Solar Lattice

Product

AlsoEnergy PLCS power limiting control system

ID
prod:alsoenergy-plcs
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/prod/alsoenergy-plcs
Status
active
Also known as
PLCS 400, PLCS 600, PowerLCS 400, PowerLCS, PLCS600
Category
Monitoring and communications
Make
alsoenergy
Product level
family

The AlsoEnergy PLCS (PowerLCS) is a preconfigured, prewired monitoring enclosure that combines a datalogger, revenue-grade meter, irradiance sensor and module temperature sensor, and offers a cell modem as an option. The PowerLCS 400 connects to up to 16 inverters over Modbus RTU or Modbus TCP and uploads compressed 5-minute data to AlsoEnergy PowerTrack over Ethernet every 2 hours. The PowerLCS 400 enclosure is rated for up to 325 kW AC at 480 VAC, ships with solid-core 400 A CTs, logs data only in daylight hours, and is not recommended for demand metering. The control power supply is auto-ranging from 100 to 277 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz. It needs a neutral, must not be fed from two hot phases, and should be protected by a breaker rated up to 20 A, wired with 12 to 14 AWG. Remote access is not supported on the PowerLCS 400, and its enclosure has no further configuration options. On the PLCS 600, wire RS-485 as a daisy chain without star or branch runs, and keep stubs as short as possible. The installation guides are written for licensed electricians. Except for the irradiance sensor and cell modem, the PowerLCS 400 parts carry the standard AlsoEnergy 5-year warranty.

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Claims

manufactured_by

c1 drafted · lead AlsoEnergy proposed

instance_of

c2 drafted · lead Monitoring data logger

Integrated monitoring enclosure with datalogger, revenue-grade meter and weather sensors.

uses_protocol

c3 drafted · lead Modbus RTU

Used for inverter communications.

c4 verified · fact Modbus TCP

Used for inverter communications.

verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-24

c5 drafted · lead Ethernet

Internet-accessible Ethernet connection used to upload data to AlsoEnergy PowerTrack.

c6 drafted · lead Cellular data

Optional cell modem when no internet connection is available.

c7 drafted · lead RS-485

Wire as a daisy chain; avoid star or branch layouts and keep stubs short, never over 50 ft (15 m) per the PLCS 600 guide.

lacks

c8 drafted · lead Remote maintenance access proposed

PowerLCS 400 guide states remote access is not supported or possible and no additional configuration options are available.

implements

c9 verified · fact PV production metering proposed

Includes a revenue-grade meter with solid-core 400 A CTs; data logged at 5-minute granularity.

verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-24review note: support check: partial - Revenue-grade meter, 400A solid-core CTs and 5-minute granularity are stated, but the passages do not say it does production metering specifically.

requires

c10 drafted · lead Licensed electrician

Installation guide is written for a licensed electrician to plan, install and commission the system.

max_count

c11 drafted · lead ≤ 16 NUM

Conditions: Inverters interfaced via Modbus RTU or Modbus TCP, PowerLCS 400

nominal_voltage

c12 verified · fact 100–277 V

Conditions: Control power supply input, auto-ranging AC; neutral required, do not use two hot phases

verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-24

frequency

c13 drafted · lead 50–60 HZ

Conditions: Control power supply input

warranty_term

c14 verified · fact nominal 5 YR

Conditions: Standard AlsoEnergy warranty, PowerLCS 400; all parts except irradiance sensor and cell modem

verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-24

Data