home WiFi
5. Select AUTO mode and start saving energy!

Documentation on GitHub

REST API

ACRouter exposes a REST API for integration with home automation systems:

                                                    # Get current status
curl http://192.168.4.1/api/status

# Set mode to AUTO
curl -X POST http://192.168.4.1/api/mode -d '{"mode": 1}'

# Get power metrics
curl http://192.168.4.1/api/metrics

                                                

See API Documentation for full endpoint list.

What ACRouter Is Not

• Not a battery inverter
• Not a smart plug or relay controller
• Not a certified grid protection device
• Not suitable for inductive or electronic loads

Safety Notice

⚠️ WARNING: This project involves mains voltage (110V/230V AC)

• Installation must be performed by a qualified electrician
• Always use proper galvanic isolation
• Install appropriate circuit breakers and RCD/GFCI protection
• Only use with resistive loads (heating elements)
• Not suitable for motors, LEDs, or electronic devices

Contributing

We welcome contributions! Here's how you can help:

• 🐛 Report bugs — Open an issue with details
• 💡 Suggest features — Share your ideas in discussions
• 📝 Improve docs — Fix typos, add examples
• 🔧 Submit code — Fork, develop, and create a pull request

Community

• GitHub Issues — Bug reports and feature requests - https://github.com/robotdyn-dimmer/ACRouter/issues
• Discussions — Questions and community support https://github.com/robotdyn-dimmer/ACRouter/graphs/community

License

ACRouter is open-source software. See LICENSE for details.

Acknowledgments

• RBDimmer — Hardware platform and dimmer library LIBRARY
• ESP-IDF — Espressif IoT Development Framework
• ArduinoJson — JSON library for embedded systems
• Community — Contributors and testers

Made with ⚡ for the solar energy community

⭐ Star this project • 🐛 Report Issue • 💬 Discuss