Interfaces and Functions


The product can be equipped or retrofitted with the following interfaces and functions: The availability of the functions depends on the product version and additional options purchased.

For more information on the current and future functions, see the product page at www.SMA-Solar.com (e.g. detailed descriptions of function or information on parameterization).

User interface for configuration and monitoring

The product is equipped as standard with an integrated webserver, which provides a user interface for configuring and monitoring the product.

Once a connection has been established to a smart end device (e.g. laptop or tablet PC), the product's user interface can be called up using a web browser.

Connected SMA products can be configured and commissioned via the user interface of the product.

Wi-Fi access point

Depending on availability, the product is or is not equipped with a Wi-Fi interface. If the product is equipped with the Wi-Fi interface, the Wi-Fi access point can be activated by tapping on the product twice. The Wi-Fi access point is used to connect the product to an end device (e.g. computer or tablet PC). This allows to carry out commissioning and configuration via direct Wi-Fi connection on site regardless of the wired network.

SMA Speedwire

The product is equipped with SMA Speedwire as standard. SMA Speedwire is a type of communication based on the Ethernet standard. SMA Speedwire is designed for a data transfer rate of 100 Mbps and enables optimum communication between Speedwire devices within systems.

The products supports the encrypted system communication with SMA Speedwire Encrypted Communication. In order to be able to use the Speedwire encryption in the system, all Speedwire devices, except for the SMA Energy Meter, must support the function SMA Speedwire Encrypted Communication.

Dashboard

On the dashboard of the user interface, information on the product, the plant and its components is displayed clearly and at a glance using widgets. The dashboard display can vary depending on the system's functional scope and user rights.

Information, such as yield forecast, system section visualization and inverter comparison, are available via the extended functions in Sunny Portal.

Modbus

The product is equipped with two Modbus interfaces. One interface can be controlled via Ethernet (Modbus TCP) and the other interface via RS485 (Modbus RTU).

The Modbus interfaces have the following tasks:

  • Remote query of measured values

  • Setpoint specifications for system control

The Modbus interfaces differ in their function as:

  • Modbus server and

  • Modbus client.

The function of the Modbus server is available via the Ethernet interface (Modbus TCP). The Modbus server can be used for external access to the product (e.g. via SCADA systems).

The function of the Modbus client is available via the Ethernet interface (Modbus TCP) and the RS485 interface (Modbus RTU). The Modbus client can be used for communication with connected Modbus devices (e.g. inverters, energy meters, I/O systems).

For the communication with connected Modbus devices, predefined Modbus profiles and user-created Modbus profiles can be used. User-created Modbus profiles can be exported and transferred to another product.

SunSpec Modbus

The product supports the standardized SunSpec Modbus profile via the interface of the Modbus client (Modbus TCP/RTU). The SunSpec Modbus profile from the SunSpec Alliance contains a comprehensive set of measured values and parameters for Modbus devices in decentralized power generation systems (e.g. inverters, energy meters, weather stations). The product has data points of the SunSpec Alliance and therefore conforms with the SunSpec Modbus profile of the underlying specification version (see www.sunspec.org). Connected Modbus devices compatible with the SunSpec Modbus profile are automatically integrated into the system with the appropriate Modbus profile.

Plant-wide parameterization

You can use the system parameter assistant to change the parameters of connected devices at the same time and to compare them. Simply select the desired devices from a list and change the parameters that are suitable for simultaneous change. The status of the parameter changes is accessible at all times.

Energy monitoring

Several SMA Energy Meters and Modbus energy meters from other manufacturers can be connected for comprehensive energy monitoring. The product can also read out, save and display the generation and consumption data of the meters.

In addition, energy meters (e.g. a gas meter) can be registered via the extended functions in Sunny Portal. The meter readings can be entered manually and displayed.

FTP Push

The FTP Push function can be used to upload collected system data to a freely selectable external FTP server. The collected system data is uploaded to the specified folder up to 1 time per hour per day. Here, the system data is exported in an unchangeable XML format. The system data and user data is transmitted via standard FTP protocol to the FTP server without encryption.

SMA Smart Connected

SMA Smart Connected is the free monitoring of the product via the SMA Sunny Portal. Thanks to SMA Smart Connected, the operator and qualified person will be informed automatically and proactively about product events that occur.

SMA Smart Connected is activated during registration in Sunny Portal. In order to use SMA Smart Connected, it is necessary that the product is permanently connected to Sunny Portal and the data of the operator and qualified person is stored in Sunny Portal and up-to-date.

SMA Smart Connected can only be used in Sunny Portal when this feature is supported by the inverters.

Grid management services

The product is equipped with service functions for grid management.

Depending on the requirements of the grid operator, you can activate and configure the functions (e.g. active power limitation) via operating parameters.

The setpoints from the grid operator can either be implemented via open-loop control or closed-loop control. The setpoints are specified via Modbus, analog or digital signals or manually via the user interface. The implementation of the setpoints is reported back to the grid operator.

Active power limitation

The setpoint for active power limitation is specified in percent. The total system power is taken as the reference value. The setpoints are specified via Modbus, analog or digital signals or manually via the user interface.

Zero export

Some grid operators permit connection of PV systems only on condition that no active power is fed into the utility grid. The PV energy is therefore consumed exclusively at the place where it is generated.

When specifications at the point of interconnection are actively controlled, this product enables the limitation the active power feed-in for the connected SMA inverters and of third-party inverters to 0% as long as these are connected via SunSpec Modbus and support this function.

Reactive power control

The reactive power control can take place through direct parameter settings (Q, cos φ) in the installation assistant or a variable specification from the grid operator via the Modbus interface or via analog signals. The reactive power control as characteristic curve function can also be regulated as a function of the voltage at the point of interconnection Q(V). The values are specified as a percentage of the maximum AC power. A proper meter for measuring the relevant electrical variables (V, P, Q) is required at the grid-connection point. A pure voltage measurement is not sufficient. A suitable energy meter is also required at the point of interconnection for cos φ specifications in control mode.

Direct selling

A direct marketer can use the product for remotely controlling the system via the built-in direct marketing interface. In this process, control signals of the direct marketer are transferred to the system. The function is activated via the user interface of the product.

Licensed Functions

The product has basic functions that are available for all systems. Furthermore, additional licensed functions can be purchased.

SMA Charge S

The product has the licensed function SMA Charge S. With SMA Charge S, electric vehicles (currently only Audi e-tron charging system connect) can be charged via the EEBUS interface. In this process, the electric vehicle is charged preferentially when the system produces sufficient solar power or the grid power is particularly favorable. To prevent the mains fuse from triggering, overload protection can be defined via the user interface. This means the charging capacity of the charging station is reduced immediately in the event of too high loads.