BenQ Solar Web Portal: The AC Unison Monitoring Solution
User Guide for Installers
Version 1.1
VersionsdfdsfLast revised: July 2012
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BenQ Solar AC Unison Monitoring system User Guide for System Owners
Table of Contents 1. Introduction to the BenQ Solar Web Portal .................................................................................2 2. Setting up the BenQ Solar Web Portal Installer Account...........................................................3 3. Modifying BenQ Solar Web Portal account ...................................................................................4 3.1 Modifying your Account Information ..............................................................................................4 3.2 Changing your password....................................................................................................................4 4. Registering new AC Unison system.................................................................................................5 5. Monitoring an AC Unison system ....................................................................................................8 5.1 BenQ Solar Energy Monitoring System Network Requirements .............................................8 5.2 The Overview page.............................................................................................................................9 5.3 AC Unison Module Level View .......................................................................................................10 6. Energy Monitor and System Profile pages....................................................................................13 6.1 Energy Information page ..................................................................................................................13 6.2 Annual Comparison page.................................................................................................................13 6.3 Estimated Financial Benefits page...................................................................................................13 6.4 Monthly Report Export page ..........................................................................................................14 6.5 Device Tree page................................................................................................................................14 6.7 System Profile .....................................................................................................................................15 6.8 Edit My AC Unison page ..................................................................................................................15 7. AC Unison System Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................16 7.1 FAQ.......................................................................................................................................................16 7.2 General Troubleshooting Suggestions ...........................................................................................17 7.3 Alarm Table..........................................................................................................................................19
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1. Introduction to the BenQ Solar Web Portal The BenQ Solar Web Portal works with the BenQ Solar monitoring system to give solar installers and owners easy access to real-time operating information of the BenQ AC Unison solar power system. The BenQ Solar Web Portal could be reached from the main BenQ Solar website and clicking on Monitoring System Login. www.benqsolar.com There are two options for reaching the BenQ Web Portal Login page from the home page. Both buttons are labeled Monitoring System Login. The button in the purple navigation bar at the bottom of the page is available from anywhere on the BenQ Solar website.
Figure 1 BenQ Solar homepage http://www.auosolar.com/?sn=1163&lang=en-US
To save time when logging on in the future be sure to bookmark the BenQ Solar Monitoring System Login page.
Figure 2 BenQ Web Portal Login
Important The browser plugplug-in Adobe Flash Player and Microsoft Microsoft Silverlight are both required in order to use the BenQ Solar Web Portal. Download Adobe Flash Player at get.adobe.com/flashplayer Download Microsoft Silverlight at microsoft.com/getsilverlight
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2. Setting up the BenQ Solar Web Portal Installer Account Step 1: 1: Go to the BenQ Solar Web Portal and select Create new account. Note that Installer level accounts have access to some features not available to system owner level accounts.
Figure 3 Create a new acount
Step 2: Fill out the form with all the required information. Each field with an asterisk (*) is required. When finished, click on Sign Up button. You’ll receive an email with your password so that you can login to the Web Portal at the main sign in page seen in Step 11. A Distributor Code Code is required to register a new account, if you do not have this, contact the distributor you purchased your AC Unison parts from.
Figure 4 Distributor Code Step 3: Use the password provided in the email confirmation to log in for the first time. Please read the Terms of Use and click Accept if you agree. You will then arrive at the All Systems page. To change your password, see Sec. ec. 3.1. 3.1
Figure 5 All Systems page V 1.1 July 2012
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3. Modifying BenQ Solar Web Portal account To make changes to your BenQ Web Portal account information is easy. Go to the All Systems Systems page and click on your user name (i.e. the account email) in the top right hand corner of the Web Portal window to enter your User Profile page.
Figure 6 User Profile button
3.1 Modifying your Account Information Important Remember that any New Systems added under your profile will be able to see your logo and contact information. Be sure to keep these up to date. From your User Profile page you can change your contact phone number, address, company logo and password. Navigate using the tabs at the top of the page. All account fields with an asterisk (*) must be answered before saving. Enter the Validation Code and click Sign Up to save any changes.
Figure 7 User Profile page
3.2 Changing your password Click on the Change Password tab at the top of the User Profile page. Enter your new password twice to confirm and input the validation code shown in the last field before clicking the Submit button.
Figure 8 Change Password tab V 1.1 July 2012
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4. Registering new AC Unison system Important The Data Logger must be online before its Serial Number can be found in the BenQ Web Portal. If device number is not found, troubleshoot Data Logger internet connection. Step 1: After each new AC Unison system is installed you’ll need to click Register a New System to add the new system to your All Systems page.
