Direct Data Exchange without Additional Devices

Worth waiting for: Webconnect makes additional data loggers a thing of the past. From now on, operators of residential PV systems with up to four inverters can monitor them directly online and access data directly via Sunny Portal if necessary. In short, direct data exchange is finally possible without additional devices.

This document answers the five main questions on Webconnect.

 

1. How do I install and commission it?

It’s actually really easy. Instead of an additional data logger, the Webconnect function is now all you need to send data directly. It is either already integrated in the inverter or can be retrofitted as an optional interface. All system owners require for this type of monitoring is an Internet connection and the data module or the function already integrated in the inverter.

Falko Schmidt, Product Manager at SMA also emphasizes, “After wiring the inverter, the rest is plug & play. Virtually all you have to do to commission it is to plug it into your DSL router. After a quick registration process in Sunny Portal, the key system data can be accessed at any time or presented clearly.”  The screens developed especially for home users are particularly impressive (see figure at left), as they give a simple overview of how well the system worked during the day without additional expertise or configuration work.

 

2. What about future updates?

Updates released in future are implemented automatically depending on the setting or activation to ensure that the device’s firmware is updated in good time.

 

3. Can I access data on my mobile device?

Of course. Basic access to the Sunny Portal provides system operators online access*1 to their PV systems anywhere and any time. It allows them to access key information such as yield and power or the system logbook, via PCs or mobile devices. The best thing is that the Sunny Portal app is not only available for Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, but now also for all Android smartphones for the first time.

 

4. What inverters are supported?

First of all, Webconnect is available for and can be used with a wide range of inverters. The only distinction is that some devices have the function integrated as standard and some inverters can be fitted with the optional data module. The following list provides a better overview. Inverters,  …

 

  • … equipped with the Webconnect functions as standard:

             – Sunny Tripower TL-20 (5-9 kW)

             – Sunny Boy 240 *2 (micro inverter)/Sunny Multigate

 

  • … for which Webconnect is available as an option:

– Sunny Tripower Economic Exellence 15000TL/20000TL

            – Sunny Tripower High Efficiency 15000TL/20000TL

            – Sunny Tripower 10000TL/12000TL/15000TL/17000TL

            – Sunny Boy 3000TL/3600TL/4000TL/5000TL-21

            – Sunny Boy TL Single Tracker 2500TL/3000TL

 

Optional Webconnect data module

Inverters equipped with Webconnect functions as standard

 

 

5. Does Webconnect replace the Sunny WebBox?

No, it does not. And that is not what it was designed for, as Webconnect is tailored for customers who primarily want to read their yields in Sunny Portal and receive notifications if errors occur. If you want answers to other questions, such as: Can Webconnect also display live data? Are there daily inverter comparisons? How often are event reports displayed? – please see our function matrix. It answers frequently asked questions – including comparisons with the Sunny WebBox and the Sunny Home Manager. If anything is still unclear, you can use the comment function to ask us at any time.

 

More links:

 

*1 A DSL broadband connection is required to use the Webconnect functions. Under these conditions, the continuous data exchange with Sunny Portal provides the ability to visualize the high-resolution data via the Sunny Portal-Live interface. A packet-based wireless data transmission (eg UMTS, HSPA, EDGE or GPRS) is only recommended with a corresponding flat rate including VoIP (Voice over IP) support by the mobile service provider. The use of a GSM router should be completely avoided when using the Webconnect functions due to the time-based billing.

*2 Market launch in 2013.

Tags: , , , ,

This article was published in 2012. As we are constantly developing our solutions, there may be newer or additional options for the tips and techniques in this article.

61 Comments
  1. Paul Antcliff
    Paul Antcliff says:

    Hello
    I want to put three inverters on monitoring they are FLX PRO inverters. which parts/equipment do i require to buy to get them on line/Monitoring. I have been told that I need web connect cards as that true and if so where could i purchase them from.
    Many Thanks Paul

    Reply
    • Christiane Keim
      Christiane Keim says:

      Hello Paul,

      Please get back to your local installer as SMA is not selling directly to the end customer.
      In case your installer needs further assistance, he may contact our SMA Service.

