Technical Information

Communit
Communication Distributor for PV Plants
for SUNNY CENTRAL, SUNNY MINI CENTRAL or SUNNY TRIPOWER

Content
The communication distributor Communit from SMA Solar Technology AG contains all the communication
components of a PV plant. The Communit is used in PV plants with Sunny Central, Sunny Mini Central,
or Sunny Tripower inverters.
This document comprises the technical data of the Communit that is important for project planning for a PV plant
with inverters from SMA Solar Technology AG and the Communit.

Communit-TI-en-20 | Version 2.0

EN

1 Product Details

SMA Solar Technology AG

1 Product Details
1.1 Using and Mounting the Communit
The Communit is a central communication distributor of a PV plant integrating all the communication
components. The communication components can be combined in various ways. This means that you can
adapt the communication distributor to the individual requirements of your PV plant.
The Communit has a double-bit key for the switch cabinet. For optimal security, you can insert a profile
half-cylinder into the Communit.
You can order the Communit with a free space for fitting your own device. For this purpose, the device
must meet the following requirements:
There is a valid CE declaration of conformity for the device.
The device has suitable dimensions for the available space
(width x height x depth: 273 mm x 120 mm x 60 mm).
The device can be mounted on a top-hat rail.
The device can be connected to the voltage supply intended for the customer installation location
(AC mains voltage, maximum power consumption 50 W).
The device is suitable for the installation location of the Communit. Observe the installation height
above sea level and the overvoltage category.
The Communit is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The Communit is available for base, wall and mast
mounting. Note that mains voltage is required to supply the Communit.

1.2 Uninterruptible Power Supply

Fault-free operation of all communication devices in the Communit is of the greatest importance for
monitoring large-scale PV plants. The option "Power supply unit redundant" provides a secure voltage
supply. For this option, a second power supply unit and a redundancy module are used. Both power
supply units can bridge a voltage dip of 150 ms at 230 V thanks to the storage capacity. This means that
the requirements of the medium-voltage directive are met. If a power supply unit fails, the second power
supply unit automatically assumes the complete voltage supply to the Communit without interruption.
Maximum security for unstable electricity grids can be achieved using the option "Power supply unit
redundant, buffered". For this option, two power supply units, a redundancy module, and a buffer module
are available for increasing the bridging time. The bridging duration for the option "Power supply unit
redundant, buffered" is a minimum of six seconds.

Communit-TI-en-20

Technical Information

SMA Solar Technology AG

1 Product Details

1.3 Network Components

For the complex data communication in large-scale PV plants, it is important that data transmission can
continue in the event of a network failure. By installing intelligent, managed switches in the Communit, it
is possible to use a redundant ring topology. Therefore, there is also no risk of a loss of connection or
data in the event of failure of a single network element.

Normal operation

Interrupted operation

Managed network switch

Active communication

Unmanaged network switch

Inactive communication
Interrupted communication

Figure1: Normal and interrupted data communication in a ring topology (example)

You can connect copper cables and glass fibre cables to the optionally available patch panel. The patch
panel enables the combination of up to two modules. The module for the copper cable contains four RJ45
keystone sockets. The glass fibre module provides six SC/SC duplex adaptors. For the possible options
with regard to the combination of modules, see the table in Section 2 "Option Code".
With the optionally available Sunny WebBox, up to 50 nodes can be detected. Up to three
Sunny WebBox devices can be selected. Sunny Central inverters can be connected to the Sunny
WebBox via Ethernet and to the Sunny Mini Central and Sunny Tripower inverters via RS 485. You must
use at least one SF/UTP cable of the category 5/5e as a network cable.
With the optionally available SMA Cluster Controller, up to 75 nodes can be detected. No more than
one SMA Cluster Controller can be used. The Sunny Central can be connected to the SMA Cluster
Controller via Speedwire. As network cable, you must select at least a SF/UTP cable of category 5/5e.
If there are large distances between the nodes of the network, you can use optical fibres. For this purpose,
you can order network switches with optical fibre ports and a patch panel with glass fibre module as an
option. Ensure that the patch panel and the network switches match the selected optical fibre type.
Using the optional GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS router, you can transfer measurement data to the
Sunny Portal even from remote locations where there is no DSL. The external antenna required is
contained in the scope of delivery.

Technical Information

Communit-TI-en-20

2 Option Code

SMA Solar Technology AG

All routers used by SMA Solar Technology AG allow you to set up virtual private networks (VPN).
This enables you to access the plant remotely in order to carry out remote diagnosis.

2 Option Code
In the option code, you can select the communication components, the enclosure model, and the type of
voltage supply that correspond to the requirements of your PV plant.
The option code contains ten characters that describe the order options of the Communit. You can find the
position of the installation locations and the possible options in the following graphics and the table.

