Communicative. Adaptable. System and yield monitoring with SOLPLUS+ and SOLVOLT. Communicating with SOLPLUS Inverters

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Ann Wright
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1 Adaptable. Communicative. Clear view of everything. System and yield monitoring with SOLPLUS+ and SOLVOLT Communicating with SOLPLUS Inverters

2 Com munication Concept Maximum yield stability and precise data acquisition play an crucial role when deciding on a photovoltaic installation. If an installation is to provide a long-term and dependable source of energy (and profit), reliable, trouble-free operation must be guaranteed. Thanks to their intelligent monitoring and analysis features in conjunction with the SOLPLUS+ software and SOLVOLT web portal, SOLP- LUS inverters take care of the monitoring processes in various ways and fully in line with users needs. SOLPLUS 50 SOLCOMBOX SOLPLUS+ is the communication program for evaluating, receiving and transmitting data output by the SOLPLUS family of solar inverters. Its user-friendly GUI lets you monitor all kinds of PV installation quickly and easily. Not only the entire contents of the yield memory but those of the data logger, too, can be displayed graphically. SOLPLUS+ also allows you to configure all relevant inverter settings in the same way as you can via the display. SOLPLUS+ can be adapted to the requirements of the various types of user group. And it goes without saying that SOLPLUS+ integrates all the special functions Solutronic inverters have to offer. Evaluation of a sensor integrated into the system can be displayed graphically, as too can own-energy consumption as recorded by the S0 meter connected. The program can be used to retrieve data from installations that are connected directly by means of a PC (serial connection with USB adapter), a RS485 data network, modem (analogue or GSM) or Ethernet (TCP/IP). Remote data retrieval using an analogue modem and GSM is optional (necessitates installing PV module PV module PV module RS485 SOLPLUS 120 GSMI/GSME AMOI (Analogue modem) SOLPLUS 50 RS232 RS232 TCP/IP TCP/IP TCP/IP TCP/IP Network cable RS485 RS232 RS232 Network cable modem cards). This method of retrieving the data recorded is possible for a maximum of 32 networked inverters. Our GSM modems are supplied by us with a SIM card for data transfer (Germany only). The communications costs associated with reading out an installation s data must be taken into account. They depend on the number of inverters, the type and quantity of data and the frequency with which you retrieve the data. SOLUTRONIC recommends remote retrieval of inverter data via TCP/IP. Thanks to the Ethernet port built into all our inverters as a standard feature, all that s necessary to read out all the data of an unlimited number of inverters, as often as you want and cheaply, is access to the World Wide Web. Once the inverter network has been set up, additional switches and routers may be required depending on the size of the solar installation. SOLPLUS+ Depending on what the end customer wants to use the software for, Solutronic offers three different versions of SOLPLUS+. W-LAN Network cable Router Telephone line GSM SOLVOLT Internet PC SOLPLUS Modem Mobile phone PC: Subject to change without notice. Errors excepted.

The Basic Functions Chameleon Communicative, adaptable and with a clear view of everything. The chameleon communicates with fellow members of its species by changing its colour.

It can move its eyes independently of one another, enabling itself to see and focus clearly through a field of vision of almost 360 and over distances of up to a kilometre.

You configure your PV installation on the administration page just the once after installing the program, and all information stored and data retrieved are saved ready for access whenever you want.

Installation Survey After opening the program, the Installation Survey window offer customers a quick overview of their installation.

1) Yield monitoring The yield monitoring function of the program gives you a quick overview of the yield figures, displaying the yield of the entire installation or those of each individual inverter

As a result, it would in principle be sufficient to call up the yield data just once a year in order to save and archive it. (fig.

