Terms of Use for Installation Quick Reference Guides

This guide provided by SwitchDin is created as a tool for the Horizon Power program, by providing general guidance to assist installers. This document is detailed to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing, and we do not warrant its accuracy or completeness.

Please be aware that SwitchDin does not control or warrant inverter firmware behaviour, communication protocols, or hardware interfaces, which may vary by inverter model, firmware version, or manufacturer updates. Connection methods, communication interfaces, and configuration requirements between inverters and external control devices (including SwitchDin SGDs) are defined and supported by the inverter manufacturer (OEM). Installers are strongly advised to confirm the correct connection type and configuration directly with the inverter manufacturer (OEM) prior to installation. Additionally, installers should review all official documentation provided by the inverter OEM.

SwitchDin accepts no liability for installation issues, inverter behaviour, or compliance outcomes arising from deviations in inverter manufacturer specifications or changes introduced by the OEM.

1. WARRANTY DISCLAIMER

SwitchDin provides these Installation Quick Reference Guides "AS IS". SwitchDin gives no warranty express or implied that the guides are accurate or complete, or as to their fitness for purpose, and excludes all warranties and obligations implied by legislation except for those which cannot be legally excluded.

2. CONSUMER GUARANTEES

Should SwitchDin be bound by a consumer guarantee under the Australian Consumer Law (C'wth) or the Fair Trading Act (NSW) 1987 and any similar or relevant legislation which cannot be excluded, then to the extent that such legislation is applicable to the supply of these guides, and prevents the exclusion, restriction or modification of the guarantee and subject to the exceptions contained in that legislation, then in such case, the liability of SwitchDin is limited to the supplying of the services again or the payment of the cost of having the services supplied again, as determined by SwitchDin.

3. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Save as set out at clause 2 above, SwitchDin will not be liable whether in contract, tort (including without limitation negligence or breach of statutory duty) or otherwise for any loss, damage or injury of whatsoever kind or nature (including indirect or consequential loss or damage including but not limited to profit, reputational, commercial or business losses) sustained by you and which is in any way attributable to these guides or their use.

Safety & Prerequisites Before Going to Site

ELECTRICAL HAZARD: Installation must be performed by a licensed electrician in accordance with AS/NZS 3000.

SOLAR GENERATION REQUIRED: Arrive during daylight hours. Testing requires active solar generation.

BEFORE YOU START - MANDATORY CHECKS

• Completed SwitchDin Accreditation Course (Accreditation)
• Confirmed Stormcloud Installer Access
• Verified System Model Compatibility CRITICAL: HP Compatibility List [TO CONFIRM: Hinen to be added to this list upon finalisation of integration]
• Read What to Do Before Site Visit
• SGD Firmware Updated (24hr internet connection)
• All Hardware Verified
• Network Requirements Confirmed
  • Standard network? Proceed normally
  • Private/secure network? Read this article What ports and addresses must pass firewall for our Droplet on a secured network.

SUPPORT CONTACTS

Hinen compatible devices

Here are the Hinen inverters compatible with the Horizon Power Smart Connect Solar program.

⚠️ CRITICAL: Verify YOUR specific model before going to site

Hinen datasheets: H series single phase, H series three phase, A series 3.6-5 kW, A series 8-10 kW

[TO CONFIRM: minimum inverter firmware version. SwitchDin testing was done on an H12000H-EU with firmware TL1.0.]

Hardware & Software Checklists

Hardware:

CORE SGD PACKAGE

Please ensure that your SwitchDin SGD box contains the following parts before going to site:

• SGD unit
• Power supply (12V DC)
• 4G Antennas (2x or 4x depending on SGD version)
• SIM card (pre-installed in SGD)
• DIN-Rail mounting bracket

ACCESSORIES FOR INTERNET CONNECTION:

• CAT6 Ethernet cable

ACCESSORIES FOR INVERTER-SGD CONNECTION:

All Hinen models use Serial RS485:

• Twisted pair / serial cable. [TO CONFIRM: cable and connector type needed at the inverter end, e.g. RJ45 plug or terminal block]
• RS485 to USB converter (recommended). This is not supplied with the SGD and must be provided by the installer.
• Small flat-blade screwdriver for the converter terminal block.

🚨 ALERT: SYSTEMS OVER 30kW REQUIRE A FIM CONTROLLER

See Above 30kW PV generation and FIM controller for more information.

