3G Network Shutdown: SolarEdge

3G Network Shutdown: SolarEdge System Owner FAQs

Q What is happening to my 3G cell plan? What can I do about it?
A On the following dates, T-Mobile is discontinuing cellular service for the following modems, learn more here.

•April 2, 2024 - 2G GSM
•July 1, 2022 - 3G UMTS
•June 30, 2022 - Sprint LTE
•Mar 31, 2022 - 3G CDMA

Shutdown for these networks will begin on these dates and proceed in batches until all units on these networks are disabled. Once this happens, your device will no longer communicate data to the SolarEdge Monitoring Platform. To avoid communication interruption, please contact your installer to set up alternate communications or purchase a new cellular modem.

Q Why am I being asked to buy a new modem?
A Your SolarEdge system was supplied with a modem that includes a built-in, prepaid 3G cell card, connecting your system to the SolarEdge server in the cloud. 3G is being discontinued by T-Mobile, which will cause your cell card and modem to stop performing. Unfortunately, this change is out of SolarEdge's control.

Q  Can I buy a prepaid cell card and install it into the existing system?
A  No, this network technology is no longer supported.

Q  What will happen with the remaining time on my current modem?
A  As a courtesy to prematurely affected customers, SolarEdge will extend all new modem communication plans to December 31, 2028.

Q  Why do I have to purchase a new cell card when I purchased the 20 or 25 year inverter warranty extension?
A  The inverter warranty extension applies to the inverter only and does not apply to any built-in communication accessories. Click here for more Information.

Q  How much does modem replacement cost?
A  SolarEdge only sells through distributors. Please contact your SolarEdge installer or speak with a SolarEdge-authorized service provider for pricing.

The following part numbers are available through your local distributor:

Residential - Non-SetApp Inverter Part Number: CELL-A-R05-US-S-S2

Residential - SetApp Inverter Part Number: CELL-B-R05-US-S-S2

Commercial (3phase) - Non-SetApp Inverter Part Number: 
CELL-A-R05-US-S-S4

Commercial (3phase) - SetApp Inverter Part Number: 
CELL-B-R05-US-S-S4

Q  If I replace my modem AFTER the network shutdown, will I be able to retrieve system data from the period between the 3G shutdown and activation of the new modem?
A  When communication to the monitoring platform is lost, lifetime energy data is saved locally and is always correct regardless of communication outage duration. If communication fails, the inverter will store daily production totals locally until communication is restored and it will update your monitoring site. In the event of a communication outage, data will be stored locally until on-board memory fills up, at which point the earliest data will start to be overwritten. Data which is overwritten cannot be recovered and will be lost. The duration of communication. Therefore, it is recommended to have continuous connection to the monitoring platform to avoid gaps in your daily energy graphs.

Q  What if I choose not to replace my modem?
A  Once the network is shut down, you will no longer have system visibility, nor will you receive automatic updates. However, your system will still produce solar energy. You will need to contact your installer to configure alternate communications or aquire a newer cellular modem.

Q  Can I use my home network
A  You can connect to your modem with an Ethernet cable. However, this requires removing the inverter cover and should only be done a by your installer or solar professional.

Q  What if my installer is no longer in business?
A  If you don’t have an installer, or if your installer has gone out of business, SolarEdge maintains of list of installers here - please note that SolarEdge does not vet or recommend the installers on this list. Always be sure to research them before hiring their services.

Q  I installed the system myself—can I replace the modem on my own?
A  Self-replacement requires removing the inverter cover. If you are an installer who self-installed and commissioned the system, you may self-replace the modem, provided all warranty and safety policies are followed during replacement. Self-replacement is prohibited for ALL other equipment owners since it is a safety hazard and may void the equipment warranty. Please contact your installer if you did not physically install your own system.

Q  How are 12-year modems being handled?
A  12-year 3G modems are under a different contract and SolarEdge is obliged to provide a replacement 12-year modem free of charge. In these cases, SolarEdge will provide the modem but not provide labor reimbursement for the cost of the site visit.

Q  How do I order a 12-year modem replacement?
A  Contact your installer to order a 12-year modem. Click here for a list of installers in your area.

Q  What is the modem part number for 12-year modems?
A  It is the same part number as the 5-year replacement modem. Once the new modem is installed and successfully communicating, SolarEdge monitoring system will recognize the previous 12- year modem was replaced and automatically update the cellular subscription expiration to match the original expiration plan.