> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ardexa.com/knowledge/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ardexa.com/knowledge/configure/plugins/solar-inverter-plugins/sma-inverters/connecting-sma-inverters.md).

# Connecting SMA Inverters

{% hint style="info" %}
This guide should be used when unable to directly connect to SMA inverters, where MODBUS or Sunspec is not active, and there is no user interface built into the inverter.\
\
Currently, this guide applies directly to SMA STP25000TL-30 inverters.
{% endhint %}

### Before arriving at site:

1. Install Sunny Explorer software on a **Windows** computer: [*https://www.sma-australia.com.au/products/monitoring-control/sunny-explorer.html*](https://www.sma-australia.com.au/products/monitoring-control/sunny-explorer.html)
2. Install SMA Connection Assist software on a **Windows** computer: [*https://files.sma.de/downloads/SMA-Connection-Assist-1.0.11.R.exe?\_ga=2.28982460.1059401782.1642545873-1851823355.1637042529*](https://files.sma.de/downloads/SMA-Connection-Assist-1.0.11.R.exe?_ga=2.28982460.1059401782.1642545873-1851823355.1637042529)
3. Contact SMA to retrieve the “PUK Codes” associated with the serial numbers of the inverters. 

{% hint style="danger" %}
**DO NOT CONTINUE THE INSTALL UNTIL ALL PUK CODES IN STEP 3 ABOVE HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.**
{% endhint %}

### On site:

1. Remove plastic baseplate of the inverter.
2. Connect CAT5/CAT6 cable from the Windows computer to the SMA inverter at one end of the row. The first **or** last inverter will have **ONE** free port available for connection – this should ensure all communication is maintained through the Speedwire “daisy-chain” and all inverters appear on the network.
3. Open Sunny Explorer on the Windows laptop and log in as an “*Installer*”. You will have to create a new password and username – this is solely for the session in the Sunny Explorer app. The password is **NOT** linked to the inverters.
4. Find inverters using “Speedwire” (**NOT** Bluetooth).
5. Once all inverters are showing, click on an inverter in the left hand panel to select it.
6. In the bottom right hand corner, DOUBLE CLICK on the word “Installer”.
7. Input the password (“PUK Code”) provided by SMA that is associated with the serial number for the inverter. (DO NOT CLICK ANYTHING UNTIL THE LOCK NEXT TO THE INVERTER DISAPPEARS. If this takes a long time (>30s), try inputting the password again.)
8. Navigate to “External Communications” and click “Edit” at the bottom.
9. Ensure TCP, UDP and Webconnect are all selected to “YES”.
10. Click "Save".
11. Repeat steps 5-10 for each inverter.