GoodWe has launched GT and SMT series models for the Japanese market without external communications, enabling operation via RS485 alone. It is proposing a repowering configuration that consolidates communications in a JC-STAR★1-compliant logger.
GoodWe Japan announced that it has developed a configuration for the Japanese market for its GT and SMT series industrial PCS products that omits external communications functions such as TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB, limiting the communications interface to RS485. This separates communications between the PCS and external networks.
The company completed compatibility testing with a third-party JC-STAR★1-compliant logger and confirmed that basic functions, including data acquisition, operating-status monitoring and remote output control, operate via RS485. Consolidating external communications on the logger is intended to enhance security and simplify operations.
Existing solar power plants operating under Japan's FIT scheme have reached approximately 80 GW, and issues related to PCS aging and maintenance are becoming increasingly apparent. Demand for repowering existing facilities is expected to grow, and GoodWe says it will promote proposals that comprehensively improve not only equipment performance but also power generation performance, maintainability and security.
The GT and SMT series are designed to accommodate existing strings under varying site conditions through features including multiple MPPTs and support for high input and short-circuit currents. GoodWe also highlights their distributed PCS configuration, which can limit the area affected by a power-generation stoppage in the event of a failure. Going forward, the company plans to strengthen repowering proposals covering site surveys, data analysis, design and construction.