Interfaces and Functions

The inverter can be equipped or retrofitted with the following interfaces and functions:

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 the connection has been established to the smart device, use a terminal (e.g. smartphone, tablet or laptop) to connect to the product's user interface using a web browser.

Smart Inverter Screen

The Smart Inverter Screen enables you to view the status display and to display the current power and consumption on the user interface login page. This gives you an overview of the most important product data without having to log into the user interface.

The Smart Inverter Screen is deactivated by default. The Smart Inverter Screen can be activated via the user interface once the product has been commissioned.

SMA PUK2.0

SMA PUK2.0 replaces for products with firmware version ≥ 4.00.00.R the previous procedure for logging in to the user interface if you have forgotten the password for your product. Whether your product supports PUK2.0 is shown on the login page of the user interface via the information button.

To improve security for your product, you can generate a product key. If the password is forgotten, the product can be directly unlocked with the product key on the login page of the user interface. A chargeable order of a PUK from SMA Solar Technology AG is no longer required for products with a firmware version ≥ 4.00.00.R. If you have lost the product key, you can generate a new one by physically accessing the product.

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.

Class 1 wiring methods are to be used for field wiring connection to the terminals of the communication interface.

SMA Webconnect

The inverter is equipped with a Webconnect function as standard. The Webconnect function enables direct data transmission between the inverter and Sunny Portal (online monitoring system from SMA).

There are two Sunny Portal versions: the classical Sunny Portal (https://www.sunnyportal.com) and the newly developed Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS (https://ennexOS.sunnyportal.com). Both systems differ in their supported functions. With an existing user account, you can log into both portals as well as into Sunny Design (system planning software from SMA).

In a Sunny Portal system, up to four inverters with Webconnect function can be displayed together. A communication product (e.g. SMA Data Manager) is required for systems with more than four inverters.

The system must be registered in the classic Sunny Portal if the inverter is integrated into a local network and connected to the Internet via this network. With this connection, you have the possibility to view the data online in real time.

If the inverter is connected to the Internet via the cellular network, you must register the system in Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS. The communication with the inverters is optimized with regard to the data volume and availability of the inverter. No data can be viewed in real time. Note that the inverter must be equipped with a firmware version ≥ 3.01.17.R for connection via the cellular network.

Wi-Fi

Depending on availability, the product is or is not equipped with a Wi-Fi interface. If the Wi-Fi interface is present, the Wi-Fi interface is enabled by default at delivery. If you do not want to use WLAN, you can deactivate the WLAN interface.

If the Wi-Fi interface is present, the product also has a WPS function. The WPS function is for automatically connecting the product to a network (e.g. via router) and establish a direct connection between the product and a smart end device.

Expanding the radio range in the WLAN network

In order to expand the radio range of the inverter in the WLAN network, you can install the Antenna Extension Kit accessory set in the inverter.

Modbus

The product is equipped with a Modbus interface. The Modbus interface is deactivated by default and must be configured as needed.

The Modbus interface of the supported SMA products is designed for industrial use – via SCADA systems, for example – and has the following tasks:

Remote query of measured values
Remote setting of operating parameters
Setpoint specifications for system control

Module slots

The inverter is standard-equipped with two module slots. The module slots are located on the communication assembly and allow additional modules to be connected (e.g. SMA Sensor Module). The modules are available as accessories. The installation of two identical modules is not permissible.

SMA RS485 Module

The inverters of type "SBx.x-1SP-US-41" can be retrofitted with the SMA RS485 Module.

By installing the SMA RS485 Module, the inverter is able to communicate with the energy meter of the SMA Revenue Grade Meter Kit.

Class 1 wiring methods are to be used for field wiring connection to the terminals of the communication interface.

Antenna Extension Kit

Within the WLAN network, the Antenna Extension Kit enables the radio range of the inverter to be upgraded (Information on assembly and connection see manual of the Antenna Extension Kit). The Antenna Extension Kit can be retrofitted.

SMA Cellular LTE Modem Kit

The inverter can be retrofitted with the SMA Cellular LTE Modem Kit from firmware version 03.02.15.R. If the firmware version needs to be updated for operation with the SMA Cellular LTE Modem Kit, contact Service. The service will provide you with the firmware and the necessary information for the update.

The SMA Cellular LTE Modem Kit allows the direct data transmission between the inverter and the internet portal Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS via the cellular network as an alternative to data transmission via Ethernet or WLAN. In addition, the SMA Cellular LTE Modem Kit enables the communication between the inverter and the energy meter. The energy meter is a so called PV production meter intended to measure the generated energy of the inverter.