Figure 9 Register a New System button Step 2: Complete Register a New System Step 0 by entering the serial number from the BenQ Data Logger and pressing Register. Register The image shown indicates where the Data Logger Serial Number can be found on the device.
Figure 10 Data Logger Serial Number Step 3: Complete Register a New System Step 1: 1: Create Profile. Profile Enter the details of the system installation under the Create Profile tab. All fields with an asterisk (*) must be completed before system can save. Click Register when you finish.
Figure 11 Create Profile page
Important Please note that the Estimated Financial Rate field should be filled with the correct average grid utility rate for your local utility. Contact your customer’s utility for the best estimates.
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Step 4: Complete the next Register a New System tab Step 2: 2: AC Unison Configuration. Configuration Here you’ll be asked to reproduce module layout by dragging and dropping each rectangle into position. Drop in AC module serial numbers so that the system layout matches the as built drawings from the install. A. Single Module Tray B. Selected module details C. D. E. F.
Remove Selected Module Layout Tools Module Canvas Serial Number Tray
Figure 12 Modules Layout tab A. Single Module Tray Tray Click on the module in this tray to drag
CustomizeCustomize- Add a grid of modules to modules currently on canvas. This
and drop onto module canvas. Use this tool to build the site’s array one module at a time. B. Selected module details
feature is the same as auto layout, but will not delete or rearrange modules already on module canvas. All-Remove all modules from Clear All
Shows the details of the currently selected module’s layout. Use the Position fields to change selected module’s orientation. C. Remove Selected Module(s)
Module Canvas. Serial Numbers will Canvas return to Serial Number Tray. E. Module Canvas Drop modules here to add them to system
Click to remove selected module from the canvas. Serial number will return to Tray. Serial Number Tray D. Module Layout Tools Layout-- Automatically rearrange all Auto Layout
layout. Modules are outlined with blue when they are selected. Use the small green arrow in the top right corner of the module to change module orientation. F. Serial Number Tray
modules on canvas into a grid. Use this feature to select horizontal or vertical layout and specify rows and columns in
Drag and drop device serial numbers onto empty module rectangles to assign number to module. Serial number list is
installation. All modules on canvas will be deleted or rearranged when this feature is used.
generated automatically through module discovery process during Data Logger installation process.
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Step 5: Complete the Register a New System tab Step 3: 3: Sign Up a New Account. Enter the email and name of Account the system owner to sign up his/her account and click the Sign Up button to complete the registration process.
Figure 13 Sign Up a New Account tab
Important If the system name is grey and marked “Step 1” or “Step 2”, registration is not completed and needs to finish the remaining steps.
Congratulations! The AC Unison system is now registered. Click the All Systems button (top right hand corner of the portal window) to exit the registration window.
Figure 14 New Site on All Systems page
Important If the system name is grey and marked “Lock”, it can not be accessed until it is activated by the owner.
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5. Monitoring an AC Unison system Once an AC Unison system is registered and the owner has activated their account, the system can be monitored anytime from anywhere with an internet connection. You can see specific information about each system’s performance by clicking on the System Name from the All Systems page (below). If you’ve installed more than one AC Unison System, you can return to this page by clicking the All Systems button seen on other pages within the portal. A. BenQsolar.com navigation B. Installer contact info C. System Details Button D. Installer Details E. User Profile link F. BenQsolar.com search bar
Figure 15 The All Systems page A. BenQsolar.com Navigation These buttons will take you out of the Monitoring Portal and back to BenQsolar.com page selected B. Installer Contact info Installer listed phone number C. System Details Button Link to the system Overview page (see section 3.2)
D. Installer Details Link to view detailed installer information E. User Profile Link Link to Installer level user profile F. BenQsolar.com search bar Search bar for benqsolar.com. Using this will cause you to exit the Web Portal.
5.1 BenQ Solar Energy Monitoring System Network Requirements The BenQ Solar monitoring system relies on a constant internet based connection with the Data Logger on site. Therefore the Data Logger must have unrestricted internet access via a reliable and consistent internet connection to work properly. Slower speed internet connections (ie Dial Up internet) or inconsistent internet connections will impact the accuracy of the production data shown on the web portal. For the most reliable internet connection, BenQ Solar recommends using a direct line to the internet router or switch via Cat5 line. If your customer’s network is restricted (ex: corporation intranet academic network…etc.), work with your IT department to be sure that the Data Logger has access to ports 20, 21 and 22.
