Connecting your devices
- Connecting your inverter and battery
- Connecting your GivEnergy inverter via API
- Connecting FoxESS devices
- Connecting SolaX devices
- Troubleshooting error when connecting to SolaX or FoxESS devices
Connecting your inverter and battery
Generating an API key
An API is a set of rules that can allow software to communicate with each other. An API key, is a unique code that identifies and authenticates an application or software to interact.
To connect your inverter and battery:
- Click on 'Get Started'
- Select your inverter or battery brand from the list: FoxESS, GivEnergy, SolaX
Depending on the manufacturer, the process for generating an API key will differ - please follow the instructions on the app.
This step might be easier on the desktop browser, as it can be fiddly on the phone. The link for desktop is here: app.smug.energy
After successfully connecting your system, you should see energy flows to and from the battery in your system.
Connecting your GivEnergy inverter via API
Obtaining a GivEnergy API Token
To connect your GivEnergy system to the Smug app, you'll need to generate an API token. This token allows secure communication between your inverter or battery and the app.
An API (Application Programming Interface) lets two programs talk to each other. For example, a weather app on your phone talks to a weather service's API to get a forecast.
The API key (or sometimes token) is a unique code that tells the Smug what your system is doing. It's how the service knows you're allowed to use it, kind of like showing your ticket at a concert. It is a very secure way of connecting between two parties.
To access your API key and connect your GivEnergy inverter:
Step 1:
Visit your GivEnergy account and log in with your credentials.
Step 2:
Step 3:
At the top right of the account details page, click on Manage Account Security.
Step 4:
Under the GivEnergy API Tokens section, click Generate New Token.
Step 5:
Enter a name for your token (e.g., My GivEnergy Token). This could be something memorable, or random.
Select "No Expiry" so that the connection remains active unless manually revoked. Smug won't work unless it is set to "No Expiry".
A pop-up will show, saying that it is strongly discouraged to generate an API token without an expiry. This is completely safe to do so for Smug - all the data is handled securely.
Step 6:
Select the following token scopes, then click Create Token:
- api:inverter
- api:site
Step 7:
Once created, copy the token and store it in a secure location. GivEnergy only allows viewing it once.
Step 8:
You're all set! Paste the copied API token into the Smug app to complete the setup.
Connecting FoxESS devices
Obtaining a FoxESS API Key
To connect your FoxESS system to Smug, you need follow these steps to generate and use an API key from your FoxESS account.
Step 1:
Log into your FoxESS account.
Step 2:
Step 3:
Click on "Generate API Key".
Enter a name for the key (this can be anything - such as 'Smug', 'your name' etc.)
Enter your property address.
Tick both boxes to allow:
- ✅ Data access
- ✅ Device control
⚠️ Save the API Key.
Once the key is generated, copy and store it somewhere safe. FoxESS does not show the full key again after this step.
⚠️ If the key is lost, it cannot be recovered. You’ll need to delete it and generate a new one.
Paste the API Key in the Smug app.
Connecting SolaX devices
Connecting your SolaX inverter and battery to Smug
On your inverter, there is a 10-character registration number under the QR code on your inverter's internet dongle.
Alternatively, it is also shown under the QR code on the small back with your inverter's instruction manual.
Once you have the 10 digit number, you can enter it in the "Dongle registration number" field in the Smug app and select "Continue"
If you need any help with your SolaX power account, you can connect them on: service.uk@solaxpower.com
Troubleshooting error when connecting to SolaX or FoxESS devices
As we are currently in beta stage, you will receive an error when trying to connect to a SolaX or FoxESS system.
This is normal, as we need to manually unblock the linking, between the cloud and Smug.
For us to unblock this, we need the following additional information:
Inverter serial number (for FoxESS) or Dongle ID (for SolaX):
Solar system size (kW):
Battery model (e.g. EP11, TP58):
Number of batteries:
Please email this to hello@smug.energy