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User Guide for System Owners Version 1.1

V 1.1 July 2012 2

BenQ Solar AC Unison Monitoring system

User Guide for System Owners

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of Contents

1. Introduction to the BenQ Solar Web Portal.....................................................................................3

2. Login into the BenQ Solar Web Portal...............................................................................................4

3. Monitoring an AC Unison system........................................................................................................5

3.1 BenQ Solar Energy Monitoring System Network Requirements..............................................5

3.3 AC Unison Chart page ........................................................................................................................7

3.5 Estimated Financial Benefits page......................................................................................................9

3.6 Monthly Report Export tool..............................................................................................................9

4. Modifying your Account Information and Settings........................................................................ 10

4.1 Changing your Password.................................................................................................................. 10

4.2 Photo Management ........................................................................................................................... 11

5. Important Warnings ............................................................................................................................. 11

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1. Introduction to the BenQ Solar Web Portal

The BenQ Solar Web Portal works with the BenQ Solar monitoring system to give solar

installers and owners easy access to real-time operating information of the BenQ AC Unison

solar power system. The BenQ Solar Web Portal could be reached from the main BenQ

Solar website and clicking on Monitoring System Login. www.benqsolar.com

There are two options for reaching the

BenQ Web Portal Login page from the

home page. Both buttons are labeled

Monitoring System Login.

The button in the purple navigation bar

at the bottom of the page is available

from anywhere on the BenQ Solar

website.

Figure 1 BenQ Solar homepage http://www.auosolar.com/?sn=1163&lang=en-US

To save time when logging on in the

future be sure to bookmark the BenQ

Solar Monitoring System Login page.

Figure 2 BenQ Web Portal Login

Important

The browser The browser The browser The browser plugplugplugplug----inininin Adobe Flash Player and Microsoft Silverlight are both required in order Adobe Flash Player and Microsoft Silverlight are both required in order Adobe Flash Player and Microsoft Silverlight are both required in order Adobe Flash Player and Microsoft Silverlight are both required in order

to to to to use the BenQ Solar use the BenQ Solar use the BenQ Solar use the BenQ Solar Web PortalWeb PortalWeb PortalWeb Portal....

Download Adobe Flash Player at get.adobe.com/flashplayerDownload Adobe Flash Player at get.adobe.com/flashplayerDownload Adobe Flash Player at get.adobe.com/flashplayerDownload Adobe Flash Player at get.adobe.com/flashplayer

Download Microsoft Silverlight at microsoft.cDownload Microsoft Silverlight at microsoft.cDownload Microsoft Silverlight at microsoft.cDownload Microsoft Silverlight at microsoft.com/getsilverlightom/getsilverlightom/getsilverlightom/getsilverlight

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2. Login into the BenQ Solar Web Portal

Step 1Step 1Step 1Step 1: Following installation of your AC Unison system, your installer will ask you for an

email address to register an account for you. Once your account has been registered by your

installer, an email will be sent notifying you that your account has been created. Your assigned

password will be provided in this email.

Step 2Step 2Step 2Step 2:::: Go to the BenQ Solar Web Portal and enter the email address you gave to your

installer and the password you had received in the email. You may be prompted to change

your password the first time you log onto the Web Portal.

Step 3Step 3Step 3Step 3:::: On the first login, read the Terms of Use and click Accept if you agree. You will then

arrive at the system main page.

Figure 3 Monitoring System Login Example

Important

Remember, iRemember, iRemember, iRemember, if you f you f you f you forgetforgetforgetforget your your your your passwordpasswordpasswordpassword you can you can you can you can select select select select the the the the Forgot PasswordForgot PasswordForgot PasswordForgot Password button at the button at the button at the button at the

Monitoring System Login page Monitoring System Login page Monitoring System Login page Monitoring System Login page and follow the instructions shown.and follow the instructions shown.and follow the instructions shown.and follow the instructions shown.

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3. Monitoring an AC Unison system

Once an AC Unison system is registered and you have activated your account, the system can

be monitored anytime from anywhere with an internet connection. You can see specific

information about your system’s performance by clicking on the System NameSystem NameSystem NameSystem Name.

If you own more than one AC Unison System, you can return to this page by clicking the All

Systems button seen on other pages within the portal.

