StecaGrid PV Inverter Monitoring
Software for remote monitoring The economic viability of the solar power system is determined by the daily energy yields which the system generates from solar energy. StecaGrid inverters allow these values to be accessed and analysed at any time. These features allow complete, integrated monitoring of the solar power system. Data logging In order to provide an easy overview of the system functions, voltage, current, module output, grid frequency and grid voltage, among other values, are measured within the inverter. The energy yields of both the master and slave units are also stored on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. These measured values and the operating status of the StecaGrid system can be read on the user-friendly display. | Data communicationUsing the software and the network interface card StecaGrid Connect, you also have the option to download the StecaGrid system data and process it on a PC. This allows the stored data to be not just read but also transferred to your own PC in a structured form and evaluated in any manner you wish. Naturally, this program also provides a preconfigured graphical display of the values. The appropriate software – provided for free of course – is available in a system operator version, and an installer version. On the one hand, this difference protects the system operator (user) from intentional or unintentional manipulation of their own system. On the other hand, the installer (service) can make necessary changes quickly and exactly, without needing to be on-site. This guarantees a seamless and timely service.
MonitoringIf the inverter is permanently connected to the Internet, then the data can be accessed via a web browser, or StecaGrid Connect User, from any location using StecaGrid Connect and a corresponding password. This allows the system to be monitored at any time, from anywhere in the world. Naturally, you can also use this function to present your own PV system and provide impressive demonstrations of its functionality and yields. This is made possible by the provision of special HTML pages. These show all the values stored by the inverter. Both the current performance and yields obtained in the past can be quickly and flexibly accessed. To guarantee a high level of security, access to these personal HTML pages is of course password-protected. |
StecaGrid Configurator 2.5The StecaGrid Configurator is a program for dimensioning photovoltaic systems. It was conceived to verify the combination of the StecaGrid inverter series with all commercially available solar modules and to realise optimal system configurations. With the help of integrated graphics and explanations the results are clear and easy to understand. The StecaGrid Configurator has been developed as an Excel file, which guarantees conformity and simple handling. This format also saves the user the trouble of installing software on the PC. The wide range of integrated data and functions, which come as standard, enables the user to carry out a large number of simulations with little data input. On the other hand, input of the user’s own data also enables the verification of every specific and personalised layout. An extensive range of languages also contributes to making the program as user-friendly as possible.
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StecaGrid Configurator 3.0The update version of the StecaGrid Configurator makes it possible to plan a photovoltaic system in an even more professional manner. It offers a wealth of improvements compared to its forerunner, the 2.3 version. This version is self-contained and functions independently of Microsoft Excel, offering a convenient user interface. There are four different options for determining the size of a photovoltaic system after selecting a module type. In addition, modules stored in a large database can be filtered according to specific criteria. This is followed by the selection of MiniString, DualString and UniString inverters according to a range of specifications, for example the installation site and rated AC or DC power. The calculated cost of generating electricity is taken as the standard selection criterion. To help with the specifications, the programme includes different values for the cost of systems planning as well as for modules, wiring, installation systems, etc. The installing company can provide their client data and company logo, which will appear on the printouts. A total of 30 locations throughout Germany offer irradiation data to help predict annual energy yield. The predicted annual energy yield and the similarly editable values for the discount factor and operating time together allow the exact calculation in cents per kilowatt hour of the costs incurred by a system in producing electricity. On the basis of the electricity generation costs, it is possible to ascertain at a glance whether it would be more efficient to use the inverter with one more solar module, or one fewer. A list of required parts, the connection diagram and a summary of the project data all guarantee professional preparation for sales meetings with customers. For the StecaGrid Configurator to work on your PC, you must have Microsoft.NET Framework 2.0 installed. You can check if this is the case on a windows PC by going to: Start --> Settings -->Control Panel --> Software. If it is not installed on your computer, you can find a version of the StecaGrid Configurator 3.0 which already has the .NET framework integrated so it will be automatically installed.
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Datalogger and DisplayAs standard, StecaGrid DualString inverters provide functions which enable complete integrated monitoring of the solar power system. The system's operating status (voltage, module output, grid frequency and grid voltage) and the energy yields of master and slaves are included. These measured values are shown on the display at all times.
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