Solis’ CT Solution Lets Homeowners Track Energy Use 24/7 and Control Grid Export

Solis has developed a load monitoring system that allows its users to view real-time behaviour of their energy system through the SolisCloud platform. This includes a load-side power and energy as well as grid voltage, current, power and energy.

Solis explained that, since the data is usually continuously uploaded even at night, the system provides 24-hour monitoring to help users better understand household energy consumption and overall system performance. Solis has released a guide that explains how to set up load monitoring using a CT clamp. 

Solis supports this CT-based solution on several single-phase inverter series, including S6-GR1P (0.7–3.6 kW), S6-GR1P (2.5–6 kW), S5-GR1P (7–10 kW), Solis-mini (0.7–3.6 kW, 4G), Solis-1P (2.5–6 kW, 4G), Solis-1P (7–8 kW, 5G), S6-GR1P (7–8 kW) and S6-GR1P-S (2.5–6 kW), depending on the software version. 

These inverters support either one or both functions:

Function 1 is export power management, while Function 2 is 24-hour load monitoring. Function 1 automatically includes Function 2. The CT solution, however, is only suitable for systems with one inverter; for multi-inverter systems, Solis recommends the EPM solution.

The CT-based method works only on Solis single-phase inverters equipped with a built-in CT port, as some versions come with a Meter Port instead. Solis advises installers to confirm compatibility before ordering.

The CT clamp must be installed on the live (hot) wire at the grid connection point, and the arrow on the CT must always face toward the grid. Installers must follow Solis’ wiring guidelines to ensure proper data collection and export control. Once the CT is installed, users can enable the required functions through the inverter’s LCD settings.

For users who want only 24-hour load monitoring, the process involves opening the “Internal EPM Set” menu by entering password 0010, selecting “LoadMonitor_CT,” enabling the 24-hour switch and then configuring the Solis monitoring system as described in the monitoring device manual.

For those who want both export power management and 24-hour load monitoring, users again access the “Internal EPM Set” but choose the “Current Sensor” mode instead, set the CT sampling ratio to 3000:1, enable the 24-hour switch, set the export (backflow) power limit and ensure that the failsafe option is switched ON, which is the default. The final step is to configure the Solis monitoring system.

With these settings, Solis inverters equipped with CT support offer full-time load monitoring and dynamic export control. The inverters can automatically reduce their output when household demand decreases so that excess power is not sent back to the grid. This helps maintain system stability, comply with local export regulations and ensure smarter, safer operation of solar systems equipped with Solis inverters.