Anker should not abandon Solarbank 2 and 3 users — local control is needed for proper zero-export regulation
I would like to raise awareness about an issue affecting many Anker SOLIX Solarbank 2 and Solarbank 3 users.
Anker has started to support local Modbus TCP / LAN control for newer SOLIX devices through its official Home Assistant integration. The official integration advertises local communication, no cloud dependency and support for newer devices such as Solarbank 4 E5000 Pro and Solarbank Max AC. [1](https://www.akkudoktor.net/t/solarprojekt/7986/11)
Unfortunately, Solarbank 2 and Solarbank 3 users appear to be left out. In the openHAB community it has already been stated that older Solarbank generations such as SB2/SB3 currently do not expose Modbus on the Anker firmware side, so local integrations cannot support them without Anker enabling the required firmware support.
This is very disappointing for users who bought SB2 or SB3 systems recently. These are not ancient products from a customer perspective. Many people invested in:
- Solarbank 2 / Solarbank 3 units
- expansion batteries
- Anker Smart Meter
- Shelly meters
- PV modules
- Home Assistant / openHAB / evcc integrations
- installation hardware and electrical work
The main problem is zero-export regulation.
Cloud-based control is simply too slow for precise zero-export operation. If measurements and setpoints have to go through the cloud, the control loop is delayed. That makes the regulation much worse than what the hardware should be capable of. Fast local control would allow much better response times and more stable operation.
This is especially relevant for users who want to integrate their system into Home Assistant, openHAB, evcc, Node-RED or a local energy management system.
The community has already built unofficial integrations, but these remain cloud dependent. The popular Home Assistant custom integration for Anker Solix explicitly states that the API cloud is mandatory and not optional. It also documents limitations caused by cloud update intervals.
What we are asking Anker for is reasonable:
- Enable local Modbus TCP or a documented LAN API for Solarbank 2 and Solarbank 3
- Allow local reading of PV power, battery SOC, AC output and smart meter values
- Allow local setting of output power and operating mode
- Make zero-export regulation possible without cloud delay
- Do not classify recently purchased SB2/SB3 systems as legacy devices
Anker already showed that local control is the right direction with newer products. Now the company should not leave SB2 and SB3 customers behind.
If you own a Solarbank 2 or Solarbank 3 and care about local control, Home Assistant, openHAB or proper zero-export regulation, please make your voice heard — politely, technically and persistently.
This is not about attacking Anker. It is about asking Anker to protect customer trust and extend useful product life.