New Solar Edge inverters (no screen)

[arf88]

Thanks guys for the feedback.

I have not heard back from the installer about giving me owner access. When i log in I do have an "Admin Tab" that will allow me to change the background in the monitoring app but everything else is the basic info i assume everyone has. Nothing in there that would give me the same info as the LCD.

Yes you have to be right next to it and initiate the inverter to start its wifi mode to connect to the SSID. Not the most convenient way to check when prior it was just a button. Unfortunately it does not work at all on my android phone with older software. I tested on another device and it did work.

[PugPower]

I had a new HD-Wave Solaredge inverter w/o LCD installed about two weeks ago. You can still get all the same information from the LCD using the Solaredge SetApp available on your cell phone. When it asks for a password, choose "View Only" and follow the directions. You have to be next to the inverter to do so. The new cellular monitoring connection samples data every five minutes, updates the production every 15 minutes, and works flawlessly. My installer says there are also a number of internal upgrades to the new inverters which make them more dependable than the old ones with LCD. He mentioned that any LCD models which go down get replaced with the new ones w/o LCD. So far he hasn't had to replace any of the new ones.

[Ampster]

The advantage of the web app is that you can look at it from your couch or when traveling the world. I have used it to tell if my power is out during PG & E power outages.

[ButchDeal]

As far as I understand the only stock left of the older models with LCD is used models, all the new ones have no LCD.

ButchDeal you mentioned you have more info than the LCD using the monitoring app. Can you be more specific what it allows? Thanks

The web app gives everything on the LCD plus statistics, graphs, alerts, dc voltages at many points, amps, watts, AC voltage, amps, watts
you can add revenu grade as well as consumption,
historic on everything. If you can get it on the LCD you have it remote including an LCD simulator...

[arf88]

As far as I understand the only stock left of the older models with LCD is used models, all the new ones have no LCD.

ButchDeal you mentioned you have more info than the LCD using the monitoring app. Can you be more specific what it allows? Thanks

[hardwired]

Connection can be ethernet or cellular
you can add a revenue grade meter for SREC generation and it can be remotely monitored
you can add a consumption meter as well to get both production and consumption.

the monitoring is periodic near realtime with ethernet and every 15 mins with cellular.

Can you still buy the larger 10k and 11.4k version with the LCD panel? Would mount it indoors if it's not generating much heat.

Im not familiar with what info the Solaredge App can can provide over Ethernet. Are there any options one needs to buy for homeowner monitoring?

[arf88]

The monitoring is periodic near realtime with ethernet and every 15 mins with cellular.

You must be talking about the new model without the LCD b/c the one with LCD updated every 4 hours on the portal over Cell. I just got the new one put in and I think you might be right it is more frequent than 4 hours but can't validate every 15mins until i test it.

I sent the solar company an email letting them know about the level of access. Waiting to see what they say.

[ButchDeal]

What are the levels?
I would want full access.

Also, what is the connectivity -ethernet, wifi, cellular?
The utility is mandating some external meter remote monitored with cellular.

With Solaredge can I monitor both generation and consumption? Is it periodic or realtime (load comes on and you see htechange instantly, or vice versa sunilluminates a PV panel and the watts out is immediate on those panels)?

Connection can be ethernet or cellular
you can add a revenue grade meter for SREC generation and it can be remotely monitored
you can add a consumption meter as well to get both production and consumption.

the monitoring is periodic near realtime with ethernet and every 15 mins with cellular.

[hardwired]

There are different levels of the web monitor portal access. With full owner access you actually get more information than the LCD.

What are the levels?
I would want full access.

Also, what is the connectivity -ethernet, wifi, cellular?
The utility is mandating some external meter remote monitored with cellular.

With Solaredge can I monitor both generation and consumption? Is it periodic or realtime (load comes on and you see htechange instantly, or vice versa sunilluminates a PV panel and the watts out is immediate on those panels)?

[arf88]

In that case you are right I have never had that much access through the monitoring app. Frankly I would prefer the LCD but if the app offered the same info I'm better than not having anything at all.

[ButchDeal]

I have the monitor portal access but that does not tell you what the LCD screen would. The setapp replaces the LCD screen and I'm going to keep asking until the credentials are provided.

There are different levels of the web monitor portal access. With full owner access you actually get more information than the LCD.

[arf88]

I have the monitor portal access but that does not tell you what the LCD screen would. The setapp replaces the LCD screen and I'm going to keep asking until the credentials are provided.

[ButchDeal]

My inverter blew, yep i heard two loud pops as it was resetting itself, multiple error codes. My solar company called Solar Edge, got it RMA and now I'm getting a new inverter installed today.

What I'm not thrilled about is the lack of LCD screen and button up front. I would check this everyday to ensure it was in night more and all solar panels registered. Was told by the tech they did this b/c the sun would hit the LCD screen and cause damage over time.

Apparently the newer models update every 15 mins instead of 4 hours over cell which is a plus but I would rather have the screen personally.

For those with the newer inverter is the portal the same or is there more information provided in the app?

It sounds like your installer has not given you full owner access to the monitoring portal.

[bcroe]

Hi All,

I think the no screens idea is crazy, we dropped the new range of SMA inverters when they went to screen less, a common scenario in OZ is that people put their solar on a shed say 10 or 20 meters away from the house, no internet connection, no wifi, and if the people are not into using these new fangled phones how do they know whats going on, very stupid idea this no screen business from my point of view anyway, ok gripe mode off

Same here, I picked up a new in box pair of inverters just like the ones running, in
part so I would not run into any so called upgrades in replacements.

The reasons (excuses) given to justify such things, are just the best sounding thing
they could think of, and have nothing to do with the real reason. Sort of like Politics.
Bruce Roe

[arf88]

I'm dumbfounded solaredge would make this change. So right now I have no way to monitor if all the panels are registering and I have to rely on the monitor app which barely provides enough information with its 4 hour updates. This is just a terrible change.