Installation · SolaX

Install GridZeno on SolaX X1-Hybrid G3.

The X1-Hybrid G3 has no RS485 port for external control. Its port marked COM is a network port, and SolaX states that an external controller can control the inverter's power through it. The inverter is connected to your router with a network cable, and the GridZeno dongle talks to it over the network with Modbus TCP on port 502. There's no cable from the dongle to the inverter.

Needs an electrician: the inverter has to be opened

The inverter has to be opened to reach the port. This should be done by a qualified person, such as an authorised electrician.

Applies to: X1-Hybrid-3.0-5.0 G3 (N and D, E, I and C)
Connection: Over your network, without a cable to the inverter
Time: About 25 minutes

GridZeno shows the system and the battery charge level and lowers the export limit at negative prices. The battery can't be controlled on the third generation. What GridZeno can do on SolaX X1-Hybrid G3

How the dongle recognises it: The start of the serial number in holding 0x00: H1E, H1I, HCC, HUE or XRE.

GridZeno Dongle for SolaX X1-Hybrid G3

What you need

GridZeno Dongle: The device ID is on the label, e.g. GZ-A1B2C3.
Network cable: Cat5e or better, long enough to reach the router. The inverter end is crimped with an RJ45 connector.
RJ45 plug and crimping tool: For the inverter end, inside the cable gland.
Access to your router: To give the inverter a fixed IP address.
USB power: A 5 V USB charger and a cable with USB-C.

The connection

Inside the inverter behind the cable gland marked COM on the underside, between CAN/GEN and DRM/Meter. The cable runs from there to your router.

Connection: COM (network port, LAN)

Settings

On COM

Setting > Ethernet: Read the IP address, or set a fixed address (Static).
Setting > Advanced > On-grid > Remote Control: Enable, as from the factory. Advanced requires the installer code.

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: SolaX, X1-Hybrid G3
Connection: Over the network (Modbus TCP)
The inverter's address on your network: The inverter's IP address.
Port and unit: 502 and 1.

Step by step

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

1
Plug the network cable into COM
Turn off the inverter first: hold Enter for 5 seconds for Off Mode, switch off AC, EPS and the battery, and wait 5 minutes. Pass the cable through the cable gland from the accessory bag, crimp on an RJ45 connector, plug it into the COM port inside the inverter, and screw the cable gland tight. The other end goes into your router. If the inverter already uses the cable for SolaX's monitoring, it's already on the network.
2
Find the inverter's IP address
On the display, go to Setting and Ethernet. The IP address is shown here. Choose Static and a fixed address, or give the inverter a fixed address in the router so it doesn't change.
3
Check that Remote Control is switched on
Go to Setting, Advanced, On-grid and Remote Control. It must be set to Enable, as from the factory. Advanced requires the installer code.
4
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.
5
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, and enter the password. Over cable (LAN): plug a network cable from the router into the dongle's network port. The dongle must be on the same network as the inverter.
6
The GridZeno dongle talks to the inverter
There's no cable between them. They meet in your router, and the GridZeno dongle queries the inverter on port 502 with Modbus TCP.
7
Log in to GridZeno
Log in to GridZeno. Welcome pairs the dongle with its device ID and then asks about your inverter.
8
Choose your inverter in Welcome
Choose your inverter, SolaX X1-Hybrid G3, and the connection Over the network (Modbus TCP). Enter the inverter's IP address in the field The inverter's address on your network, and press Save inverter. The dongle then fetches its setup and reads from the inverter.

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

Take care

COM on the G3 is a network port and goes to the router. Never plug the GridZeno dongle's RS485 cable into it. The Meter and BMS ports aren't for the dongle either.

SolaX describes control through the LAN port, but not the protocol. If the inverter doesn't respond on port 502, write to us with the inverter's software version.

SolaX states that the Wi-Fi module must stay in place when the inverter uses LAN. Leave the Pocket WiFi in place.

The inverter must be opened to reach the COM port. This should be done by a qualified person, for example an authorised installer.

What GridZeno can control on SolaX X1-Hybrid G3, and how, is on the page about SolaX X1-Hybrid G3. If you're stuck, write to us with the model name.

Source

Ports, pins and menus are from the manufacturer's own manual: SolaX X1-Hybrid G3 User Manual (EN), Section 3.4, Terminals of PV inverter (K: Ethernet port), the communication connection to the router, Setting > Ethernet, and e-1-5, Remote Control.