Change in SMA Device Communication: WLAN and Ethernet to Replace Bluetooth

In the future, SMA will equip all devices with WLAN and Ethernet communication–so called IP communication–by replacing the previous Bluetooth communication. Thus PV systems are extremely easy to integrate into existing home networks with an internet connection. Below we have provided information for you, including how you benefit.

 

1. What are the benefits of WLAN and Ethernet communication?

  • Easy PV system monitoring thanks to integrated Webconnect function
    The integrated Speedwire/Webconnect interface in all SMA inverters up to 12 kW is able to establish a link with Sunny Portal and Sunny Places via the PV system operator’s router. The PV system can thus go online without any additional costs for a data logger.
  • Use of standard components
    Optimization of PV system communication will make it possible to use standard components from electronics retail outlets (e.g., WLAN repeaters, WLAN/DLAN access points, WLAN wireless sockets, etc.). Not only will this help PV system operators save on system costs, but they can also extend their home network with components, such as a repeater.
  • Flexible use thanks to Modbus as a third-party interface
    With the factory-installed open Modbus TCP interface, data loggers from other providers can also be flexibly integrated. This allows operators to save even more money because an additional communication interface (e.g., RS485) is no longer necessary to connect to SMA systems.

 

2. What has to be considered when planning a PV system?

csm_schaubild_01_deca43dd8c_en

System setup without data logger for PV systems with SMA inverters up to 12 kW

  • The Sunny Boy 1.5/2.5 and 3.0/5.0 inverters are connected to the router using the integrated Webconnect interface via WLAN or Ethernet cable, which means that they are integrated into PV system monitoring.
  • In the future, the Sunny Boy 3.0/5.0TL-21 and Sunny Tripower XY-20 models will have an Ethernet interface only and must therefore be connected to the router with wires.
csm_schaubild_02_v2_341ca71755_en

System setup with the Sunny Home Manager 2.0 for PV systems with intelligent energy management

The Sunny Home Manager 2.0 is connected to the router via the Ethernet cable. Compatible loads and WLAN SMA radio-controlled sockets can be integrated into the system using the router. Further information on Sunny Home Manager 2.0 can be found here.

 

3. How can I identify SMA inverters with Ethernet communication?

The Sunny Boy TL-21 and Sunny Tripower TL-20 inverters will no longer have Bluetooth communication capability. However, they will still be fitted with Ethernet communication.

These devices are easily identifiable by the “ETHERNET ONLY” written on both the inverter and box, and by the yellow label on the inverters, which ensures rapid identification and smooth processes.

csm_typenschilder_1bf868eff9

 

 

Tags:

This article was published in 2017. As we are constantly developing our solutions, there may be newer or additional options for the tips and techniques in this article.

27 Comments
  1. N.T Oldham
    N.T Oldham says:

    hi I have an older SB 3600 TL/21. My phone will connect to it with Bluetooth but I dont know how to view any info . Is it still possible to use this connection to monitor the inverter ? Is there an app I need to download?

    Reply
    • SMA Solar
      SMA Solar says:

      Hello N.T Oldham,

      unfortunately, this is not possible. You have the option of using the Sunny Explorer software on the PC with BT interface or an SMA data logger with Bluetooth. Alternatively, if not already installed, you can retrofit a Speedwire interface and register the inverter via Webconnect in Sunny Portal. Then you can use the SMA Energy App on your smartphone.

      Sunny regards!

      Reply
  2. Warren Preiss
    Warren Preiss says:

    My Sunny Island Si4.4-M12 will not connect via ethernet. Wifi works, however I now wish to deactivate wifi and use the Ethernet connection. The network connection states “invalid IP address” and the browser times out every time I enter 169.254.12.3, as per these instructions https://manuals.sma.de/SI-12/en-US/1685190283.html. Chrome, firefox, iexplore etc, all the same outcome, even when using different windows 7 computers. Any ideas?

    Reply
  3. Eng. sahadat
    Eng. sahadat says:

    I Have STp10000TL, first 6 month i was connected with sunny portal. but now i can not connected with sunny portal, Ethernet port does not work, several time try to connectivity with laptop by sunny explorer , but no signal from Inverter even several time try sma India serviceteam time. but Bluetooth working. have you any option connectivity with sunny portal by Bluetooth or others. please advice me. another STP 25000TL. first few days was connection with sunny portal, but now does not work web connected with sunny portal. i do not understand that, problem is sma manufacturing problem in the communication side? please advice me.

