Zigbee Green Power

Zigbee Green Power (ZGP) is a technology within the Zigbee standard designed for ultra-low-power devices, including battery-free solutions.

Power Sources and Communication

ZGP devices can be powered by kinetic energy, solar cells, or batteries and support multiple communication methods, including direct connections or via proxy devices.

Data Transmission and Efficiency

Green Power devices use shortened Zigbee 3.0 data frames, reducing transmission time and minimizing power consumption. This makes ultra-low-power or battery-free operation possible.

Real-World Implementation

Commercial examples include the Friends of Hue program, which integrates battery-free switches from manufacturers like Philips Hue, Busch-Jaeger, Gira, and Jung into the Hue ecosystem.

Popular Green Power switches are based on EnOcean modules like PTM 215Z, PTM 215ZE, and PTM 216Z. When pressed, they generate enough current to send a simple “press” or “release” event, rather than a full control command.

Proxy Functionality

Because Green Power telegrams are non-standard, they cannot traverse a mesh network directly. Green Power Proxies, supported by devices such as Philips and Ikea bulbs or smart plugs, interpret these telegrams, convert them into full Zigbee messages, and forward them.

Direct connections to bulbs are rare in practice due to command format mismatches; switches typically control groups of lights rather than a single device.

Battery vs Battery-Free Switches

Battery-powered Green Power switches offer a softer, more familiar press, while battery-free switches require stronger presses to generate the necessary current for sending events.

Practical Benefits

Despite some limitations, Green Power switches are highly convenient due to their slim design, no need for wall boxes, and flexible installation. They can be integrated into frames from different manufacturers and added anywhere after renovations.