Rautenk

Sam79, how did the Solar Assist tech get you connected? I have tried various ways of connecting the Solar Assistant, and neither the Network scan nor the USB/RS485 direct connect is picking up the inveter (or communicating). I recently changed from DEYE to Solis, so now trying to re-integrate this into my Home Automation etc, but have had limited to no luck in getting SA to talk to Solis inverter...

@MartinViljoen, Firstly, great add-on. Works wonders, but.... As an Add-on it works and I managed to sort out my father-in-law's queries, but this does require an always-on server set up and if you are like me and not running RaspberryPI it is a hassle. I use a qNAP home server that runs the Home Assist, this is quite a nice setup and has an online time of nearly 100% at this stage. The problem here is that it only runs HA core, this does not allow for Add-ons... (Unless someone can help me here on how to do it, then easy!) The question here is, is it possible to change the Add-on configuration to an integration? This would allow some like myself to do an "integration" as opposed to going the add-on route? This would allow users of HACS to also use this...

Good day all, Perhaps some one can assist, I am also trialing the S6 at my mom's place (her Sunsynk/Deye stopped working). She is currently only using this as a back-up solution. For anyone looking to do a swop out, it is pretty much a like for like replacement. CANbus from battery is the same pins, CT is the same... Only problem we faced was the fact that its form factor is a bit out! The terminals effectively sit in the middle of the inverter where Sunsynk is a bit to the bottom. Our AC wires couldn't reach the terminals. CT also didn't autodetect/test when I did it via Bluetooth, but it is now working after I set it up remotely (damn I love that reverse CT polarity button!) But now I have another interesting issue. Solis 6kW-Pro is connected to an eTower (5kWh)... now with the load-shedding reducing the battery decided to go into sleep mode! Can anyone assist with what setting I should be playing to ensure that the battery does not enter into sleep mode at all? This results in all power being shut off to the backup side... @Charles - Solis, can you point me to the right people?

So, I have two devices. Yes /dev/ttyUSB0 and /dev/ttyUSB1. What i did on the NodeRed is the following: Copied the config inside NodeRed and made alterations: Then on the modbus details, added another server: Note the only change here is the device, do NOT change the ID: Then on the MPPT1 and 2 issue: Note that the original posted by BlouBul only have the 1 MPPT log not both. As for the "correct" part of that Sunsynk docment... Well, I wrote a simple Python program that was able to read the modbus and changed the modbus address until I found the right ones! That is perhaps the most simplistic of Modbus mapped document I have seen in some time. The wording(description) and the outputs does not always match up to what we in the western world would expect...

Success, I now have both of my inverters using the Node-Red set up, As noted in the quote. I ended up copying the Modbus read and the inverter monitoring, added a two to everything. If you change the "unit-id" it messes up the communication so the unit ID remained "1" but the "device" used (port) was changed to the correct one. I am getting a feeling having the RS485 connected onto the same converter will not work, something is not lekker with the RS485 modbus addressing on these units. I wrote a small python script to read the Modbus address register, this came back as "1" on both, despite my inverters being master slave (address 1 and 2) on the inverter itself. So this would mean that the modbus addressing on the parallel system connection is not the same as the RS485 connection!

Jip, I have done that and had no luck (it continued monitoring the Main inverter). I am assuming that should I have had both inverters on the same USB-Serial converter this would have worked. As I am still unsure if the parallel connection would allow one to pull data from the slave inverter vir this. The reason for this argument is that a Wi-Fi dongle is required per inverter. If you could pull the data from slaves, I would have assumed the dataloggers would be able to do this (and thus only 1 logger required). Then I changed the Inverter Monitoring coding to also reflect "unit" 1, but once I did that the communications crashed completely. Got no response from the flex-getter (or rather from the inverter), kept getting error messages and timeouts. What I am going to do is try and run two parallel Node-Reds (Basically copy everything in the Node-Red, add a 2 to it and see if it works). I found that one of my cables broke off at the converter, so that could explain a bit on why the slave was acting up when having its own converter... *edit, I am using a cheap converter around R35 for the thing, but it works! (QinHeng Electronics HL-340 USB-Serial adapter)

Okay, so I am head banging here against a port auto closing: "Serial.serialutil.SerialException: read failed: device reports readiness to read but returned no data (device disconnected or multiple access on port?)" Using a direct access python program I end up with a "closed" port of some read error. It worked well with Python and then edited Node-Red and once launched it worked for a while and then "timeout" was received on the inverter2... Then port closed. So @Bloubul7, what would you say is the issue here (in short when you get to experiment please include Parallel in the experiments!)?