      Sunny regards
      Christiane

      Reply
  2. Gordon S
    Gordon S says:

    I have the SMA 5000 (US version). I often cannot get the 5 minute data to display on the web interface or via the data export feature. The daily values are okay. What can I do to get more reliable 5 minutes data values? This used to work very reliably. Now it’s sporadic but mostly doesn’t work.
    Thanks

    Reply
  3. Ali Mukhtar
    Ali Mukhtar says:

    Hi, I am using the cluster controller recently the data did not display on the cluster controller and sunny portal that I entered into the cluster controller the problem solved but the data is not displaying on the sunny portal the error is Communication fault: Contact to the device is overdue (last receipt of data: 2/16/2021 12:40:00 PM) and Reminder: Fault in the communication with the device persists (last receipt of data: 2/16/2021 12:40:00 PM) Could please let me know what is the problem and how can I resolve the problem

    Reply
  4. Roger
    Roger says:

    I have a SB 4000TL-20 inverter installed. What are my communication options please. (Eg Webconnect. Bluetooth, wifi, rs485 module)

    Reply
    • Anke Baars
      Anke Baars says:

      Hi Roger,
      Your communication options for the SB 4000TL-20 are Bluetooth and RS485. Please find more information in the download area of our website (click “Archive”). Unfortunately you can´t use Webconnect as it is only available starting with the SB TL-21.
      Kind regards,
      Anke

      Reply
  5. Andres Spagarino
    Andres Spagarino says:

    Hi there… I changed my Internet service provider and my Sunny WebBox stop communicating. I am getting an error log: “Reminder: Fault in the communication with the device persists (last receipt of data: 11/1/2017 6:02:00 AM)”.

    The IP address for the webbox is not communicating any more. Can you please let me know if I need to change any of the parameters to access the WebBox?

    Thanks,

    Andres

    Reply
    • Rhea Terlinden
      Rhea Terlinden says:

      Hi Andres,

      Please check the network settings of your Sunny Webbox again. If the router has changed, it is quite possible that your IP address range has changed as well.

      Kind regards, Rhea

      Reply
  6. Gordon
    Gordon says:

    I recently installed a Sunnyboy SB7.7-US and registered on Sunny Portal via Webconnect. It seems to be monitoring correctly for the past 3 days on both my computer and iPhone. The PV System Monitoring page indicates “Smart Connected Activated” and “Data Reception for PV System As Expected”, but on the System Logbook page I receive continual error messages, “Webconnect error: Registration rejected by SIP registrar”. Can you explain why I am receiving an these error messages and how to correct the problem? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Rhea Terlinden
      Rhea Terlinden says:

      Hello Gordon,
      the communication between the Inverter and the Sunny Portal is similar to one continuous VOIP (Internet phone) call using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) .These packets usually take a low priority on the network so it is not uncommon to see these errors. They do not affect overall upload of data to the Portal so please disregard them. If your inverter stops reporting data to the Sunny Portal – please contact the Service Line at 1-877-697-6283.
      Best regards
      Rhea

      Reply
      • Gordon
        Gordon says:

        Is the Energy Balance feature available for my Sunny Boy 7.7-US inverter? It does not appear on my Sunny Portal System Overview page. The Webconnect user manual states that a Smart Energy inverter is required but I know that owners without battery systems are able to generate energy balance reports. Is there a way this feature can be activated on my inverter? Thanks.

