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Understanding SolisCloud Export and Import Discrepancies
The Eastron Meter Solution
Introduction
In the world of solar energy and smart grids, SolisCloud serves as a vital tool for monitoring, tracking, and optimizing energy consumption and generation. However, users occasionally encounter unexpected discrepancies in total export and import values.
In most cases, the cause of these discrepancies can be attributed to the way the meter accompanying the inverter functions. It's important to recognize that the meter received with the inverter is not a "balanced" meter. This article explores why this issue occurs and introduces a solution provided by Eastron Meter through a firmware update.
Table of content
Understanding the Problem
Imagine the following scenario: A customer feeds 1 kW into the grid in phase 1 and simultaneously imports 1 kW from the grid in phase 2. In such cases, the household meter will display 0 kW. However, unlike the household meter, the Eastron meter sums both values without signs and transmits them to SolisCloud. This discrepancy results in the total export/import values for the customer being incorrect.
The Solution: Eastron Meter Firmware Update
Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem, and it involves performing a firmware update for the Eastron Meter. This update ensures that the meter sends the correct information to SolisCloud, thus displaying the accurate values of energy generation and consumption.
To carry out this firmware update, you will need the following:
1: Windows PC
On the PC, Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (X86) must be installed. The 32-bit version (X86) must always be installed, even on a 64-bit system.
You can download the file from here: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/download/details.aspx?id=40784
The filename is vcredist_x86.exe.RS485 USB converter – for example
2. RS485 USB Converter
For example:
Waveshare 17286 https://www.waveshare.com/usb-to-rs485.htm
or Waveshare 22456 https://www.waveshare.com/usb-to-rs485-b.htm
3. Data cable for the RS485 connection
For example, telephone cable, utilizing three wires.
4. 230V supply for the meter
5. Update file
You will find the update file at the bottom of this article.
You will receive the update software as a compressed ZIP archive.
Unzip the file on your PC.
Performing the Firmware Update
Here are the steps to perform the Eastron Meter firmware update:
1: Connect data connection and power supply
Establish a data connection between the Eastron Meter and your PC using the RS485 USB converter and the data cable.
On the meter side, use pins 12, 13, and 14 for the RS485 connection (see image)
PIN 12: GND
PIN 13: RS485 B
PIN 14: RS485 A
IMPORTANT: To perform the update, ensure that the meter is powered.
Note the schematic diagram provided and use PINS 5 & 6 for the power supply of the meter.
After powering on, the meter will display a software version during the startup phase, for example, CX0335.
2: Open the Update Software on your PC
Navigate to the "Upgrade Software" folder and open the "flash_updata.exe" file located in the "EXE" folder.
3. Set the parameters for the serial interface
Select the correct COM port.
Baud rate ("Baud"): 9600
Stop bit ("Stop"): 1
Parity bit ("Parity"): None
After setting the parameters, click "Open COM".
4. Select the upgrade file
Click on "Open File" to choose the upgrade file.
In the "Upgrade File" folder, you will find the file "SDM_630MCT_40MA_23_03_13_CX_0385.bin". Select this file.
5: Perform the Upgrade:
Make sure that the meter is powered on at this time and connected to the appropriate COM port of your PC via the RS485 communication tool. Then click on "UPDATE" to start the update process. During the update process, you will see a progress bar. The backlight of the meter will turn off, and the LED will remain lit continuously. Once the progress bar reaches 100%, the update is complete, and the meter will automatically restart.
Upon restarting the meter, the software version should again be displayed, and it should now read CX0385.
6. Set meter connection mode
The four buttons of the meter can be used in the settings mode for menu navigation.
To enter the settings mode, press and hold the "E" (Enter) button for at least 3 seconds. Then, the password must be entered.
The password is "1000". Press the "M" button briefly to enter the password. Then, once again, press and hold the "E" button for at least 3 seconds. You will then enter the settings menu.
Using the "M" and "P" buttons, navigate through the menu items. Press the "P" button until "SYS" appears on the display. Here, you can adjust the power system, i.e., the connection mode of the meter.
Now, press and hold the "E" button again for at least 3 seconds. You can now select the power system. Press the "P" button repeatedly until "PV" appears on the display. Then, once again, press and hold the "E" button for at least 3 seconds to confirm the setting.
When "Good" appears on the display, the setting has been successfully saved. You can now exit the settings menu by pressing the "U/I" button. The meter update is now complete. Turn off the power supply of the meter and disconnect the data connection. Then, you can turn the meter back on, and it is now ready for operation.
Troubleshooting
In conclusion, we hope this article has been helpful in providing valuable insights and information.
Your feedback is important to us, and we encourage customers to reach out with any comments or suggestions to improve our content.
Should you encounter any difficulties or have specific questions, please don't hesitate to contact Solis Support for dedicated assistance. We are committed to ensuring your experience is seamless and your concerns are addressed promptly.
Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to serving you better in the future.
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