Connecting PV System To BMS System??

[stevie gill]

Hi All,

Just after a bit of advice really. We're looking at installing an 18-panel/3 SMA SB1700 inverter system and the consultants have asked for the system to be capable of being connected to the BMS (building management system) using a MODBUS connection.

I've not come across anything regarding this in the past. Anyone know of anything suitable?


Regards,

Steve

 

[TedM]

You will need the SMA Sunny WebBox or Sunny Central COM to handle the interface - see http://files.sma.de/dl/2585/MODBUS-TEN114814.pdf SUNNY WEBBOX and http://files.sma.de/dl/18417/SC-COM-TI-en-12.pdf - generally only used in solar farms with multiple inverters.

I haven't played with these myself but a quick scan of the manuals suggest that they are not exactly a plug and play solution. You will need to use an SMA inverter that is supported by those.

There are non-SMA alternatives that are probably a lot cheaper, where the inverter can be upgraded to interface to MODBUS directly (and are G83 certified of course).

 

[sedgy34]

18panels x3 =13.5kw??? Or is it 6x 3 1.5kw

 

[Earthstore]

Why on earth would anyone use 3xSB1700 inverters?

 

[sedgy34]

Why on earth would anyone use 3xSB1700 inverters?

Dont know if that's response to my question but he could have 3 small newbuilds to meet sap criteria
we have done a few

 

[Earthstore]

Maybe the OP could clarify a little more? Maybe it is an 18 panel array split over 3 phases/separate MPAN'S.
There is plenty of help here but you need to put a little more info.

 

[stevie gill]

18panels x3 =13.5kw??? Or is it 6x 3 1.5kw

It's an 18 x 290w module system split into 3 separate strings* of 6 modules, each with it's own inverter.

*Arrays

sorry too early for me; mind's not quite functioning properly yet!

 

[stevie gill]

Why on earth would anyone use 3xSB1700 inverters?

Not our design at all. An electrical and mechanical consultant has obviously been playing with SunnyDesign software. Definitely not what we'd have gone for, but have to stick with it at least for pricing purposes at the mo.