Hi Denarius, That is exactly what I was thinking! I am playing with that right now. I have done this, but the Node-Red does not connect to the inverter, my expectation was that it would not work as you do not have a RS485 link between the inverters. For this to work you might want to add an additional RS485 cable from the slave inverter to the same RS485 to USB converter. What I will be doing is adding another USB converter and then running this separately via the same Node-Red. @Bloubul7, thanks for all the hard work. This is working on my side, just go the PI communicating with Master inverter today and the Node-Red links works perfectly (once I made an edit or two on the influxDB server settings!).

So, a question on the battery set up there... If running in parallel there, the main inverter discharge current. Is that the TOTAL discharge current or is that per INVERTER? I have 2x 5kW and the discharge is set to maximum, so would that mean max discharge is 2x100A or limited to the main inverter 100A? I am taking comfort that the BMS comms work, so I would assume that would take presidence.

I hope @anotherbrownbear is still active or perhaps ANYONE can help here.... Where do one procure a Dead Grid Safety Lock? Considering it will become standard in SANS10142-1-2 (Wiring code for EGs) that will be accepted in our lifetime. Now the problem is that DGSL was envisioned by Dr. Henri in Eskom, the value is definitely there to use this... BUT has anyone actually manufactured one and listed it on the Eskom side?

Hi @Bain Viljoen you are on the forum as well! You should have told me you are now shipping to Cape Town! Last time I asked shipping was for own cost... made me not consider your product this time around. I wanted also to point out that the DoD for testing to 2000cycles is 100%, so makes a difference if doing 80% DoD. Anyway, a few questions on that: 1. Does your BMS allow you to connect old and new batteries in parallel without affecting the new ones. 2. Are you planning on integrating a "smart" BMS and Control system that can do communications (CAM-bus i think is the standard) to any of the main inverter suppliers (or that ICC used with the Axperts). At this stage, I believe the units are sold as "dumb" batteries, fully controlled by the Inverter voltage setting and then heat protected by the internal BMS. ps. I would still recommend that someone use your batteries due to the price!

No, The infini does it itself. So no need to have the Axpert in the system... [O wait, saw this was answered] However, I really want to hit this home: The Axpert is not a Hybrid at all, people advertising it as such is a bit ignorant of the internationally accepted nomenclature. Even the makers of Axpert (Voltronic) does not call it a Hybrid, but an Off-Grid inverter. Massive difference. Hybrid can use both Grid AND Solar at the same time, Axpert can only use Grid OR Solar at a time. Yes, it switches between the two, so you either have Eskom power or you have Solar/Battery power. But not both at the same time Infini is also made by Voltronic if anyone wondered...

Hi @Pietpower, very good point. However, this strongly depends on your settings of the inverter. If it is, for example, set to Back-Up mode then the batteries will only be used to support back-up loads during no-grid scenario. Another reason to rather go Lithium batteries, this will allow you to basically maximise the use of solar. ps. Due to adding pieces (and based on cost) I have ended up with: 1x 4.6kW Solis inverter (3.2kWp of panels) 1x Axpert (1.6kWp of panels) connected to essentials Axpert has 7-year old lead acids, and getting replaced with lithium ones end of month, at what stage I will take the essentials effectively off-grid. The Solis is on grid side, as putting it on the back-up side of the Axpert will most likely make the operating smoke come out the Axpert!

