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.

Configuring the inverter via file

You can adopt the inverter configuration from a file. To do this, there must be an inverter configuration saved to a file. Adhere to the following information about the file formats in the process:

SMA standard (*.bck)	IEEE 1547 URP file beta version (*.csv)
.bck is a proprietary file format by SMA Solar Technology AG. This includes, for example, special country data sets (source requirement) or adjustments to various grid parameters. The .bck file is always linked to a device family with up-to-date firmware. The bck files are available to download on the product page for the corresponding inverter. Data backup is possible for all settings of the inverter.	csv is an open, manufacturer-independent URP (Utility-Required-Profile) file format that was defined by the "Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)" in cooperation with US electric utility companies and inverter manufacturers. The URP file format is currently still in the trial phase and is intended to greatly simplify the adjustment of grid parameters in the future. Configuration via the .csv file is possible only if the inverter has been set up with an IEEE 1547:2018 compliant US country data set beforehand. The *.csv file then assumes all necessary adjustments to the grid parameters. Please keep in mind that data backup, i.e. saving the data, is not yet possible into this format.

SMA standard (*.bck)

IEEE 1547 URP file beta version (*.csv)

*.bck is a proprietary file format by SMA Solar Technology AG. This includes, for example, special country data sets (source requirement) or adjustments to various grid parameters. The *.bck file is always linked to a device family with up-to-date firmware. The bck files are available to download on the product page for the corresponding inverter. Data backup is possible for all settings of the inverter.

*csv is an open, manufacturer-independent URP (Utility-Required-Profile) file format that was defined by the "Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)" in cooperation with US electric utility companies and inverter manufacturers. The URP file format is currently still in the trial phase and is intended to greatly simplify the adjustment of grid parameters in the future. Configuration via the *.csv file is possible only if the inverter has been set up with an IEEE 1547:2018 compliant US country data set beforehand. The *.csv file then assumes all necessary adjustments to the grid parameters. Please keep in mind that data backup, i.e. saving the data, is not yet possible into this format.

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. With the product key, the product can be unlocked directly on the user interface and does not require a chargeable order of a PUK via SMA. If you have lost the product key, you can generate a new one by physically accessing the product.

Display of I-V characteristic curve

Only the STP 50-41 is equipped with this function.

On the user interface of the product, a characteristic curve can be generated from current and voltage values of the PV array per MPP tracker. Using this I-V characteristic curve, problems in the PV array can be detected at an early stage.

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.

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 without any additional communication device and for a maximum of 4 inverters per visualized system. In PV systems with more than 4 inverters, there is the option of establishing data transmission between the inverters and Sunny Portal via the data logger (e.g., SMA Data Manager) or distributing the inverters over several systems. You can directly access your visualized system via the web browser on your end device.

WLAN connection to SMA 360° app

There is a QR code on the product by default. If the product is equipped with a Wi-Fi interface, you can access the product via Wi-Fi by scanning the QR code on the product using the SMA 360° or SMA Energy app. This automatically connects to the user interface.

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

With the assembly of the RS485 Module, the inverter can communicate with special SMA communication products (Information on assembly and connection see manual of the SMA RS485 Module). The SMA RS485 Module can be retrofitted.

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 Sensor Module

The SMA Sensor Module has different interfaces for connecting various sensors (i.e. temperature sensor, irradiation sensor, anemometer or energy meter). The SMA Sensor Module converts the signals of the connected sensors and transmits them to the inverter. Information on installation, connection and configuration can be found in the manual for the SMA sensor module. The SMA Sensor Module can be retrofitted.

SMA I/O modules

The SMA I/O module enables the inverter to perform grid management services. Information on installation, connection and configuration can be found in the manual for the SMA I/O module. The SMA I/O Module can be retrofitted.

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.

Grid and PV system protection

The inverter is equipped with redundant and monitored switching elements for grid disconnection simplifying grid and PV system protection required according to VDE-AR-N 4105, In this case the disconnection devices integrated in the inverter can replace an external tie switch. An external, certified monitoring unit with an integrated PV system protection relay (potential-free) and an alarm contact (implemented as break contact) must be included. In addition, the inverter must be equipped with firmware version > 3.01.00.R and an SMA I/O Module. The inverter can be connected to the monitoring unit of the grid and PV system protection device via the SMA I/O Module and receive the signal for grid disconnection (for further information see technical information "SUNNY TRIPOWER CORE1 - Simplified Implementation of Grid and PV System Protection in PV System in accordance with VDE-AR-N 4105:2018-11").

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 string-failure detection measures the total current of every input and continuously calculates the mean values for the inputs in question. The total currents are compared with the mean values. If a total current exceeds or falls short of the mean value by the set tolerance value, an event is reported. Marginally increased total currents are reliably detected over several query intervals and distinguished from typical current fluctuations of the PV array. String-failure detection is deactivated by default and must be activated. In addition, the tolerance value can be set via the user interface and the mean values read off.

Surge arrester type 1 and 2

On the AC and DC side, the inverter is equipped with slots for type 1 and 2 surge protection devices. The surge protection devices limit dangerous overvoltages. The surge protection devices can be retrofitted.

SMA ArcFix

Only the STP 50-41 is equipped with this function.

SMA ArcFix is an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI). With this function, the inverter effectively detects arcs on the DC side and interrupts them.

A detected electric arc causes the inverter to interrupt feed-in operation. To restart feed-in operation, the operational disruption which has occurred must be reset. Alternatively, the arc-fault circuit interrupter can be activated without inhibiting operation. 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.

SMA ArcFix complies with the requirements of the draft standard IEC 63027 ED1 (82/1636/CDV) and in the scope of IEC 63027 corresponds to the following installation classes:

F-I-AFPE-1-6-2
F-I-AFPE-2-3-2

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.

Universal mounting system (UMS_Kit-10)

The universal mounting system enables wall mounting of the inverter or serves as platform for higher mounting on the ground. The universal mounting system is available as an accessory.