  7. Udana
    Udana says:

    Is it possible to download PV system power data at a resolution of one minute through sunny portal pro package?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Annika Linke
      Annika Linke says:

      Hi Udana,
      it is only possible to download PV system power data at a resolution of maximum five minutes through sunny portal pro package.
      Regrads, Annika

      Reply
  8. Baldeep Singh
    Baldeep Singh says:

    Hi, I am a PV system installer and have recently installed an Inverter STP10000TL ( with Bluetooth & webconnect feature) which is working perfectly fine, I wish to remotely monitor the energy generation, unfortunately the installation site does not have an access to internet facility. Can I use a data card or a wifi router to connect and transmit data via sunny portal ? Kindly guide me.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Lucas Unbehaun
      Lucas Unbehaun says:

      Hello Baldeep,
      unfortunately a data upload with SD card is not possible.
      A DSL broadband connection is required to use the Webconnect functions. Under these conditions, continuous data exchange with the Sunny Portal and Sunny Places makes it possible to visualize the high-resolution data.
      • A packet-oriented mobile radio data transmission (e.g., LTE, UMTS, HSPA, EDGE or GPRS) is recommended only if the mobile provider offers an appropriate flat rate with support of VoIP (Voice over IP).
      • Since GSM routers use a time-based billing structure, they should never be used with the Webconnect functionality.

      Regards, Lucas

      Reply
  9. Lahiru
    Lahiru says:

    hi, is there any possibility to connect to the internet without using a network cable?.. eg; wifi/ broadband module…..

    Reply
    • Lucas Unbehaun
      Lucas Unbehaun says:

      Hi Lahiru,

      no, you have to use a cable. Also it would be wise to have a direct connection to your router.

      Regards, Lucas

      Reply
      • Viktoria Mai
        Viktoria Mai says:

        Hello Jarred,

        kindly be informed that not all of our Sunny Tripower has an Rj45 plug. We will figure out the configuration of you device with you, please contact our local support team and provide the serial number of your inverter.

        Kind regards,
        Viktoria

    • Annika Linke
      Annika Linke says:

      Hi Jack,
      unfortunately it is not possible to use the Webconnect Data Module with the SB 4000TL-20 inverter. The module can only be installed in the following inverters as of firmware version 2.51:
      • Sunny Boy 2500TLST-21 / 3000TLST-21 / 3000TL-21 / 3600TL-21 / 4000TL-21 / 5000TL-21
      • Sunny Tripower 8000TL-10 / 10000TL-10 / 12000TL-10 / 15000TL-10 / 17000TL-10 / 15000TLEE-10 / 15000TLHE-10 / 20000TLEE-10 / 20000TLHE-10
      Regards, Annika

      Reply
      • grahame
        grahame says:

        Hi I have the sunny boy 4000TL (20) how can I connect it to the internet and use the sunny portal? and the iphone app? I usnderstand the web connect module does not work with my system.

      • Leonie Blume
        Leonie Blume says:

        Hey Grahame

        To be able to send data to the Sunny Portal and also to use the Sunny Portal app, a data logger such as a Sunny Home Manager will be required.
        Please note that there is no possibility to use Sunny Portal or the app without a data logger or an inverter that has been retrofitted with a Webconnect data module.

        Your SB 4000TL-20 has already been equipped with bluetooth communication. If you want to use the Sunny Portal, a data logger such as a Sunny Home Manager or
        a Sunny Webbox with Bluetooth technology is required.

        We regret to tell you that the webconnect module cannot be installed in your inverter.

        Have a nice weekend

        Leonie

  10. Bj
    Bj says:

    Can you explain how the SB 3000TL-US-22 & SI 6048 communicate with each other in regards to when the grid is on or & off, etc…. ? Do they do this communication via Ethernet cable or some other way? I’m trying to understand my system better. Thank You.

    Reply
  11. Chromie
    Chromie says:

    Hi,

    I have an STP12000TL-10 that give me the error “Webconnect error: registration of the SIP registry has not responded”. Can I know what is this?

    Thanks!!

    Reply
  12. Avishan
    Avishan says:

    Hi, I want to Know How can I collect data from a SB5000TL ?could it connect to web function or not?
    wich device is better for this inverter?