The SMA Cellular LTE Modem Kit transmits up to four times a day a limited amount of data to Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS. The standard term of the mobile data plan for the SMA Cellular LTE Modem Kit is five years. All costs are covered within the term. No additional costs will be incurred. You have the possibility to extend the term of the mobile data plan. For this purpose, contact SMA Solar Technology AG. By using the SMA Cellular LTE Modem Kits, a local network connection is not absolutely necessary. However, it is recommended to be able to view all information regarding the system in Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS.

Energy meters in accordance with ANSI C12.20

The inverter type "SBx.x-1SP-US-41" can be retrofitted with the SMA Revenue Grade Meter Kit that in accordance with ANSI C12.20 includes an energy meter. The inverter must be equipped either with the SMA Cellular LTE Modem Kit or SMA RS485 Module to operate the SMA Revenue Grade Meter Kit. The inverter type "SBx.x-1TP-US-41" is equipped with an energy meter as standard.

The energy meter fulfills the accuracy class 0.5 in accordance with ANSI C12.20. The energy meter is a so called PV production meter intended to measure the generated energy of the inverter. The measured values of the energy meter can be used for billing purposes.

Grid management services

The inverter is a grid support interactive inverter.

The inverter was tested in accordance with the UL 1741 SA (2016-09-07) to be compliant with the source requirements documents of the states available at the time.

For connecting the inverter to the utility grid, no additional grid monitoring equipment is necessary. A description of the tested functions and instructions on the activation and setting of functions can be found in the technical information "Grid Support Utility Interactive Inverters" at www.SMA-Solar.com.

PV Rapid Shutdown Equipment

The inverter is listed as PV Rapid Shutdown Equipment (PVRSE) according to UL 1741.

All DC inputs and AC outputs of this product comply with photovoltaic rapid shutdown requirements for controlled conductors outside the array.

A complete PV Rapid Shutdown System (PVRSS) consists of the PV inverter, PV array disconnect switches, and a Rapid Shutdown initiation device. The Rapid Shutdown initiation device serves to initiate a rapid shutdown. The PV Rapid Shutdown System must limit the DC conductors to < 30 V within 30 seconds.

NOTICE - The inverter's Rapid Shutdown function is initiated by disconnecting the inverter from the AC grid voltage, for example, by opening the main PV system AC disconnect. The AC disconnect that serves as the Rapid Shutdown initiation device must be readily accessible and clearly marked in accordance with National Electrical Code^®. The Rapid Shutdown status of the PV system will be indicated by the On/Off (Closed/Open) position of this AC disconnect. The Off (Open) position indicates that a rapid shutdown has been initiated.

If PV array disconnect switches compliant with the SunSpec communication signal for Rapid Shutdown systems are installed, the inverter can transmit a SunSpec-compliant "permission to operate" signal to them via its DC input conductors. When a rapid shutdown is initiated, the inverter will stop transmitting the SunSpec signal. When the SunSpec signal is not being received, the PV array disconnect switches are responsible for reducing line voltages within the PV array in accordance with National Electrical Code^®. In the event of a rapid shutdown via the SunSpec communication signal, it is important that all PV modules connected to the inverter are always equipped with SunSpec-compliant PV array disconnect switches, otherwise the inverter cannot start feed-in operation. For reliable discharge of the DC connection conductors, it is necessary for the sum of the standby voltages of all PV array disconnect switches of a string to be > 3.6 V and < 30 V. In addition, the recommended total length of all DC lines of a string should not exceed 300 m (1000 ft). The total length defines the length of the entire string wiring including the connection cable of the PV module switch in the string (measured from the positive DC terminal to the negative DC terminal of the inverter).

A PV Rapid Shutdown system can also be installed using PV array disconnect switches initiated in case of power failures or other means. In these cases, it must be ensured that the PV system Rapid Shutdown initiation device initiates a rapid shutdown of the PV array devices at the same time that the inverter is disconnected from grid voltage.

The PV array disconnect switches must disconnect the PV array from the inverter within a maximum of 15 seconds after Rapid Shutdown initiation.

The inverter is capable of grid support operation where in case of a power failure or by activating the AC disconnect, the inverter remains connected to the utility grid for a defined ride-through time and waits for voltage recovery. If grid voltage does not recover within the defined ride-through time, the inverter disconnects from the grid and a rapid shutdown is initiated.

The Rapid Shutdown function is disabled by default. The Rapid Shutdown function should only be enabled when PV array disconnect switches have been installed within the PV array or between the PV array and the inverter. The Rapid Shutdown function can be enabled during or after inverter commissioning via the user interface by selecting the operating mode suitable for the PV array disconnect switches. If the Rapid Shutdown function is enabled and no PV array disconnect switches are installed, the inverter cannot discharge the connected DC input conductors during a rapid shutdown. As a result, the inverter can be damaged.

