Solis Datalogger Troubleshooting Guide

Solis dataloggers are essential components in monitoring and managing solar power systems, and ensuring smooth operation. If you're experiencing issues with your Solis datalogger, this troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and resolve common problems.

1. No Communication with Inverter

Symptoms:

• The datalogger is not connecting or receiving data from the inverter.
• The "COM" light is off or blinking intermittently.

Steps to Troubleshoot:

• Check Connection: Ensure that the datalogger is securely connected to the inverter.
• Reset the Datalogger: Reset the datalogger by disconnecting it from the power source IF NO RESET BUTTON IS PRESENT. If a reset button is present, press and hold for 15 seconds.
• Verify Inverter Addressing: Make sure the inverter addresses are correctly set, typically starting with "01" for the master inverter.*
• COM Port Voltage: If the issue persists, try testing for AC voltage between the pins. We're looking for approximately 1-2 and 4-5 volts.

2. Datalogger Not Connecting to Wi-Fi/Internet

Symptoms:

• The "NET" light is off or blinking, indicating no internet connection.
• The datalogger is not visible on the SolisCloud platform.

Steps to Troubleshoot:

• Check Network Compatibility: Ensure the network is not 5G. Solis dataloggers can only communicate with 2.4Hz networks.
• Check Wi-Fi Password: Ensure that the Wi-Fi password is entered correctly during setup are correct. Repeat the setup process if necessary.
• Signal Strength: Verify that the datalogger is within the range of your Wi-Fi network, 50 ft. max. If the signal is weak, consider using a Wi-Fi extender.
• Reset the Datalogger: Perform a reset on the datalogger to clear any temporary issues. Hold the reset button for 15 seconds and reconnect.

3. Datalogger Offline on SolisCloud

Symptoms:

• The datalogger appears offline on the SolisCloud monitoring platform.
• No data is being transmitted.

Steps to Troubleshoot:

• Check Power Supply: Ensure that the datalogger is powered on and receiving adequate power.
• Internet Connection: Verify that the datalogger has a stable internet connection by checking the "NET" light. If the light is off, troubleshoot the Wi-Fi connection.
• Restart Router: Restart your Wi-Fi router to refresh the connection between the datalogger and the internet.
• Check for IP Conflicts: Ensure there are no IP address conflicts on your network that might prevent the datalogger from connecting to the internet.

4. Inaccurate or Missing Inverter Data

Symptoms:

• Data shown on SolisCloud is inconsistent with inverter readings.
• Inverter data not shown.

Steps to Troubleshoot:

• Verify Time Settings: Ensure the time settings on the inverter are correct. Incorrect time settings can cause data inconsistencies.
• Check Firmware Versions: Ensure both the inverter and datalogger firmware are up to date, as firmware issues can cause data errors.
• Datalogger Firmware Update: Check if a firmware update is available for your datalogger and update it through the SolisCloud platform.
• Reboot System: Power cycle the inverter and datalogger if necessary, to refresh the data connection.
• Review String Configuration: Ensure that all strings are properly configured and connected to the inverter.

5. LED Indicator Status

Understanding LED Indicators:

• NET Light (Green): Indicates the status of the internet connection.
  • Solid: Connected to the internet.
  • Blinking: Attempting to connect.
  • Off: No connection.
  • Note: If a Solis S1-W4G-ST NET light is blue means it's connected or attempting to connect via cellular data.
• COM Light (Amber): Indicates communication between the datalogger and inverter.
  • Solid: Communication is established.
  • Blinking: Attempting to communicate.
  • Off: No communication.
• PWR Light (Red): Indicates the datalogger is on.

General Troubleshooting Based on LED Status:

• If both the NET and COM lights are off, check the power supply to the datalogger.
• If only the COM light is off, focus on troubleshooting the connection between the inverter and datalogger.
• If only the NET light is off, focus on the internet connection.

Resetting the Datalogger

Steps to Reset:

1. Press and hold the reset button on the datalogger for 15 seconds.
2. Release the button and wait for the datalogger to reboot.
3. Reconfigure the settings if necessary.

When to Reset:

• The datalogger is unresponsive.
• No access point is discoverable. 
• Internet or communication issues persist after troubleshooting.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most common issues with Solis dataloggers. 

(*) The "master inverter" is the term used for the inverter which has a direct connection to the inverter.