The direct marketing interface from meteocontrol is a new and easy enhancement that is required for the shift from the EEG (German Renewable Energy Law) compensation model to the market bonus model. The interface was developed for use between the PV system and the direct marketer via the physical Ethernet interface.

Without having any impact on the grid operator's feed-in management, the data logger interprets the control signals from the direct marketer and then transmits them to the PV system. The grid operator's control signals are always assigned top priority. Feedback to the direct marketer about the current feed-in power is also guaranteed as required by law.

Prerequisites for using the new functions:

• The provider of solar direct marketing supports a compatible direct marketing system: energy & meteo systems GmbH or ENERTRAG AG.
• Grid feed-in management in compliance with EEG 2012 and the BDEW Medium Voltage Directive is realized via meteocontrol hardware.
• The PV system is equipped with its own telecommunications network.
• The system is equipped with a VPN-enabled router which can be used to set up a communications channel to the direct marketer.
• The minimum software version for the data loggers must be software version 2.25 / 2.70 / 1.96. Data loggers with older software releases will be updated free of charge. This requires a communication channel between the data logger and the safer'Sun Professional portal.

Activation of the direct marketer interface via licenses according to PV plant size:

• Systems up to   1MWp: Item number 428.100
• Systems up to   2MWp: Item number 428.101
• Systems up to   5MWp: Item number 428.102
• Systems up to   10MWp: Item number 428.103
• Systems up to   20MWp: Item number 428.104
• Systems   >        20MWp: Item number 428.105

VPN-enabled routers:

• VPN GPRS Router MoRoS HSPA 2.1 PRO: Item number 422.407
• 2-port VPN Ethernet Router EBW-E100 1.0: Item number 422.416

meteocontrol offers preconfiguration of the VPN routers for specified direct marketing. Network settings are also provided. This enables a quick and easy router installation directly at the PV system.

Router configuration:

Order the router configuration that matches your direct marketing system:

• Router Configuration energy & meteo systems: Item number 426.024
• Router Configuration Enertrag: Item number 426.025

New software

Voltronic Infinisolar driver: Item number 421.072

Software modifications

Kaco driver: Item number 421.010

• Drivers are enhanced to support the TL1 inverter series

Fronius driver: Item number 421.060

• Drivers are enhanced to support the following inverters:
  Primo 8.2-1, Primo 8.2-1 208-240, SPR-11401f-1 UNI and Symo Hybrid 5.0-3-S

All drivers

• The application images no longer required can be deleted from the data logger on the "Admin Support – Application Manager" page.

All drivers with Power Control

• Slave data loggers and master data loggers
  A data logger records the energy and current power of a connected inverter and sends this to the digital output. To ensure that the total energy and power of large PV plants equipped with several data loggers is output via one channel, all slave data loggers transmit signals to the master data logger.
  This is done for direct marketing and grid operators who need feedback about the actual power, but do not have a power quality analyzer installed. Feedback is then provided via the digital output of the master data logger.
   
• Increased yield through optimized on-site energy consumption
  The WEB‘log Light+ 20, BASIC 100 and PRO unlimited data loggers have a function for increasing yield in relation to on-site energy consumption. This proven function has been a feature in WEB'log Comfort. Meters with S0 interfaces and Modus interfaces can be used as sources. Consumers are intelligently managed via the digital output so that on-site energy consumption can be optimized.

Selection of the meter source:

Configuration of digital switching output:

In line with our international business activities, we are enhancing the database for our safer’Sun Professional and Virtual Control Room (VCOM) portals with an expanded character set. This will enable us to offer both portals in Japanese and Chinese. Our portals will not be available during the maintenance period on the evening of 10 June 2014. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

New layout

The safer’Sun Professional portal now has a new look that corresponds to the design of the new meteocontrol homepage. In addition, safer’Sun Professional appears in the center of the web browser.

Modification of the user interface

VCOM virtual control room is now much easier to use thanks to the improved layout and menus: The safer’Sun portal, analysis and calendar functions can be selected using a drop-down menu. The control center can be called up at any time with just one click on the house symbol. The revised layout also provides a new design known as "mc flat." It features semi-translucent portlets and a fresh background.

Investor view

A new tab, "Investor view," is available at plant level. The new view provides all key information at a glance:

• System profile
• System status for current day
• System performance for current year
• Yield forecast for current year

In addition, the grid operator can select and release specific reports or tickets for third parties. Investor view is now available as a preview for all VCOM customers and, in an upcoming phase, can be activated for special investor access.