A Python script to read memory register(s) from Sol-Ark Inverters and insert them into a database.
This script was written in order to maintain local control of your Sol-Ark Inverter.
It is known to work with Model Sol-Ark 12k-P, COMM 142a-0717, MCU Ver6983
- Your Sol-Ark Inverter likely came with a WiFi dongle that allows for remote
monitoring, troubleshooting and software updates of your inverter. I have a
few issues with Sol-Ark's implementation of these remote capabilities:
- The WiFi dongle allows for unprotected access via http. Any individual on the same WiFi network can alter the firmware of the dongle, change it's WiFi AP association, use it to scan for nearby access points and who knows what else. I prefer to unplug it unless in need of support but I'd also like to monitor my inverter's activity without standing in front of it, too.
- The same data I'm collecting via MODBUS protocol from the inverter is being sent overseas to China. I perfer my data not be collected by unknown parties in a different country.
- The application/website (PowerView) used by Sol-Ark is also developed and maintained in China. This application allows you to remotely alter the configuration of your inverter. This same application also allows anyone to view the Operational Data of other Customers simply by providing their serial number, so I don't trust the possibility that a determined individual with the correct scripting skillz may not be able to alter the configuration of my inveter without my knowledge OR consent.
- Other vendors already have well-established products in this space. Victron Energy's Venu OS and Solar Assistant come to mind. But I want a database with my own data to play with. I'd also like to build my own dashboards and integrate it into my own home automation/monitoring solution.
- Because I can. I enjoy writing code and learning new technology.
- I'm only working with Read-Only memory registers here. My inverter is still too shiny for me to venture into voiding-warranty territory.
- solar_modbus.py was created to contain what I knew about the Sol-Ark's memory registers; I later included the range values as a sanity check. (What I previously thought were incorrect values by my inverter were actually being decoded incorrectly.)
- MySQL: I went with what I know. I would have liked to try a time-series database (like InfluxDB). Perhaps in a new release?
- Script variables are picked up from the environment (see config.py).
- A computer located near your inverter to make the Modbus calls to the inverter. (I'm using a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B v1.2.)
- A specially-crafted cable to connect your computer to your inverter. The MODBUS/RJ45 Application Note in your manual has some info. I'm using a JBtek USB to RS485 Converter Adapter as mentioned by Solardad's first post in this thread on the Solar DIY Forums.
- See pyproject.toml
- Rename solark_modbus_example.py and add any missing values you care to monitor.
- Solardad's Sol-Ark - Inverter Monitoring thread on DIY Solar Power Forum.
- offthehook for sharing his code illustrating how to read memory registers via pymodbus.
- Borrowed some techniques from Home Assistant integration for the SolArk PV Inverter.
- Aaron Melton - Author - Aaron Melton aaron@aaronmelton.com