SMA Sunny SensorBox Installation guide

Brand: SMA

Model: Sunny SensorBox

Type: Installation guide

Sensorbox-IUS084413 | 98-0003913 | Version 1.3 US

System Monitoring

SUNNY SENSORBOX

Installation Guide

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation Guide Sensorbox-IUS084413 3

No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any

form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photographic, magnetic or otherwise, without the

prior written permission of SMA America, Inc.

SMA America makes no representations, express or implied, with respect to this documentation or

any of the equipment and/or software it may describe, including (with no limitation) any implied

warranties of utility, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. All such warranties are

expressly disclaimed. Neither SMA America nor its distributors or dealers shall be liable for any

indirect, incidental, or consequential damages under any circumstances.

(The exclusion of implied warranties may not apply in all cases under some statutes, and thus the

above exclusion may not apply.)

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Every attempt has been made to make this

document complete, accurate and up-to-date. Readers are cautioned, however, that SMA America

reserves the right to make changes without notice and shall not be responsible for any damages,

including indirect, incidental or consequential damages, caused by reliance on the material

presented, including, but not limited to, omissions, typographical errors, arithmetical errors or listing

errors in the content material.

SMA America, Incorporated

4031 Alvis Court

Rocklin, California 95677-4011

Tel 916.625.0870

Fax 916.625.0871

www.sma-america.com

SMA Solar Technology AG

4Sensorbox-IUS084413 Installation Guide

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This manual contains important instructions for Models SUNNY SENSORBOX - SYSTEM

MONITORING UNIT, that shall be followed during installation and maintenance of the unit.

The Sunny SensorBox is designed and tested according to international safety requirements, but as

with all electrical and electronic equipment, certain precautions must be observed when installing

and/or operating the Sunny SensorBox. To reduce the risk of personal injury and to ensure the safe

installation and operation of the Sunny SensorBox, you must carefully read and follow all

instructions, cautions and warnings in this Installation Guide.

Warnings

A Warning describes a hazard to equipment or personnel. It calls attention to a procedure or

practice, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction

of part or all of the SMA equipment and/or other equipment connected to the SMA equipment or

personal injury.

DANGER!

DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or

serious injury.

WARNING!

WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death

or serious injury.

CAUTION!

CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or

moderate injury.

NOTICE!

NOTICE indicates a situation that can result in property damage if not avoided.

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation Guide Sensorbox-IUS084413 5

Other Symbols

In addition to the safety and hazard symbols described on the previous pages, the following symbol

is also used in this Installation Guide:

General Warnings

Warranty

The current guarantee conditions are available at www.sma-america.com and can be downloaded

or are available on paper from the usual sales channels if required. For warranty coverage, or if

you have questions about the Sunny SensorBox warranty, contact SMA America at the address,

telephone number or Web site listed on page 3 (to send E-mail, see the Contact section of the SMA

America Web site).

Information

This symbol accompanies notes that call attention to supplementary information that you

should know and use to ensure optimal operation of the system.

General Warnings

All electrical installations must be done in accordance with the local and National

Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70.

Before installing or using the Sunny SensorBox, read all of the instructions, cautions, and

warnings on the Sunny SensorBox, the PV array, in this Installation Guide and in User

Manual.

PV arrays produce electrical energy when exposed to light and thus can create an

electrical shock hazard. Wiring of the PV-arrays shall only be performed by qualified

personnel.

Only use the plug-in power supply delivered with the Sunny SensorBox. Use of alternate

power supplies will void the warranty.

SMA Solar Technology AG

6Sensorbox-IUS084413 Installation Guide

SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents

Installation Guide Sensorbox-IUS084413 7

Table of Contents

1 Notes on this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

1.1 Area of Validity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

1.2 Target Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.1 Appropriate Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.2 Safety Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3 Unpacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3.1 Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3.2 Identifying the Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.2.1 Type Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.2.2 Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4 Mounting the Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.1 Selecting the Mounting Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.1.1 Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.1.2 RS485-Power Injector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.1.3 Module Temperature Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.2 Mounting the Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.2.1 Mounting on a Module Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.2.2 Mounting on a Rafter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.3 Mounting the RS485-Power Injector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.3.1 Wall Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.4 Mounting the Module Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5 Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5.1 Overview of the Connection Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.1.1 Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.1.2 RS485-Power Injector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Table of Contents SMA Solar Technology AG

