Growatt Shine Master 4G

Growatt ShineMaster-4G for remote monitoring

The Growatt ShineMaster-4G has been developed for Growatt installations with several inverters at locations where no fixed internet connection is available. The data logger collects the data from the connected inverters via RS485 and sends it over the mobile 4G network to the Growatt monitoring platform.

That makes this version particularly suitable for agricultural businesses, industrial halls, remote buildings, solar parks and other installations where Ethernet is not available or not practical.

What does a ShineMaster-4G do?

The ShineMaster-4G forms the central communication point between the Growatt inverters, an optional Smart Meter and the online monitoring environment.

With the ShineMaster-4G you can:

• monitor several Growatt inverters centrally;
• send production data over the mobile network;
• view faults and operating statuses remotely;
• support remote maintenance and diagnostics;
• include a compatible Smart Meter in the installation;
• apply export limitation on a system suitable for this.

Up to 64 inverters without Smart Meter

According to the Growatt presentation for parallel operation, the classic ShineMaster supports:

• a maximum of 64 inverters without Smart Meter;
• a maximum of 32 inverters in combination with a Smart Meter.

When a meter is used for power measurement or export limitation, different system limits therefore apply than with monitoring only.

Please note: the actual support remains dependent on the inverter type, the firmware, the RS485 topology and the meter used.

4G monitoring without a fixed internet connection

The mobile connection is the most important difference between the ShineMaster-4G and the standard ShineMaster. The data is not sent exclusively over a local Ethernet connection, but can be forwarded via a mobile data network.

The following are required for the use of 4G:

• a suitable SIM card;
• an active data bundle;
• sufficient mobile coverage at the installation location;
• the correct APN and network configuration;
• a correctly positioned 4G antenna.

Installation tip: before mounting, check with a mobile phone whether there is sufficient coverage at the mounting location. A metal technical cabinet can severely weaken the mobile signal.

Communication via RS485

The connected inverters communicate via a wired RS485 bus. In parallel operation, the inverters are linked according to the prescribed communication layout.

In the supplied Growatt configuration for SPH 4000–10000TL3 BH-UP, communication runs as follows:

• inverter to inverter via the RS485 connections;
• the communication bus to the ShineMaster;
• the Growatt Smart Meter via a separate RS485 connection to the ShineMaster.

In the diagram shown, pin 5 and pin 4 of the 485-1 connection are used for the connection to the inverter. The meter is connected to the A2 and B2 terminals of the ShineMaster intended for this purpose. Always follow the wiring diagram of the exact inverter and meter; the pin assignment can differ per product series.

RS485 distance up to approximately 500 metres

For the communication connection, Growatt states a maximum distance of approximately 500 metres. This distance is only achievable with a correctly installed RS485 bus.

Use for this:

• a twisted pair of cores;
• preferably a shielded communication cable;
• a continuous bus structure;
• no star-shaped branches;
• correct termination resistors at the ends;
• sufficient distance from power cables.

Monitoring is not the same as battery monitoring

The ShineMaster primarily collects data that is made available by the connected inverters and supported devices via the relevant communication protocol.

With certain Growatt XH systems, the inverter can communicate correctly with a connected battery while the battery data does not appear in full in the central ShineMaster monitoring. It can then happen, for example, that:

• the MID-XH inverter is online;
• the production and meter data are visible;
• the linked battery or battery status is not shown separately.

This does not automatically mean that the battery is not working. The support is related to the communication protocol used, the inverter model and the firmware.

ShineMaster-4G or ShineMaster-X?

Always check which model Growatt prescribes for the inverters used. The ShineMaster-4G and ShineMaster4G-X are not identical products.

Main features

• Central monitoring via the mobile 4G network
• Communication with inverters via RS485
• Up to 64 inverters without Smart Meter
• Up to 32 inverters with Smart Meter
• Communication distance up to approximately 500 metres
• Local web server for configuration
• Suitable for remote monitoring and maintenance
• Support for export control in compatible configurations

Installation and commissioning

Installing a ShineMaster-4G requires knowledge of RS485 networks, mobile data communication and Growatt configuration.

Check during installation:

• the compatibility of all inverters;
• the RS485 addresses of the connected devices;
• the polarity of the A and B connections;
• the placement of the Smart Meter and any CT clamps;
• the current direction of the meter;
• the SIM card and APN settings;
• the mobile coverage;
• the firmware versions of the connected equipment.

Please note: have connections on the grid side and the installation of energy meters carried out by a qualified installer.

Frequently asked questions about the ShineMaster-4G

Does the ShineMaster-4G work without an internet cable?

Yes, the data can be sent over the mobile network. A suitable SIM card, data bundle and sufficient 4G coverage are required for this.

How many inverters does the ShineMaster-4G support?

According to the Growatt presentation, a maximum of 64 without Smart Meter and a maximum of 32 when a Smart Meter is used in the configuration.

Is a SIM card included?

Check the product contents of the version offered. In most situations, the user has to arrange a suitable SIM card and data bundle themselves.

Can the ShineMaster-4G display battery data?

That depends on the inverter, battery, firmware and the supported communication protocol. With certain XH configurations, battery data may not be fully displayed centrally.

Can I use the ShineMaster-4G for zero export?

That is only possible with a compatible combination of ShineMaster, inverters and Growatt meter. The meter must be correctly installed at the grid connection point and the export control must be configured.