Solarbridge power monitor questions

[Don B]

I just purchased a dozen panels with Gen 1 Solarbridge microinverters. It will be a month before I have time to mount the array. I have a TED unit that can monitor overall output, but I would like to see each panel. Is this capability normally reserved to service companies? I am not certified and don't have an electric masters, but have done plenty of wiring and have a decent understanding of PV design and function.

I see a power monitor unit on eBay, but I understand it operates in the cloud. I would like to be setup offline and don't need a service company to monitor the array. Are there any units that will read the PLC outputs from the micros?
Thanks

[sensij]

I think you might want the SolarBridge Power Manager

Ebay here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SOLAR-BRIDGE-POWER-Management-Unit-SPM-103-SBT-800-00174-NEW-FREE-SHIPPING-/191392486672

Manual here:

http://solarbridge.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/SBT755-00005-PMinstall.pdf

Although it is intended to upload to the cloud, it has an embedded web server for LAN access. I doubt you'll find anything else to communicate with those microinverters, there is no standardized PLC for these. You would have to resort to putting individual current and voltage monitors on each panel, way more trouble than it is worth.

[Don B]

Thanks sensij,
Started reading the manual, it looks like I can simply connect direct to a pc occasionally to observe the modules and download data, I'm not interested in the power portal unless it's absolutely required. It talks about service personnel accessing the info that way, I would hope it's not set up so authorized dealers only are allowed access. Are you familiar enough with that model to know if that is the case?
I appreciate the help!

[sensij]

Thanks sensij,
Started reading the manual, it looks like I can simply connect direct to a pc occasionally to observe the modules and download data, I'm not interested in the power portal unless it's absolutely required. It talks about service personnel accessing the info that way, I would hope it's not set up so authorized dealers only are allowed access. Are you familiar enough with that model to know if that is the case?
I appreciate the help!

I'm not familiar with it, but the default user name and password for LAN access are provided in the manual, so I don't think there is anything special the service personnel are doing.

[Don B]

Yes, the manual shows how to look at each module's performance and site performance directly on the power monitor. It connects to LAN for download, but it sounds like I may need software to see the output data on the PC. It would be nice to see the graphing history. I'm near Austin where Solarbridge is located, so I might be able to stop by the company for more info.
I appreciate the links.

[sensij]

Yes, the manual shows how to look at each module's performance and site performance directly on the power monitor. It connects to LAN for download, but it sounds like I may need software to see the output data on the PC. It would be nice to see the graphing history. I'm near Austin where Solarbridge is located, so I might be able to stop by the company for more info.
I appreciate the links.

All you need is a browser. The instructions are on manual page 30 (38 of 62 in pdf pages). It doesn't say what data download capabilities exist, or how much history is available, but for viewing current data, it looks straightforward. I'm sure if you stop by they can give you more information, maybe a walkthrough of the screens so you can be sure it meets your needs before you buy. Good luck!

[Don B]

You are a wealth of information! Thank you very much.