3 The Basic Functions Chameleon Communicative, adaptable and with a clear view of everything. The chameleon communicates with fellow members of its species by changing its colour. At the same time, it uses its colouring to control its body temperature in order to absorb more or less light energy, as required. It can move its eyes independently of one another, enabling itself to see and focus clearly through a field of vision of almost 360 and over distances of up to a kilometre. All are important attributes for system and yield monitoring, too. The free version of SOLPLUS+ offers end customers a quick overview of their installation. You configure your PV installation on the administration page just the once after installing the program, and all information stored and data retrieved are saved ready for access whenever you want. You initiate reading-out of you system s data when and how you want, SOLPLUS+ offering you the following functions in corresponding windows. Installation Survey After opening the program, the Installation Survey window offer customers a quick overview of their installation. It shows the status of all the inverters that make up the installation and their respective yield, too, and in the case of multi-phase inverters, the separate phases are also displayed. (fig. 1) Yield monitoring The yield monitoring function of the program gives you a quick overview of the yield figures, displaying the yield of the entire installation or those of each individual inverter in the form of bar charts. Yield logger information is saved to an endless-loop ring memory and kept stored in the inverter over a full 12 months. As a result, it would in principle be sufficient to call up the yield data just once a year in order to save and archive it. (fig. 2) Data logger Customers can select up to 8 parameters they want the data logger to record. The data logger window allows you to choose which data from which SOLPLUS inverters are to be displayed. By opening additional, new windows, you can also compare inverters at a glance. (fig. 3) Administration The Administration page allows you not only to set up the PV installation but also to perform other expert functions. Following connection setup, settings can be made for the inverter by means of the Administration page and selection of the menu structure designed to match the display. When you select a submenu, those parameters that can be set are highlighted in colour. What s more, you can also decide to connect a large display, for instance. (fig. 4) Data export Files can be downloaded or exported for your own applications. (fig. 5) Solutronic s SOLPLUS+ provides you, the end customer, with various files from the inverter: 2 List of all parameters 6 Data logger 7 Annual energy logger 8 Energy sensor logger (fig. 1) Installation Survey (fig. 2) Yield monitoring (fig. 4) view of submenu (fig. 5) Seleciton page mit file download (fig. 3) data logger with new window

The Basic Functions Graphic functions It goes without saying that SOLP- LUS+ incorporates all commonly available graphics functions. Data logger charts can be displayed as line or scatter diagrams.

Integrating additional functions 1 Visualisation of specific yields in the master-slave network In the case of an installation comprising several inverters, the Administration can be used to store

4 The Basic Functions Graphic functions It goes without saying that SOLP- LUS+ incorporates all commonly available graphics functions. Data logger charts can be displayed as line or scatter diagrams. Zoom functions enable you to study details. Every graphic can be exported and printed out. And a single click takes you back to the start screen. Integrating additional functions 1 Visualisation of specific yields in the master-slave network In the case of an installation comprising several inverters, the Administration can be used to store the respective rated power of each of the PV generators connected and for each inverter connected. The graphics mode used to display the specific yields measured can be selected in the yield monitoring function. 2 Visualising specific yields with sensor connected When a module and temperature sensor is connected to the PV installation, the measured values are displayed via SOLPLUS+ and, once the installation s parameters have been entered, the specific sensor yield values as well. By comparing the specific sensor yield with the actual yield of the entire installation, you are able to detect long-term module, installation and shadowing problems. (fig. 1) 3 Displaying own-energy consumption A S0 meter connected to the inverter in order to meter in-house, own-energy consumption is read out by means of the data logger. The data logger window then allows you to calculate the household s consumption of self-generated electricity. (fig. 2) Exporting service data This function enables you to send all installation data to Solutronic or your dealer for servicing purposes. Software update SOLPLUS 100/120 series inverters can be updated with the latest firmware version simply and conveniently via the Administration page of SOLPLUS+. By doing so, you ensure that your inverters can always take advantage of the latest functions available. Fast and easy, with no need for an on-site visit by a technician. (fig. 3) Purchasing SOLPLUS+ SOLPLUS+ is supplied to every customer on a CD included with each inverter. All updates with the latest functions can be found at And there s no need to worry about having to re-enter data all your existing installation data and configurations are automatically taken over as you install the update. (fig. 1) Comparison of inverter yield and sensor yield (fig. 2) Data logger with S0 meter (fig. 3) Selecting update Subject to change without notice. Errors excepted.

