As we all know, the inverter is the core of the photovoltaic power station. The operation data of the power station is generally collected by the inverter, and then transmitted to the background for data processing and storage. At present, the mainstream communication methods of distributed photovoltaic power plants include GPRS (4G), WiFi, RS485, PLC, etc. Let’s learn about the photovoltaic inverter communication solutions together!
1.GPRS/4G communication
Application scenario: suitable for small and medium-sized distributed projects and areas with good mobile signal coverage.
Configuration: Each inverter is equipped with a GPRS/4G module, and the GPRS/4G module has a built-in SIM card, as shown in the figure:
Advantages: Plug and play, no wiring required.
Disadvantages: Growatt GPRS/4G module includes five years of free data by default, and you need to purchase data after five years
2.WiFi communication
Application scenario: suitable for user or small industrial and commercial systems, the corresponding area has wireless network coverage
Configuration: Each inverter is equipped with a WiFi module, and the WiFi module can be configured on the Growatt APP ShinePhone to monitor the inverter, as shown in the figure:
Advantages: No wiring and no traffic charges.
Disadvantages: Similar to our usual mobile phone connection to WiFi, there are certain requirements for the strength of the wireless signal, try to be as close to the router as possible. At the same time, because the WiFi module is connected to the wireless network, after changing the WiFi password of the router, the WiFi module needs to be reconfigured, no special In this case, do not change the WiFi password frequently.
3.RS485 communication
Application scenario: suitable for medium and large industrial and commercial projects, Growatt ShineMaster data collector can monitor up to 32 inverters at the same time.
Configuration method: Growatt inverters generally have 2 RS485 ports, which are connected to the ShineMaster data collector through hand-in-hand wiring. ShineMaster sends monitoring data to the GROWATT cloud server through 4G or LAN, as shown in the figure:
Advantages: stable communication, good anti-noise interference.
Disadvantages: The transmission distance is limited. The maximum transmission distance of RS485 without relay is about 1200 meters. It is necessary to lay 485 communication cables, which increases the cost of materials and labor.
4.PLC communication
Application scenario: suitable for large-scale photovoltaic power station projects and boost grid-connected projects.
Configuration method: Growatt PLC module consists of two parts: PLC slave (node) and PLC host (controller). The PLC slave and the PLC host are connected through PLC signals to collect the working data of the inverter. The ShineMaster data collector is connected to the network and uploaded to the GROWATT cloud server, as shown in the figure:
Advantages: Effective data transmission can be carried out through AC cables, saving communication cables and construction costs.
Disadvantages: The transformer has a blocking effect on the PLC signal, so only one transformer area can carry out PLC communication, which is easily affected by the electricity environment. The communication status is closely related to the quality of the grid at the connection point. PLC is better for projects without load before the transformer.
Summarize
Each of the above communication schemes has its own characteristics. You can choose the appropriate communication method according to the characteristics and specific needs of the project.