Easy and inexpensive means for connecting a SolarEdge inverter to the Internet?

[Mattmitz]

you can try.

the cellular kits are pre paid.
Do you know if you have the older CS model or the new GSM model cellular kit?
The GSMs come in different data packs

I have the new GSM Kit. Kind of frustrating to go outside and see an error code on the inverter and have no idea how long it has been that way. Also have a LG RESU battery on the system and could not see the drain on the battery last night. In fact after the data uploaded last night, it appears that the battery did not drain at all. I cross checked with my utility data, and confirmed that I was on the utility supply at/after sundown. It would be nice to have the real time data to notice these things earlier.

[ButchDeal]

Do you know if, I can request this for my system or would the installer have to request this? Also, in the same context do they discuss additional charges for the increased usage or are there plans/pricing for the additional data usage?

you can try.

the cellular kits are pre paid.
Do you know if you have the older CS model or the new GSM model cellular kit?
The GSMs come in different data packs

[Mattmitz]

Do you know if, I can request this for my system or would the installer have to request this? Also, in the same context do they discuss additional charges for the increased usage or are there plans/pricing for the additional data usage?

[ButchDeal]

Can anyone clarify if Solar Edge is willing to upgrade a residential system to high bandwidth on the cellular plans, or is it still just available to commercial systems?

I have gotten them to do it on several systems. The data plan will run out more quickly though.

[Mattmitz]

Can anyone clarify if Solar Edge is willing to upgrade a residential system to high bandwidth on the cellular plans, or is it still just available to commercial systems?

[jpoet]

The ZigBee works, but seems to disconnect randomly every few days. The only way to get it to reconnect is to mess with the settings on the inverter. It's a pretty well documented problem here on the forum if you do a search.

My installer "threw in" the ZigBee, so that is what I went with.. I was concerned about these drops, but I am pleased to report that I have had no problems with ZigBee and my HD Wave. I was prepared to get a network extender of some sort, but am glad I don't have to worry about it.

[thejumpingsheep]

+1 for simply running a cat5/6 cable. But before that, I would try the wifi as it is. You dont need a very strong signal to the inverter because they pass very little data. Its not like you are transferring large files back and forth. Even a 90% average packet drop is enough for monitoring purposes. Most data is aggregated into 5 minute periods anyway minus the immediate power reading which has limited utility unless you are testing something. At least that is the case for SMA monitoring which I am pleased with. I am fairly sure Solaredge is similar.

[sevendayconstant]

Just another data point... I've tried the ZigBee, WiFi bridge/adapter and Ethernet Powerline Adapter to connect my SolarEdge inverter to the internet.

The ZigBee works, but seems to disconnect randomly every few days. The only way to get it to reconnect is to mess with the settings on the inverter. It's a pretty well documented problem here on the forum if you do a search.

The WiFi bridge/adapter is a slick idea, but the one I had would seem to reset every few days and I'd have to connect it to my PC to reconfigure it into client mode. Note: this seemed to be a problem with the adapter, not the inverter.

I finally settled on the Ethernet Powerline Adapter. I simply plugged them in and they worked. Hard to argue with that.

[JSchnee21]

If you have coaxial cable in your home, the Actiontec MOCA adapters work really well. While Ethernet is best, I use MOCA for the vast majority of my connected devices (Roku's, TV's, second wireless access point for better coverage, etc.). Even the GEN1 MOCA (which seems to be more reliable than GEN2) gets well over 80mbit sustained. More than enough for 4K streaming.

https://www.actiontec.com/home-networking/

At each MOCA adapter, I add a small 8-port Netgear Ethernet switch so I can connect all of my wired devices and electronics. The one in my bedroom as the second wireless access point (aka one per floor -- or one for each end of the house).

MOCA is much more reliable and performant than Wifi or Powerline adapters.

