SMA has unveiled a new solution that simplifies online monitoring of residential and small commercial photovoltaic systems, announced on RenewableEnergyWorld.com. Webconnect enables direct data transmission from the inverter to SMA’s Sunny Portal through the system owner’s existing Internet connection, without the need for additional communications or data-logging devices. This easy, cost-effective solution monitors plant data and performance of systems with up to four inverters.
“SMA Webconnect provides an innovative option for simplified system monitoring, which is a critical component of any PV system,” said Henry Dziuba, president and general manager of SMA America and president of SMA Canada. “With free online connectivity to Sunny Portal, system owners can access PV system data anytime and anywhere via the Internet or Sunny Portal application for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android phones, further adding to its convenience.”
Following the simple installation of the Speedwire/Webconnect data module and connection to the Internet, Webconnect commissioning is plug and play. Once configured, key plant data is accessed and displayed in a clear format by Sunny Portal and automatic product updates ensure that the device firmware is always up to date. Any operation irregularities or interferences are quickly detected, and an email notification is sent through the Sunny Portal.
As a standard feature of the Sunny Boy 240-US, Webconnect provides module-level monitoring via the micro inverter’s exclusive SMA Sunny Multigate technology, which enables greater communication and production reliability by mitigating power line interference as well as the damaging effects of temperature-related stress commonly found under a module.
For the Sunny Boy 3000TL-US/3800TL-US/4000TL-US/5000TL-US, the Speedwire/Webconnect data module is an optional accessory that can be quickly inserted into the inverter during installation. These transformerless inverters include innovative Secure Power Supply functionality, a groundbreaking feature that allows them to provide up to 1,500 W of daytime standby power in the event of a grid outage for charging laptops, cell phones and more, without the need of additional, costly batteries.
Meanwhile, each Sunny Tripower 12000TL-US/15000TL-US/20000TL-US/24000TL-US inverter comes with a factory-installed Speedwire/Webconnect data module. The Sunny Tripower offers unmatched design flexibility, high efficiency and enhanced safety, making it the ideal solution for decentralized commercial photovoltaic plants.