In order to ensure the safe and stable operation of the photovoltaic system, the dependence of the photovoltaic system on communication technology is deepening, and higher requirements are put forward for the inverter, which not only requires it to be able to achieve information interaction with the power grid system, but also needs to have the intelligent control ability of the photovoltaic system. Therefore, when using the inverter, how should we choose the appropriate communication method?

GPRS/4G communication
1. Communication methods
When using GPRS/4G communication mode, each inverter needs to be equipped with a data collector with GPRS/4G communication module, built-in SIM card or use an purchased SIM card, the collected data is uploaded to the cloud platform through the communication base station and the operator communication network
2. Scene
Households and small businesses without WiFi signals, as well as medium and large distributed projects with good operator signal coverage
3: Strengths
Easy to use, plug and play
4. Weaknesses
Data charges are required

Wi-Fi communication
1. Communication methods
Micro inverters can be connected to the wireless router through the built-in Wi-Fi module, string inverters and energy storage inverters can be connected to the wireless router through the external Wi-Fi data collector, the Wi-Fi module or data collector will transmit the data of the inverter operation to the server, and can also be connected to the Wi-Fi of the inverter through the mobile phone or computer. Then check the operation data of the power station through the mobile APP or web side
2. Application scenario
Suitable for residential systems and areas with good Wi-Fi network signal
3: Strengths
Easy to install, no wiring and no traffic charges
4. Weaknesses
It requires a stable wireless network coverage, so it is greatly affected by factors such as distance and occlusion

RS485 communication
1. Communication methods
The inverter connects to the data collector over an RS485 communication cable, and data is transmitted to the server through the data collector
2. Application scenario
The project scale is large, the number of inverters is large, and the centralized layout of the scene
3: Strengths
Stable communication, strong anti-interference ability; Can realize the control function; Friendly communication with third parties
4. Weaknesses
If a data collector is required, extra communication cables need to be laid, which increases the cost

LAN communication
1. Communication methods
Serial inverters and energy storage inverters can be equipped with a data collector with a LAN port. The LAN port collector is connected to network devices such as routers through network cables to realize the communication between the inverter and the cloud platform
2. Application scenario
Wired network only, no wireless Wi-Fi signal, allowing cabling and simple cabling
3: Strengths
No traffic charges, stable communication
4. Weaknesses
Manual wiring required

PLC communication
1. Communication methods
Power line communication (PLC) technology refers to a communication method using power cables to transmit data. The data signal is connected to the low-voltage busbar through the power line on the AC side of the inverter, the signal is analyzed by the inverter supporting the data collector, and the communication is finally connected to the local power station management system or the cloud platform through the LAN or the Internet
2. Application scenario
Industrial and commercial system
3: Strengths
Data transmission through power cables, no additional wiring, saving operation and maintenance and labor costs
4. Weaknesses
The communication rate is low, and the data collector must be connected to the same power loop

The characteristics of different communication methods of inverters are obvious, and the application scenarios are different. In order to better weave the underlying network of energy digitization and intelligent development, choose the most appropriate communication method according to local conditions.