Customer Reviews (6)

Jim Hammond • 2025-09-24T15:32:08.515Z

I love my VPP Sonnen solar system.

Terry Mangelsdorf • 2025-09-09T22:29:25.570Z

The latest update 8/09/25 has added labels like 'full month' but doesn't show the chart like the previous version did & I can't see anywhere in the app to change this. We have the previous version on another device & not updating until this is fixed otherwise we can't see any data at all. Please advise on how to change to view data or fix it. Edit 10/09/25 : Thank you for fixing this so promptly. It's now working again.

Silvia LittleWolf • 2025-08-10T07:15:17.970Z

Seitdem es einen Update gab, in dem die Wallbox integriert ist, kann man die App vergessen. Ich versuche gerade, mein Auto über die Wallbox mit PV-Überschuss zu laden. Und?Es lädt NICHT. Heute ist Sonntag, der 10. Aug. 2025, 08:44, sonnig. Meine PV-Anlage produziert im Augenblick 3.6 kW, mein Hausverbraucht ist 0.1 kW. Und der Charger?Lädt NICHT. Der Überschuss geht entweder in die Hausbatterie (die schon 92% voll ist), oder ins Netz.Was für eine absolute UN-SMARTE App! Lösung: Power Mode :(

Summary of Key Insights

  • The sonnen app aims to empower users to manage their clean energy ecosystem, including solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging. Overall sentiment is mixed, with a slightly positive skew. The app's core functionality of monitoring energy data is appreciated, but recent updates have introduced bugs and usability issues that negatively impact the user experience. The small sample size of reviews limits the generalizability of these findings.
  • Strengths: Users appreciate the ability to monitor their energy system's performance.
  • Weaknesses: Recent updates have introduced bugs affecting data display and EV charger integration. Data lagging and unavailability are recurring issues. Tablet optimization needs improvement.
  • Overall Rating: Based on the provided data, the average rating is approximately 3.4 stars (calculated from the provided score distribution).
  • Score Distribution: 1-star (17%), 2-star (17%), 3-star (17%), 4-star (17%), 5-star (33%).

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 6 reviews
  • Time Frame: August-October 2025 (Based on dates in reviews)
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of positive, negative, or neutral sentiment), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned terms related to issues and features), and frequency analysis (counting the occurrence of specific issues or requests).

Key User Pain Points

  • Data Display Issues After Update: The most significant pain point is related to a recent update (8/09/25) that caused chart display problems, making data inaccessible. This was reportedly fixed promptly, but highlights the risk of updates.
  • EV Charger Integration Problems: Users reported issues with the EV charger integration, specifically the inability to charge using excess solar power. The charger not engaging despite sufficient solar production is a major frustration.
  • Data Lagging and Unavailability: Several users reported that data is often lagging or shows as "not available," hindering real-time monitoring.
  • Tablet Optimization: The tablet version of the app has layout issues, specifically cropping data rows.
  • Incomplete Daily Data: One user reported that the "data" feature doesn't fill in data for the last half of the current day.

Frequently Requested Features

  • While not explicitly stated, the implied request is for stable and reliable functionality. Users expect the core features (data monitoring, EV charger control) to work consistently and accurately.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • VPP Sonnen Solar System Integration: One user explicitly stated they "love" the integration with the VPP Sonnen solar system.
  • Real-time Energy Data Monitoring: Users generally appreciate the ability to monitor their energy system's performance and see energy flow.
  • Responsiveness (Potentially): One review mentions prompt fixing of a reported issue, suggesting a responsive development team, although this needs to be confirmed with more data.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • EV Charger Integration Fix: Address the reported issues with EV charger integration to ensure it correctly utilizes excess solar power for charging. This directly impacts the app's core value proposition of maximizing clean energy usage.
  • Data Stability and Reliability: Investigate and resolve the data lagging and unavailability issues to provide users with accurate and real-time energy insights.
  • Thorough Update Testing: Implement a more robust testing process before releasing updates to prevent regressions and ensure compatibility across different devices.

Medium Priority:

  • Tablet Optimization: Fix the layout issues on the tablet version of the app to provide a consistent experience across devices.
  • Data Completeness: Ensure the "data" feature provides complete data for the entire day.

Low Priority:

  • Proactive Communication: Consider implementing a system for proactively communicating about known issues and estimated resolution times to manage user expectations.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Smart Charging Optimization: Develop advanced algorithms for optimizing EV charging based on solar production, battery state, and energy prices, going beyond simple "excess power" charging. This could be a premium feature.
  • Predictive Maintenance: Utilize energy data to predict potential issues with the solar PV system or battery, enabling proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime.
  • Gamification of Energy Savings: Introduce gamified elements to encourage energy conservation and optimize energy usage, such as rewards for achieving specific energy-saving goals.

Trends and Observations

  • Focus on Functionality: The reviews primarily focus on the app's functionality and reliability rather than its design or aesthetics.
  • Impact of Updates: Updates have a significant impact on user satisfaction, with both positive (bug fixes) and negative (introduction of new bugs) consequences.

Conclusion

The sonnen app has the potential to be a valuable tool for managing clean energy systems. However, recent updates have introduced significant usability issues that need to be addressed. Prioritizing stability, reliability, and thorough testing is crucial to improving the user experience and maintaining a positive reputation. Fixing the EV charger integration and data reliability issues should be the top priorities.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/work/apps/details?id=com.sonnen_mobile