With a Speedwire-enabled inverter from SMA, all you need for access to key PV plant data is to connect an Ethernet cable from your computer to the inverter and start Sunny Explorer. In this Tech Tip video, the Solar Academy walks you through a basic overview of Sunny Explorer, including how to use this free software for fast and efficient system commissioning and parameter changes.
Have a question for the Solar Academy trainers? Send it to SocialMedia@SMA-America.com and we might just answer your question in our next Tech Tip!
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Justin Dyke
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Social Media Specialist
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Company and industry news, videos and events through our social media channels. Topics include solar technology, photovoltaics and renewable energy.
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Kevin
07/10/2016 at 9:56 am
I tried the tip given by Mr Mahon on the Sunny Explorer software. Got through SMA America and went to “Products.” The only items available for download were users manuals. Here’s the link to where my confusion is.
http://www.sma-america.com/products/monitoring-control/sunny-portal.html#Downloads-136204
Also, suggest the tech not go so quickly through this phase of the training. If you can’t get the sw, the rest of the video is interesting, but useless. — Kevin
Justin Dyke
07/14/2016 at 5:52 pm
Hi Kevin –
Thank you for the constructive feedback. We will take that into consideration for future posts.
I think the confusion with the downloads may be with the link that you provided, which is for the Sunny Portal. The Sunny Explorer download is available on the Sunny Explorer product page located here: http://www.sma-america.com/products/monitoring-control/sunny-explorer.html#Downloads-136148.
Best,
Justin
Marc Fontana
07/22/2016 at 11:07 am
Does Sunny Explorer work with the newer SB 5.0-US and 6.0-US Inverters? These new inverters have integrated WiFi and I believe are accessible directly through a browser using a WiFi enabled mobile device.
Justin Dyke
07/26/2016 at 4:08 pm
Hi Marc,
Thank you, that’s a good question. Sunny Explorer does not support the configuration of inverters with their own user interface. The inverter can be detected via Sunny Explorer, however it is expressly not recommended to use Sunny Explorer to configure the Sunny Boy US-40 series. This new line of inverters has a built-in interface that can be accessed directly through a browser using a wireless or wired connection. This process is outlined starting on page 19 of the user manual. We hope you enjoy this improved user interface that doesn’t limit you to a laptop running Windows software.
Best,
Justin
John
09/09/2016 at 10:17 am
I have a basic TL4000US residential inverter installed. What do I need to add to it to make the Sunny Explorer work? Also, what is needed to send that data to my local network router so I can view data remotely?
Justin Dyke
09/09/2016 at 3:08 pm
Hi John,
Those are great questions. I have shared your information with the Service Line department and a team member should be in contact soon.
Best,
Justin
Roger Brealey
10/23/2016 at 7:28 pm
Hi, until a few weeks ago I had been running Sunny Explorer successfully on Windows 10 PC.
I had originally installed SE on a Windows 7 PC, and did the free upgrade to Windows 10.
In the past few weeks a significant update to windows 10 has occurred causing many if not all Bluetooth
installations to crash. I have read that SE is not compatible with windows 10. Surely if SMA says that they are world No1, then the rectification or urgent development of the Windows 10 version of SE should be undertaken.
I am using Toshiba Bluetooth Stack to drive the B/Tooth and SE version 1.07.27. I think i had originally installed 1.07.23 on Windows 7 and working on 10. I downloaded 1.07.27 in the hope that the issue would be resolved.
PLEASE ADVISE SITUATION, RE WINDOWS 10 SUPPORT
Jessica
11/03/2016 at 10:32 am
Hi Roger, thanks for your question. A member of our service team will reach out to you to answer your questions.
F.principaal
04/25/2017 at 4:31 am
Hi all,
I’ve got the same problem accessing my 4000tl21 with sunny explorer using speedwire on my new W10 laptop.
I recently had to say goodby to my Dell D630 running W7 because it died after years of good service.
I hope SMA understands that for a plant-owner up to date monitoring is like icing on a cake, this is why I shoose for SMA initially.
So please create a solution that works for Windows 10 as well.
Mike
06/06/2017 at 11:45 am
Thank you for this feedback. Have you tried reaching out to our Service Line? If not, we recommend connecting with them at 1-877-697-6283 as they may be able to assist. They have heard from installers that are able to run Sunny Explorer successfully on Windows 10.
Christopher Green
09/14/2018 at 12:57 pm
I’ve tried to get help for TWO weeks. I have installed a sunny boy 7.0 and have not been able to get anything done as far as converting to the ac side. I am getting dc voltage of 40-45 but nothing on the ac side. i am receiving a green light in the first 90 seconds, but all lights turn out after that. Am I to commission it first?
