Operating modes in the Anker SOLIX app for Homey
Which Flow card should I use?
For new Flows, use Choose operating mode. Its dropdown contains four named options, so you do not need to enter mode numbers.
The older Set operating mode action still accepts numeric values from 1 to 3 for existing Flows. Use the dropdown card for Time of Use (5).
Mode control is intended for compatible Solarbank models from generation 2 onwards. Solarbank 1 is excluded from both mode cards. Its mode capability is removed when the app starts; older devices without model metadata are updated after the first successful device query. Actual mode availability depends on the model, firmware and devices configured in Anker. The dropdown includes all four implemented modes; it does not automatically hide options when the required accessories are missing.
The device's operating-mode reading displays a name such as Manual schedule instead of 3. It follows Homey's language: German for German installations, English otherwise. The numbers below identify Anker's modes; they are not the text displayed on the device.
Modes in the dropdown
| Value | Option | Behaviour | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smart Meter | Adjusts Solarbank output according to the smart meter's consumption readings. | A compatible smart meter must be connected to the Anker installation. Power and battery limits still apply. |
| 2 | Smart Plugs | Controls output based on smart plugs configured in Anker. These measure connected appliances, not necessarily total home consumption. | Supported smart plugs must be configured in Anker. A separate Homey smart-plug driver is not required. |
| 3 | Manual schedule | Runs the existing custom output power schedule. | Configure the desired schedule in the Anker app first. Switching mode does not create a new schedule. |
| 5 | Time of Use | Activates an existing Time-of-Use plan for scheduled charging and discharging. | A suitable AC model, an Anker-connected smart meter and an existing Time-of-Use plan. The action rejects the change if the plan is missing. |
Time of Use (5) activates an existing plan. This action does not download dynamic electricity prices or create a tariff plan.
Other mode numbers in the reference
These numbers are listed for context and cannot be selected through this app's dropdown.
| Value | Reference name | Status in the Homey app |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Unknown | Unknown state; not a selectable mode. |
| 4 | Backup | Temporary backup charging. The reference activates this through a separate timed AC-charge command, not merely by writing mode_type=4. This control is not implemented. |
| 6 | Smart Learning | Commented out as unconfirmed in the reviewed reference; not implemented. |
| 7 | Smart | AI-based charging/discharging control for suitable installations; not implemented. |
| 8 | Time Slot | Dynamic tariff mode for suitable installations; not implemented. |
The app accepts only 1, 2, 3 and 5 when writing a mode. Status readings may still report another mode selected through the Anker app. The device display also provides English/German names for those reported modes; displaying a mode does not make it selectable.
What does the action change?
The mode is set for the Anker site. If Homey contains multiple Solarbanks belonging to that site, the command affects their shared site mode. Existing schedules are preserved. An active temporary backup switch is disabled when changing mode.
Output power is a separate setting. Choose operating mode does not set a wattage. Two different power actions are available:
| Action | Effect | Modes / models |
|---|---|---|
| Set output power | Changes the preset in the current time slot for the matching weekday. Other time slots and the other plan are preserved. A shared weekly plan remains shared: the change applies to all weekdays in that plan. A missing current slot is inserted. | Solarbank 2 onwards in Manual or Smart Plugs mode. Solarbank 1 retains the legacy command. |
| Set AC output limit | Sets the site's separate AC power limit, labelled for example “Netvermogenslimiet” in the Anker app. It limits AC output; it does not set a target for home consumption or export at the grid connection. | Solarbank 3/4 and compatible Max/Max AC models through HTTP; standalone Solarbank 2 through optional MQTT. Also usable in Smart Meter mode. |
In Smart Meter mode, the Solarbank controls output automatically. Set output power therefore rejects the change with an explanation. Select Manual schedule first if you want a fixed preset, or use the separate AC-limit action for an upper limit. Power actions do not switch modes automatically. End temporary backup charging in the Anker app before changing a preset.
The AC-limit action accepts only wattages offered by Anker for the installation. For example, available values may be 350, 600, 800 and 1200 W; in that case 300 W is not a valid AC limit. The error message lists the available options. The app also uses Anker's mapping from displayed to actual power limits. On a site with multiple Solarbanks, the limit applies to the entire site.
After model discovery, the card offers only supported Solarbank 3/4 and Max models. Solarbank 2 Pro/Plus/AC additionally become selectable when MQTT is enabled; only standalone sites can be controlled. Solarbank 1 and X1 remain excluded. Support is checked again before writing.
Solarbank 2 AC and Solarbank 2 Pro
The reference supports the actual output limit on Solarbank 2 AC (A17C2) and Pro (A17C1), but standalone devices require an additional MQTT control command (sb_max_load). Merely updating the Cloud device attribute power_limit may have no effect. The reference explicitly warns that, following a Cloud change, station metadata may be reported even though Solarbank 2 does not apply the limit through station parameters.
Version 0.7.7 includes optional MQTT support for standalone Solarbank 2 sites. Enable Enable Anker MQTT in the device settings to use the AC-limit action. This is independent of Set output power: the Manual schedule preset remains controllable through the Cloud. Both the numeric and dropdown operating-mode cards remain available.
Sources: select.py, max_load control and api.py, set_power_limit.
Generic Solarbank driver
New devices are paired with the solarbank driver. The previous solarbank2 driver is hidden from new device selection and remains as a compatibility entry point for existing devices. It uses the same implementation and Flow cards. Already paired devices retain their IDs, settings, energy counters and Insights history; no re-pairing is required.
Both drivers use a shared Compose template to keep capabilities and settings consistent. Pairing excludes Solarbanks already registered under the same account across either driver.
Confirmation and actual device output
Power commands read the stored preset or AC limit back after writing. Success confirms that Cloud setting, not the immediately measured AC output. Firmware, control delays, battery level and other operating limits may influence actual output.
Mode changes also read the schedule mode back. The action succeeds only when the returned mode number matches the requested mode. This confirms the stored mode, not physical battery output. The active mode displayed on the device comes from current site data and may update later.
Examples
- Return the site to consumption-based control: Choose operating mode → Smart Meter.
- Use an existing fixed output schedule: Choose operating mode → Manual schedule.
- Activate an AC tariff plan already configured in Anker: Choose operating mode → Time of Use.
Understanding errors
- “Configure a Time of Use plan …”: configure the tariff plan in the Anker app first.
- “Anker has not confirmed …”: readback has not confirmed the requested mode, power preset or AC limit yet. Check the Anker app before triggering the action again.
- “Mode change is only supported …”: the recognised model does not support this schedule action in the Homey app.
- HTTP/API errors: check login, account permissions and the reported error. An HTTP success response alone does not establish that a device setting changed.
Reference and validation
Compared against the mode definitions and requirements in ha-anker-solix: apitypes.py, api.py, schedule.py and the current Homey implementation in lib/AnkerSolixApi.js.
API behaviour is covered by simulated regression tests. Support for a specific installation must still be tested on its hardware.
Optional MQTT extension
See the MQTT guide for activation, Solarbank 1/2/3/4 temperature readings, standalone Solarbank 2 output limits and current restrictions. MQTT is disabled by default.