HINEN-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Please refer to the Hinen Installation & Operation manual for any Hinen-specific requirements. [TO CONFIRM: links to the Hinen installation manuals]

RECOMMENDED SPARES

• Spare SGD unit (if possible)
• Extra RS485 cables (of various lengths)
• Extra SGD power supply
• Additional communication modules (if applicable)

INSTALLER TOOLS:

• Mobile device with Stormcloud by SwitchDin app installed

Software:

Ensure you have a user account with the required permissions for the following applications:

• Stormcloud (SwitchDin): Ensure you pass the HP Installer accreditation to get installer permissions open on your user account.
  Android Stormcloud app iOS Stormcloud app

Physical connection

Mount the SGD

Depending on the SGD model, the DIN-Rail mounting bracket may be pre-fitted, or self-installation. Please refer to the following video for instructions on the self-installation of the DIN-Rail mounting bracket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owM948WS1cQ

Connect to Home Internet

Connect Ethernet cable from a spare LAN port on the router (or any internet source) directly to the ETH2 port of the SGD.

Important note: No other Ethernet port will be available for internet connection.

Figure 3: Ports on the SGD

Connect to Hinen inverter

The SGD connects to all Hinen systems via an RS485 serial (Modbus RTU) connection wired directly between the inverter and the SGD.

Which port on the inverter

[TO CONFIRM: the name/label of the communication port on the inverter that the SGD connects to, and whether it differs between the H series single phase, H series three phase and A series. Note any ports that must NOT be used, e.g. BMS or meter ports. Photo of port to be included]

Wiring

Connect the inverter's RS485 terminals to the SGD as follows:

• Inverter RS485 A (+) to A+ on the USB-RS485 converter, or +A (or +B) on the SGD built-in terminal
• Inverter RS485 B (−) to B− on the USB-RS485 converter, or −A (or −B) on the SGD built-in terminal
• Inverter GND to GND

[TO CONFIRM: inverter pin numbers for RS485 A, RS485 B and GND]

Always confirm the pin assignment for your specific model against the Hinen installation manual for that model.

Which port on the SGD

You can either use a USB-RS485 converter (recommended), or connect directly to the built-in RS485 terminals in the SGD.

Using a USB-RS485 converter (recommended)

Land the inverter wires on the converter's A+, B− and GND terminals.

Then connect the converter to USB port #1 or #2 on the SGD. Do not use USB port #3, which is restricted to Internet connection only.

Using the built-in RS485

Land the wires on the SGD's built-in RS485 terminals, either port A (+A, −A) or port B (+B, −B).

Make a note of which port you use, because you must select the same port in Stormcloud when you add the device.

[TO CONFIRM: wiring photo or diagram for Hinen]

[TO CONFIRM: whether more than one Hinen inverter can share a single RS485 port (daisy chain), or each needs its own port]

The default Hinen serial settings are Modbus address 1, 9600 baud, no parity. [TO CONFIRM: data bits and stop bits, and that these defaults do not need to be changed]

RS485 troubleshooting

• Ensure all connections are secure and correctly terminated.
• If the inverter is not found, swap the A and B wires to verify polarity.
• Confirm you are on the correct communication port on the inverter.
• If the inverter is not found on one port, try the other port on the SGD (USB #1 or #2, or RS485 port A or B) and reselect the matching port in Stormcloud.
• If the inverter cannot be found using the built-in RS485 terminals, connect it through a USB-RS485 converter instead.
• Only one Modbus master may talk to the inverter at a time. Do not leave a laptop, third-party logger or any other monitoring device connected to the same port while the SGD is running.

Connect the main 4G antenna

For the new 4-port antenna SGDs, make sure you connect the main 4G antenna to WWAN.

Picture 2.11 - New SGD Version (4 antenna port). Big antennas go to WWAN port for 4G

Picture 2.12 - New SGD version - Antenna connections

For older 2-port antenna SGD versions, make sure you connect the main 4G antenna to the WLAN-B connection as shown here.

Picture 2.13 - Old SGD version 4G antenna connection

Power up the SGD

Ensure you connect the power supply as below.

Hinen System Connection

See the relevant product Installation Guides from Hinen for specifics related to installing the Hinen product. [TO CONFIRM: links to Hinen installation manuals]

Hinen Inverter Settings [Hinen to provide details of configuring settings]

Set the following on the inverter before commissioning the SGD. Refer to the Hinen installation manual for the model you are working on for menu navigation.

Modbus / RS485 communication

Failsafe (generation to zero)

Other settings to enable connection

Region setting

Commissioning the SGD

Open the Stormcloud application and sign in.

Please follow this link if you are creating your user account. You must ensure you have permissions on this account opened by SwitchDin.

• Your username is an email address (both username and password are CASE sensitive).
• If two-factor authentication has been enforced, you will receive a passcode valid for 300 seconds in your email inbox to finish logging in to the SwitchDin portal.

Create a portfolio

When you first log into your Stormcloud app, you'll need to create a portfolio - a folder that groups all the sites where you install SGDs.

Step 1: Navigate to Portfolio Monitoring After logging in, go to the Portfolio Monitoring section. You'll see an empty portfolio list with a green "Create" button in the top right corner.

