WeDoSolar

WeDoSolar GmbH i.L. is in insolvency proceedings.
Charlottenburg Local Court (Amtsgericht Charlottenburg), case no. 3614 IN 4986/26. For all questions about the proceedings: insolvency administrator Rechtsanwalt Dr. Philipp Grauer, Hausvogteiplatz 11, 10117 Berlin, Germany.

Keep using your Instant 5G with Home Assistant

First the most important news: the Instant 5G keeps working. Since Vodafone (more on this below) switched off the mobile connection, it can no longer send data to the server and therefore to the apps. But at the last moment we managed to release a new firmware that supports Bluetooth with the open-source protocol BTHome. We were able to update all devices that were online before the mobile connection was switched off. This means you can keep using the Instant 5G with compatible platforms like Home Assistant and get your full production data, even without a cloud. Here is a short guide on how to set it up:

  1. Bluetooth in range: Your Home Assistant needs a Bluetooth adapter or an ESPHome Bluetooth proxy near the balcony.
  2. Add the device: The Instant 5G shows up on its own under Settings → Devices & services as “BTHome”.
  3. Enter the key: Use the 32-character serial number from the back of the Instant 5G as the key.

After that you will see the total power, the power of both inputs and the energy produced. If your device does not show up, it probably did not get the last update. In that case it can no longer be updated, unfortunately.

Solar for the cities

WeDoSolar was founded in Berlin in 2021. We wanted to bring solar power to where most people live, which is in cities. Regular solar panels are heavy (over 30 kg). Without drilling, it is almost impossible to mount them securely on a balcony and still meet the required structural standards. So we built a solar product that is safe to use in residential areas.

A lightweight WeDoSolar panel held up on a rooftop terrace in Berlin Lightweight panels
Each panel weighs about 1 kg.
Dyneema straps being fastened around a balcony railing Secure mounting
The panels hang from Dyneema straps, and each strap holds more than 300 kg.
Instant 5G micro-inverter mounted on a wooden wall Instant 5G
The micro-inverter has its own 5G connection over NB-IoT and LTE-M, so it does not need Wi-Fi.

Winner of the Make it Matter Award 2022. Undecided with Matt Ferrell covered us in a video.

Video by Undecided with Matt Ferrell about solar for apartments

Playing the video sends data to YouTube.

How the insolvency came about

For the Instant 5G’s mobile connection, WeDoSolar signed a contract with Vodafone that required a minimum number of activated SIM cards. We did not reach that minimum. Over several months we discussed a number of possible solutions with Vodafone’s sales team. Vodafone’s finance department rejected them. We could not pay the resulting penalty payment and had to file for insolvency. The Charlottenburg local court opened insolvency proceedings on 17 September 2026 (case no. 3614 IN 4986/26).

Thank you to everyone who put solar panels on their balcony with us.

Qian Qin, founder