SolarEdge inverter configuration (CPU 2.x firmware)

[stefxx]

DESCRIPTION
This instruction is valid for SolarEdge inverters with CPU 2.x. Maybe older firmware versions will work as well but this has not been tested. CPU 2.x inverters were built until 2013-14. The only way to connect the plugin to this inverter is by using the RS-485 interface. This will require a RS-485 to USB/serial interface, and to connect to the RS-485 port you most likely will need to remove the cover of your inverter.

SAFETY NOTE: Before removing the cover of the inverter, follow the safety instructions from SolarEdge. These include (but are not limited to) shutting down the inverter (usually by turning OFF its ON/OFF switch) and wait until the DC voltage is safe (below 50V). Then, switch off the AC to the inverter. You might want to consult a professional installer for this.

RS485 CONNECTION
Note that (as far as I know) all SolarEdge inverters support RS485 connections, but as this is not the most convenient way for most users, this instruction will be limited to CPU 2.x inverters like the one below (a 3 phase SE5k inverter from 2013):



First of all, we need a RS485 to USB converter like this:



It is strongly recommended to choose an adapter with GND, as this will ensure more reliable operation. On the SolarEdge, connect this adapter with a twisted pair cable to the RS485-1 B A G connector of the invertor. Please use the installer guide of your inverter to find the right connection, below an example of a European SE5k inverter:



Simply connect B from the inverter to the + connector of the adapter, A to – and G to GND.

MODBUS CONFIGURATION
The inverter needs to be configured for Modbus. Follow the steps below to correctly setup your inverter:

1. Start by pressing the button once to switch the LCD on. It should like this:

1. Press the button again, and keep it pressed until the screen changes to a configuration menu. Do not press the button longer then required, because it might trigger an optimizer pairing. Navigate to the menu by pressing the button, and select an item by long pressing the button. The last item in all menus is “Exit”. Select it and long press the button to go back 1 level, or exit the configuration menu.

1. On the main menu, select “Communications”.

1. On the communications menu, select “RS-485-1 Conf”

1. On the RS-485 menu, select “Device Type”

1. Select “SolarEdge”

1. Back on the RS-485 menu, select “Protocol”

1. Select “SunSpec”

1. Back on the RS-485 menu, ensure the “Device ID” is set to “1”. If not, select “Device ID”

1. And set the Device ID to “1”

1. Back on the RS-485 menu, ensure the baud rate is set correctly. 115200 is recommended. If you need to change it, “Baud Rate”

1. And set the Baud Rate

1. Exit the configuration menu by selecting “Exit” until you return to the main screen.

PLUGIN CONFIGURATION
Select “Add new inverter” from the Plugins/SolarEdge menu. You will be guided through the following 7 steps:

1. Intro: Click “CONTINUE”
2. Connection: Select “Modbus-RTU (All CPU versions): Serial (RS-485) connection”. Click “CONTINUE”
3. Com Port: Select the port the RS-485 adapter is connected to and click “CONTINUE”
4. Com Port attributes: Select the correct settings. 115200, 8N1 is the most common setting. If your specific setting is not listed, pick the closest one and configure the details later on the plugin inverter setup page. Click “CONTINUE”
5. Name: Give your inverter a name, just something easy to remember it by. Click “CONTINUE”
6. Verify: Ensure all settings are shown correctly, the click “CONFIRM”
7. All done! If all was successful, a “success” message will be shown. Click “Finish”.