Step 2: Fill in Portfolio Details Click the "Create" button. A dialog box will appear asking you to:

• Enter a name for your portfolio (required)
• Toggle "Mute Alarms" on or off based on your preference

As an installer, we recommend using your business name, your area, or a client name to easily identify your portfolio.

Step 3: Confirm Creation Click the green "Create" button in the dialog box. Your new portfolio will now appear in the Portfolio List, ready for you to add sites and monitor your SGD installations.

Create a unit

Tap on your portfolio to create your first unit. Tap on 'Create' in the top right corner.

In the Unit Name field, please use the following naming convention: Street address or significant place name - Town - Inverter size (kW)

Example: 12 Test Road - Onslow - 5kW or Broome Test School - Broome - 25kW

Enter the address: Start typing in the Address field and select from the dropdown suggestions.

Add the NMI: Enter the 11-digit National Metering Identifier. Don't have it yet? Use a placeholder like 11111111111 and update it later.

Click "Create" and you're done. Your unit is now ready for monitoring.

Add the SGD to the unit

Once you've created a unit, you need to add an SGD to start monitoring.

Step 1: Open Your Unit From your portfolio, select the unit you just created. You'll see the unit overview with tabs at the bottom.

Step 2: Go to Equipment Tab Tap on the "Equipment" tab. You'll see an empty state with the message "There's nothing here yet. Add a Droplet to begin."

Step 3: Claim Your SGD Tap the "Claim droplet" button. This will take you to the installer section where you can register your SGD.

Note: You must be an accredited installer to access the installation section and claim an SGD.

Step 4: Enter the SGD ID (Serial number) In the installer section, you have two options to identify your SGD:

• Scan QR Code: Use the QR code found on the SGD box or on the device itself
• Enter Manually: Type the SGD ID, which always starts with 0001c

Can't find the ID? Look for the ETH2 MAC address label on the SGD. That's your SGD ID.

Step 5: Connect to Internet After entering the SGD ID and confirming:

• Power up the SGD
• Connect the eth2 port on the SGD to your router (for SGDs provisioned after November 2025) or switch using an RJ45 ethernet cable
• Tap "Connect Via Ethernet Or 4G" in the app

Step 6: Verify Connection The app will attempt to communicate with the SGD to verify it has internet connectivity. This process may take up to 30 seconds. If the connection fails, verify that:

• The SGD is powered on
• The ethernet cable is securely connected
• Your internet connection is working properly

Step 7: Assign to Portfolio and Unit Once the connection is verified, you'll be prompted to select the portfolio and unit where this SGD should be assigned. Choose your existing portfolio or create a new one, then select the specific unit and tap "Next."

Success! Your SGD has been successfully added to the unit. The next step is to add devices to the SGD in the Equipment section to begin monitoring your solar installation data.

Update firmware

Select 'Manage Devices' and tap at the top of the screen to download the latest firmware update if available.

Manage Devices

Now that your SGD is added to the unit, you need to configure it to communicate with your inverters.

Step 1: Inside your unit, click on the "Equipment" tab at the bottom. You'll see your SGD listed with its Endpoint ID and current status. Under the SGD information, you'll see sections for "Endpoint attributes" and "Add Devices."

Step 2: Click "Add a device Connected Via USB Or RS-485".

Step 3: Select the port the inverter has been connected to: the USB port number if you used a USB-RS485 converter, or RS-485 Port A or B if you used the built-in terminals. Type in "Hinen" as the Manufacturer, and select the exact inverter model as printed on the inverter label. Press "Find". 

If the inverter is not found, or you get a message that the model or device type does not match, check the RS485 wiring and the model you selected against the Connect to Hinen inverter section above before retrying.

Add the Horizon Power CSIPAUS Controller

Add a Controller After adding your devices, switch to the "Controllers" tab in the Equipment section. Click "Add Controller" and select your controller type from the dropdown menu, in this case "Horizon Power CSIPAUS Controller."

In the Devices section, you'll see all the inverters you just added. Make sure to select all the devices you want the controller to manage. Check the boxes next to each device, then click "Create."

Success! Your inverters are now connected to the SGD and managed by the controller. The SGD will begin collecting data from your inverters and sending it to Stormcloud. You can now monitor your solar installation's performance, energy production, and system health in real-time through the app.

After adding the controller - DERMS registration

On a first installation, it can take up to 24 hours for Horizon Power to register the site with DERMS. Horizon Power carries out its own testing before registering. Until registration is complete the controller will curtail solar generation, so the system may generate little or nothing even though the SGD and inverter are working correctly.

If the system is still being curtailed after 24 hours, contact the Horizon Power DER Technologies team at der.technologies@horizonpower.com.au.