    Reply
  4. Fred Bassett
    Fred Bassett says:

    In 2012 we installed a PV array with an SMA SB 6000US serial # 2002112664. I am now adding 2 SMA Sunny Island inverters configured for split phase 240VAC with battery backup. The Sunny Island inverters were manufactured in August and September of 2017. The serial # of the master is 1260039525 and the serial # of the slave is 1260041274.
    Fot the SI master to be Ethernet connected to my home network, it appears as though I should be using the SMA Speedwire interface on the master Sunny Island.
    What interface should be in the older Sunny Boy so it can communicate with the newer Sunny Island?

    Reply
    • Barbara Sarter
      Barbara Sarter says:

      Fred, I have a Sunny Island 6048 totally off-grid.Did you ever get an answer to your question about what hardware you need to be connected to the Sunny Portal? I am having a hard time finding that information!

      Reply
      • Christiane Keim
        Christiane Keim says:

        Hello Barbara,

        The Sunny Island system needs a communicative connection to the PV inverter for pure function in the system.
        As well as the Sunny Boy, the Sunny Island cannot communicate directly with Sunny Portal. In both case, an interface (Speedwire or RS485) and a data logger (old discontinued SMA Cluster Controller or the new SMA Data Manager) are needed to get a connection with the Sunny Portal.

        Due to the release date of your devices, it is difficult, especially with the SB6000US (since it communicates only with 485) to connect it to a current data logger to establish a communication direction Sunny Portal.

        Please contact our SMA Service Team in case you need further help.

        Sunny regards
        Christiane

  5. Toan
    Toan says:

    My inverter is sunny tripower STP 10000TL-20. When i identify the PIC and RID of the inverter, the error occurs “the divice have no internet connection. Check your device and try again”. Can u help me?

    Reply
    • Carolyn Schlosser
      Carolyn Schlosser says:

      Hello Toan,

      Unfortunately we are not able to do a remote diagnosis. Please contact your installer, he knows your system the best. If he is not able to help you feel free to sign in on our Online Service Center.

      Sunny regards,
      Carolyn

      Reply
  6. Dick
    Dick says:

    My Sunny Boy 2500 communicates with a Sunny Beam monitor via an SMA BLUETOOTH PIGGY-BACK card. Will future SMA inverters allow this card to be installed or would the Sunny Beam be redundant assuming the inverter needs to be replaced at some time?

    Reply
    • Anke Baars
      Anke Baars says:

      Hi Dick,
      You´re right, Sunny Beam is redundant for new SMA inverters. Instead you can use the integrated WebUI or Webconnect interface to have access to Sunny Portal.
      Kind regards,
      Anke

      Reply
  7. Martin
    Martin says:

    Hi, I’m having troubles with wifi on a Sunny Boy 3.0. I was looking for the ethernet socket but can’t find it. Can you help me?

    Reply
    • Anke Baars
      Anke Baars says:

      Hi Martin,
      in this blog post you can find a picture showing the Ethernet connection, have a look at “Step 1 b. And in our Tech Tip you´ll see how to connect the Ethernet cable to your SB 3.0 (as of 04:00). I hope that helps.
      Kind regards, Anke

      Reply
  8. Jay Patel
    Jay Patel says:

    Hi,
    Is SMA Sunnyboy Tripower is coming with Wifi Monitioring. I mean can we connect Inverter without ethernet cable with Mobile devices or Laptop?

    Reply
  9. Ludo Hermans
    Ludo Hermans says:

    Hi,
    Is there a http command to read the actual power or max power.
    For example, so I can switch devices
    Kind regards
    Ludo

    Reply
  10. Ali Al-Heji
    Ali Al-Heji says:

    Are all of these changes effective immediately with purchase orders directly placed through SMA offices? I plan to buy inverters soon. The sunny design web still recommends older products and connection configurations.

    Reply
    • Annika Linke
      Annika Linke says:

      Hi Peter,
      I am afraid there is no way of converting older inverter that use Bluetooth to WiFi.
      Kind regards, Annika

      Reply
      • L H
        L H says:

        Hi,

        Can you install a web connect to an older inverter that is Bluetooth? I see a port for it, can it plug and play to allow for a Ethernet connection?

  11. Ali Al-Heji
    Ali Al-Heji says:

    All these changes effective immediately with purchase orders directly placed through SMA offices? I plan to buy inverts soon. The sunny design web still recommends older products and connection configurations.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>