The IC-MODBUS RS-485 Modbus Card is a plug-in communication interface card designed to insert directly into the built-in intelligent slot of compatible Iconica grid-tie hybrid inverters. Once installed, the card establishes an RS-485 Modbus RTU communication link between the inverter and an Eastron SDM630-Modbus V2 energy meter (IC-METER, sold separately). This link is what enables the inverter's self-consumption function — the inverter continuously reads live grid import/export data from the meter and uses it to modulate solar power generation and battery charging, minimising export to the grid and maximising on-site energy use. The card supports both single-inverter and three-inverter parallel system configurations, with DIP-switch addressable Machine IDs (1–247) and configurable communication parameters. It fits Iconica inverters in the 3kW to 10kW range and is a mandatory accessory for any Iconica grid-tie self-consumption installation.
RS-485
Modbus RTU Interface
19200
Default Baud Rate (bps)
DIP
Switch ID Configuration
⚠ Iconica Inverters Only — Not Universally Compatible
The IC-MODBUS card will only function with compatible Iconica hybrid inverters that include a built-in intelligent expansion slot. It is not compatible with inverters from other manufacturers. Do not attempt installation in a non-Iconica inverter — the card interfaces directly with the inverter's internal communication bus.
⚠ IC-METER Energy Meter Also Required
Self-consumption operation requires both the IC-MODBUS card (fitted in the inverter) and the IC-METER Eastron SDM630-Modbus V2 energy meter (installed at the grid connection point). The card alone does not enable self-consumption — the two products must be wired together via RS-485 and configured with matching Modbus parameters.
ℹ Single vs Three-Inverter Configuration
In a single-inverter system, the card works in single mode (DIP switch bits #1 and #2 both ON). In a three-inverter parallel system, all three cards are set to server mode (both OFF) and assigned unique Modbus IDs (2, 3, and 4 respectively) — the energy meter at address 1 acts as the Modbus master. The inverters must also be set to grid-tie mode with a configured AC-charging window (e.g. 00:00–05:00).
Plug-In Installation
The card slides into the Iconica inverter's intelligent slot via the golden-finger connector — no soldering or internal wiring required. RS-485 wiring (A, B, GND on pins 5, 4, 8 of the RJ45 interface) connects to the energy meter.
DIP-Switch Machine ID
8-bit binary DIP switch (SW1) sets the card's Modbus ID (1–247). A full ID-to-switch-position table is provided in the manual. In single-inverter systems, ID is typically set to 1. In three-inverter systems, IDs 2, 3, and 4 are used for the three cards.
Configurable Communication Format
Hardware DIP switches set working mode (single/server), parity (even/odd/none + stop bits), and termination resistors (push-up, push-down, terminate). Default configuration: 19200 bps, no parity, 1 stop bit — matching the IC-METER default for immediate pairing.
Self-Consumption Control
Once wired and configured, the inverter polls the energy meter in real time and adjusts solar output and battery charge/discharge to keep grid import at or near zero, maximising self-consumption without over-exporting. Grid-Tie with backup mode (priority II) must be selected in the inverter settings.
Three-Inverter Parallel Support
A single IC-METER energy meter can serve up to three Iconica inverters, each fitted with its own IC-MODBUS card. The Modbus server card acts as the control centre, coordinating power generation and charging across all three inverters from one set of grid measurement data.
Integrated Termination Resistors
On-card push-up, push-down, and termination resistors are individually enabled via DIP switches (#6, #7, #8 respectively — all ON by default). These ensure RS-485 signal integrity over cable runs and can be disabled for long bus configurations with external termination.
| IC-MODBUS RS-485 Modbus Card — Technical Specification (from manufacturer quick guide V1.3) |
| Communication |
| Interface |
RS-485 Modbus RTU |
| Default Baud Rate |
19200 bps |
| Configurable Baud Rates |
Configurable via DIP switch to match energy meter settings |
| Default Parity / Stop Bits |
None / 1 |
| Machine ID Range |
1–247 (set via 8-bit DIP switch SW1) |
| RS-485 Pin Assignment (RJ45) |
Pin 4 = RS-485-B; Pin 5 = RS-485-A; Pin 8 = GND |
| System Configuration |
| Working Modes |
Single mode (reset total or per-phase feed-in power to zero); Server mode (3-inverter parallel) |
| Max Inverters per Energy Meter |
3 |
| Inverter Setting Required |
Grid-Tie with backup (priority II); AC-charging duration configured (e.g. 00:00–05:00) |
| Termination Resistors |
Push-up, push-down, terminate — all ON by default (DIP bits #6, #7, #8) |
| Physical & Environmental |
| Installation Method |
Golden-finger connector into inverter intelligent slot |
| Storage Temperature |
−10°C to +70°C (dry storage required) |
| Compatible Inverters |
Iconica grid-tie hybrid inverters (3kW and 10kW confirmed) with intelligent slot |
| Required Companion Product |
IC-METER (Eastron SDM630-Modbus V2 energy meter) |
| Product Code |
IC-MODBUS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this card with any RS-485 energy meter, or only the IC-METER?
The IC-MODBUS card is configured and tested for use with the Eastron SDM630-Modbus V2 (IC-METER). While it uses standard Modbus RTU over RS-485, Photonic Universe's documentation and configuration guides reference the IC-METER specifically. Using a different meter may require custom Modbus register mapping and is unsupported by Photonic Universe. Consult Photonic Universe technical support before attempting integration with a third-party meter.
How do I set the Machine ID (Modbus address) on the card?
The SW1 DIP switch block provides 8 binary bits (bit 1 to bit 8, left to right). Push a bit down to set it to "1" (ON); leave it up for "0" (OFF). The ID is the binary value of the 8-bit setting. A full table of IDs 1–247 with corresponding switch positions is provided in the IC-MODBUS manual. For single-inverter use, the default ID is 1 (bit 1 down, all others up).
What inverter settings must I configure after fitting the card?
In the Iconica inverter settings, set PV energy supply priority to Grid-Tie with backup (option II). Also configure the AC-charging duration window (e.g. 00:00–05:00 as a default off-peak charge window). These settings allow the inverter to intelligently manage the battery overnight using cheaper grid energy while prioritising solar self-consumption during daylight hours.
In a three-inverter system, does each inverter need its own IC-MODBUS card?
Yes — each Iconica inverter in a parallel system requires its own IC-MODBUS card. The three cards are configured with unique Modbus IDs (2, 3, and 4) and all set to server mode. A single IC-METER energy meter at address 1 serves all three inverters simultaneously. Only the first inverter's card is wired directly to the meter; the remaining inverters daisy-chain via the RS-485 bus.
What cable do I need to wire the card to the energy meter?
Use a shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable for the RS-485 connection — typically Cat5e or a dedicated RS-485 cable. Connect RS-485-A to pin 5 of the card's RJ45 interface, RS-485-B to pin 4, and GND to pin 8. Match these to the corresponding A, B, and GND terminals on the IC-METER. Keep the cable away from high-power conductors to avoid interference. For long cable runs, consider disabling the card's internal termination resistors and adding a dedicated 120Ω terminator at each end of the bus.
