{"product_id":"rs-485-modbus-card-for-grid-tie-hybrid-inverter-self-consumption","title":"RS-485 Modbus Card for Grid-Tie Hybrid Inverter Self-Consumption","description":"\u003c!-- SEO Product Name: RS-485 Modbus Card for Iconica Grid-Tie Hybrid Inverter Self-Consumption (IC-MODBUS) --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:16px; max-width:900px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; color:#222; line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Intro --\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eIC-MODBUS RS-485 Modbus Card\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \u003cstrong\u003eplug-in communication interface card\u003c\/strong\u003e designed to insert directly into the \u003cstrong\u003ebuilt-in intelligent slot\u003c\/strong\u003e of compatible \u003cstrong\u003eIconica grid-tie hybrid inverters\u003c\/strong\u003e. Once installed, the card establishes an \u003cstrong\u003eRS-485 Modbus RTU communication link\u003c\/strong\u003e between the inverter and an \u003cstrong\u003eEastron SDM630-Modbus V2 energy meter\u003c\/strong\u003e (IC-METER, sold separately). This link is what enables the inverter's \u003cstrong\u003eself-consumption function\u003c\/strong\u003e — the inverter continuously reads live grid import\/export data from the meter and uses it to \u003cstrong\u003emodulate solar power generation and battery charging\u003c\/strong\u003e, minimising export to the grid and maximising on-site energy use. The card supports both \u003cstrong\u003esingle-inverter\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ethree-inverter parallel\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Stat Strip --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:10px; margin:20px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#008377CF; color:#fff; border-radius:6px; padding:12px 18px; flex:1; min-width:110px; text-align:center;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:1.4em; font-weight:700;\"\u003eRS-485\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:0.82em;\"\u003eModbus RTU Interface\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#008377CF; color:#fff; border-radius:6px; padding:12px 18px; flex:1; min-width:110px; text-align:center;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:1.4em; font-weight:700;\"\u003e19200\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:0.82em;\"\u003eDefault Baud Rate (bps)\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#008377CF; color:#fff; border-radius:6px; padding:12px 18px; flex:1; min-width:110px; text-align:center;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:1.4em; font-weight:700;\"\u003e1–3\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:0.82em;\"\u003eInverters Supported\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#008377CF; color:#fff; border-radius:6px; padding:12px 18px; flex:1; min-width:110px; text-align:center;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:1.4em; font-weight:700;\"\u003e247\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:0.82em;\"\u003eMax Modbus Addresses\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#008377CF; color:#fff; border-radius:6px; padding:12px 18px; flex:1; min-width:110px; text-align:center;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:1.4em; font-weight:700;\"\u003eDIP\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:0.82em;\"\u003eSwitch ID Configuration\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Red callout: Iconica-only --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"border-left:4px solid #cc2222; background:#fff0f0; padding:14px 16px; border-radius:5px; margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color:#cc2222;\"\u003e⚠ Iconica Inverters Only — Not Universally Compatible\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The IC-MODBUS card will \u003cstrong\u003eonly function with compatible Iconica hybrid inverters\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Amber callout: IC-METER also required --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"border-left:4px solid #e6a817; background:#fff8e8; padding:14px 16px; border-radius:5px; margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color:#b37d00;\"\u003e⚠ IC-METER Energy Meter Also Required\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Self-consumption operation requires \u003cstrong\u003eboth\u003c\/strong\u003e the IC-MODBUS card (fitted in the inverter) \u003cstrong\u003eand\u003c\/strong\u003e the \u003cstrong\u003eIC-METER Eastron SDM630-Modbus V2 energy meter\u003c\/strong\u003e (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.\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Teal callout: configuration overview --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"border-left:4px solid #008377; background:#e8f5f4; padding:14px 16px; border-radius:5px; margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color:#008377;\"\u003eℹ Single vs Three-Inverter Configuration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    In a \u003cstrong\u003esingle-inverter\u003c\/strong\u003e system, the card works in \u003cstrong\u003esingle mode\u003c\/strong\u003e (DIP switch bits #1 and #2 both ON). In a \u003cstrong\u003ethree-inverter parallel\u003c\/strong\u003e system, all three cards are set to \u003cstrong\u003eserver mode\u003c\/strong\u003e (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).\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Feature Cards --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:14px; margin:24px 0;\"\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1; min-width:200px; border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:7px; padding:16px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700; border-bottom:2px solid #008377CF; padding-bottom:6px; margin-bottom:10px;\"\u003ePlug-In Installation\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0; font-size:0.95em;\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1; min-width:200px; border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:7px; padding:16px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700; border-bottom:2px solid #008377CF; padding-bottom:6px; margin-bottom:10px;\"\u003eDIP-Switch Machine ID\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0; font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e8-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1; min-width:200px; border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:7px; padding:16px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700; border-bottom:2px solid #008377CF; padding-bottom:6px; margin-bottom:10px;\"\u003eConfigurable Communication Format\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0; font-size:0.95em;\"\u003eHardware DIP switches set \u003cstrong\u003eworking mode\u003c\/strong\u003e (single\/server), \u003cstrong\u003eparity\u003c\/strong\u003e (even\/odd\/none + stop bits), and \u003cstrong\u003etermination resistors\u003c\/strong\u003e (push-up, push-down, terminate). Default configuration: 19200 bps, no parity, 1 stop bit — matching the IC-METER default for immediate pairing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1; min-width:200px; border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:7px; padding:16px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700; border-bottom:2px solid #008377CF; padding-bottom:6px; margin-bottom:10px;\"\u003eSelf-Consumption Control\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0; font-size:0.95em;\"\u003eOnce 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1; min-width:200px; border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:7px; padding:16px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700; border-bottom:2px solid #008377CF; padding-bottom:6px; margin-bottom:10px;\"\u003eThree-Inverter Parallel