A. BenQsolar.com navigation B. Installer contact info

C. System Details Button

D. Installer Details

E. Currently Logged in User

F. BenQsolar.com search bar

Figure 4 The All Systems page

A.A.A.A. BenQsolar.com NavigationBenQsolar.com NavigationBenQsolar.com NavigationBenQsolar.com Navigation These buttons will take you out of the Monitoring Portal and back to BenQsolar.com page selected B. B. B. B. Installer Contact infoInstaller Contact infoInstaller Contact infoInstaller Contact info Installer listed phone number C. C. C. C. System Details ButtonSystem Details ButtonSystem Details ButtonSystem Details Button Link to the system Overview page (see section 3.2)

D.D.D.D. Installer DetailsInstaller DetailsInstaller DetailsInstaller Details Link to view detailed installer information E.E.E.E. Currently Logged in UserCurrently Logged in UserCurrently Logged in UserCurrently Logged in User Current web portal user logged in FFFF.... BenQsolar.com searchBenQsolar.com searchBenQsolar.com searchBenQsolar.com search bar bar bar bar Search bar for benqsolar.com. Using this will cause you to exit the Web Portal

3.1 BenQ Solar Energy Monitoring System Network Requirements

The BenQ Solar monitoring system relies on a constant internet based connection with the

Data Logger on site. Therefore the Data Logger must have unrestricted internet access via

a reliable and consistent internet connection. Slower speed internet connections (ie Dial

Up internet) or inconsistent internet connections will impact the accuracy of the production

data shown on the web portal.

For the most reliable internet connection, BenQ Solar recommends using a direct line to the

internet router or switch via Cat5 line. If your network is restricted (ex: corporation

intranet academic network…etc.), work with your IT department to be sure that the Data

Logger has access to ports 20, 21 and 22. To access the Web Portal your Account and Data

Logger must first be registered. A computer with a reliable internet connection is also

required for access.

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3.2 The Overview page

After selecting a system from the SSSSystem ystem ystem ystem NNNNameameameame list, the OverviewOverviewOverviewOverview page will be shown. A. System Name and Image B. Main Navigation Bar C. Basic System Statistics D. User Name E. System Serial Number F. Logout Button G. All Systems Button H. Main Image I. Energy Trend Chart J. AC Unison Chart Link K. Basic System Details L. Installer Contact Info Figure 5 Overview page

A.A.A.A. System name and imageSystem name and imageSystem name and imageSystem name and image Displays the system name and shows site profile picture uploaded by owner. System owner is able to change the name and profile picture anytime (see section 4.2) B.B.B.B. Main Navigation BarMain Navigation BarMain Navigation BarMain Navigation Bar Used to get to most features of the Web Portal, explore dropdowns to see all menus C.C.C.C. Basic system statisticsBasic system statisticsBasic system statisticsBasic system statistics Use purple arrows at the top of the display bar to display daily, yearly or system lifetime energy production statistics. Environmental and financial savings assumptions can be changed by your installer. Ask your utility for the best figures to use in your area D.D.D.D. User NameUser NameUser NameUser Name Currently logged in User E.E.E.E. System SerSystem SerSystem SerSystem Serial Numberial Numberial Numberial Number Data Logger Serial Number, this is the main point of reference for BenQ

F.F.F.F. Logout ButtonLogout ButtonLogout ButtonLogout Button Used to exit BenQ Solar Web Portal G.G.G.G. All Systems ButtonAll Systems ButtonAll Systems ButtonAll Systems Button Used to return to all systems page (see section 3) H.H.H.H. Main imageMain imageMain imageMain image Image uploaded by system owner (see section 4.2) I.I.I.I. Energy trend chartEnergy trend chartEnergy trend chartEnergy trend chart Shows estimated energy production for current day J.J.J.J. AC Unison Chart AC Unison Chart AC Unison Chart AC Unison Chart LinkLinkLinkLink Shows real time, module-level production data, as well as cumulative production over weeks, months, and system lifetime; plus other charts and graphs (see section 3.2) K.K.K.K. Basic System DetailsBasic System DetailsBasic System DetailsBasic System Details Summary of the most important system details, based on installer inputs L.L.L.L. Installer Contact InformationInstaller Contact InformationInstaller Contact InformationInstaller Contact Information Call your installer with questions about system or if maintenance is needed

