Sunwoda SunESS
Supported Devices
| Device Type | Modbus TCP (Ethernet) | RS485 | Curtailment |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunESS-5H | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| SunESS-10H | |||
| SunESS-15H | |||
| SunESS-20H |
Wiring
Ethernet
For correct ethernet wiring: Follow the the guidelines for ethernet wiring.
RS485
- For correct RS485 wiring: Follow the guidelines for RS485 wiring.
- If the wiring shown in the table below is incorrect, please let us know.
- There is no general consensus in the industry about the usage of A and B for the RS485 polarity, so it may be counterintuitive and opposite of what you might expect for some devices.
| Device | SmartgridOne Controller model OM1 | SmartgridOne Controller model IG8 | RS485-USB converter | RS485-Ethernet converter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS485 A | RS485_POS | RS485 A | TX+ | |
| RS485 B | RS485_NEG | RS485 B | TX- | |
| RS GND | GND | Not available | G |
1. Overview
Sunwoda SunESS-H systems support external EMS integration using the PCS communication port, which provides RS485 (Modbus RTU) and CAN.
This document describes how to connect a SunESS system to an EMS using RS485 RTU.
2. Required Hardware
2.1 PCS Communication Port
Located on the right side of the SunESS Control Module and labeled:
PCS Communication (RS485/CAN)
2.2 RS485 Pinout (RJ45)
| Pin | Function | Wire Color |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RS485 A | Orange-white |
| 2 | RS485 B | Orange |
| 3 | NC | Green-white |
| 4 | CANH | Blue |
| 5 | CANL | Blue-white |
| 6 | NC | Green |
| 7 | Wakeup +5V | Brown-white |
| 8 | Wakeup – | Brown |
Only Pin 1 (A) and Pin 2 (B) are used for RS485.
3. Wiring the SunESS to an EMS (RS485)
3.1 RS485 Wiring
- SunESS PCS Port EMS RTU Port
- Pin 1 (A) ---------> RS485 A (D+)
- Pin 2 (B) ---------> RS485 B (D-)
3.2 Cable Recommendations
- Twisted pair, shielded
- 24–18 AWG
- Ground shield at one side only (typically EMS side)
4. Termination & RS485 Bus Rules
4.1 Termination
SunESS requires:
- 120 Ω resistor installed on COM1 port
When used in parallel systems, termination is applied only on the master unit.
4.2 RS485 Bus Rules
- Daisy-chain only (no star topology)
- A ↔ A and B ↔ B must be consistent across devices
- Ensure EMS termination is set appropriately (ON or off depending on your wiring)
5. Configuring SunESS for EMS (RS485) Communication
Configuration is performed using the PowerLite app.
Steps
- Connect to SunESS using Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
- Enter the device settings
- Open PCS Setting
- Select the protocol: Default (INV-08)
- Enables SunESS standard RS485/CAN protocol
This is required for EMS communication.
6. EMS Communication Settings (Modbus RTU)
Note: Actual SunESS register maps are not included in the manufacturer manual and must be requested from Sunwoda or inverter/EMS vendor.
Typical working defaults:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Protocol | Modbus RTU |
| Baudrate | 9600 or 19200 |
| Data bits | 8 |
| Parity | None |
| Stop bits | 1 |
| Slave ID | 1 |
7. Parallel SunESS Systems
Up to 3 cabinets can be connected in parallel.
7.1 Battery-to-Battery Communication
- COM0 → COM1 is used for internal SunESS communication
- Daisy-chain between cabinets
7.2 EMS Connection
- Only the master SunESS communicates with the EMS
- Connect the EMS RS485 lines to the master’s PCS port
8. Startup & Verification
8.1 Power-Up Sequence
- Close inverter battery switch (if installed)
- Close SunESS circuit breaker (MCB)
- Hold Power button for ≥3 seconds
- Display lights up and system boots
8.2 Communication Verification
EMS should:
- Poll the SunESS slave ID and receive valid Modbus responses
- Report SOC, voltage, current, alarms, etc.
SunESS should:
- Display solid status LED (normal operation)
9. Troubleshooting
Common issues and checks:
Issue: EMS cannot read SunESS registers
- A/B reversed → swap RS485 A/B
- Termination missing → ensure 120 Ω installed at COM1
- Wrong PCS protocol → select Default (INV-08)
- Wrong Modbus settings → verify baud, parity, ID
Issue: Parallel system not synchronizing
- COM0/COM1 cables not daisy-chained correctly
- Slave cabinet not powered on
- Incorrect master selection
10. Field Procedure (Quick Guide)
- Wire RS485:
- Pin 1 → EMS A
- Pin 2 → EMS B
- Install 120 Ω resistor on COM1
- Configure PCS protocol = Default (INV-08)
- Configure EMS Modbus settings
- Power on SunESS
- Verify Modbus communication