Installation · Growatt

Install GridZeno on Growatt MIC.

MIC TL-X and TL-X2 are single-phase grid-tied inverters without a battery, so GridZeno can show the production and, where the protocol allows it, limit the export. The dongle is connected with two wires in the 8-pin signal connector, pins 3 and 4, which Growatt has set aside for communication. TL-X and TL-X2 have the same connector and the same pins.

Applies to: MIC 600-3300TL-X and TL-X2
Connection: Wires in the inverter's terminal plug
Time: About 25 minutes

A small grid inverter without a battery. GridZeno shows the solar production but can't control anything on it. What GridZeno can do on Growatt MIC

How the dongle recognises it: The type code 210, or 5200 when the range from 3000 doesn't answer.

GridZeno Dongle for Growatt MIC

What you need

GridZeno Dongle: The device ID is on the label, e.g. GZ-A1B2C3.
Cable: GridZeno's Modbus cable with one end cut off, or another network cable with one plug.
Wire stripper and screwdriver: For the two wires in the signal connector from the inverter's accessory bag.
USB power: A 5 V USB charger and a cable with USB-C.

The port

The 8-pin connector marked COM on the underside, next to the USB port. The same connector is used for the energy meter and the current clamp, so there may already be wires in it.

Port: COM (8-pin signal connector)

The signal connector, with the pins numbered as Growatt numbers them. Pins 3 and 4 are for communication, pins 7 and 8 for the energy meter. The numbers are on the plug.

Pin 3 A, RS485A1
Pin 4 B, RS485B1

The cable

A network cable with an RJ45 plug for the dongle at one end and the other end cut off. At the inverter end, only the two wires from pins 4 and 5 are used. The signal connector has no RS485 GND, so the white/green wire isn't used.

From the dongle to the inverter
Dongle end	Inverter end
Dongle pin 4, blue (A)	Signal connector pin 3, RS485A1
Dongle pin 5, white/blue (B)	Signal connector pin 4, RS485B1
The other wires	Cut off and insulated

Settings

On the inverter

Set parameter > General > Set Comaddr: 001, as set at the factory. On TL-X2: Settings > General > Set the COMADDR.
Modbus: Modbus RTU at 9600 baud, 8N1. That's what the dongle uses from the factory, so there's nothing to set.

In GridZeno's Welcome

The inverter is chosen in GridZeno: in Welcome the first time, and later under System, Change inverter. The dongle fetches its setup from there.

Manufacturer and model: Growatt, MIC
Connection: By cable (RS485)
RS485 settings: Keep the default: 9600 baud, 8N1, address 1.

Step by step

Each step has a small drawing that shows what to do.

1
Check the address
Tap the touch button once to scroll, and twice to select. Go to Set parameter, General and Set Comaddr. It must be 001, as set at the factory. On TL-X2 the menu is called Settings, General and Set the COMADDR.
2
Remove the signal connector
The round 8-pin connector marked COM is on the underside by the USB port. Switch the inverter off, press the lock in, and pull the connector out. If there's no connector, use the signal connector from the accessory bag.
3
Prepare the cable
Pass the cable through the pressure screw, the sealing ring and the threaded sleeve. Strip the two wires from pin 4 (blue) and pin 5 (white/blue). Insulate the other wires.
4
Put the wires in pins 3 and 4
Blue (A) goes in pin 3 and white/blue (B) in pin 4, by the numbers on the connector. Tighten the screws, and pull gently on the wires to check that they're secure. Don't touch wires in pins 5 to 8: they belong to the current clamp and the energy meter.
5
Plug the connector back in
Screw the threaded sleeve on, and press the connector into COM until it clicks.
6
Plug the RJ45 end into the dongle
The cable's other end goes into the dongle's RS485 port. Place the dongle somewhere dry and close to the inverter, so the cable doesn't hang from the plug.
7
Connect power to the dongle
Plug the USB-C cable into the dongle and the charger into a socket. The dongle starts by itself. It gets power from the charger, not from the inverter.
8
Connect the dongle to the network
Over Wi-Fi: the first time, the dongle creates its own Wi-Fi, GridZeno-Setup- followed by the last characters of the device ID. Connect your phone to it, choose your own network, enter the password, and press Save and connect. When it says Connection OK, press Go to GridZeno. Over cable (LAN): plug a network cable from the router into the dongle's network port.
9
Log in, and choose your inverter
Log in to GridZeno. Welcome pairs the dongle with its device ID. Then choose your inverter, Growatt MIC, and the connection By cable (RS485). Press Save inverter, and the dongle fetches its setup and reads the inverter.

The dongle's own setup is described with screenshots in The user guide, and the pairing in Getting started.

Take care

Pins 7 and 8 are the energy meter's connection and pins 5 and 6 the current clamp's. They must not be moved or connected to anything else. The USB port is for Growatt's own data logger.

If you aren't used to fitting wires in a terminal connector, let the installer do it.

What GridZeno can control on Growatt MIC, and how, is on the page about Growatt MIC. If you're stuck, write to us with the model name.

Source

Ports, pins and menus are from the manufacturer's own manual: Growatt MIC 600-3300TL-X Installation & Operation Manual (GR-UM-196-A-03) and MIC 600-3300TL-X2 Installation & Operation Manual (GR-UM-298-A-00), Sections 3.1, Overview (the underside), 6.5, Connecting signal cable(s), 7.2.2, Set the COM address, and 7.4.1, RS485.