@Rclegg, I think you have a few items to play with. I would strongly recommend that once you have gone through the measurement campaign look at doing a Hybrid system. The Axpert is nice and cheap and great for back-up, but as per the video once PV becomes involved it is a different story. What the Video does not cover is what happens at load shedding times. That Grid Tied shuts down and only the batteries provide power. Bloody waste in the day! Whereas a true Hybrid will still utilise the PV panels. Then, I am going to severely disagree with @plonkster on the battery choice. I would AVOID the 200Ah batteries if you want to go over 3kVA. Your Deep Cycle lead acids actually do not like giving high current. So lets say you have a 5kW/kVA system and you switch things on max. Then you need to deliver 100A+ at 48V, batteries just do not like it. Better to go for 8x105Ah to manage the current draw overall. Your batteries will thank you. But, then again, it is MUCH cheaper(lifetime) to go for lithium at 90% d.o.d than it is to go for 8x105Ah batteries at 30% d.o.d (for if you want it to last 5 years). You actually end up with a very small margin of difference if you compare the 2.4kWh pylon to 8x105Ah deep cycle. And with Lithium advance BMS systems you can actually buy one now and add a few later. quite impressive, this CANNOT be done with Lead Acids, except with expensive electronics (which is included in the Pylon/BYD/SolarMD packages). With a Hybrid configuration (GoodWe for example, just because I don't want to satisfy the blue guys and say Victron), you will be able to have dedicated back-up circuits (i.e. your plugs and lights) and then the hybrid function will allow you to utilise the PV component for your geyser, stove, etc. Only thing will be that geyser, stove, etc will be off during load shedding. So summary: 1. Get you PEAK LOAD ( in kW) which you want to connect to your back-up system 2. Use worst case energy usage(kWh) over 3 hours as your required back-up time. (But only estimate with back-up system) 3. plonk got it right, always install a change over switch... you never know if the inverter might go bonkers. It happens, especially with the Axperts (clones) 4. Second DB is advisable and depends who reads the regulations, required. Some inspectors insist that back-up systems be physically separate from main circuits. This is very open to interpretation. 5. If you go CoJ route then you will probably need someone to certify the system 6. If you add panels later, then you need to make sure that you take into account the Combiner or DC distribution box. You need to have fuses (or DC Circuit breakers) and Surge Arrestors before going into the inverters.

The Kodak = Solis, not sure why they decided to brand it like that in SA. And it is a full hybrid, similar to Goodwe. Actually looking at the Bloomberg rating, they are more bankable than GoodWe! Was interested to learn they are also one of the biggest players in UK and Aus market.

I must also add, that +-3 years worth of actual data to verify the calculation and simulations were a very big help! Seems that sanity does prevail! @plonkster, why would you want to decommission the system?

This forum thread is still going! Well, this is actually a change because another department was reading it too literally! The SSEG side does not care about the Off-Grid sizing, but due to the wording in the SSEG Guidelines another department started rejecting declarations (note the work here, DECLARATIONS). So the SSEG guys just made a minor change to it. So where you are truly off-grid, you declare and note that it is not on the grid. For those on Axpert, you limit your charging to 15A and be done with it, now... Again had to talk to various people to get this understanding. Seems enough people complained, and once CoCT departments started speaking they realised the problem! Lets hope the other Munics follows! I know a lot of people are really pissed off at Drakenstein! (But that was their changes to the feed-in/credit tariff)! Also, might be good to note: Off-Grid: Never have Grid and Solar connected at same time. When Batteries are low and Solar not sufficient it CAN change over to Grid-Only [Not parallel to Grid] Hybrid: Has batteries and Solar, can export to the grid and can have Grid and Solar at the same time on the Output [Parallel to Grid in normal operation, continue to operate at grid outage] Grid-Tied: No Batteries, Grid and Solar on output [Parallel to Grid in normal operation, stop operation at grid outage] Hybrid Off-Grid is a confusing term and not usually defined by Inverter Manufacturer.