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3.3 AC Unison Chart page

The AC Unison ChartAC Unison ChartAC Unison ChartAC Unison Chart button near the bottom right corner of the OverviewOverviewOverviewOverview page will allow

you to access module level production information and other detailed data about your

system’s performance. HHHHow ow ow ow to see Module Level Informationto see Module Level Informationto see Module Level Informationto see Module Level Information

The BenQ Solar Web Portal allows

module level monitoring so that system

owners can track the performance of

each AC Unison panel. This monitoring

can be viewed in real-time by clicking

the link AC Unison ChartAC Unison ChartAC Unison ChartAC Unison Chart on the

energy trend chart on the Overview Overview Overview Overview

pagepagepagepage.

Figure 6 AC Unison Chart link

Understanding Understanding Understanding Understanding Module Level ViewModule Level ViewModule Level ViewModule Level View

Module level view allows you to see

your AC Unison array’s performance at

the module level. This page is

customized by your installer to

accurately reflect your system’s unique

layout, and the module serial numbers

reflect the true locations of each

device.

To see additional module details hover

mouse over the module.

Figure 7 AC Unison chart

A color coded scale is used to indicate power output in real-time, or over time period shown

on currently selected time period tab. Lighter colors indicate high output and darker colors

indicate lower output. If the module is black, no power is generated at all.

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TimeTimeTimeTime Lapse Video Tabs and Time Period Tabs Lapse Video Tabs and Time Period Tabs Lapse Video Tabs and Time Period Tabs Lapse Video Tabs and Time Period Tabs

There are five Time Period Tabs at the top of the Module Level View page. Each will show

module level production over the period of time shown.

When NowNowNowNow is selected the page will

display real time production data.

When Today Today Today Today or Last 7 daysLast 7 daysLast 7 daysLast 7 days is

selected a time lapse video option

will show at the bottom of the array

map. Click play to watch time

lapse video of your system’s

performance.

Figure 8 Time Lapse View Historical graphHistorical graphHistorical graphHistorical graph

Below the module level view there are historical production graphs that present your

system’s performance in another way.

This shows a historical record of

power generated by entire AC

Unison system. Tabs provide an

option to view Last 7 daysLast 7 daysLast 7 daysLast 7 days, Last Last Last Last

MonthMonthMonthMonth and Last yearLast yearLast yearLast year history.

To view graphs in the full screen

mode, press this button

Figure 9 Historical Graph

Important

Please note that the numbers and graphs shown are estimates only. Please note that the numbers and graphs shown are estimates only. Please note that the numbers and graphs shown are estimates only. Please note that the numbers and graphs shown are estimates only. Additional equipment is Additional equipment is Additional equipment is Additional equipment is

necessary for revenue grade system production reporting. necessary for revenue grade system production reporting. necessary for revenue grade system production reporting. necessary for revenue grade system production reporting.

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3.4 Energy Information page

This is an overview of daily, monthly,

yearly and lifetime energy production.

Graph timeframes can be changed to

show system performance during a

given time period.

Figure 10 Energy Information page

3.5 Estimated Financial Benefits page

This overview shows graphical

estimates of the financial savings

provided by an AC Unison system. The

amounts are calculated as the product

of the generated power and the local

average utility rate (your installer can

change this rate setting if needed).

Figure 11 Estimated Financial Benefits

3.6 Monthly Report Export tool

This function allows monthly reports of

system and device performance to be

exported as a downloadable file. When

choosing device as the data source,

select desired AC Unison module from

the list that appears.

Figure 12 Monthly Report Export tool

Important

Please note tPlease note tPlease note tPlease note that the numbers and graphs shown are estimates only. Additional equipment hat the numbers and graphs shown are estimates only. Additional equipment hat the numbers and graphs shown are estimates only. Additional equipment hat the numbers and graphs shown are estimates only. Additional equipment

must be purchased separatelymust be purchased separatelymust be purchased separatelymust be purchased separately for revenue grade system production reporting. for revenue grade system production reporting. for revenue grade system production reporting. for revenue grade system production reporting.