Example with Sunny WebBox

Figure2: Position of the installation locations with Sunny WebBox

Position

Designation

Installation location 1

Installation location 2

Installation location 3

Network installation location 4

Network installation location 5

Router

Patch panel

Communit-TI-en-20

Technical Information

SMA Solar Technology AG

2 Option Code

Example with SMA Cluster Controller

Figure3: Position of installation locations with SMA Cluster Controller

Position

Designation

SMA Cluster Controller

Network installation location 4

Network installation location 5

Router

Patch panel

Technical Information

Communit-TI-en-20

2 Option Code

Communit

x x x x x x x x x xx

1 Enclosure

Wall mounting

Base mounting

Mast mounting

Station mounting

2 Installation location 1

3 Installation location 2

4 Installation location 3

5 Network installation location

4**

6 Network installation location

5**

SMA Solar Technology AG

Communit-TI-en-20

None

WebBox Ethernet

WebBox RS485

Power Reducer Box

Cluster Controller
0

None

WebBox Ethernet

WebBox RS485

WebBox + SensorBox*

Power Reducer Box

0

None

WebBox Ethernet

WebBox RS485

WebBox + SensorBox*

Customer installation location

0

None

Switch 8 TX

Switch 2 FX-M (SC) 8 TX

Switch 2 FX-S (SC) 8 TX

Switch 2 FX-M (SC) 6 TX MNG

Switch 2 FX-S (SC) 6 TX MNG

Switch 2 FX-M (SC) 14 TX MNG

Switch 2 FX-S (SC) 14 TX MNG

0

None

Switch 8 TX

Switch 2 FX-M (SC) 8 TX

Switch 2 FX-S (SC) 8 TX

Switch 2 FX-M (SC) 6 TX MNG

Switch 2 FX-S (SC) 6 TX MNG

Switch 2 FX-M (SC) 14 TX MNG

Switch 2 FX-S (SC) 14 TX MNG

Technical Information

SMA Solar Technology AG

Communit
7 Router

8 Voltage supply

9 Patch panel

10 Language

2 Option Code

x x x x x x x x x xx
0

None

Ethernet

GSM / GPRS / EDGE / UMTS

0

Power supply unit, redundant

Power supply unit, basic

Power supply unit, redundant

buffered
0

No

Patch panel 4 CU ETH

Patch panel 8 CU ETH

Patch panel 4 CU ETH +

6 optical fibre

Patch panel 6 optical fibre

DE German
EN English
ES Spanish
KR Korean
IT Italian
FR French
CN Chinese
RO Romanian
CZ Czech
GR Greek
PT Portuguese
NL Dutch
JP Japanese

* Options cannot be combined. The Sunny WebBox with the SensorBox is available in either installation location 2 or installation
location 3.
** TX copper port RJ45
FX-M multi-mode optical fibre port
FX-S single-mode optical fibre port
MNG managed network switch

Technical Information

Communit-TI-en-20

3 Technical Data

SMA Solar Technology AG

3 Technical Data
General Data on the Enclosure
Wall mounting
Base mounting
Mast mounting
Material
Colour
Lock cylinder

Yes*
Yes*
Yes, for round and square masts*
Glass-fibre-reinforced polyester
RAL 7035
Double-bit key for switch cabinet**

* Optional
** prepared for customer mounting of a profile half-cylinder

Mast Dimensions for Mast Mounting

Round mast, diameter
Square mast

75 mm to 180 mm
60 mm to 180 mm

Mechanical Dimensions, Enclosure Without Base

Width x height x depth
Weight, maximum*

427 mm x 868 mm x 345 mm

45 kg

* dependent on order

Mechanical Dimensions, Enclosure with Base

Width x height x depth
Burial depth
Weight, maximum*

427 mm x 2,302 mm x 340 mm

660 mm
45 kg

* dependent on order

Option-Dependent Features
GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS router*
Ethernet router
Sunny WebBox
SMA Cluster Controller
Power Reducer Box
Sunny SensorBox
Ethernet switch
Modular patch panel**

maximum 1
maximum 1
maximum 3
maximum 1
maximum 2
maximum 1
maximum 2
maximum 1

* including external antenna

** including splice cassette with glass-fibre module

Communit-TI-en-20

Technical Information

SMA Solar Technology AG

3 Technical Data

Option-Dependent Interfaces
Communication

GSM / GPRS / EDGE / UMTS / Ethernet /

Speedwire / RS485 communication

Grid Connection
Nominal voltage

100 V to 240 V

Supply voltage

24 V

Frequency

50 Hz / 60 Hz

Nominal current

1.6 A

Maximum back-up fuse

16.0 A

Type of connection*

Three-pole X-COM plug

Number of insulated wires and cable cross-section

3 x 1.5 mm2 to 3 x 4 mm2

* L, N and PE connection

Grid Connection of the Optional Customer Device

Maximum power consumption

50 W
Three-pole X-COM plug

Type of connection

3 x 1.5 mm2

Number of insulated wires and cable cross-section

Connection of the Communication Components

Type of connection

Spring clamp terminals

2 x 2 x 0.34 mm2 to 2 x 2 x 1.5 mm2

Number of insulated wires and cable cross-section

Degree of Protection and Ambient Conditions

Degree of protection*

IP54

Permissible ambient temperatures

Relative humidity**

20C to +50C
ULuft

5% to 95%

Pollution degree***

Maximum altitude above sea level, MSL****

*
**
***
****

4,000 m

as per EN 60529
non-condensing
as per DIN EN 50178:1197
For installation heights above 2,000 m, the overvoltage category is reduced to Class II.

Technical Information

Communit-TI-en-20

4 Dimensions

SMA Solar Technology AG

4 Dimensions
4.1 Dimensions of the Communit

Figure4: Dimensions of the Communit for wall mounting

10

Communit-TI-en-20

Technical Information

SMA Solar Technology AG

4 Dimensions

4.2 Dimensions of the Communit for Base Mounting

Figure5: Dimensions of the Communit for base mounting

Technical Information

Communit-TI-en-20

11