Dit the installer get a Pr. Eng or Pr. Tech to sign-off on the system? There are a few steps and tests that need to be done by a professionally registered engineer or technician before sign-off! When I was doing this for my system, I found that the system was exporting to the grid! Oops! Good ol' credit meter so no tripping at least! Found that 1 setting was not put in to the inverter correctly! The setting was where to measure the grid from! The Current Sensor option was not selected! It is now fixed and my paper work needs to go in as well... Just don't like all that effort and admin! I am glad your system is back and running, I am still glad for every kWh mine generates!

I am thinking you need to get a Fixer to assist, you installer seems to be as competent as an Electrician found on the Builders Warehouse corner! Yes, TTT's banter is missed. My Solis, on the other hand, is working like a dream

I had some conversation with GInlong on this issue. It seems the "Grid" Value that is provided in the monitoring website is actually the AC output of the inverter, where as the AC output is the DC value * efficiency! Thus one cannot see your total power usage on the website. There is also no way to look at the CT Clamp values in real time, thus no way to estimate own usage Really bad website. However! You CAN download 5 minute data intervals from the website which is useful: When you logged in, select "devices" and click on your inverter. a New tab should open. Then on the graph top left there is an export function which will export EVERYTHING (not just selected parameters). @IdlePhaedrusthis might assist you, unfortunately the loss of data from Saturday is unfortunate. The combination of low load, high generation or change in load during high generation will cause an instantaneous current EXPORT onto the grid. However, the inverter should react fast enough to prevent the export from tripping your meter... You can always be brave and test this theory and report back... I like that PI meter... its not that expensive if you compare to the OWL meters out there (which are inaccurate at best of times).

Hi @IdlePhaedrus, what is the latest on the data? I have full access, system got commissioned on Tuesday and is running. Still have to get the Engineer Sign-off. But my engineer is being difficult and lazy, saying he wants the CoC first. Damn strict engineers! (I am that engineer, just waiting for my CoC to be issued). My problem is that on m.ginlong.com where the data is uploaded I have the option for Grid Usage, but for some reason the Grid Usage is always the same as the Inverter Output. (On the website that is). So does anyone have any advice here? The online monitoring for Solis is very rudimental. GoodWE and SMA is next level compared to Solis. What seems to be the problem on seeing the data? Mine was straight forward to get online, only problem was the wrong website given (they moved to the m.ginlong.com as opposed to the other one given in manuals).

What engineer? You not using me how dare you?! But jokes aside. Meeting with CoCT went well and I will get the minutes of meeting sorted when I get some time. They clarified quite a lot of things. And yes, not all of it is nice to hear, but damn sensible so you can't stay angry! Some interesting facts: 1. No budging on the >3.5kW on 60A breaker 2. No installing 80A for SSEGs only (network issues) 3. CoCT doesn't give a damn about Axperts, you may install them at leisure. However you need to get an electrician to sign-off on the "off grid" status. (You DECLARE off-grid, not register off-grid). They just wanted to clear that up.. 4. Users with greater than 100A, you are treated differently (sorry) This is the cliff hanger notes, the details will be provided (hopefully by end of the weekend) And @The Terrible Triplett, as a guy that built one of the first Solar Farms in SA and one of the first wind farms, I can gaurentee you the tariffs quoted is incorrect. The averaged 0.86 is more truthful. AND Eskom DOES NOT PAY FOR THE IPP ENERGY. (Mind blown, I know)... Its a Pass through charge, YOU and I have been paying for them for 2 to 3 years BEFORE the first IPP actually came on line. The IPP costs are directly built into the tariffs we pay. The now new ex-CEO made a statement some time back that the noise created around the IPPs was a false narrative and CSIR was actually not influenced by WMC and was telling the truth. Yes Rd1 Tariffs was expensive, however at about 1400MW installed it is not even a drop in the total energy bucket, CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) was around R4.50 per kWh, but they provided storage as well... (an that was again just a small fraction of the 1400MW). Wait until weekend for the full notes

Dear all, I am looking to set up the meeting with Ryno and CoCT next week Tuesday. Just a heads up. Cheers,

Love the thread, and good going. Random question, have you tested the caps and charged them up to the required bus voltage? (Using external supply). Might have missed that step at the start...