8Sensorbox-IUS084413 Installation Guide

5.2 Operation of the clamps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.2.1 Operating the Plug of the RS485-Power Injector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.2.2 Operating the Terminals in the Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.2.3 Operating the Connection Terminal for Cable Shield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.2.4 Operating the Terminals for the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

5.3 Connecting the Sunny SensorBox to the RS485 Communication

Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

5.3.1 Connecting the RS485-Power Injector to the RS485 Bus Subscribers . . . . . 30

5.3.2 Connecting the RS485-Power Injector to the Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . 33

5.3.3 Connecting the Sunny SensorBox to an additional Sunny SensorBox . . . . . 36

5.3.4 Connecting the Sunny SensorBox to an Additional RS485 Bus Subscriber . 40

5.3.5 Terminating the RS485 Bus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

5.4 Connecting the Module Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

6 Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

6.1 Connecting the RS485-Power Injector to the Power Supply. . . 44

7 Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.1 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.2 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

8 Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

8.1 Removing the Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

8.2 Removing the RS485-Power Injector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

8.3 Removing the Sensors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

8.4 Packaging the Sunny SensorBox and Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

8.5 Disposing of the Sunny SensorBox and Sensors. . . . . . . . . . . . 47

9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

9.1 Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

9.1.1 Meaning of the LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

9.2 Ambient Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

SMA Solar Technology AG

Installation GuideSensorbox-IUS0844139

9.3 Anemometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

9.4 Integrated Irradiation Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

9.4.1 Connection of the Integrated Irradiation Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

10 Opening and Closing the Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . 51

10.1 Opening the Sunny SensorBox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

10.2 Closing the Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

11 Channel List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

11.1 General Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

11.2 Internal Solar Irradiation Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

11.3 Module Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

11.4 Ambient Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

11.5 External Irradiation Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

11.6 Anemometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

12 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

12.1 FCC Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

13 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

13.1 Mounting accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

13.2 RS485-Power Injector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

13.3 Seals of the Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

13.3.1 Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

13.3.2 Replacing the Cable Gland Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

13.4 Ambient Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

13.4.1 Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

13.4.2 Cabling Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

13.4.3 Selecting the Mounting Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

13.4.4 Mounting the Ambient Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

13.4.5 Connecting the Ambient Temperature Sensor to the Sunny SensorBox . . . . 64

13.4.6 Technical Data for the Ambient Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

SMA Solar Technology AG

10 Sensorbox-IUS084413 Installation Guide

13.5 Anemometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

13.5.1 Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

13.5.2 Cabling Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

13.5.3 Selecting the Mounting Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

13.5.4 Mounting the Anemometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

13.5.5 Connecting the Anemometer to the Sunny SensorBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

13.5.6 Technical Data of the Anemometer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

14 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

SMA Solar Technology AG Notes on this Manual

Installation Guide Sensorbox-IUS084413 11

1 Notes on this Manual

This manual describes how to mount, to electrically connect, and to commission the Sunny SensorBox

and the external module temperature sensor. Store this manual where it will be accessible at all times.

1.1 Area of Validity

This manual applies to the Sunny SensorBox firmware version 1.3, and later, an hardware version B3,

and later.

1.2 Target Group

This manual is for qualified personnel. Qualified personnel has received training and has

demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of the device. Qualified

personnel is trained to deal with the dangers and hazards involved in installing electric devices.

Security SMA Solar Technology AG

12 Sensorbox-IUS084413 Installation Guide

2 Security

2.1 Appropriate Usage

With the Sunny SensorBox and the external sensors you can acquire environmental data at your PV

system which is relevant to performance monitoring.

For this purpose, the Sunny SensorBox has an integrated irradiation sensor as well as an external

module temperature sensor. In addition, you also have the option of connecting an ambient

temperature sensor and/or an anemometer to the Sunny SensorBox.

The Sunny SensorBox is integrated into an RS485 communication bus. A maximum of 50 bus

subscribers (incl. Sunny SensorBox) are allowed on the RS485 bus

The RS485-Power Injector provides the Sunny SensorBox with power, and must be mounted indoors.

