Connecting the Inverter to the Network

Network cable requirements:

The cable length and quality affect the quality of the signal. Observe the following cable requirements:

  • Cable type: 100BaseTx

  • Cable category: minimum CAT5e

  • Plug type: RJ45 of Cat5, Cat5e or higher

  • Shielding: SF/UTP, S/UTP, SF/FTP or S/FTP

  • Number of insulated conductor pairs and insulated conductor cross-section: at least 2 x 2 x 0.22 mm² (2 x 2 x 24 AWG)

  • Maximum cable length between two nodes when using patch cables: 50 m (164 ft)

  • Maximum cable length between two nodes when using installation cables: 100 m (328 ft)

  • UV-resistant for outdoor use.

Procedure:

  1. DANGER

    Danger to life due to electric shock

    1. Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources ( > Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources).
  2. Connect one end of the network cable to the inverter:

    • Remove the filler plugs from the network connection opening on the inverter.

    • Attach the conduit to the opening.

    • Lead the network cable through the conduit into the interior of the inverter.

    • Loosen the screws of the communication assembly far enough to allow the communication assembly to be flipped up.

    • Flip up the communication assembly until it snaps into place. Make sure that the ribbon cable is not clamped by the communication assembly or when closing the lower enclosure lid.

    • Insert the network cable into one of the network jacks of the Webconnect Data Module.

    • Flip the communication assembly down and fasten the communication assembly screw hand-tight. Make sure that the ribbon cable is not clamped by the communication assembly or when closing the lower enclosure lid.

  3. Connect the other end of the network cable directly to the computer or router or connect it to another node. You can only connect the inverter to other nodes via star topology.
  4. Commission the inverter ( > Commissioning the Inverter).
    <  Connecting the PV Array
    >  Commissioning the Inverter