Kostal

*) Connection via RS485 interface

The firmware versions specified above are required for connecting the inverter to the SOLARWATT Manager. If an update is necessary, update the device firmware before commissioning. The updates and information on the procedure can be obtained from the manufacturer.

Non-compatible inverters can be recorded using separate power meters or energy meters: Non-compatible inverters

• Carry out the initial commissioning according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Integrate the inverter into the local network.
• Connect your laptop to the local network (via LAN cable or WiFi).
• Enter the IP address of the inverter in the address line of a browser. The IP address is shown alternately on the inverter display or can be queried in the inverter menu.
• Select your preferred language under Choose Language and the Installer role under Kostal Login.
• Enter your password. To log in as an installer, you will need the master key from the inverter nameplate and your service code, which you can request from the manufacturer's service department.
• Click Login.

• Under the Settings menu item, make all the basic settings (e.g. inverter name, network settings, specifications for remuneration, log data query).

Kostal inverters are not found and installed in the Manager SmartSetup using autodiscovery. The device search must be carried out by entering the IP address of the inverter. If the IP address changes during operation, the connection between the inverter and Manager will be lost.

We therefore recommend assigning the inverter a static IP address via its network settings.

• Log out as an installer and then log in as a system operator.

The first time you log in as a system operator, you must assign a password. This is possible via Forgot password. Enter the master key and a new password in the following menu. You will find the master key on the nameplate of the inverter.

• Select the Modbus / Sunspec (TCP) submenu from the drop-down list in the Settings menu
• Activate the Enable Modbus checkbox.
• Click Save.
• Continue with the device search in SmartSetup.

Ensure that the inverter is operated with suitable firmware in accordance with the table above.

The inverter only communicates when it is in operation and sufficient DC-side voltage is present. Only install the inverter when there is sufficient sunshine.

Connecting the inverter

• Secure the work area against accidental contact with live parts.
• Install the inverter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Disconnect the inverter from the power supply.
• Disconnect the Manager from the power supply.
• Open the inverter. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Connect the inverter to the Manager as shown in the diagram

Commissioning the inverter

• Close the inverter housing properly.
• If necessary, connect other devices to the Manager.
• Secure the work area against accidental contact with live parts.
• Commission the inverter(s).
• Supply the Manager with voltage.
• Wait for the boot process to complete.
• Continue with the device search in SmartSetup.

Connecting several inverters

You can connect one or more inverters to the RS485-1 or RS485-2 interface.

Connect several inverters by connecting them to the free RJ45 socket of the previous inverter using a normal network cable (RJ45 plug on both sides). Only use the two RJ45 sockets on the right. Make sure to terminate the last inverter in the series. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for this.

If you connect several inverters to one RS-485 interface, make sure that the inverters are assigned different bus addresses! This configuration takes place via the manufacturer's device software. Consult your specialist partner and the manufacturer's instructions.

Only assign bus addresses in the range from 1 to 20. The gateway only searches this address range.

Error situations and troubleshooting

No energy values are calculated for generation and total consumption:

• Check whether the firmware version installed on the device is ≤ 2.18.345 or ≥ 3.5.61.

There is no data communication:

• Check whether you have only used the right two of the total of three RJ45 sockets and not the LAN socket on the far left.

• Starting the SmartSetup

Certain inverter models are found and installed automatically (Automatic installation).

Other inverter models are installed by selecting the device driver and specifying the IP address or host name (manual installation).

Information on the installation types of the series can be found in the table at the end of this page.

Automatic installation

If the device is correctly configured and available in the network, it is automatically displayed in green in the device list.

• If necessary, connect additional devices
• Continue with SmartSetup PV plants

Manual installation

• In the Select devices drop-down menu, select or search for the appropriate driver (according to the table at the bottom of the page) for the device.

• Select the search mode (according to the table at the bottom of the page) for the device.
• If required, enter the IP address or host name of the device and confirm with Add device to search.

• If necessary, add further devices to the search.
• When the search list is complete, click Search and install devices.

Correctly installed devices appear in the device list with the message: Device is installed. The list also shows the current generation data.

• If necessary, connect additional devices
• Continue with SmartSetup PV plants