Frequently asked questions

The plug-and-play SunElements design means that anyone with a little manual skill can install the solar modules and connect the plugs from the solar module to the module inverter. The connection cable (Schuko plug) is plugged into a socket if our product is used as a “balcony power station” or “plug-in mini solar system”.
Depending on regional regulations, this is possible up to 600 W or 800 W. If these limits are exceeded, the connection line must be connected to the domestic power supply by an authorized specialist in accordance with the relevant standards and regulations. The necessary safety components (RCD, overvoltage protection, etc.) must be provided by the customer.

The use of module inverters means that each individual module can be monitored precisely and replaced very easily. This also prevents individual modules, as the weakest link, from negatively affecting the performance of the entire solar system due to shading.

Procedure in steps:

1. Assembly of the SunGarden greenhouse incl. Solar modules
2. Mounting the inverter according to the specifications on the underside of the head profile near the junction boxes of the solar modules
3. Plug the solar module cables together with the DC inverter cables (MC4 connection socket – plug), making sure that you can hear the closure (“click”) for each plug connection.
4. Connect the AC cable from the inverter to a 230 V socket (up to 600 W or 800 W depending on the country) using a plug. If the output is more than the specified balcony power plant limit, the output power can be adjusted to “Balcony power plant limit” in the APP.
5. Ensure that WLAN reception is available in the SunGarden (to be provided by the customer). The supplied DTU (S-DTU Lite) must be plugged into a 230 V socket near the micro inverter.
6. Download the inverter monitoring app S-Miles from Hoymiles according to the data sheet (in the inverter package)
7. Registration as an end customer in the APP and setting the WLAN network to which the data transmission of the inverter with WLAN receiver should have access
8. Enter the type of PV system
9. Scan or enter the serial number of the inverter.

In Austria and Germany, you can feed up to 3.6 kVA single-phase into the grid. This is a simpler method of installation, component selection and cabling, but you must obtain information from the network operator beforehand. At SunElements, we offer prefabricated plug-in solutions for single-phase feed-in. In SunElements’ largest greenhouse, the SunGarden 5×4 m, the roof and one side wall can be completely equipped with PV modules with an output of 400 Wp each. With the module inverter provided for this purpose, a maximum AC output power of 3.6 kVA is achieved even if the module output is 4.56 kWp in total. For larger systems, a three-phase installation must be carried out and agreed with your electrician. We will be happy to advise you on component selection and provide your electrician with information. If no SunElements components are used for the installation, the customer is responsible for component selection and installation.

A single-phase feed-in for a photovoltaic system means that the electricity generated by the photovoltaic system is fed into the electricity grid via only one phase. It is important to note that grid laws and regulations may differ in different countries. Some countries may require a three-phase feed-in for larger photovoltaic systems, while smaller systems can work with a single-phase feed-in.

With a three-phase feed-in, the electricity generated by the photovoltaic system is distributed to the grid via all three phase conductors. This enables an even load on the phases in the grid and efficient use of the electrical infrastructure. It is important to note that grid laws and regulations may differ in different countries. In some countries, a three-phase feed-in is mandatory for larger photovoltaic systems, while smaller systems can operate with a single-phase feed-in.

1. Check compatibility: Make sure that the output voltage and output current of your existing 1-phase system match the requirements of the existing 3-phase system. The inverters of both systems must be compatible and able to work together.
2. Installation planning: It is important to check the electrical cabling and circuit design to ensure that the two systems are integrated correctly. It may be necessary to install additional protective devices such as surge protection devices or load-break switches.
3. Grid connection: Make sure that your electricity grid operator accepts the extended system and has issued the necessary permits. Inform the network operator of the planned change so that they can make the necessary adjustments to the network infrastructure.
4. Monitoring and control: If the two systems are to work together, you may need an advanced monitoring system to monitor the operation and performance of both systems. Correct control and regulation of the power is crucial to ensure optimum performance and safety.

In principle, the regional requirements, standards and laws must be observed and this must be clarified and observed by the customer on site. Any notes, texts and illustrations in our documents are for explanatory purposes only, but must always be checked to see to what extent they need to be amended by the customer to comply with regional requirements, standards and laws. (especially for the installation of a photovoltaic system or the foundation for the SunElements product) Liability is limited to the product supplied by us.

Micro inverters are small inverters. They convert the direct current (DC) produced by the solar modules into alternating current (AC). You can use this directly in your home or feed it into the public grid. Each AC module works independently of the others. This means greater reliability and a higher solar yield. A conventional system, on the other hand, is only as strong as its weakest module. Even slight shadows or a few leaves on one of the modules can dramatically reduce the overall performance of the system.

All AC module installations must be connected to the Internet for monitoring to be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for the micro inverter. Data per micro inverter/module is transmitted to the monitoring platform via this internet connection.
The performance of each microinverter and each module can be viewed by the installer, and warnings are also issued in the event of faulty devices, e.g. a low-power PV module or a faulty microinverter. The micro inverter can be detached from the PV module so that each component can be serviced individually.

AC solutions are compatible with AC power storage solutions. If you use a suitable battery/storage unit, you can track the energy flow in the monitoring system.

The greatest advantage of bifacial solar modules lies in the increased generation of energy. Depending on the optimum position of the modules, the total output can be increased by up to 30 % by additionally using the rear side as an actively used surface. You can find more informationabout “Bifacial modules” on our blog