Up to 5 Sunny SensorBox devices can be connected to an RS485-Power Injector.

The Sunny SensorBox delivers the sensor data to the SMA communication devices via an RS485

interface:

• Sunny WebBox (Sunny WebBox firmware version 1.30 and later)

A Optional anemometer

B Sunny SensorBox with integrated irradiation sensor

C External module temperature sensor

D Optional ambient temperature sensor

SMA Solar Technology AG Security

Installation Guide Sensorbox-IUS084413 13

Based on the strength of irradiation (W/m2) of the integrated irradiation sensor and the recorded

power of the PV system over one day, you can compare the PV power achieved and the measured

strength of irradiation. If this data is observed over a longer period of time, the system constitutes a

practical method of identifying a malfunction in the PV system. The gathered Sunny SensorBox data

can be visualized via Sunny Portal (www.sunnyportal.com) or Flashview.

The Sunny SensorBox is only suitable for use with original accessories of SMA Solar Technology or

with accessories recommended by SMA Solar Technology.

Also refer to the technical data of the Sunny SensorBox.

2.2 Safety Precautions

Follow all safety precautions in this manual. Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage

to the device and in danger to persons.

DANGER!

Electric shock when opening the live inverter.

Death resulting from electric shock.

• All work on the inverter must be carried out by qualified personnel.

• Disconnect the inverter on the AC and DC sides as described in the inverter manual.

DANGER!

Falling from high altitude when mounting and installing the Sunny SensorBox.

Death or serious injury.

• Work on rooftops entails a safety risk, and requires special safeguards to be

implemented. Works on rooftops should therefore only be done by qualified

personnel which has been accordingly trained.

WARNING!

Risk of lethal electric shock when working on electrical terminals.

Death or serious injury due to electric shock.

• All electrical connections must only be carried out by qualified personnel.

Security SMA Solar Technology AG

14 Sensorbox-IUS084413 Installation Guide

NOTICE!

Overvoltage in case of lightning strike in the PV system.

Destruction of ungrounded devices.

• All devices installed on a rooftop must be integrated in the existing lightning

protection of the PV system.

SMA Solar Technology AG Unpacking

Installation Guide Sensorbox-IUS084413 15

3 Unpacking

3.1 Packing List

Check the delivery for completeness and for any external damage. Please contact your dealer if

delivery is not complete or you find any damage.

The dashed boxes show products which belong together.

A 1 Sunny SensorBox (with integrated irradiation sensor)

B 2 Insulating tubes

C 1 Connection terminal

D1Module temperature sensor

incl. 1 thermally conductive adhesive (resin and hardener) and 2 adhesive tape strips

E 1 Installation guide

F 1 RS485-Power Injector

incl. 2 plugs, 1 bracket, 2 conductive adhesive foils, 2 screws, 2 screw anchors, 1 shield

clamp and 1 plug-in power supply with 4 adaptors

G 1 Mounting plate for mounting on a module frame

incl. 4 hexagonal screws

Unpacking SMA Solar Technology AG

16 Sensorbox-IUS084413 Installation Guide

3.2 Identifying the Product

3.2.1 Type Plate

Sunny SensorBox

You can identify the Sunny SensorBox by means of the type

plate. The type plate is located on the underside of the

Sunny SensorBox.

RS485-Power Injector

You can identify the RS485-Power Injector by means of the

type plate. The type plate is located on the underside of the

RS485-Power Injector.

3.2.2 Firmware Version

The firmware version of the Sunny SensorBox is displayed as "FwVer" channel via the communication

device.

SMA Solar Technology AG Mounting the Device

Installation Guide Sensorbox-IUS084413 17

4 Mounting the Device

This section describes the installation of the Sunny SensorBox, the RS485-Power Injector and the

module temperature sensors.

4.1 Selecting the Mounting Location

4.1.1 Sunny SensorBox

Requirements for installation location of the Sunny SensorBox:

• The Sunny SensorBox is suitable for outdoor installation.

• The ambient temperature must be between -13 °F and + 158 °F.

• If the integrated irradiation sensor is used, the Sunny SensorBox must be installed at the same

tilt angle and with the same orientation as the PV system in order to have measuring results that

can be related to the system's yield.

