faq
Pre-Installation
- I’m an installer, how do I purchase the Apollo?
- Contact your local solar distributor. You can also contact SunReports at
- I'm an installer, how can SunReports help my business grow?
- The Apollo system from SunReports can:
- Increase Sales by adding monitoring to new installations as well as retrofitting existing installations. It is also possible to offer performance assurance plans to generate recurring revenue.
- Reduce Risk by avoiding costly truck rolls, setting goals to identify performance issues, and providing the ability to remotely show extensive history for problem diagnosis.
- Improve Installation Time with the easy to install, zero configuration Apollo.
- Manage all of your PV and Thermal Systems in one easy to use web portal.
- What is needed for Internet connectivity?
- The Apollo systems have been engineered to minimize install time and complexity so use a wired connectivity scheme to the user's network and ultimately to the Internet. This eliminates the need for complicated wireless setup and configuration.
The following are requirements for the network:
- Always on Internet connection - Note: Dial Up is NOT always on
DHCP network configuration (for Apollo1)
- The most common and simple network configuration is DHCP, which is how the Apollo is configured out of the box.
- Note: With DHCP, the Apollo device gets its IP Address from the router automatically. With Static IP, the Apollo is assigned an IP address from the network administrator.
- The Apollo2 can support a Static IP configuration
- How far away can the Apollo be from the router?
- The Apollo ships with a 14 foot Blue Ethernet cable. If more distance is required, the following options are available:
PowerLine Carrier Adapter (PLC). These devices use the AC wiring in the home to connect the Apollo to the router. They require no setup and are typically available at major electronics suppliers (e.g. Best Buy) and from SunReports.
Wireless Gaming Adapter. These devices use the existing wireless network to connect the Apollo to the router. Some setup is required and knowledge of the existing wireless security is required. These are typically available at major electronics suppliers (e.g. Best Buy).
- What is included with the Apollo?
- The Apollo comes with everything needed for a basic Solar Thermal AND a basic Solar PV installation. This includes:
- 1 Apollo1 Device
- 1 Ethernet Cable
- 1 Inverter Cable
- 2 A/C Load Cables (CT1 & CT2)
- 1 Temperature Sensor Cable
- 1 Pressure Switch Cable
- 1 A/C Adapter (universal input, US plug)
- Quick Start Guides
- What is the difference between Apollo1 and Apollo2?
- Both systems monitor Solar PV and/or Solar Thermal systems and come with our intuitive web-based portals. The Apollo1 is targeted toward residential applications and the Apollo2 is targeted toward commercial applications. The Apollo2 provides the same functionality as the Apollo1 with the following enhancements:
Support for 6 temperature sensors (instead of 3)
The ability to monitor 3 thermal loops (instead of 1)
Support for 2 flow sensors (instead of 1)
Support for DHCP or Static IP network configuration
Onicon BTU Meter support
- How long does it take to install an Apollo monitor?
- Depending on how many connections you need to make, and how convenient it is to reach things, it can take as little as 10 minutes!
If you are connecting to a solar PV-only system, all that is required is three connections:
1. A CAT-5 networking cable (included) between the Apollo and the internet router.
2. A CAT-5 cable (included) between the inverter and the Apollo.
3. Power Adaptor -- plug one end into the Apollo, the other into a normal outlet.
Solar Thermal installations require a few more minutes to attach the temperature and flow sensors.
- What inverters does the Apollo work with?
- The list of supported inverters is always expanding. Currently the Apollo supports:
- SMA SunnyBoy
- Kaco Blue Planet
- Fronius IG
Coming soon are:
- Fronius IG Plus
- Motech PV Mate
- Solectria PVI series
Note that many of these need an RS485 com card for communication. Consult the Apollo Quick Start Guides for more information.
- How far away can the Apollo be from the Inverter?
- The Apollo ships with a 14 foot Green CAT5 cable to connect to the inverter(s). If more distance is required, any standard Ethernet cable (CAT5, CAT5E, CAT6, etc…) is acceptable for use.
- The solar PV system we are installing has two inverters. Do I need two Apollos?
- No. An Apollo1 can monitor up to three inverters of the same type. Just follow the instructions on how to do a "daisy chain" connection between the Apollo and each inverter.
