Distributed energy generation and consumption monitoring and reporting device with modular communication upgradability and protection domains in hardware

A method comprising:

• providing an electrical unit that includes:
• an operative module having circuit components accessible to a qualified electrician only, and
• an interface module physically attached to the operative module and electrically connected thereto to form a unitary structure for the electrical unit, wherein the interface module includes at least one of the following:
• a communication interface to enable the operative module to remotely communicate with a control unit external to the electrical unit, and
• a diagnostic interface to indicate operational status of the electrical unit and to enable remote diagnosis of the electrical unit,
• wherein the interface module is accessible to a non-electrician user without requiring presence of a qualified electrician, and
• wherein, upon attachment, the operative module and the interface module are covered in a non-overlapping configuration in which a first cover shields the operative module to prevent the non-electrician user from accessing the operative module and a removable second cover is placed adjacent to the first cover and over the interface module to allow the non-electrician user to access the interface module;
• and
• remotely instructing the non-electrician user to perform upgrade of the interface module and troubleshooting for the electrical unit using the interface module.

An electrical unit comprising:

• an operative module having circuit components accessible to a qualified electrician only;
• and
• an interface module physically attachable to the operative module and electrically connectible thereto, wherein, upon attachment, the operative module and the interface module form a unitary structure for the electrical unit, wherein the interface module includes at least one of the following:
• a communication interface to enable the operative module to remotely communicate with a control unit external to the electrical unit, and
• a diagnostic interface to indicate operational status of the electrical unit and to enable remote diagnosis of the electrical unit,
• wherein the interface module is accessible to a non-electrician user to perform upgrade of the interface module and troubleshooting for the electrical unit without requiring presence of a qualified electrician, and
• wherein, upon attachment, the operative module and the interface module are covered in a non-overlapping configuration in which a first cover shields the operative module to prevent the non-electrician user from accessing the operative module and a removable second cover is placed adjacent to the first cover and over the interface module to allow the non-electrician user to access the interface module.