SolarEdge

Chapter 7: Setting Up Communication
Chapter 7: Setting Up Communication
Power optimizers send information to the inverter via the DC power lines (the PV output
circuit). The information is sent from the inverter to the SolarEdge monitoring portal through
the Internet. In order to send the data from the inverter, a communication connection must be
set up, as described in this chapter. Communication setup is not required for power
harvesting, however is needed for using the SolarEdge monitoring portal.
This chapter describes setting up communication between multiple inverterss for a
master/slave configuration.
CAUTION!
When connecting the communication cables, make sure that the ON/OFF switch at
the bottom of the inverter is turned OFF, and the AC is turned OFF.
When configuring the communication parameters, make sure that the ON/OFF
switch is OFF, and the AC is turned ON.
Communication Types
• Ethernet: used for a LAN connection
• RS485: used for the connection of multiple SolarEdge devices on the same bus in a
master-slave configuration. RS485 type can also be used as an interface to external
non-SolarEdge devices, such as revenue meters and data loggers.
• ZigBee: Optional wireless communication (purchased separately; refer to the supplied
manual).
• Wi-Fi: Optional wireless connection (purchased separately; refer to the supplied
manual).
Only communication products offered by SolarEdge are supported.
Always connect the communication options when the inverter is OFF.
Communication Connectors
Two communication glands are used for connection of the various communication options.
Each gland has three openings. The table below describes the functionality of each opening.
Unused openings should remain sealed.
1 (PG16)
Gland# Opening Functionality Cable Size (diameter)
One small External antenna cable 2-4 mm
Two large
Ethernet connection (CAT5/6),
ZigBee, or Wi-Fi
4.5-7 mm
2 (PG13.5) All three RS485, power reduction 2.5-5 mm
SolarEdge-Installation Guide MAN-01-00057-3.1
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