Kostal

This page describes the configuration and installation of a Kostal inverter on a SOLARWATT Manager.
Table of contents

    Compatibility

    EnergyManager proManager flexFirmware
    PLENTICORE
    plus (3.0-10)

    ≥ 01.34
    PIKO IQ
    (3.0-10)

    ≥ 01.16
    PIKO MP plus*

    ≤ 2.18.345
    or
    ≥ 3.5.61
    PIKO CI*

    PIKO 12-20*

    *) Connection via RS485 interface

    Full compatibility

    No compatibility

    The firmware versions specified above are required for connecting the inverter to the SOLARWATT Manager. If an update is necessary, update the device firmware before commissioning. The updates and information on the procedure can be obtained from the manufacturer.

    Non-compatible inverters can be recorded using separate power meters or energy meters: Non-compatible inverters

    Configuration Kostal PLENTICORE plus / PIKO IQ

    Interface: Ethernet
    • Carry out the initial commissioning according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Integrate the inverter into the local network.
    • Connect your laptop to the local network (via LAN cable or WLAN).
    • Enter the IP address of the inverter in the address line of a browser. The IP address is shown alternately on the inverter display or can be queried in the inverter menu.
    • Select your preferred language under Choose Language and the Installer role under Kostal Login.
    • Enter your password. To log in as an installer, you need the master key from the inverter nameplate and your service code, which you can request from the manufacturer's service department.
    • Click Login.
    • Under the Settings menu item, make all the basic settings (e.g. inverter name, network settings, specifications for remuneration, log data query).

    Kostal inverters are not found and installed in the SmartSetup Manager using autodiscovery. The device search must be carried out by entering the IP address of the inverter. If the IP address changes during operation, the connection between the inverter and the Manager will be lost.

    We therefore recommend assigning a static IP address to the WR via its network settings.

    • Log out as the installer and then log in as the system operator.

    The first time you log in as a system operator, you must assign a password. This is possible via Forgot password. Enter the master key and a new password in the following menu. You will find the master key on the nameplate of the inverter.

    • Select the Modbus / Sunspec (TCP) submenu from the drop-down list in the Settings menu
    • Activate the Enable Modbus checkbox.
    • Click Save.
    • Continue with the device search in SmartSetup.

    Configuration Kostal Piko MP plus/CI/12-20

    Interface: RS-485 (via RJ45 plug on the inverter)

    Ensure that the inverter is operated with suitable firmware in accordance with the table above.

    The inverter only communicates when it is in operation and sufficient DC-side voltage is present. Only install the inverter when there is sufficient sunshine.

    Connecting the inverter

    • Secure the work area against accidental contact with live parts.
    • Install the inverter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Disconnect the inverter from the power supply.
    • Disconnect the SOLARWATT Manager from the power supply.
    • Open the inverter. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Connect the inverter to the gateway as shown in the diagram
    1SOLARWATT ManagerABGND
    2Inverter (StecaGrid coolcept or coolcept³)128
    3Termination at the last inverter

    Attention

    • Do not connect the inverter to the RJ45 socket of the gateway.
    • Only use the two right-hand RJ45 sockets on the inverter.
    • Use the RJ45 socket on the inverter and the RS-485 interface on the gateway.

    Commissioning the inverter

    • Connect the inverter housing properly.
    • If necessary, connect other devices to the gateway.
    • Secure the work area against accidental contact with live parts.
    • Commission the inverter(s).
    • Supply the gateway with power.
    • Wait for the boot process to complete.
    • Continue with the device search in SmartSetup.

    Connecting several inverters

    You can connect one or more inverters to the RS485-1 or RS485-2 interface.

    Connect several inverters by connecting them to the free RJ45 socket of the previous inverter using a normal network cable (RJ45 plug on both sides). Only use the two RJ45 sockets on the right. Make sure to terminate the last inverter in the series. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for this.

    If you connect several inverters to one RS-485 interface, make sure that the inverters are assigned different bus addresses! This configuration takes place via the manufacturer's device software. Consult your specialist partner and the manufacturer's instructions.

    Only assign bus addresses in the range from 1 to 20. The gateway only searches this address range.

    Error patterns and troubleshooting

    No energy values are calculated for generation and total consumption:

    • Check whether the firmware version installed on the device is ≤ 2.18.345 or ≥ 3.5.61.

    There is no data communication:

    • Check whether you have only used the right two of the total of three RJ45 sockets and not the LAN socket on the far left.

    Device search in SmartSetup

    • Starting the SmartSetup

    Certain inverter models are found and installed automatically (Automatic installation).

    Other inverter models are installed by selecting the device driver and specifying the IP address or host name (manual installation).

    Information on the installation types of the series can be found in the table at the end of this page.

    Automatic installation

    If the device is correctly configured and available in the network, it is automatically displayed in green in the device list.

    • If necessary, connect additional devices
    • Continue with SmartSetup PV systems

    Manual installation

    • In the Select devices drop-down menu, select or search for the corresponding driver (according to the table at the bottom of the page) for the inverter device.
    • Select the search mode (according to the table at the bottom of the page) for the WR device.
    • If required, enter the IP address or host name of the device and confirm with Add device to search.
    • If necessary, add further devices to the search.
    • When the search list is complete, click Search and install devices.

    Correctly installed devices appear in the device list with the message: Device is installed. The list also shows the current generation data.

    • If necessary, connect additional devices
    • Continue with SmartSetup PV systems

    Note

    For devices that are installed by entering the IP address, we recommend  to set a static IP address. The settings can be made either in the network settings of the device or the router. Further information on assigning IP addresses can be found here: Device connections via network

    energyManager proManager flex
    DriverSearch modeDriverSearch mode
    PIKO IQ
    (3.0-10)
    Kostal

    Ethernet

    • IP address or
    • Hostname scb
    Kostal SunSpec inverter
    • IP address or
    • Hostname scb
    PLENTICORE
    plus (3.0-10)
    Kostal

    Ethernet

    • IP address or
    • Hostname scb
    Kostal SunSpec inverter
    • IP address or
    • Hostname scb
    PIKO MP plus*KostalRS485Model not supported
    PIKO CI**

    Kostal

    RS485Model not supported
    PIKO 12-20*

    Kostal

    RS485Model not supported