    Reply
    • Annika Linke
      Annika Linke says:

      Hello Avishan,
      if you can use Webconnect at your SMA inverters, depends on which type you have exactly. For the SB5000TL-20 Webconnect is not available.
      If you have SB5000TL-21 you must update your firmware if it is an older device. For the SB5000TL-21 the optional Speedwire/Webconnect Data Module is required.
      http://files.sma.de/dl/18422/SWWEBCONDM-IA-en-16W.pdf

      The Webconnect feature uses direct communication via SIP protocol. This protocol has to be supported by your provider and must not be blocked by provider or government.

      Best regards,
      Annika

      Reply
  13. Ahmad
    Ahmad says:

    Hi Gerrit,

    can i connect the sunny webbox to the inverter using ethernet cable, or i need speed-wire?

    how can i know if the inverter has internal Webconnect, or i need Sunny WebBox?

    Reply
    • Julia Stunz
      Julia Stunz says:

      Hi Ahmad,
      Sorry for the late reply.
      It is not possible to connect the WebBox via Ethernet/network. The Webbox communicates either via RS-485 (via cable) or Bluetooth (wireless) depending on the WebBox version.

      Regards,
      Julia

      Reply
  14. Ahmad
    Ahmad says:

    Hi Gerrit,

    can i connect SUNNY TRIPOWER 15000TL newer version to the WIFI for access data ,or i must use ether net cable to connect?

    Reply
    • Julia Stunz
      Julia Stunz says:

      Hello Ahmad,
      The Sunny Tripower 15000TL has no Wifi interface. Depending of the complete type (suffix -10 or TLEE e.g.) it’s possible to use Bluetooth with the free Software Sunny Explorer.
      If the optional Speedwire Module is still built in – you can use LAN cables for your data connection.

      Regards,
      Julia

      Reply
  15. Yves Paindaveine
    Yves Paindaveine says:

    Hi,
    I’ve got a tripower 7000 and, although the sunny portal website is great, I’d like to get the values directly from the inverter to facilitate data collection (no html parsing) but also to get access to the basic values of strings of twice 13x275Wc. I am a KNX installer and would like, by collecting data, to trigger a user alarm for autoconsumption, or when the average yield starts declining over a period of time which could mean panel cleaning is needed. I also often read from the inverter screen by indirect-diffuse-light/covered sky a 10-V and more difference between strings which I’d like to analyse over a time series whether a cell-line in a panel is faulty or not.
    thank you for your consideration,
    Yves
    KNX Partner 9495

    Reply
    • Sarah Römsch
      Sarah Römsch says:

      Hi Ives,
      I’m sorry to tell you that it is not possible to collect data via KNX directly from the inverter.
      If you use a data logger such as a Sunny WebBox or a Cluster Controller, it is possible to retrieve data via SMA Modbus.

      Regards,
      Sarah

      Reply
  16. Piet Engels
    Piet Engels says:

    Hello,

    After 2 years I get an error messages in my Sunny Portal app runing on my ipad2.
    I’m using a 400TL-21 inverter with webconnect.
    The error messages are
    – SB 4000TL-21 858 no connection
    – SB 4000TL-21 858 webconnect error: no reply to SIP option packs

    These errors are popping up random and not every day.

    Any idea?
    Regards Piet Engels

    Reply
    • Julia Stunz
      Julia Stunz says:

      Hello Piet,
      The message “no reply to SIP option packs” is telling you, that the internet connection from your Webconnect device is not really stable.
      Also the message “no connection” is indicating loss of internet connection to our servers. This is not an inverter error. Only an information for you that the internet connection has to be checked.
      You can check your network (switch, cables, router, settings…..) to improve the connection.

