Zigbee Rain Sensor with Solar Panel

Zigbee Rain Sensor with Solar Panel | Works with Home Assistant

The Zigbee Rain Sensor XFY is a robust and reliable sensor that immediately detects the first drops of rain. Thanks to the built-in solar panel and rechargeable 1200mAh battery, this sensor is completely autonomous and maintenance-free. Its IP65 rating ensures that it can withstand the elements, making it perfect for outdoor use. Pair the sensor with your Zigbee hub and receive instant notifications, automatically close your shades or pause your irrigation system. The sensor works directly with Home Assistant via Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA.

Note: A ZigBee hub or coordinator is required for operation. For secure mounting, using the included screws is highly recommended.

Key Features

Solar powered with battery backup
The built-in solar panel continuously charges the 1200mAh NiMH battery. Even on dark days, the sensor continues to function. Completely self-contained, no battery replacements, no wiring.

Direct Home Assistant integration
The sensor is instantly recognized in Home Assistant via Zigbee2MQTT (Z2M) and ZHA (identified as model TS0207). It appears as a water leak sensor, ready to be used in your automations without complex configuration.

IP65 Waterproof for outdoor use
Designed to remain outdoors year-round. The fully sealed enclosure protects the internal components from rain, dust, and sunlight, with an operating temperature range of -20°C to +70°C.

High sensitivity for direct detection
The detection plate reacts to the smallest droplets of water and immediately sends a signal to your smart home hub. As soon as the plate is dry again, the "no rain" status is also immediately displayed.

Simple and flexible installation
Easily mount the sensor to a wall, pole, or roof edge using the included screws. The tilting stand allows you to optimally align the solar panel and sensor. For quick, tool-free installation, double-sided tape is also included.

Technical specifications

• Model: XFY (TS0207)
• Protocol: Zigbee 3.0
• Compatibility: Zigbee2MQTT, ZHA (Home Assistant), Tuya Zigbee Hub
• Power: Solar panel with rechargeable 1.2V 1200mAh NiMH battery
• Detection method: Contacts on printed circuit board
• IP rating: IP65 (dustproof and water resistant)
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +70°C
• Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 26 mm
• In the box: Rain sensor, mounting screws, double-sided tape, manual

Practical applications

Automatic sun blinds and roller shutters
Detect rain and automatically raise your awning or roller shutters to prevent damage to the fabric. As soon as the rain stops, they can be lowered again.

Smart irrigation
Automatically pause your scheduled sprinkler system when it starts to rain. Save water and prevent overwatering in your garden.

Close windows and skylights
Connect the sensor to motorized windows (such as Velux). When rain is detected, the windows will close automatically to prevent water damage inside.

Notifications and warnings
Receive a push notification on your phone when it starts to rain. Useful as a reminder to bring in the laundry, put away the garden cushions, or close the window in the nursery.

Installation and Home Assistant

Installation:

1. Mount the sensor in a location where it can easily catch rainwater. Using the included screws is highly recommended, as this makes removing it later for reconnection easier.
2. Enable pairing mode on your Zigbee hub (e.g. Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA in Home Assistant).
3. Press and hold the reset button on the back (under a waterproof cap) for 5 seconds until the LED flashes.
4. While pairing, briefly press the button every 2-3 seconds to keep the sensor awake and complete the pairing.
5. The sensor is automatically added in Home Assistant as a water leak sensor.

In Home Assistant:
The sensor appears as a binary water leak sensor. Its status changes to "wet" (on) when it rains and "dry" (off) when it stops raining. Use this status as a trigger in your automations.

Plus points

• Fully solar powered with battery backup
• Direct out-of-the-box support for Home Assistant (Z2M & ZHA)
• IP65 rated, designed for permanent outdoor use
• Fast and highly sensitive rain detection
• Maintenance-free: no batteries to replace
• Easy mounting with screws or double-sided tape

Negative points

• Requires a Zigbee hub (cannot be used standalone)
• Very sensitive, which can lead to false alarms in light drizzle (can be solved with a delay in your automation)
• May not function reliably in freezing temperatures due to loss of battery performance
• No built-in heating element to melt snow or ice
• Supplied tape is not always convenient for permanent outdoor mounting; screws recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it recommended to use screws instead of tape?

The included double-sided tape isn't always weatherproof and can come off over time. More importantly, if you ever need to remove the sensor (for example, to reconnect it), the tape will likely tear and become unusable. Screw mounting is more durable and makes it easier to temporarily remove the sensor without damage.

Where is the pairing button?

The pairing button (reset button) and the indicator LED are located on the back of the device, protected by a waterproof plastic cover. This keeps them dry, but makes them slightly less accessible after installation.

Does the sensor also work in winter when there is frost?

The sensor's housing is resistant to temperatures down to -20°C. However, the NiMH battery loses performance in freezing temperatures. In practice, this means the sensor may stop functioning during periods of frost. As soon as the temperature rises, the sensor will resume functioning without permanent damage. Please note that charging via the solar panel is also ineffective in freezing temperatures.

Does this sensor work with Home Assistant?

Yes, the sensor is instantly recognized by both Zigbee 2MQTT (Z2M) and the ZHA integration in Home Assistant. It's identified as a water leak sensor (model TS0207), which works perfectly for rain automations.

Do I ever need to replace the battery?

No, the built-in 1200mAh battery is continuously charged by the solar panel. The sensor is completely maintenance-free.

How quickly does the sensor respond?

The sensor reacts immediately to the first drops of water. As soon as the detection plate dries, the status is immediately reset. Therefore, it's recommended to incorporate a short delay (e.g., 1-2 minutes) into your automation to prevent your awning from constantly moving up and down in a light drizzle.

Can the sensor detect snow?

No, the sensor only detects water conductivity. Dry snow or ice on the sensor will not trigger an alarm. There is no built-in heating element to melt snow.

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