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Dashboard Installation Instructions for Old PVS Firmware

These instructions are for PVS firmware versions 2025.06 Build 61839 and earlier (pre-authentication firmware).

IMPORTANT: If your firmware version is 2025.09 Build 61845 or newer, return to the main project page and follow the New Firmware installation instructions.

PVS Gateway

The PVS is a data logger and gateway device used for solar system monitoring, metering, and control.

The Dashboard has been tested with the PVS6 gateway and is expected to be compatible with the older PVS5 model as well. For simplicity, both models are referred to as PVS (Photovoltaic Supervisor) in this document.

To retrieve data, a direct Ethernet connection is required. It is possible to use the gateway’s Wi-Fi Access Point (AP), but a wired connection is simpler and more reliable.

Inside the PVS are two Ethernet ports (LAN1 and LAN2) and other RJ45 jacks that are not Ethernet. Be cautious and ensure you connect to the correct port!

LAN Port Descriptions

The SunPower gateway’s two Ethernet (LAN) ports serve different purposes, as follows:

LAN1: Dashboard Data

  • LAN1 is the Ethernet port that enables Dashboard functionality.
  • It was originally intended for installer use. SunPower has since disabled the built-in PVS Management App, a web-based commissioning interface that allowed installers to provision systems. Today, those tasks require the SunPower Pro Connect smartphone app for authorized installers.
  • Thankfully, the LAN1 API remains functional.
  • The Dashboard webpage queries this API using IP address 172.27.153.1 on LAN1. This address is to a private server (hosted by the PVS) that has its own DNS. All of which must be isolated from your home's local network. Hence the need for a direct Ethernet connection.

🔗 Notes:
The URL www.sunpowerconsole.com has been disabled by SunPower. It was an alias for the PVS’s internal nameserver at 172.27.153.1. Your browser must now use the IP address directly: http://172.27.153.1 Only HTTP is supported; HTTPS will not work.

LAN2: Customer Cloud Data

  • LAN2 is the Ethernet port that sends data to the SunPower cloud via the customer’s router. Most systems use Wi-Fi for this, but Ethernet is also supported.
  • This connection enables access to the data that is reported in the official SunPower app.
  • The Dashboard uses LAN1, so LAN2 is not needed for Dashboard operation.

Ethernet Cable Connection

Refer to the official PVS Residential Installation Quick Start Guide (QSG) for connection details:

🔗 Note: The latest PVS6 hardware version requires a USB-to-Ethernet adapter (dongle). Details are in the PVS6 QSG.

Ethernet Test

Now that the PVS is directly connected to your PC, perform an Ethernet connectivity test:

  1. Turn off the PC’s Wi-Fi and confirm it is fully disabled. Otherwise the LAN1 test and the Dashboard will fail.
  2. Open your browser and go to: http://172.27.153.1
  3. Confirm that a 403 Forbidden error appears. This means the IP is valid, but access is restricted. Which is a good sign!

    ⚠️ If a Connection Timeout occurs, check your Ethernet configuration and confirm Wi-Fi is off.

  4. Next, visit the following URL and confirm it returns a devices report in JSON format: http://172.27.153.1:8080/cgi-bin/dl_cgi?Command=DeviceList
  5. If the report appears, the connection is working. You’re ready to launch the Dashboard!

    🔗 To use the Dashboard from your Wi-Fi network, see the FAQ section below.

Dashboard File Installation

The Dashboard is a single HTML file. Download solar_dashboard.html and save it to your desktop or any preferred folder (NAS drives also work).

Dashboard: Basic Operation

🔗 Note: These instructions are written for Windows users. Other operating systems may differ slightly.

Ensure Wi-Fi is turned off on your Windows PC. Launch the Dashboard by double-clicking the HTML file. For future convenience, add it to your browser’s favorites or bookmarks.

Here’s a screenshot:

Click for Larger View

Dashboard: Data

For a detailed explanation of the Dashboard’s data reporting, see the main page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Note: This FAQ applies only to Old Firmware installations.

FAQ 1

Q. I cannot connect to the PVS. I’ve tried everything. Help!

A. 1. Double-check that your PC’s Wi-Fi is turned off. 2. Do not use HTTPS in your URL. It must be HTTP. 3. If using a USB-to-Ethernet dongle on your PVS6, confirm it is a supported model. The PVS6 Residential Installation Quick Start Guide lists approved adapters (see Technical Notification). 4. In rare cases, the PVS may issue an IP address other than 172.27.153.1. For example, 172.27.152.1. Check your PC’s network settings to confirm. If it differs, see FAQ 2 below.


FAQ 2

Q. My PVS gateway didn’t assign IP address 172.27.153.1. It’s using 172.27.152.1. What should I do?

A. You can override the Dashboard’s default gateway address by adding the IP as a parameter, like this:

solar_dashboard.html?ip=172.27.152.1

FAQ 3

Q. Can I connect the PVS to my local network so I can use the Dashboard from multiple devices (like my smartphone)?

A. Yes! This is a great way to use the Dashboard. For details, review this document: Local Network Setup.

FAQ 4

Q. The Dashboard was working fine, but now I get an HTTP 500 error. What should I check?

A. The typical solution is to power cycle (cold reboot) the PVS gateway, wait about ten minutes, then try the Dashboard again.

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