      Best regards,
      Julia

      Reply
  17. damian
    damian says:

    “Hi im designing a system for a tender and was going to use sunny tripower 10,000tl and sma webconnect and a solar fox – can webconnect be used with a GSM if not have you any alternative that will work with this system” It is just one STP10000TL

    Reply
    • Sarah Römsch
      Sarah Römsch says:

      Hi Damian,
      A GSM router can be used, if a packet-oriented mobile radio data transmission is supported (e.g. LTE, UMTS,HSPA, EDGE or GPRS) with flat rate possibility in the contract and with support of VoIP. GSM is only the umbrella term, e.g. GPRS is imbedded in GSM. A time-based billing structure should be avoided.
      Best regards,
      Sarah

      Reply
  18. Jozo
    Jozo says:

    Subject Test failed! Internet connection failed
    Message
    I have analog modem and GPRS modem on Webbox. I want to connect with GPRS modem.
    When I set „NO“ on WebBox / Settings / Modem, Test Internet connection reports –
    „Connection test
    Initialization: OK
    Access: OK
    Login: OK
    Test Internet connection: Error
    Test portal time synchronization: —
    Test failed!
    Internet connection failed! Please check your APN settings!“

    When i set „YES“ on WebBox / Settings / Modem, Test Internet connection resets Webbox.
    Can You send me settings or guide for Webbox, please?
    Yours sincerely
    Jozo Ramljak

    Reply
    • Sarah Römsch
      Sarah Römsch says:

      Hello Jozo,
      Since there are many different APN settings, please make sure you have entered the right ones according to your provider.
      Unfortunately, we do not know your provider and therefore we kindly suggest to contact them in order to proceed.

      At any time, please ensure that the newest firmware version is installed on your Sunny WebBox unit.
      If your Sunny WebBox is equipped with a GSM modem, please verify if the GSM antenna is installed properly.

      All settings are well described in the user manual. If you need further documents or the latest firmware, please have a look at our download area on our website.
      Best regards,
      Sarah

      Reply
      • Jozo
        Jozo says:

        Thanks for answer
        We read the user manual and doing everything as described.
        We contacted our provider and we set up the APN settings, the signal strength GSM antenna is 82, the firmware version is 1.53.
        Webbox Settings/Modem settings; when we put “yes” in field “allow modem access” and then try test connection always RESETS WEBBOX.
        If you have any advice where we went wrong or if someone had a similar problem, please tell us.
        If you need better describe our problem we can send you our APN settings in the mail?
        Best regards,
        Jozo

      • Sarah Römsch
        Sarah Römsch says:

        Hi Jozo,
        I’m sorry that you have trouble with your Sunny WebBox. Please contact the experts from our Service Line directly. They are happy to assist and help you.
        Best regards,
        Sarah

  19. Sam
    Sam says:

    I have a pair of SMA 5000 units. They talk fine to the Sunny Portal, but …

    For security reasons I’d like the interface in the inverter itself to respond to a simple ping. My intent is to get a dedicated server to ping the inverters all night long and detect potential theft that way. Maybe every five minutes or such.

    Can this be submitted to the power that be as a request for a subsequent firmware upgrade?
    Activate this as a kernel function and feature.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Leonie Blume
      Leonie Blume says:

      Hi Sam,

      You already have the possibility to do that in your local network. But Sunny Portal has this functionality, too. Sunny Portal monitors the connection regularly and alarms you in case of disconnection.

      Best regards
      Leonie

      Reply
  20. Gerrie Govaerts
    Gerrie Govaerts says:

    Hello

    I’ve been working for a month without any problem with the WebConnect module using the router of my ISP. This week I changed providers and have another router installed. But for some odd reason the WebConnect module does not send any data anymore to my router so I cannot monitor it…

    Do you have a suggestion what the problem could be?

    Thx in advance
    Gerrie

    Reply
    • Leonie Blume
      Leonie Blume says:

      Hey Gerrie,

      I suppose, the best way to find out is to call our Service Line directly. They can analyse your system via internet and tell you what’s going wrong.
      Here’s the number: +49 561 9522-2499

      Best regards
      Leonie

      PS: I don’t know which country your from. You can also call your local Service Line.

      Reply
  21. Tom Moore
    Tom Moore says:

    Gerrit,

    You say the SMA Service Line is available 8am to 6pm. What time zone? I am in the Pacific Daylight Time Zone which is GMT -7 hours.