Support\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0; font-size:0.95em;\"\u003eA single IC-METER energy meter can serve \u003cstrong\u003eup to three Iconica inverters\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1; min-width:200px; border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:7px; padding:16px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700; border-bottom:2px solid #008377CF; padding-bottom:6px; margin-bottom:10px;\"\u003eIntegrated Termination Resistors\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0; font-size:0.95em;\"\u003eOn-card \u003cstrong\u003epush-up, push-down, and termination resistors\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Specification Table --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x:auto; margin:24px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003ctable style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n      \u003cthead\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#008377CF; color:#fff;\"\u003e\n          \u003cth style=\"padding:10px 12px; text-align:left;\" colspan=\"2\"\u003eIC-MODBUS RS-485 Modbus Card — Technical Specification (from manufacturer quick guide V1.3)\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003c\/thead\u003e\n      \u003ctbody\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#e8f5f4;\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#008377;\" colspan=\"2\"\u003eCommunication\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600; width:50%;\"\u003eInterface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eRS-485 Modbus RTU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eDefault Baud Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e19200 bps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eConfigurable Baud Rates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eConfigurable via DIP switch to match energy meter settings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eDefault Parity \/ Stop Bits\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eNone \/ 1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eMachine ID Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e1–247 (set via 8-bit DIP switch SW1)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eRS-485 Pin Assignment (RJ45)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003ePin 4 = RS-485-B; Pin 5 = RS-485-A; Pin 8 = GND\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#e8f5f4;\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#008377;\" colspan=\"2\"\u003eSystem Configuration\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eWorking Modes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eSingle mode (reset total or per-phase feed-in power to zero); Server mode (3-inverter parallel)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eMax Inverters per Energy Meter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eInverter Setting Required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eGrid-Tie with backup (priority II); AC-charging duration configured (e.g. 00:00–05:00)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eTermination Resistors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003ePush-up, push-down, terminate — all ON by default (DIP bits #6, #7, #8)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#e8f5f4;\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#008377;\" colspan=\"2\"\u003ePhysical \u0026amp; Environmental\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eInstallation Method\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eGolden-finger connector into inverter intelligent slot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eStorage Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003e−10°C to +70°C (dry storage required)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eCompatible Inverters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eIconica grid-tie hybrid inverters (3kW and 10kW confirmed) with intelligent slot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eRequired Companion Product\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eIC-METER (Eastron SDM630-Modbus V2 energy meter)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px; font-weight:600;\"\u003eProduct Code\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 12px;\"\u003eIC-MODBUS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n    \u003c\/table\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- FAQ --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"margin:28px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#008377CF; color:#fff; padding:12px 16px; border-radius:6px 6px 0 0; font-weight:700; font-size:1.05em;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; border-top:none; padding:0;\"\u003e\n      \u003csummary style=\"padding:13px 16px; cursor:pointer; font-weight:600; background:#f4f4f4;\"\u003eCan I use this card with any RS-485 energy meter, or only the IC-METER?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"padding:13px 16px; border-top:1px solid #eee;\"\u003eThe IC-MODBUS card is configured and tested for use with the \u003cstrong\u003eEastron SDM630-Modbus V2 (IC-METER)\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; border-top:none; padding:0;\"\u003e\n      \u003csummary style=\"padding:13px 16px; cursor:pointer; font-weight:600; background:#f4f4f4;\"\u003eHow do I set the Machine ID (Modbus address) on the card?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"padding:13px 16px; border-top:1px solid #eee;\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSW1 DIP switch block\u003c\/strong\u003e provides 8 binary bits (bit 1 to bit 8, left to right). Push a bit \u003cstrong\u003edown\u003c\/strong\u003e 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).\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; border-top:none; padding:0;\"\u003e\n      \u003csummary style=\"padding:13px 16px; cursor:pointer; font-weight:600; background:#f4f4f4;\"\u003eWhat inverter settings must I configure after fitting the card?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"padding:13px 16px; border-top:1px solid #eee;\"\u003eIn the Iconica inverter settings, set \u003cstrong\u003ePV energy supply priority to Grid-Tie with backup (option II)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Also configure the \u003cstrong\u003eAC-charging duration window\u003c\/strong\u003e (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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; border-top:none; padding:0;\"\u003e\n      \u003csummary style=\"padding:13px 16px; cursor:pointer; font-weight:600; background:#f4f4f4;\"\u003eIn a three-inverter system, does each inverter need its own IC-MODBUS card?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"padding:13px 16px; border-top:1px solid #eee;\"\u003eYes — 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 \u003cstrong\u003eserver mode\u003c\/strong\u003e. A single \u003cstrong\u003eIC-METER energy meter\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails style=\"border:1px solid #ddd; border-top:none; padding:0;\"\u003e\n      \u003csummary style=\"padding:13px 16px; cursor:pointer; font-weight:600; background:#f4f4f4;\"\u003eWhat cable do I need to wire the card to the energy meter?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"padding:13px 16px; border-top:1px solid #eee;\"\u003eUse a \u003cstrong\u003eshielded twisted-pair (STP) cable\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Eastron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64956654027101,"sku":"IC-MODBUS","price":99.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/2051\/3629\/files\/RS-485ModbusCardforGrid-TieHybridInverterSelf-Consumption.jpg?v=1781195736","url":"https:\/\/qualityheating.co.uk\/products\/rs-485-modbus-card-for-grid-tie-hybrid-inverter-self-consumption","provider":"AIZO Quality Heating","version":"1.0","type":"link"}