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5.2 The Overview page After selecting a system from the System Name Name list, the Overview page will be shown. A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L.
System Name and Image Main Navigation Bar Basic System Statistics User Name System Serial Number Logout Button All Systems Button Main Image Energy Trend Chart AC Unison Chart Link Basic System Details Installer Contact Info
Figure 16 Overview page
A. System name and image Displays the system name and shows site profile picture uploaded by owner. System owner is able to change the name and profile picture anytime B. Main Navigation Bar Used to get to most features of the Web Portal, explore dropdowns to see all menus C. Basic system statistics Use purple arrows at the top of the display bar to display daily, yearly or system lifetime energy production statistics. Environmental and financial savings assumptions can be changed under the Edit my AC Unison link. D. User Profile Link Link to Installer level user profile E. System Serial Number Data Logger Serial Number, this is the main point of reference for BenQ
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F. Logout Button Used to exit BenQ Solar Web Portal G. All Systems Button Used to return to all systems page (see section 5) H. Main image Image uploaded by system owner I. Energy trend chart Shows estimated energy production for current day J. AC Unison Chart Link Shows real time, module-level production data, as well as cumulative production over weeks, months, and system lifetime; plus other charts and graphs (see section 5.3) K. Basic System Details Summary of the most important system details, based on installer inputs L. Installer Contact Information Call your installer with questions about system or if maintenance is needed
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5.3 AC Unison Module Level View The AC Unison Chart button near the bottom right corner of the Overview page will allow you to access module level production information and other detailed data about each system’s performance. How to see Module Level Information The BenQ Solar Web Portal allows module level monitoring so that system installers and owners can track each AC Unison panel. This monitoring can be viewed by clicking the AC Unison Chart link on the energy trend chart or clicking View my AC Unison on the Overview page navigation bar.
Figure 17 Module Level View page links Understanding Module Level View Module level view allows you to see the AC Unison array’s performance at the module level. This page will reflect the panel layout provided during System Syste m Registration process (see Section 4: Step 4) To see additional module details hover mouse over the module.
Figure 18 AC Unison chart A color coded scale is used to indicate power output in real-time, or over time period shown on currently selected time period tab. Lighter colors indicate high output and darker colors indicate lower output. If the module is black, no power is generated at all.
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Time Lapse Video Tabs and Time Period Tabs There are five Time Period Tabs at the top of the Module Level View page.
Each will show
module level production in Watts over the period of time shown. When Now is selected the page will display real time production data. When Today or Last 7 days is selected a time lapse video option will show at the bottom of the array map. Click play to watch time lapse video of each system’s performance.
Figure 19 Time Lapse View
Historical Historical graph Below the module level view there are historical production graphs that present your system’s performance in another way. This shows a historical record of power generated by entire AC Unison system. Tabs provide an option to view Last 7 days, days Last Month and Last year history. To view graphs in the full screen mode, press this button
Figure 20 Historical Graph
Important Please note that the numbers and graphs shown are estimates only. Additional equipment is necessary for revenue grade grade system production reporting. V 1.1 July 2012
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Module Detail Menu One of the most exciting features of the AC Unison Web Portal is the module level detail. Click on any module to pull up the Module Detail menu. There are two options for viewing more specific information about the performance of each module: • •
Daily Chart Alarm List
Figure 21 AC Module Detail menu Daily Chart The daily production is displayed in watt hours graph based on hourly intervals. Slide the blue box along the timeline to see production information from any 24 hour period in the last 7 days.
Figure 22 Daily Production chart Alarm List The alarm list shows all alarm messages received from selected AC Unison module via the Data Logger. This feature is not visible for system owner accounts.
Figure 23 Alarm List
Important For more details about alarm messages and using these for troubleshooting, see part 6 in this guide “AC Unison system troubleshooting” V 1.1 July 2012
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6. Energy Monitor and System Profile pages The following pages are on the listed on the Main Navigation Bar on the left side of the page, under the Energy Monitor or System Profile sections of the menu. Click to expand.
6.1 Energy Information page This is an overview of daily, monthly, yearly and lifetime energy production. Graph timeframes can be changed to show system performance during a given time period.
Figure 24 Energy Information page
6.2 Annual Comparison page This overview shows the entire system’s annual energy production in kWh to be compared between different years beginning from the system date.
Figure 25 Annual Comparison
6.3 Estimated Financial Benefits page This overview shows graphical estimates of the financial savings provided by an AC Unison system. The amounts are calculated as the product of the generated power and the local average utility rate (your installer can change this rate setting if needed).