    Tom

    Reply
    • Gerrit Naß
      Gerrit Naß says:

      Hi Tom,

      Sorry for the inconvenience. Because the Service Line is located in Germany the reachability for you would be 1:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Alternatively you can reach out to our overall website http://www.sma-solar.com and choose your country. There you will get an appropriate service e-mail adress.

      Hope the above helps?!

      Best regards
      Gerrit

      Reply
  22. Tom Moore
    Tom Moore says:

    Gerrit,
    Any time my broadband connection drops, the Speedwire module does not reconnect when broadband service comes back on line. Module doesn’t even respond to a ping. To get it to work again I must power off and on the DSL modem even though the Speedwire module is plugged into a separate 10/100 Mbit switch. Unfortunately I am spending more time monitoring the Speedwire module than having the module monitor my SMA inverter for me.
    Is this module bad or can I download new firmware? Can I send a start command to the module’s IP address? I have tried both the A and B ports on the module and it behaves the same on both ports.

    Reply
    • Gerrit Naß
      Gerrit Naß says:

      Hi Tom,

      In this case our Service Line should have a look at your inverter.

      We have to research for any error message or information about the connection.

      For the best support they need following information:
      1) Inverter type and serial number
      2) Firmware version of the inverter
      3) Plant name in Sunny Portal
      4) PIC and RID of your Speedwire Data Module
      5) and – if you agree that we should have a remote look at you device – also your installer password

      With these information our colleagues are able to find out what is wrong in this installation.

      https://www.sma.de/en/service/contact/contact-form.html

      Best regards
      Gerrit

      Reply
      • Tom Moore
        Tom Moore says:

        Gerrit,
        I can’t use link you sent me for a service request because my inverter is not listed. I also cannot register for the online service center as a plant operator because the only choices for support are Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
        1) Inverter type is a SB 5000TL-US-22 S/N 1913010588 Date of mfg 06/2013
        2) Where/how do I find the firmware version?
        3) Plant name is 1886 Vista de la Montana
        4) PIC 001680000027594 RID FLXLDV
        5) Will provide PW if you send me an EMail address – do not want to list it on a blog

        Tom

      • Gerrit Naß
        Gerrit Naß says:

        Hi Tom,

        In this case please dial the following SMA Service Line number to contact our team of experts for Sunny Boy, Sunny Mini Central, Sunny Tripower and Windy Boy. They are available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at the local rate. With your gathered information above, they’ll help you with your problem.

        +49 561 9522-1499

        Best regards
        Gerrit

  23. Creanza
    Creanza says:

    Hi Gerrit, I have an inverter sunny boy 3600 with webconnect module, I am planning to install a second inverter sunny boy 1300 tl, how can I connect this second plan with the online portal? Kind regards. Mario

    Reply
  24. Louis Woofenden
    Louis Woofenden says:

    Hi Gerrit,

    Can you confirm that the matrix shown at is correct for the Webconnect Data Modules sold in the US market?

    I’m interested in the exact amount of data storage in the SWDM-US-10, and am getting told by SMA America that they have “no storage.” This doesn’t seem to make sense. Could you email me at the address shown above with a clarification?

    Thanks,
    Louis

    Reply
    • Gerrit Naß
      Gerrit Naß says:

      Hi Louis,

      First of all the American coworkers are right. The data module doesn’t have additional data memory yet. The module is only responsible for data transmission. However, it also uses technology that, for example when compared to Sunny WebBox, enables direct access to the device to display such information as instantaneous values. More specifically, SMA inverters do have the data memory, and the information on the Sunny Matrix actually indicates the Sunny Portal restrictions for the Webconnect system.

      Example: Minute values for two years; hour values for five years; day values over the total service life of the system

      The Webconnect system saves these data in the portal but only if it is provided by the PV system. This means, it doesn’t save the data locally, which makes the hour values available for uploaded in five years

      Hope the above helps!

      Best regards,
      Gerrit

      Reply

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