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4. Modifying your Account Information and Settings

To change your account information and other settings, click on My My My My PPPProfilerofilerofilerofile menu. Under this

menu select Edit My ProfileEdit My ProfileEdit My ProfileEdit My Profile to change your system or your personal information.

Assumptions underlying financial estimates must be changed by your installer.

The option Share My System to the Share My System to the Share My System to the Share My System to the

PublPublPublPublicicicic allows your system to be viewed

publicly on the BenQ Solar Web Portal

demo account. If selected the following

information will be visible through the

Demo Account.

System name, picture, energy

information, financial estimates,

location and images will be viewable.

Your personal information will not be

shown.

Figure 13 Edit My Profile page

4.1 Changing your Password

To change your password:

1. From the All All All All SSSSystemystemystemystemssss page, click

on My My My My PPPProfilerofilerofilerofile and select ChChChChange ange ange ange

PasswordPasswordPasswordPassword from menu.

2. Enter your old password and

then a new password. Re-enter your

new password to confirm and select

SubmitSubmitSubmitSubmit.

Figure 14 Edit Change Password page

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4.2 Photo Management

To change your profile image, or main image

on the System Overview System Overview System Overview System Overview page, click on My My My My

ProfileProfileProfileProfile and go to Photo ManagementPhoto ManagementPhoto ManagementPhoto Management....

You may also upload other pictures via the

Photo AlbumPhoto AlbumPhoto AlbumPhoto Album page. Photo Album pictures

are visible only if you share you system. Figure 15 Photo Management page

5. Important Warnings

Be aware that only professional electrical engineering personnel should troubleshoot the PV Be aware that only professional electrical engineering personnel should troubleshoot the PV Be aware that only professional electrical engineering personnel should troubleshoot the PV Be aware that only professional electrical engineering personnel should troubleshoot the PV

arraarraarraarray and the AC Unison modules.y and the AC Unison modules.y and the AC Unison modules.y and the AC Unison modules.

Do not attempt to repair an AC Unison module; it contains no userDo not attempt to repair an AC Unison module; it contains no userDo not attempt to repair an AC Unison module; it contains no userDo not attempt to repair an AC Unison module; it contains no user----serviceable parts. If you serviceable parts. If you serviceable parts. If you serviceable parts. If you

have gone thorough this document and a module still does not operate as expected, please have gone thorough this document and a module still does not operate as expected, please have gone thorough this document and a module still does not operate as expected, please have gone thorough this document and a module still does not operate as expected, please

contact your contact your contact your contact your installerinstallerinstallerinstaller for assistance. for assistance. for assistance. for assistance.

DangeDangeDangeDanger! AC Unison modules pass electric current and are sources of voltage when the panel r! AC Unison modules pass electric current and are sources of voltage when the panel r! AC Unison modules pass electric current and are sources of voltage when the panel r! AC Unison modules pass electric current and are sources of voltage when the panel

is under load and when it is exposed to light. AC Unison panels and its component may be is under load and when it is exposed to light. AC Unison panels and its component may be is under load and when it is exposed to light. AC Unison panels and its component may be is under load and when it is exposed to light. AC Unison panels and its component may be

energized at any time and can present risk of electric shock. Death or serious injenergized at any time and can present risk of electric shock. Death or serious injenergized at any time and can present risk of electric shock. Death or serious injenergized at any time and can present risk of electric shock. Death or serious injury may ury may ury may ury may

result.result.result.result.

Do not attempt to access AC Unison panels installed on the rooftop. Death or serious injury Do not attempt to access AC Unison panels installed on the rooftop. Death or serious injury Do not attempt to access AC Unison panels installed on the rooftop. Death or serious injury Do not attempt to access AC Unison panels installed on the rooftop. Death or serious injury

from slips and falls may result.from slips and falls may result.from slips and falls may result.from slips and falls may result.

Consult with your installer for safe cleaning instructions.Consult with your installer for safe cleaning instructions.Consult with your installer for safe cleaning instructions.Consult with your installer for safe cleaning instructions. Death or serious injury from Death or serious injury from Death or serious injury from Death or serious injury from

electric shock may resuelectric shock may resuelectric shock may resuelectric shock may resultltltlt from trying to clean modules incorrectly. from trying to clean modules incorrectly. from trying to clean modules incorrectly. from trying to clean modules incorrectly.