WARNING - THIS PV RAPID SHUTDOWN EQUIPMENT DOES NOT PERFORM ALL OF THE FUNCTIONS OF A COMPLETE PV RAPID SHUTDOWN SYSTEM. THIS PV RAPID SHUTDOWN EQUIPMENT MUST BE INSTALLED WITH OTHER EQUIPMENT TO FORM A COMPLETE PV RAPID SHUTDOWN SYSTEM THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF NEC (NFPA 70) FOR CONTROLLED CONDUCTORS OUTSIDE THE ARRAY. OTHER EQUIPMENT INSTALLED IN OR ON THIS PV SYSTEM MAY ADVERSLY AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE PV RAPID SHUTDOWN SYSTEM. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INSTALLER TO ENSURE THAT THE COMPLETED PV SYSTEM MEETS THE RAPID SHUT DOWN FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS. THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE INSTALLED ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTALLATION MANUAL.

Parallel Operation of the DC Inputs A and B

The DC inputs A and B of the inverter can be operated in parallel and up to three strings can be connected to it in parallel. As a result, as opposed to normal operation, up to three strings can be connected directly to inverters with two DC inputs and up to four strings to inverters with three DC inputs. The inverter automatically detects the parallel operation of the DC inputs A and B.

Secure power supply operation

You can connect an external outlet and a switch to the inverter in order to enable the outlet. In case of a grid failure, the outlet supplies a load with current from the PV system. When the outlet is enabled via the switch, the load is supplied with current from the PV system. The inverter automatically regulates the energy supply of the outlet depending on the solar irradiation on the PV system. When the outlet is enabled and a load is supplied with current from the PV system, the inverter is disconnected from the utility grid and does not feed into the utility grid.

Do not connect loads that require a stable electricity supply to the outlet for secure power supply operation.

Secure power supply operation must not be used for loads that require a stable electricity supply. The power available during secure power supply operation depends on the solar irradiation on the PV system. Therefore, power output can fluctuate considerably depending on the weather or may not be available at all.

Do not connect loads to the outlet for secure power supply operation if they are dependent on a stable electricity supply for reliable operation.

Multifunction Relay

The inverter is equipped with a multifunction relay as standard. The multifunction relay is an interface that can be configured for the operating mode used by a particular system.

SMA ShadeFix

The inverter is equipped with the shade management system SMA ShadeFix. SMA ShadeFix uses an intelligent MPP tracking system to determine the operating point with the highest output during shading conditions. With SMA ShadeFix, inverters use the best possible energy supply from the PV modules at all times to increase yields in shaded systems. SMA ShadeFix is enabled by default. The time interval of SMA ShadeFix is usually 6 minutes. This means that the inverter determines the optimum operating point every 6 minutes. Depending on the PV system or shading situation, it may be useful to adjust the time interval.

String-failure detection

The self-learning string failure detection identifies to which of the three inverter DC inputs the strings are connected. The self-learning string failure detection identifies if the connected string is inoperable and is no longer contributing to the energy yield (e.g. due to damages such as a cable break) and monitors the input to which the defective string is connected. If the error persists, an event will be reported at the latest one day after the detection of the defective string. This prevents partial failures of the PV array from being undetected for a long time and which will result in yield losses. The self-learning string failure detections automatically identifies if a string has been repaired and resets the event. If the defective string should no longer be connected, the event must be reset manually.

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)

The inverter is equipped with an integrated photovoltaic (PV) arc-fault circuit interrupter as required for PV systems by National Electrical Code^® ANSI/NFPA 70 (NEC). The inverters' arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) functionality is certified to Standard UL 1699B Edition 1 (August 2018), Photovoltaic (PV) DC Arc-Fault Circuit Protection, which defines requirements for PV arc-fault protection devices intended for use in solar photovoltaic electrical energy systems as described in NEC 690.11.

Depending on the country data set, arc fault detection is activated or deactivated by default. If the installation conditions permit this, you can change the default setting.

The arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) can detect electric arcs in the PV modules and the module wiring of connected strings. The arc-fault circuit interrupter ensures that the inverter ceases operations and interrupts any electric arcs as soon as they are detected. This involves halting the flow of current.

The arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) has proved extremely reliable, meaning that the inverter dependably detects and interrupts electric arcs that actually occur in the PV electric circuit and is generally not susceptible to false tripping. AFCI incidents output by the inverter should be regarded as reliable indicators of actual errors in the PV electric circuit displayed and should be investigated immediately and thoroughly by qualified persons to localize and rectify errors in the PV electric circuit.

If the AFCI is configured without permanent operation inhibition, the system should be monitored closely and recurring faults in the AFCI should be investigated immediately by qualified persons. If it is not possible to identify the cause of the error, the inverter should be taken out of operation until the investigation and corrective action can be completed. Recurring errors may cause damage to neighboring conductors and system components, which could result in more extensive system failures and damage and even to uncontrolled electric arcs and fires.

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.