Home Assistant integration - Inverter port RS485 already used

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nic.mela
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2024 8:52 am

Hi everyone,
solar rookie here :)

Just three days ago, I installed a new photovoltaic system with a Foxess inverter H1-6.0-E-G2 and batteries.
I’m looking to integrate it with Home Assistant using the inverter’s "METER/CT/RS485" port, as the FoxCloud integration has a 5-minute update delay, which isn’t ideal for my setup.

The problem is, this port is already occupied by a CHINT DDSU666 meter installed by my technician. When I asked if the meter was absolutely necessary, he explained that without it, I wouldn’t be able to track the energy produced in my house, and that my setup needs an external meter (I’ll attach a photo). So, it seems like I can’t simply remove it.

This is the new version inverter that doesn’t have the additional LAN port, so I can’t use that :( .

Is there any way to connect two devices to RS485 port? For example, could I use an Elfin EW11 or something similar aswell?

Apologies if this is a silly question—I’m still learning the ropes!
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HughInDevon
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Jul 31, 2024 4:50 pm

Hi, Full disclosure, I am not any sort of expert but also going through having a Fox ESS hybrid system installed. My inverter is a KH10 but looking at the installation manual for your H1 inverter it shows a connector (8 pin or 16 pin) that is used for 'Meter/CT/RS485' see page 23 of the installation manual. In this connector there are separate connections for a meter, pins 1 & 2, marked Meter 485A and Meter485B and also pins for another RS485 connection, pins 3 & 4. These are designated Pin 3: 485B and Pin 4: 485A. So, I believe it is entirely possible to have a meter connected AND a separate RS485 connection for Home Assistant via a suitable adaptor. I will be using the Pins 3 & 4 for my connection to HA via a Waveshare RS485 to LAN adaptor.
Hope this helps.
Regards, Hugh
KH10 with 4 off ECS4800 batteries.
20 Jinko 435W panels in 2 strings. 10 on house, south facing, 10 on barn, east facing.
Solar installation underway. Active on 23/11/2024 (hopefully)
Zappi V2 charger and 2 EVs.
Home Assistant modbus integration (if I can get it all working)
Dave Foster
Posts: 1295
Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2022 7:21 pm

Yes that’s correct, the meter uses pins 1 & 2 on the connector, pins 3 & 4 are available to connect your RS485 modbus device (Elfin, Waveshare etc..)

See https://github.com/nathanmarlor/foxess_ ... ring-Guide
nic.mela
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2024 8:52 am

Thanks everyone!!!
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