Comfort SOLPLUS+ Standard can also be upgraded by purchasing the SOLPLUS+ Comfort package.

1) The ability to form groups of installations greatly simplifies the tasks of comparing and managing different large-scale installations with more than 32 networked inverters.

(fig. 2) Server function SOLPLUS+ Comfort also incorporates a server function in order to make management of several installations as simple as possible.

5 Comfort SOLPLUS+ Standard can also be upgraded by purchasing the SOLPLUS+ Comfort package. Installation Management SOLPLUS+ Comfort allows you to manage any number of installations with Solutronic inverters. (fig. 1) The ability to form groups of installations greatly simplifies the tasks of comparing and managing different large-scale installations with more than 32 networked inverters. Another feature of SOLPLUS+ Comfort enables users to organise inverters from different installations as an installation and to compare them with one another in a yield monitoring function window. (fig. 2) Server function SOLPLUS+ Comfort also incorporates a server function in order to make management of several installations as simple as possible. This then automatically reads out and saves the data of selected installations at times stipulated by the customer. Prerequisite for this function is that the PC remains switched on and the program is started in the background. Solutronic recommends that customers set the frequency with which they retrieve such data in line with the cost structure of the connections between the installations. (fig. 3) Purchasing SOLPLUS+ Standard can be upgraded to SOLPLUS+ Comfort simply by purchasing an appropriate key. The installation procedure involves a full reinstallation, but all configurations already made are retained. (fig. 1) Management of several installations (fig. 3) Managing data retrieval (fig. 2) grouped installations

Professional SOLPLUS+ Professional is our software version for trained dealers and fitters, in which not only the monitoring of installations and all SOLPLUS+ Comfort functions are enabled but

SOLPLUS+ Professional, on the other hand, lets you access and change all safety-relevant settings after entering the password.

A button enables you to show/hide the fault and alarm messages which can be displayed in parallel with the logger data of the inverter. (fig.

6 Professional SOLPLUS+ Professional is our software version for trained dealers and fitters, in which not only the monitoring of installations and all SOLPLUS+ Comfort functions are enabled but additional service and monitoring tools, too. Configuring specific network adjustments In the Standard and Comfort versions, not all inverter settings can be viewed and changed. SOLPLUS+ Professional, on the other hand, lets you access and change all safety-relevant settings after entering the password. Displaying fault and alarm messages The retrieval of data logger data is automatically linked to the retrieval of inverter fault and alarm messages. A button enables you to show/hide the fault and alarm messages which can be displayed in parallel with the logger data of the inverter. (fig. 1) Calling up and saving files The Administration window now enables you not only to export the inverter data as a.txt file, but also to display the data directly and save them to the SOLPLUS+ database. The database also contains other files, such as those of the fault and alarm memory. Screenshot auf Tool Verwaltung. Automated monitoring SOLPLUS+ Professional enables dealers to set up an automated monitoring system with the aid of self-configurable status logs. If you want, messages can be sent to customers or fitters by . A new window in the Administration allows you to select the monitoring setting (specific yield, yield failure) with which the installation is monitored and who is to be sent an in the event of a fault. (fig. 2) How often and the time at which the installation data are to be read out is defined via the server. The server is also used to set the time at which the data is transferred to SOLVOLT. A new yield alarm window programmed in this version now offers you an overview of all fault messages for all installations. Then, if wanted and after transfer of the access password, the yield data of the installation can then be transferred to the SOLVOLT web portal. SOLPLUS+ Professional is also where you configure the SMTP mail server settings and enter the access information (user name, password) for the SOLVOLT portal. (fig. 3) Acquiring SOLPLUS+ Professional: Only SOLPLUS inverter dealers and people who have taken part in a special Solutronic training session are supplied with SOLPLUS+ Professional. (fig. 1) Data logger with fault and alarm messages (fig. 2) Alarm configuration (fig. 3) Log file window

SOLVOLT SOLVOLT is a web portal that enables you to access your installation from anywhere and at any time, to read out the very latest data stored.

