Determining site hardware needs

Determining site hardware needs

Overview

There are 3 main steps to determining the hardware needs of a site:

1. Picking Device Type & CT Size
2. Picking Number Of Devices
3. Confirming Design

Please refer to the following procedure for assistance in determining your hardware needs.

Due to changing circumstances, from 1 July 2026, we will no longer support the commissioning of new sites with the Wattwatcher Classic solution. Where WIFi is available, the CATCH Control is our recommended solution. 
Existing sites with Solar Analytics and Wattwatcher branded devices will continue to operate and receive support as usual. Existing sites can continue with their subscriptions and renewals, and all sites will continue to receive Solar Analytics dashboard and support, and warranty for Solar Analytics branded hardware.

Step 1: Picking Device Type & CT Size

Currently Solar Analytics offers 2 main monitoring devices:

1. The 3 Channel SC-23, for use with 3000 A Rogowski Coils
2. The 6 Channel KR-63, for use with all other CT’s (60 A - 600 A)

Please note that Solar Analytics also has additional solutions for sites requiring additional services such as PPA or billing services. For information on those matters please refer to the Solar Analytics Billing Hardware Bundle  page or in get touch with our sales team via 1300 651 137.

The choice of device will be dependent on the client’s systems design and if there are any requirements regarding billing or PPA. Typically the SC-23 will only be used in very large commercial solar applications and the KR-63 in other situations.

The CT refers to the current transformer, the size of the CT needs to consider both the potential amoun of current flowing through the cable as well as the internal cable diameter. Please refer to CT Size Chart page for further information on internal diameter measurements and a PDF version of the CT Sizing Table available for download.

Step 2: Picking Number Of Devices

Once the device and type of CT is chosen the next step is to have a discussion with the client to determine their monitoring needs. The type of questions that need to be asked include:

1. Would the client like sub-loads to be monitored in addition to whole site consumption?
2. How many phases does the client’s main supply have?
3. If they have multiple inverters, would they like each individual phase monitored separately or like phases to be grouped together and monitored using one CT?
4. Does the customer have an AC coupled battery, or are they considering purchasing one in the near future?

These type of questions are important in determining the number of devices required as each channel on a device is only capable of measuring 1 individual phase and has to be used for monitoring only one of the following options:

1. Inverter Output
2. Battery Output or Input
3. Whole Site Consumption
4. A Sub Load

As an example a 6 Channel KR-63 can be used with 6 CT’s to monitor each phase of 3 phase mains supply and have 3 channels left over to monitor 3 separate 1 phase loads (No solar monitored in this example):

Step 3: Confirming Design

Due to the large number of configuration options possible with our devices it is recommended that you  refer to the wiring diagrams page of the relevant device to assist in visualising your design and confirming if your design is appropriate.

• SC-23 Wiring Diagrams
• KR-63 Wiring Diagrams

If you are still unsure about an aspect of your design regarding the site’s hardware need please contact either the sales or operations team on 1300 651 137 to receive support from our Sydney based team.