JSON query to a Third Party API - Solar Application

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Donald Zimmanck asked Dec 1, '15

JSON query to a Third Party API - Solar Application

Hello all, I am working on a skill that allows Alexa to response to questions regarding the performance of a solar array using the Enphase Energy API. It would work basically like the following: "Alexa. Ask Enphase how much energy my array has produced in the last month." ALEXA <"Your solar array has produced 520 kWh in the last month."> "Alexa. Ask Enphase how much power I am currently producing" ALEXA <"Your solar array is currently producing 4.2kW."> I've written the basic intent interpretation code and currently have Alexa return fake hard coded solar data. Now I want to link it to the Enphase API. The Enphase API is a relatively simple JSON based API. I'm just not very familiar with JavaScript or AWS Lambda. Is there a way to embed JSON query's within a AWS Lambda function and parse the data so that Alexa can respond? Here is an example of using the API using cURL. Request $ curl -v " https://api.enphaseenergy.com/api/v2/systems/67/summary?key=452a5aac149b0fe246999de0455a7575&user_id=4d7a45774e6a41320a" Response HTTP/1.1 200 OK Content-Type: application/json; charset=utf-8 Status: 200 {"system_id":67,"modules":35,"size_w":6270,"current_power":271,"energy_today":30030,"energy_lifetime":59847036,"summary_date":"2015-03- 04","source":"microinverters","status":"normal","operational_at":1201362300,"last_report_at":1425517225} Thanks!

alexa skills kit debugging

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Answer 1 · 2015-12-02T02:17:51Z

jjaquinta answered Dec 2, '15

This is a pure Javascript task. I don't think there is anything special about the Lambda environment you need to know. Find a book or look for a tutorial on the internet on how to call REST APIs from Javascript. That should do you.

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Answer 2 · 2015-12-02T23:47:47Z

Nick Gardner answered Dec 2, '15

Hi, The first thing I'd suggest is looking at the HistoryBuff sample skill, which can be found in the zip file here: https://developer.amazon.com/public/solutions/alexa/alexa-skills-kit/docs/using-the-alexa-skills-kit-samples. That sample includes a JSON API query to a third party API, so you should be able to either edit the sample code or use it as an example for your own development. -Nick

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Answer 3 · 2015-12-03T01:43:07Z

Donald Zimmanck answered Dec 3, '15

Thanks! That example looks like a good starting point. It looks like it uses request which was what was recommended on StackOverflow as well.

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