How do I enable Modbus TCP on my SMA inverter?

How do I enable Modbus TCP on my SMA inverter?

Preparation Checklist

  1. A smart device with WiFi capability such as Smartphone, Tablet or Laptop 
  2. In the following instructions, we assume the inverter has already been commissioned
  3. Make sure you have the inverter's serial number and WPA2-PSK password readily accessible. The serial number and WPA2-PSK password can typically be located on the inverter label and in the accompanying documentation. These details are crucial for establishing a connection to the inverter's WiFi hotspot and accessing its WebUI. 
See the example below of a serial number and WPA2-PSK password on an inverter label. 


Info
You'll need to turn on Modbus and modify your Grid Connection settings.

Modbus Settings

Step 1: Connect to the inverter via WiFi or Ethernet using your laptop, smartphone or tablet. 

Option 1: Connect via WiFi
To identify and link up with the inverter, you need to utilise your device's WiFi connection. The inverter's WiFi network will be labeled similarly to SMA19xxxxxxx. In case there are multiple inverters nearby, ensure you connect to the WiFi network whose name matches the serial number of the intended inverter. 


Option B: Connect via Ethernet. 


Step 2: Log in to the Inverter Interface.

After successfully connecting to the inverter through WiFi or the ethernet cable, open your internet browser and enter the respective defualt IP address into the address bas as shown in the imaes below. 
IP address for WiFi connections 192.168.12.3

For direct connections via ethernet, enter the IP address 169.254.12.3



By doing so, you will gain access to the inverter's web user interface. From there you will be prompted to log in as either an "Installer" or "User" using either the modified or default password. Please note that if the User account has not been accessed before, you will be asked to set a password. Please follow the instructions below. 

You should now see the SMA login page. 



Now that you have successfully logged in, you can enable Modbus. 

Step 3: Enable Modbus















Warning
If you select "Edit Parameters" but are unable to change the settings from NO to YES, please contact your original inverter installer. Your inverter settings may be locked by SMA Grid Guard and can only be changed by your original installer in that case. 
You also need to check your 'Grid connection point' settings are correct.


Grid Connection Point Settings

Most Inverter Models:

Scroll through to find 'System and device control' and locate 'Grid connection point'. You will see a field named 'Operating mode of active power limitation'. This field needs to be changed from 'Off' to 'External' (see below screenshot).
Info
For models SBx.x-1AV40 or SBx.x-1AV41, settings may be different; scroll down to the next paragraph to see the alternative. 
Info
If you can't find the 'Grid connection point', or the 'External' option isn't available, scroll to the next paragraph to find alternative settings.



SBx.x-1AV40/SBx.x-1AV41 or Alternative Grid Connection Settings:

If you have a Sunny Boy model SBx.x-1AV40/SBx.x-1AV41, and/or:
- You can't find the 'Grid Connection Point' parameter, or
- Your 'Grid Connection Point' option does not include 'External'

You can look for 'Operating mode active power setting', and set this to 'External active power setpoint' as per the below screenshot:





Save your Settings

Once you have made these changes make sure you "Save All".






    • Related Articles

    • How do I enable Modbus TCP on my Fronius Inverter?

      For GEN24 Inverters, please see: How do I enable Modbus on my Fronius GEN24? How-To Video: Connecting to the Fronius SnapINverter (Datamanager) user interface You will need to complete these steps for each inverter if you have multiple. 1. Connect to ...

    • How do I enable Modbus on my iStore Inverter?

      To enable MODBUS communication via HiSolar (iStore WLAN dongle required): Open HiSolar Application Select SET Select Dongle parameter settings Select Modbus TCP Select enabled (unrestricted) Once settings are completed, select finish and disconnect ...

    • How do I enable Modbus on my Huawei inverter?

      This link below provides instructions and will guide you through the steps for enabling Modbus on your Huawei inverter. https://forum.huawei.com/enterprise/en/modbus-tcp-guide/thread/667250677153415168-667213868771979264 Please also see the attached ...

    • How do I enable Modbus on my Fronius GEN24?

      Enabling all the required Modbus settings on your Fronius GEN24 can only be done with a Technician's account. You can enable Modbus with your Customer Password, but you will not be able to set the required Control Priorities unless you have the ...

    • How do I find my inverter IP address?

      The process for manually finding your solar inverter IP address depends on the make. Use the links below to see how to do this for your solar brand: Fronius - https://youtu.be/jHjE2tK08ok SMA - https://youtu.be/P1Tpz8TB2eo (see 3 minute mark for IP ...