Hardware


Large plant


String Monitor Box

Measures currents, monitor fuses, surge protector, voltage and temperature, and sends data to solar controler. Both positive and negative legs are measured. If currents are not the same, a current-leak warning is reported. Update rate is cca. 2 seconds.

String Diode Box

Provides a serial diode per string. Diodes protect strings against reverse current, which may occur when panels are shaded.

DC Combiner Box

Passive combiner for power lines coming from string monitors, and going to inverter. Each input has both positive and negative fuse, and disconnector switch. Switch has a monitoring contact, so it's status is visible in monitoring system.

Photovoltaic Inverter

Converts DC current into AC current, and feed energy to the grid. Maximum power point (MPP) algorithm take care that panels are always optimally loaded.

Power Supply Unit

Provides 24Vdc power supply, CAN-to-CAN opto-isolation, and overvoltage protection. It may be omitted for a system with five or less string monitors.

Solar Controller Unit

Combines status and measurements from string monitors and inverter (and other devices), calculates power, energy and averages, store short-term log data and provides web access. Touch-screen is used for checking status and setting parameters.


Small plant


CyBro-2

Controller reads measurements from inverters, and calculate summary, alarms and other data. Inverter protocol is implemented as PLC program. Currently supported are inverters from SMA, Power-One, Refusol and Kaco.

CAD-232-A2

Simple RS232/485 converter (level-shifter). Used when multiple inverters are connected to a single controller.

Accessories


COM-PCS

Communication controller for connecting SanRex inverter to solar controller. It provides access to measurements (read only), status (read/reset) and parameters (read/write).

COM-WXT

Communication controller for connecting Vaisalla weather station to solar controller. It provides access to all available measurements and parameters.

Reference cell

Insolation reference measurement cell. Standard models are 0..1000W/m2 or 0..1400W/m2. Used to calculate PV efficiency.

ES-A

Outdoor temperature sensor with 5m cable. Measures outdoor temperature and panel temperature. Connects to string monitor.

TS

Temperature and humidity measurement module for indoor use. Combined with ES-A sensor provides measuring temperature of any desirable point, indoor or outdoor. Connects to CAN bus.

GSM-1

GSM/GPRS modem, optional module for Solar controller. Main function is sending SMS alarm messages, but may also provide internet connection for plants located out of cable reach.

IP camera

Captures and streams live digital video footage over an IP network. The footage can be viewed remotely from a Web browser, and is archived in digital format.