Home Assistant, Frigate NVR, and EV Charging: My Smart Home Setup

Introduction

Welcome back! If you read my last post on why smart homes are worth the investment, you already know I’m a big believer in making homes smarter, more efficient, and easier to manage. But today, I want to get a little more personal and share how I got started on this journey—and where things stand now.

The truth is, once you start tinkering with smart home tech, it’s hard to stop. What started as a curiosity has turned into a full-blown obsession. And while I’m far from finished, I’ve learned a lot along the way—both from the wins and the inevitable missteps.

Why I Started Exploring Smart Home Automation

Like most people, I started with the basics. A few smart plugs here, a smart thermostat there… nothing too complicated. But as I added more devices and explored what was possible, I realised I didn’t just want a home that responded to commands—I wanted a home that anticipated needs and just worked.

My ultimate goal? To build a home that’s:

• Intelligent: One that knows when to adjust the lights, temperature, and security based on what’s happening around it.
• Sustainable: I want to optimise energy use, minimise waste, and eventually incorporate solar and battery storage.
• Private and Local: I’m a firm believer in keeping things under my control, which means avoiding cloud-based services whenever possible.

It’s a long-term mission, but I’m all in.

Home Assistant Setup: Comparing Two Properties

Right now, I’m managing two properties—each running its own Home Assistant setup. And let me tell you, it’s been a learning curve. Both setups are completely different, which means I’ve had the chance to experiment with a variety of devices and integrations.

Setup 1: UniFi Protect + UniFi Doorbell + External Cameras

This property is where I started getting serious about smart security. I’ve got a UniFi Protect system running with a UniFi doorbell and a couple of external cameras. It’s been rock-solid, and I love how well it integrates with Home Assistant. If you’re considering adding a reliable security system to your smart home, UniFi Protect is definitely worth checking out.

Setup 2: Frigate NVR + Coral TPU + Mixed Cameras

The second property is where I really pushed the boundaries. I’m running Frigate NVR in an LXC container on Proxmox, with a mix of Tapo cameras and a Reolink doorbell. I’ve also got a USB Coral TPU handling object detection to keep things running smoothly. It’s more complex, but the AI-powered detection and flexibility have been worth it. For anyone interested in running their own AI-powered NVR setup, a Coral TPU makes a massive difference in performance.

The EV Angle: Smart Homes Meet Smart Charging

As if juggling two smart homes wasn’t enough, I’m also a high-mileage EV driver. So naturally, I’ve been exploring how home automation can optimize EV charging.

What I’m Exploring:

• Smart Charging Schedules: Aligning charging times with off-peak electricity rates to save money. I’m currently testing integrations that allow my EV to charge only when energy costs are lowest.
• Solar and Battery Integration: While I’m not quite there yet, I’m planning to integrate solar panels and battery storage to make the most of renewable energy.
• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Possibilities: I’m keeping a close eye on V2G technology, which could allow my EV to act as a backup power source for the home.

The idea of my smart home and EV working together to reduce energy costs and reliance on the grid is too exciting to ignore.

What You Can Expect from This Blog

This blog is my space to document the journey—the wins, the failures, and everything in between. I’m a tinkerer at heart, and I love figuring things out. So, here’s what you can expect:

• Honest Reviews and Lessons Learned: I’ll share what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth your time and money.
• Step-by-Step Guides: When I figure something out that might help others, I’ll put together easy-to-follow guides.
• Smart Device Deep Dives: Real talk about what’s hype and what’s actually useful.
• Exploring New Tech: Whether it’s home automation, energy management, or EV integration, I’ll dive into the latest trends and innovations.
• Interesting Finds and Ideas: Cool stuff I stumble across in the world of smart homes and sustainable living.

Why I’m Sharing This Journey

I’ve learned a lot through trial and error, and I know how overwhelming it can be to dive into smart home tech. My goal is to make that journey a little easier for anyone who’s thinking about doing the same.

Whether you’re just starting with a single smart bulb or going all-in on a fully automated home, I hope this blog helps you avoid some of the pitfalls I’ve encountered—and maybe inspires you to try something new.

Recommended Gear for Your Smart Home Journey

If you’re ready to explore home automation or upgrade your current setup, here are a few of my go-to recommendations:

• Home Assistant Starter Kit – Perfect for DIY automation beginners.
• UniFi Protect System – Reliable security cameras with smart home integration.
• Coral USB TPU – AI-powered object detection to optimize NVR performance.
• Reolink Doorbell – A great addition for seamless integration with Frigate.

Let’s Learn Together

I’m excited to share this adventure as I work toward building a truly intelligent, sustainable, and private smart home. But I’d also love to hear from you!

What smart home projects are you working on?

What challenges have you faced, and what solutions have worked for you?

Drop a comment or shoot me a message—I’m always up for swapping ideas and learning from others on a similar journey.

Stay tuned for more updates soon!