Cost of adding batteries to existing PV system.

WIAWSNB

Hi QrizB.

I'll check what connections the Sofar has (it's an early model), but I haven't used comms as I had to go for the 'default' setting, and enter it all manually. I presume it gets its info - SoC etc - from voltage readings.

I recall I did try the supplied comms cable as an experiment, but it didn't appear to do anything, but that's as likely to have been user-error as much as the fact it was not a catered-for battery (the Series version of the Alpha-Ess).

Have you asked on the Sofar Facebook page?

QrizB

Have you asked on the Sofar Facebook page?

I try to avoid Facebook unless there's no other option 😀

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82129364#Comment_82129364

Ha-ha! There some very knowledgeable folk on there, and very helpful - got me through the Firmware update malarkey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2477195449252168

This is all I have: Alpha-Ess COM ports are stated (in the spec sheet) as being CAN and RS486 compatible.

The underside of my early Sofar is:

And the comms cable that came with this 2nd-hand unit has:

No doubt in the 'suck-eggs' category, but each end is wired differently.

debitcardmayhem

No doubt in the 'suck-eggs' category, but each end is wired differently

Typical crossover?

Heedtheadvice

Qriz can I suggest a quick all to Fogstar?

Firstly they are very helpful, they will know exactly which cable is required, and someone I know was sent one straight away for free.

Helpful and very MSE

QrizB

Thanks all!

I can see from WIAWSNB's photos that his Sofar has RJ45 sockets (like an Ethernet cable) for his CANBUS and RS485 connections. Mine has RJ11 sockets (like an ADSL cable), which complicates things.

My Fogstar battery has RJ45 sockets and I was hoping I'd be able to use a network cable for comms, but the RJ11 on the inverter scuppered that plan. The battery has a Pylontech-compatible mode, and my Sofar supports Pylontech batteries, so I'm hoping that with the correct cable it'll be plug n play.

I can see a couple of sellers online offering RJ11-to-RJ45 comms cables for use with Sofar & Pylontech systems, so it looks like it's a solved problem. I might give Fogstar a call and see if they'll supply a cable but, if not, I'll have to order one.

Heedtheadvice

Do beware that there are to can cable configuration for Pylon batts one with reversed comms connections one straight through pin to pin. Debit mentions above I.e. "crossover?"

You can only use the correct one!