• The installation location is to be selected according to the sensors used, taking into account the

sensors' maximum cable lengths.

• Module temperature sensor: prefabricated cable length 8.2 ft. The cable may not be extended

or cut.

• Ambient temperature sensor: maximum cable length 98 ft.

• Anemometer: prefabricated cable length 10 ft. (the cable may not be cut or only extended to

a maximum of 98 ft.).

• The maximum cable length from the final Sunny SensorBox to the RS485-Power Injector is

492 ft.

• The maximum cable length of the entire RS485 communication bus is 4,000 ft.

4.1.2 RS485-Power Injector

Installation location requirements for the RS485-Power Injector:

• The RS485-Power Injector is only suitable for indoor installation.

• In the vicinity of a 120 V socket (cable length of the power supply approx. 70 in.).

• Protect the RS485-Power Injector from dust, moisture and corrosive substances.

• The ambient temperature must be between -4 °F and +149 °F.

• The maximum cable length from the final Sunny SensorBox to the RS485-Power Injector is

492 ft.

• The maximum cable length of the RS485 communication bus is 4,000 ft.

Mounting the Device SMA Solar Technology AG

18 Sensorbox-IUS084413 Installation Guide

4.1.3 Module Temperature Sensor

Installation location requirements for the module temperature sensor:

• Select a solar cell which is never in the shade during the day.

• The module temperature sensor is adhered to the rear of the solar module.

• Observe the prefabricated cable length of 8.2 ft., the cable may not be extended or cut.

4.2 Mounting the Sunny SensorBox

The Sunny SensorBox can be mounted on a module frame, or on a rafter.

NOTICE!

Ingress of water due to wrong mounting of the Sunny SensorBox.

Possible damage of the electronics of the Sunny SensorBox.

• The Sunny SensorBox may be mounted with three orientations.

• The Sunny SensorBox must not be installed vertically with the SMA logo at the top,

as this allows water to enter the device (ventilation membrane).

A Permitted: Sunny Sensor Box mounted horizontally. SMA Logo is on the top right.

B Permitted: Sunny Sensor Box mounted vertically. SMA Logo is on the bottom right.

C Permitted: Sunny Sensor Box mounted horizontally. SMA Logo is on the bottom left.

D Prohibited: Sunny Sensor Box mounted vertically. SMA Logo is on the top left.

SMA Solar Technology AG Mounting the Device

Installation Guide Sensorbox-IUS084413 19

4.2.1 Mounting on a Module Frame

Mounting accessories provided

It is possible to mount the device on a module frame if the module frame protrudes about 6.3 in. out

of the side of the modules. The mounting plate is separately available as well, see section

13 "Accessories" (page59).

Mounting the Sunny SensorBox on a module frame

1. Determine the installation location considering the installation space and the orientation

specified for the Sunny SensorBox (see page 18).

2. Attach the mounting plate to the module frame using

2 suitable screws and slot nuts (from the

manufacturer of the module frame).

Screws up to a maximum of 3/8“ usually fit in the slot

nuts from the manufacturers of the module frame.

3. Tilt the two flaps on the right and left side on the

Sunny SensorBox towards the side (see also section

10.1 "Opening the Sunny SensorBox" (page51)).

A1Mounting plate

B4Hexagonal screws

Mounting the Device SMA Solar Technology AG

20 Sensorbox-IUS084413 Installation Guide

4. Fasten the Sunny SensorBox onto the mounting plate

using the 4 screws provided. Observe the orientation

of the Sunny SensorBox (see page 18).

5. Screw the 4 screws in a clockwise direction.

6. Make the connections to the Sunny SensorBox (see

section 5 "Electrical Connection" (page26) ).

☑ The Sunny SensorBox is mounted on the module

frame.

4.2.2 Mounting on a Rafter

Optional mounting accessories

SMA order number: Roofann-Ssensor

A 1 Roof bracket

B 5 Hexagonal wood screws

C5Washers

Page is loading ...

SMA Sunny SensorBox Installation guide

SMA Sunny SensorBox Installation guide

SMA Sunny SensorBox Installation guide

Related papers

Other documents