Every solar inverter contains valuable operational data - power output, voltage, temperature, fault codes, and more. The challenge is getting this data out of the inverter and into a system where it can be analyzed. This page explains how we'll collect data directly from your Sungrow and Wattpowers inverters using industry-standard protocols.
📚 Simple Analogy: Think of it Like a Postal System
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RS485 Cable
The Road
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Modbus Protocol
The Language
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Inverter
House with Data
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FluxAI Edge Server
Postman
🔌 RS485 - The Physical Layer
RS485 is a type of industrial wiring standard that allows multiple devices to communicate over long distances (up to 1,200 meters). It's extremely reliable and used in 90% of industrial equipment worldwide. Think of it as the "highway" that data travels on.
Two-wire differential signaling
Supports up to 32 devices on one bus
Noise-resistant, works in harsh environments
Already present in all your inverters
💬 Modbus RTU - The Protocol
Modbus is a communication protocol (language) that devices use to exchange data. RTU stands for "Remote Terminal Unit" - a compact binary format. It's been the industrial standard since 1979 because it's simple, open, and works reliably.
Master-Slave architecture
Request-Response communication
Standardized data addressing
Supported by all major inverter brands
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What RS485 Looks Like
RS485 Connection on an Inverter
💡 Key Insight
Your inverters already have RS485 ports - they're currently connected to the third-party logger. We simply connect our FluxAI Edge Server to these same ports instead, giving you direct access to your data without any middleman.
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How Modbus Communication Works
Modbus uses a simple Request-Response pattern. Our gateway (Master) asks the inverter (Slave) for data, and the inverter responds with the values.
Modbus Request-Response Cycle
What the Inverter Stores (Register Map)
Each inverter has a "register map" - a documented list of memory addresses where different data values are stored:
Register Address
Parameter
Unit
Example Value
5000
Active Power
kW
52.3
5001
Daily Energy
kWh
312.5
5002
Total Energy
MWh
1,247.8
5003
DC Voltage (String 1)
V
650.2
5004
DC Current (String 1)
A
12.4
5008
Internal Temperature
°C
42
5010
Operating Status
Code
1 (Running)
5011
Fault Code
Code
0 (No Fault)
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Current Setup vs Our Proposed Solution
Current Data Flow (Third-Party Logger)
Proposed Data Flow (Direct Collection)
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Connecting Multiple Inverters: Daisy Chain
RS485 allows connecting multiple inverters in a "daisy chain" configuration. One cable runs from the gateway to the first inverter, then continues to the second, third, and so on. Each inverter has a unique ID (address) so the gateway knows which one it's talking to.
Daisy Chain Configuration (Up to 32 Inverters per Bus)
✓ Good News for Rays Power Experts
Both Sungrow and Wattpowers inverters support standard Modbus RTU protocol, meaning they can coexist on the same RS485 bus. We simply assign different IDs to different brands and configure the gateway to understand both register maps.
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What We Deploy at Your Site
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Industrial FluxAI Edge Server
Compact industrial computer with multiple RS485 ports. Installed in your electrical room/control panel. Connects to 32-64 inverters.
Specs: ARM/x86, Linux, 2-4 RS485 ports, Ethernet/WiFi, -20°C to 60°C operating range
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RS485 Cabling
Industrial-grade shielded twisted pair cables connecting gateway to inverters. Supports distances up to 1,200 meters.