-Jonathan

[ButchDeal]

If possible, I'm going to try and avoid using a range extender at all. I'm planning on running the Ethernet cable from the inverter into the garage and then run that cable along the ceiling to the side of the garage nearest to the room with the modem-router. That's where I'll mount an inexpensive WiFi adapter in client mode and connect it to the cable. I'm hoping that the signal from my existing modem-router will be strong enough to reach the WiFi adapter with no help. I just tried using a laptop near where the cable would enter the garage and I was able to web browse on my house internet connection just fine, albeit a little slower than if I was in the house. It wouldn't be a tragedy to have to put an extender in the kitchen or some other point between the garage and the router room, but if I can save the money, great.

Nick in Palm Springs

well range extenders are a pain in the but any way. If the signal is too week then get a better router in the first place. One with 802.11 AC in particular multiple antennas with beam forming capabilities. These systems tend to have much greater ranger as well as better bandwidth.

[NPS]

Which range extender are you looking at? I also have weak WiFi in my garage. I have been considering the TP-LINK RE305 or splurging on the RE450 in the hopes that one of those would have the necessary range in my garage. Both of those have an ethernet port so they can hook up to my SE5000H-US.

If possible, I'm going to try and avoid using a range extender at all. I'm planning on running the Ethernet cable from the inverter into the garage and then run that cable along the ceiling to the side of the garage nearest to the room with the modem-router. That's where I'll mount an inexpensive WiFi adapter in client mode and connect it to the cable. I'm hoping that the signal from my existing modem-router will be strong enough to reach the WiFi adapter with no help. I just tried using a laptop near where the cable would enter the garage and I was able to web browse on my house internet connection just fine, albeit a little slower than if I was in the house. It wouldn't be a tragedy to have to put an extender in the kitchen or some other point between the garage and the router room, but if I can save the money, great.

Nick in Palm Springs

[jpoet]

Great! I was concerned that the SolarEdge Ethernet port would be sending data in some sort of proprietary manner so that using something simple and cheap like a TP-Link N150 wireless router\adapter in either client mode or maybe repeater mode wouldn't work. I'll just set up an Ethernet cable from the inverter (which will sit on an outside wall) into the interior of the garage. I've got power there and the adapter will be shielded from the elements. My WiFi signal is pretty weak in the garage, making this a good time to buy the range extender I've thought about for a long time.

Which range extender are you looking at?

I also have weak WiFi in my garage. I have been considering the TP-LINK RE305 or splurging on the RE450 in the hopes that one of those would have the necessary range in my garage. Both of those have an ethernet port so they can hook up to my SE5000H-US.

[NPS]

Great! I was concerned that the SolarEdge Ethernet port would be sending data in some sort of proprietary manner so that using something simple and cheap like a TP-Link N150 wireless router\adapter in either client mode or maybe repeater mode wouldn't work. I'll just set up an Ethernet cable from the inverter (which will sit on an outside wall) into the interior of the garage. I've got power there and the adapter will be shielded from the elements. My WiFi signal is pretty weak in the garage, making this a good time to buy the range extender I've thought about for a long time.


Cheers,


Nick in Palm Springs

[sensij]

Forgot to mention... The TP-link pocket routers actually fit inside the DC disconnect of the A series inverters (not sure about HD-Wave). If you've got a smidgen of electrical skill, you can tap the AC power connected to the inverter using a lead with a in-line fuse for the hot leg, and save the trouble of running the Ethernet cable to an outlet and figuring out how to protect it.

[SunEagle]

I bought one of these: (but haven't installed it yet -- currently using an old Wifi Router as a "client bridge")

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TQEX8BO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

One of these would also work:

https://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-Universal-Ethernet-Adapter-GWU627/dp/B004UAKCS6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499612030&sr=8-1&keywords=netgear%2Bwifi%2Bto%2Bethernet%2Badapter&th=1

Note that you might also need an AC to 5V USB power adapter like this one (it may or may not be included with the wifi adapter)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YMZ4LD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You'll need to find a dry spot to put these close to an AC outlet. Though if you're in/near your garage this may be a non-issue. Both of these devices will connect to your existing WiFi network and bridge the connection to Ethernet. You'll then run an Ethernet line from the device to your inverter.

Sorry your post was stopped by our software until I approved it.