Alejandro
09/17/2018 at 11:59 am
Hi Christopher! There are multiple factors we would need to know about your case to be able to help you. Our recommendation is to call our Service Line: +1 877-MY-SMATech (+1 877-697-6283) or to contact them by email: Service@SMA-America.com
LEONARD KOORN
10/29/2018 at 5:57 pm
I have a question about model SB3.0.ISP.US-40 This unit is hooked up parallel with the grid. My question is: does this unit has the capability to function as a stand alone unit, in case the grid goes down??? Does it has it’s own inverter to provide the sine signal to follow or is another inverter required to provide the sine signal?
Mike
10/30/2018 at 9:53 am
Leonard – to have the Sunny Boy work independent of the utility grid, the Secure Power Supply outlet and switch must be wired to the inverter. If this is done, the inverter by itself can provide up to 2000W to the Secure Power Supply outlet during a daytime grid outage. The outlet is a 120VAC outlet, and is a dedicated outlet that is only powered when the SPS mode is active and not when the inverter is backfeeding into the utility grid.
Dave Martin
12/05/2018 at 10:51 am
How can I view a 30000TL-US with sunny explorer, using a eathernet cable?
Mike
12/06/2018 at 9:37 am
Sunny Explorer 1.07.29 can be used to view data from a Sunny Tripower TL-US. Explorer is only windows software (Windows 7 or 8), and the computer running it must be on the same local network as the Tripower, which must be connected to the network via an Ethernet cable attached to its included Speedwire data module. When searching for inverters, ensure that you select Speedwire and not Bluetooth under Communication Type. Please find the Manual here: http://files.sma.de/dl/8494/Explorer-BA-en-17.pdf
Cheryl Wilson
01/06/2019 at 3:35 pm
Had to change passcode on wireless modem now cant get results through the internet
Alexandra
01/07/2019 at 9:56 am
Hi Cheryl! Please call our SMA Service Line:
+1 877-MY-SMATech (+1 877-697-6283)
(toll free for USA, Canada and Puerto Rico)
Andrew Henderson
03/09/2019 at 5:22 pm
Have forgotten my password. How do I reset my password on my smart phone, to view my (1.5 Sunny Boy) inverter settings?
Mike
03/11/2019 at 1:47 pm
Hi Andrew! You would need to call our Service line for support. Let me know where are you located and I can provide you with the contact information.
Elmer Fobian
04/24/2019 at 4:13 pm
Your instructions keep mentioning I need an SMA Grid Guard Code that I can get from http://www.SMA-Solar.com Please explain what you are asking for. I think it is one of the numbers I already have but not sure.
Mike
05/15/2019 at 10:34 am
Elmer, the Grid Guard Code is required when you adjust parameters that relate to the inverter’s interaction with the utility grid. By changing these, you are taking the inverter out of its UL 1741 listing parameter set. If you have this code, you would have had to fill out a form like (https://files.sma.de/dl/22720/GRIDGUARD-en-us-32.pdf) this and send to SMA Service. They would have emailed or faxed the code back to you.
Mohamed Ali
05/15/2019 at 9:36 am
Hi have installed inverter sunny 15k and i want to change the power factor to 0.92 over ex the power factor now is unity how to change it through sunny explorer please
Mike
05/15/2019 at 1:39 pm
Mohamed, you will need utility approval to adjust the power factor. Then you can apply for our grid guard code (GGC) to get the code from service that will allow you to perform this modification. Is this a STP 15000-US or most of world device (different forms for GGC)?
Mohamed Ali
05/15/2019 at 11:35 pm
Thank you sir, but should i have to a power control module to adjust the power factor ???, my inverter is stp 15000 TL-30
Mike
05/16/2019 at 2:37 pm
Mohamed – I apologize, I am not familiar with the Power Control Module, but my understanding is that will only adjust active power, not change the power factor. You can adjust a fixed power factor by logging in with Sunny Explorer. Use of the Data Manager M would allow dynamic adjustment of the inverter’s power factor. For more information, please contact our Service Line in Germany (at https://www.sma-service.com/en/contact/contact-form.html or +49 561 9522-1499)
Raymond Dunkley
06/13/2019 at 4:13 am
I need to return a 20kva 3phase sonny inverter to sma . I need information and documents so that the inverter can be ship to repair service. My location is Jamaica in the West Indies. Thanks.
Alexandra
06/13/2019 at 9:29 am
Hi Raymond! Thanks for reaching out.
You need to contact our Service Dept for specifics.
Here is the contact information:
SMA Service Line:
+1 877-MY-SMATech (+1 877-697-6283)
Residential and Commercial Service Email:
Service@SMA-America.com