Apollo Installation
- I'm an installer and I've connected my Apollo device. Now what?
- Once the Apollo is connected, verify the following:
- 1. The ‘Internet' light on the far right-hand side of the unit is lit solid green (not flashing).
- 2. If connected to an inverter, the ‘Inverter' light on the far left-hand side of the unit should also be solid on.
Next login to your Installer portal and ‘Add Customer'. Once the customer is added, you can Configure the Device and Alerts, Enter the Expected Values, and view the data.
- Can I extend the Temperature cables?
- The temperature cables that are included with the Apollo should not be modified. They are 3-wire cables that carry digital signals and splicing or lengthening could result in spurious behavior and/or long-term reliability issues.
- I hooked up the donut-shaped thingy to the wires going to the pump, but it's not working!
- The donut-shaped device is called a Current Transformer, or "CT" for short. Make sure you ran just one wire through the hole in the donut. If you need to make a change, be sure the power to the pump or heating coil is OFF.
- What is the difference between a CT and a flow sensor?
- There are two Current Transformers (CTs) that are included with the Apollo. These small, black ‘donut' shaped devices detect when an AC current passes through them. They are used to detect when the Collector Loop pump and/or the Electric Heating Element switches on or off. The Apollo can also interface with the Grundfos VFS series flow sensors (sold separately). These flow sensors measure the flow of liquid that passes through them. Both the CTs and the VFS flow sensors connect to the Apollo via the ‘CT' ports.
- Can I extend the CT cables?
- The CT cables that are included with the Apollo unit should not be modified. They are 2-wire cables that carry analog signals. Splicing or lengthening these cables could result in incorrect readings and/or long-term reliability issues.
- Where do I find my Apollo Serial Number?
- The Apollo Serial Number is located on the bottom of the unit and is in the form of 6C5CDE00xx xx
- Why is the Serial Number important?
- The Serial Number is important because it is used to identify the specific Apollo device to the SunReports servers.
- Why is the installation address important?
- The installation address is important because it is used to correctly display the location of the Apollo unit for the mapping and time zone applications
- How do I setup the Apollo? I don't see any switches!
- You don't have to! The Apollo automatically configures itself. Just connect the various cables that are included with the system as directed. The Apollo will automatically establish an Internet connection with SunReports servers. It also will determine the type of inverter it is connected to (for PV systems). Once all the connections are made, just make sure that the relevant status lights on the front of the Apollo are lit.
- How do I attach the temperature sensors to the pipes?
- Use the plastic wire-ties included in the box. Place the temperature sensor in contact with the pipe, loop the wire tie around the heat-shrink tubing just below the end of the temperature sensor, then cinch it just tight enough so that the sensor won't slip out. Leaving a little bit of slack makes it easier to reposition the sensor later if needed.
- Do I need to use some thermal grease to make a good contact with the pipe?
- No thermal grease is necessary.
- Where is the Pressure Switch? I don't see it in the box!
- Not all systems have a pressure switch, or need to monitor it. See our Accessories page for a list of pressure switches.
- I accidently plugged the Inverter cable into the Ethernet port (or vice-versa). Have I broken anything?
- Not likely. Remove power from the Apollo and reconnect the cables correctly, then plug in the Apollo again. If everything is A-OK, you should see the Internet light glow a steady (not flashing) green, and then a few moments later the "Inverter" light should do the same.
Software Setup
- How do I add a customer to my portal?
- Login to your Installer Portal, select the ‘Add a Customer' link, fill out the form and click ‘Save'.
- How do I add alerts?
- Login to your Installer Portal and select the customer you would like to add alerts for. When the customer page loads, click on ‘Configure Alerts'. Select any alerts that you want to be notified of and the associated limits. Click ‘Save'
- I'm an End User and I've just had a SunReports system installed. Now what?
- Your Installer can enable a User Portal for you from their Installer Portal. Once this happens, you will receive an email from info@sunreports.com with instructions on how to complete the registration process. Once this is completed, you can login to your User Portal and see your system data.
- What is an iFrame?
- An iFrame is a read-only window to your User data that can be displayed on any web page.
- How do I get an iFrame?
- Send an email to support@sunreports.com indicating the User Account to be displayed