Figure 26 Estimated Financial Benefits
Important Please note that the numbers and graphs shown are estimates only. Additional equipment is necessary for revenue grade system production reporting. V 1.1 July 2012
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6.4 Monthly Report Export page This function allows exporting monthly reports of the whole system or device level performance to a file for download. When device is selected under Data Source a list of modules will appear to select desired module.
Figure 27 Monthly Report Export tool
6.5 Device Tree page Listed under System profile menu, the Device Tree is a list of all the devices associated with the selected installed system. Production figures shown in the device tree reflect the last reported AC/DC production for each device. A flag (
) will appear for any device
reporting an error. To see more details about device performance, hover your computer’s mouse cursor over the device
Figure 28 Device Tree
6.6 System Meter Outputs page This page displays real time Meter Output details and Environmental Conditions currently reported by the Data Logger.
Figure 29 System Meter Output
Important For more details about troubleshooting, please refer to “6. AC Unison system troubleshooting” part of this guide V 1.1 July 2012
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6.7 System Profile The system profile reflects the system information entered during AC Unison system registration.
Figure 29 System Profile page
6.8 Edit My AC Unison page
Selecting Edit My AC Unison allows you to do the following: • Edit System Profile details • Change or update the AC •
Unison system layout Allow another user to access the account
Figure 30 Edit my AC Unison
Important For more details about how to use the Edit My AC Unison features see section 4: Registering a new AC Unison System. System.
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7. AC Unison System Troubleshooting If you encounter an issue with the operation of the BenQ Solar Web Portal please refer to the following sections for troubleshooting suggestions. If the problem persists, or is not covered in the information below, call BenQ Solar directly at: 408-518-8800 for Customer Support.
Important Be aware that only professional electricians electricians should troubleshoot the PV array and the AC Unison modules. modules. Do not attempt to repair an AC Unison module itself; itself; it contains no user--serviceable parts parts.. user Always disconnect AC AC power before disconnecting the AC Unison module wires from its microinverter.. The AC connector of the first microinverter in a branch circuit is a suitable microinverter disconnection point once the AC branch circuit breaker in the load center has been opened.
7.1 FAQ When I try to register a new system, the Web Portal says Data Logger serial number cannot be found? The Data Logger must be connected to the internet for at least 15 minutes to be detected by the Web Portal. If device is not found, troubleshoot Data Logger internet connection. Some module serial numbers are missing from my Serial Number Tray? Module serial numbers shown in the Serial Number Tray are auto populated via the module discovery process. If module serial numbers are missing from this list, rerun Discovery Mode on the Data Logger, and double check to confirm all modules have been discovered. If modules are not being discovered during Discovery Mode, troubleshoot module PLC connection to Data Logger using the AU Unison Installation Guide. Why does one module show different production than its neighbors? Module production will always vary from module to module. Physical and environmental factors contribute to production differences (module cell efficiency, clouds and other shade, debris on modules, and other factors). It is normal for these factors to account for production differences up to about 30%. If production differences are regularly greater than 30% or if the module is reporting inconsistently contact BenQ Support to troubleshoot.
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One or a few modules show 0w production? If a module shows 0w production confirm that the issue is not related to shade. Determine if the module is communicating by hovering cursor over module in Module Level View and looking at module status. Click on the module and select the Alarm List page to see all issues reported by module. In many cases the AC Unison module will reset itself and resume normal operation within 72 hours. Compare alarms to Alarm Table below for additional troubleshooting suggestions. If device is not communicating, check all electrical connection of the module in question and make sure they are secure. Troubleshoot this using the General Troubleshooting Suggestions below. All modules show 0w production? If all modules show 0w production there is typically a communication problem with the Data Logger. Usually, either the module circuit has been opened or the Data Logger internet connection has been interrupted. Use the General Troubleshooting Suggestions below to address this issue.
7.2 General Troubleshooting Suggestions Troubleshooting Communication Communication Issues Make sure the issue is not related to the Web Portal by comparing problem system reported production to other installations on your All Systems page. If other systems are reporting normally, try the following to trouble shoot: • Check if the internet service on site is working. If the site’s internet is the problem, • •
call the Service Provider to troubleshoot the problem. If the internet service is functioning properly but all AC Unison modules communication still fails, proceed to Troubleshooting Data Logger Issues. Issues If other AC Unison systems show complete communication failure, then there is a problem with the servers that process the data to send to the BenQ Solar Web Portal. Contact BenQ Solar Customer Support to make sure they are aware of the issue.
