Inverter Prerequisites
Solectria inverters come standard with the communications features necessary to integrate with WattMetrics.
Supported Models
WattMetrics is compatible with the models listed below. If your inverter model isn't listed below, that doesn't necessarily mean that it won't work with WattMetrics. Please contact us if you don't see your inverter here.
PVI
1800, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 5300, 6500, 7500, 10kW, 13kW, 15kW, 60kW, 82kW, 95kW
Connecting to a WattMetrics Agent
PVI 1800 - 7500
1. If there are multiple inverters:
-
Using shielded CAT5/6 cable, connect the inverters to each other in series, using the RS485 ports, according to the manufacturer's manual.
-
Make sure a unique ID number has been assigned to each inverter, according to the manufacturer's manual (for 1800-5300 use the display panel, for 6500-7500 use the internal S201 dip switch).
-
PVI 3000- 7500: turn on the termination switch over the unused port on the last inverter in the series.
2. Using the control panel on each inverter to be monitored:
4. Finish installing the agent as outlined in the "installing agents" section of this manual.
PVI 10kW-95kW
1. Using the control panel on each inverter to be monitored:
2. Remove the cover from the display panel.
-
On every inverter in the series (or the single inverter if there is only one), carefully remove the cover from the back of the inverter display panel (SolrenView). After removing the nuts, pull the top first and let the cover hinge on the bottom to avoid damaging the Ethernet connector.
3. If there are multiple inverters:
-
Using shielded CAT5/6 cable, connect them to each other in series by connecting their RS485 terminals: RS-485A to RS-485A, RS-485B to RS-485B, RS485G to RS485G (see the images at right).
-
Make sure a unique communications ID number has been assigned to each inverter, according to the manufacturer's manual.
4. Set the DIP switches:
5a. If a WattMetrics Residential agent is being used:
-
If a WattMetrics cable with an RJ45 coupler on the end is used, the cable can be extended using shielded CAT5/6 cable. Terminate one end of the CAT5/6 cable using standard T568 A or B pin-out. Leave the other end bare wire to connect to the RS485 terminals on the inside of the inverter display panel (see image at right).>
| CAT5/6 T568 A/B pin-out |
CAT5/6 Wire Color |
Solectria display panel RS485 terminals |
| 4 |
BE |
RS485G |
| 7 |
WE/BN |
RS485A |
| 8 |
BN |
RS485B |
| |
drain |
chassis |
-
If using a bare-ended WattMetrics cable,connect the bare wires at one end of the cable provided by WattMetrics to the RS485 terminals on the inside of the inverter display panel (see the image at right).
| WattMetrics USB-485 Cable |
Wire Color |
Function |
Solectria display panel RS485 terminals |
| 485+ |
orange |
data A |
RS485A |
| 485- |
yellow |
data B |
RS485B |
| GND |
black |
common |
RS485G |
| (do not connect) |
(bare) |
shield/drain |
(no connection) |
-
Connect the USB end of the WattMetrics cable to one of the USB ports on the agent.
5b. If a WattMetrics Commercial agent is being used:
6. Finish installing the agent as outlined in the "installing agents" section of this manual.