With the aid of a selection window, you can define not only the view you want (overall view, detail view of inverters) but also the period during which you want to present the data.

7 SOLVOLT SOLVOLT is a web portal that enables you to access your installation from anywhere and at any time, to read out the very latest data stored. The latest and specific yield data are transferred by means of a Solutronic-owned server or via SOLPLUS+ Professional versions up to twice a day by means of ftp. With the aid of a selection window, you can define not only the view you want (overall view, detail view of inverters) but also the period during which you want to present the data. The chart is then displayed in the same window. The yield data are also display in the form of a table and can on request also be exported. We recommend SOLVOLT for monitoring small and mediumsized installations. While it allows you to monitor yields, it does not let you analyse faults and carry out diagnostics, functions that are only possible in SOLPLUS+. Subject to change without notice. Errors excepted.

and SOLVOLT at a glance The following inverters can be read out using SOLPLUS+ and SOLVOLT: SOLPLUS 25 55 SOLPLUS 100/120 SOLPLUS 15 (in preparation) Inverters whose data are to be

As part of our customer service package, you can order the communication accessories for your installation from Solutronic, together with the inverters.

In the case of SOLPLUS 25-55 inverters, the modem is installed and connected up directly.

SOLPLUS+ and SOLVOLT at a glance SOLPLUS+ SOLPLUS+ Comfort SOLPLUS+ Professional SOLVOLT No.

x x SOLCOMBOX Web portal x Built-in/external GSM modem Data retrieval from max. 32 inverters per installation via GSM without connecting to a telephone line.

8 and SOLVOLT at a glance The following inverters can be read out using SOLPLUS+ and SOLVOLT: SOLPLUS SOLPLUS 100/120 SOLPLUS 15 (in preparation) Inverters whose data are to be capable of being read out via their Ethernet port (TCP/IP) must be assigned an IP address and integrated into the network. As part of our customer service package, you can order the communication accessories for your installation from Solutronic, together with the inverters. If it s not immediately possible to set up a TCP/IP connection, we recommend you use a UMTS router or a modem to retrieve to the data of the installation. In the case of SOLPLUS inverters, the modem is installed and connected up directly. Installations that comprise solely SOLPLUS 100/120 inverters require a SOLCOMBOX, which integrates these communication functions. SOLPLUS+ and SOLVOLT at a glance SOLPLUS+ SOLPLUS+ Comfort SOLPLUS+ Professional SOLVOLT No. of installations 1 any any any Yield data x x x x Data logger data x x x Fault and alarm memory x Automated retrieval x x x Specific yield displays x x x x Yield and alarm messages x x SOLCOMBOX Web portal x Built-in/external GSM modem Data retrieval from max. 32 inverters per installation via GSM without connecting to a telephone line. Built-in analogue modem For remote data retrieval from max. 32 inverters over a telephone line. Switch For monitoring a large installation via TCP/IP. Depending on the model, between 4 and 15 inverters and 1 access unit to external systems (switch/router) can be connected. Patch cable For integrating the inverters into the network. We offer various lengths of cable. All information provided is subject to our current warranty conditions. A Küferstrasse 18 D Köngen Germany Phone +49 (0)

SOLPLUS Inverters SOLPLUS 25 55

SOLPLUS Inverters SOLPLUS 25 55 Further information is available in: SOLPLUS 25 55 Installation Instruction SOLPLUS 25 55 User and Service Manual SOLPLUS 25 55 IP 21 version SOLPLUS 25 55 IP 54 version