{"id":116450,"date":"2013-10-01T12:10:52","date_gmt":"2013-10-01T10:10:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/?p=116450"},"modified":"2021-01-04T09:05:13","modified_gmt":"2021-01-04T08:05:13","slug":"tech-talk-webconnect-vs-webbox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/tech-talk-webconnect-vs-webbox\/","title":{"rendered":"Tech Talk: Webconnect vs. WebBox"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Webconnect<\/a>

Webconnect comes installed inside inverter or separate as an upgrade.<\/p><\/div>\n

SMA has introduced a new method of monitoring PV systems and transmitting data to its free online monitoring tool, Sunny Porta<\/a>l. Webconnect<\/a> provides easy access to Sunny Portal via existing Internet access and DSL router, without the need for an additional data logger. It is now available as a factory-integrated or retrofit feature for many of SMA\u2019s Sunny Boy inverter models.<\/p>\n

\"Webconnect<\/a>

Webconnect allows live monitoring of a PV system without the need for any additional equipment.<\/p><\/div>\n

How does this compare to SMA\u2019s established Sunny WebBox system? Let\u2019s first take a deeper look at the new Webconnect.<\/p>\n

Webconnect: How does it work?<\/h5>\n

Webconnect provides direct data transmission from the inverter to Sunny Portal via an Ethernet cable. Data is streamed \u201clive\u201d similar to the way that live video is transmitted.<\/p>\n

\"PIC<\/a>

PIC and RID numbers cannot be seen on the Webconnect once installed inside inverter. Stickers are provided for your reference.<\/p><\/div>\n

With SMA\u2019s next generation of string inverters the system data is stored inside the inverters. For the Sunny Boy 240-US micro inverter, information is kept within the Sunny Multigate, a groundbreaking technology that maximizes system reliability and enables greater energy production.<\/p>\n

When these inverters are equipped with Webconnect, this data is gathered and sent directly to Sunny Portal. Data retrieval can also be done locally using Sunny Explorer<\/a>, a Windows-based software for PC.\u00a0 Connection to Sunny Portal is not required for data retrieval, but Webconnect must be installed with the correct time and date stamping. This local connection between Sunny Explorer and the Webconnect is referred to as \u201cSpeedwire,\u201d an SMA-specific protocol based on Ethernet.<\/p>\n

\"Ethernet<\/a>

Ethernet cable is connected directly to Webconnect within the inverter and can be accessed via Sunny Explorer or Sunny Portal.<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/h5>\n
Sunny Portal Registration with Webconnect<\/h5>\n

The \u201cPlant Setup Assistant\u201d contacts Webconnect over the Internet and, if a connection is established, you will be asked to enter its PIC and RID numbers. The PIC and RID numbers are located on the Webconnect label and on a separate sticker. Once the Webconnect module is installed inside the inverter, it is difficult to read the PIC and RID numbers. Have these available when starting the registration process. The separate sticker should be adhered to the inverter for quick reference after registration.<\/p>\n

Once the PIC and RID numbers are identified by the \u201cPlant Setup Assistant,\u201d the rest is basic data entry. You must set a PV plant password; it can\u2019t be the default passwords of 1111 or 0000.\u00a0 If this is the first time you\u2019ve registered with your email on Sunny Portal, you will be emailed your password for signing in to Sunny Portal.<\/p>\n

\"Sunny<\/a>

Sunny WebBox is now available with Bluetooth technology.<\/p><\/div>\n

Sunny Portal Registration with Sunny WebBox<\/h5>\n

Thanks to the new \u201cSunny WebBox Assistant,\u201d<\/a> setting up a Sunny WebBox could not be simpler. The data logger setup is completed in six easy steps:<\/p>\n

1. Authorization
\n2. Selection of the installation type (new plant, existing plant, device replacement)
\n3. System settings (name, plant time, automatic updates)
\n4. Network settings (fixed IP, DHCP, Proxy)
\n5. Data settings (Sunny Portal registration, FTP)
\n6. Summary (profile saving, print out, connection test)<\/p>\n

\"Monitoring<\/a>

Monitoring using Sunny WebBox allows for larger PV plants, wireless connection and custom pages on Sunny Portal.<\/p><\/div>\n

The registration process for Sunny WebBox has not changed and is conducted through the local interface on site. The \u201cPlant Setup Assistant\u201d is not for registering Sunny WebBox. Customers often ask where the PIC and RID numbers are located in order to register their Sunny WebBox, but they do not exist for these devices. Click here to download the complete guide to setting up a Sunny WebBox.<\/a><\/p>\n

Features and Limitations: Webconnect vs. Sunny WebBox<\/h5>\n

Knowing that the Webconnect is a more economical option, you may wonder why you would ever need a Sunny WebBox. The answer is simple: The Sunny WebBox has additional features that might be required or desired. Below is a comparison of features of both options.<\/p>\n

Webconnect:<\/h5>\n