Troubleshooting Data Logger Issues Physically inspect the Data Logger at the AC Unison system installation site. Check to see if the Ethernet cable is securely connected into Data Logger. • If the cable is loose or disconnected, reconnect the cable and then check the status of the connection by checking the display on the data logger. V 1.1 July 2012
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Figure 31 Data logger main screen •
If COMM is displayed, communication is restored and working it can take up to 15
•
minutes for the Data Logger to connect to Web Portal servers once COMM shows. If NOCOMM is displayed, communication has failed and the Data Logger needs site inspection. Please proceed to Troubleshooting AC Unison Physical Connection for tips on how to inspect an AC Unison installation.
Troubleshooting AC Unison Physical Connections
Important Be sure to follow all proper proper safety precautions when servicing an AC Unison installation. Only certified electricians should should attempt to service AC Unison installations. •
•
• • •
First, check the system’s connection to the utility grid. Verify that utility power is present at the AC Unison module system in question. Verify that the utility voltage and frequency are within range. Check the AC branch circuit interconnection harness between all the modules. Verify each AC Unison module is energized by the utility grid as described in the previous bullet point. Make sure that any AC disconnects including the circuit breakers in the service panel / load center are functioning properly and are in the closed position. Visually check the connection between the microinverter and the PV module of the AC Unison module(s). Make sure all connections are secure. Check the output current flowing through the DC cable of the AC Unison module(s) by clamp multi-meter.
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7.3 Alarm Table Alarm
Description
Recommended Action
Grid voltage
The microinverter of the AC
This condition should correct itself. If
out of range
Unison module has sensed an over- or under-voltage condition on power coming from the utility. Each microinverter monitors the
the alert persists over 72 hours, the system installer should collect utility grid information and troubleshoot on site.
condition of the AC grid at all times. Grid
The microinverter of the AC
This condition should correct itself. If
frequency out of range
Unison module has sensed an over- or under-frequency condition on power coming from
the alert persists over 72 hours, the system installer should collect utility grid information (for example:
the utility. Each microinverter monitors the condition of the AC grid at all times.
frequency disturbance) and follow troubleshoot on site.
The internal temperature of the microinverter of the AC Unison module has exceeded the maximum threshold set by the
No action required. If the alert persists for over 72 hours, the system installer should collect temperature information (microinverter and ambient) and
manufacturer for long-term reliability.
troubleshoot on site.
Bus voltage
An internal voltage measurement
No action required. Once the internal
too high
of the microinverter of the AC Unison module has exceeded the
voltage of the inverter subsides, it will begin to produce power and this alert
maximum threshold set by the manufacturer for long-term reliability.
will clear. If the condition persists, over 72 hours please troubleshoot on site.
Input
An internal voltage measurement
No action required. Once the internal
recovery circuit voltage too high
of the microinverter of the AC Unison module has exceeded the maximum threshold set by the manufacturer for long-term
voltage of the inverter subsides, it will begin to produce power and this error message will clear. If the condition persists over 72 hours, please
reliability.
troubleshoot on site.
Over temp
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Failed POST
This is a fault internal to the microinverter of the AC Unison module.
This condition should correct itself. If the condition persists over 72 hours, please troubleshoot on site.
Bad ADC reading
This is a fault internal to the microinverter of the AC Unison module.
This condition should correct itself. If the condition persists over 72 hours, please troubleshoot on site.
SPI interrupt
This is a fault internal to the
This condition should correct itself. If
overflow
microinverter of the AC Unison module.
the condition persists over 72 hours, please troubleshoot on site.
IC2 interrupt overflow (EEPROM)
This is a fault internal to the microinverter of the AC Unison module.
This condition should correct itself. If the condition persists over 72 hours, please troubleshoot on site.
EEPROM write
This is a fault internal to the microinverter of the AC Unison
This condition should correct itself. If the condition persists over 72 hours,
timeout
module.
please troubleshoot on site.
EEPROM read timeout
This is a fault internal to the microinverter of the AC Unison
This condition should correct itself. If the condition persists over 72 hours,
module.
please troubleshoot on site.
EEPROM
This is a fault internal to the
This condition should correct itself. If
failed verify
microinverter of the AC Unison module.
the condition persists over 72 hours, please troubleshoot on site.
Cal value out of range
This is a fault internal to the microinverter of the AC Unison module.
This condition should correct itself, and will not affect the operating performance of the AC Unison module. If the condition persists over 72 hours, please troubleshoot on site.
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