AIMS Power PIGRID250 User manual

MICRO-INVERTER
PIGRID250
250W MICRO GRID TIED INVERTER
208, 220, 230, 240VAC

TECHNICAL MANUAL
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3
SAFETY------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
SYMBOL ILLUSTRATION -------------------------------------------------------------- 4
INSTALLATION WARNINGS----------------------------------------------------------- 4
PREPARE FOR INSTALLING------------------------------------------------------------- 6
TRANSPORTIONAND INSPECTION------------------------------------------------ 6
CHECK INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENT ---------------------------------------- 8
INSTALLATION POSITION------------------------------------------------------------- 8
CHOOSE AC CABLE---------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
MOUNTING AND WIRING ---------------------------------------------------------------10
INSTALLATION DIAGRAM -----------------------------------------------------------10
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS----------------------------------------------------------13
Step 1. Wire AC Cable--------------------------------------------------------------------13
Step 2. Install Micro-inverter ------------------------------------------------------------13
Step 3. Grounding the System-----------------------------------------------------------14
Step 4. Fasten AC Cable------------------------------------------------------------------15
Step 5. Connect AC Cable of Micro-inverter------------------------------------------15
Step 6. Protecting Unused Ends---------------------------------------------------------17
Step 7. Connecting AC-TRUNK Cables to a Junction Box-------------------------17
Step 8. Drawing System Map------------------------------------------------------------19
Step 9. Install Photovoltaic Modules ---------------------------------------------------20
MAINTENANCE GUIDE-------------------------------------------------------------------21
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE------------------------------------------------------------21
STORAGE AND DISMANTLING -----------------------------------------------------22
APPENDIX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23
TECHNICAL DATA-----------------------------------------------------------------------23
EFFICIENCY CURVES ------------------------------------------------------------------25
TEMPLATE FOR MAPOF MICRO-INVERTER INSTALLATION----------26
Warranty Instructions------------------------------------------------------------------------29

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for using PIGRID250 Micro-Inverter! This Micro-Inverter system is the world’s most
technologically advanced inverter system with high efficiency, flexibility, safety and reliability for
use in utility-interactive applications.
This system is composed of a group of Micro-inverters that convert direct current (DC) into
alternating current (AC) and feeds it into the electric grid. Different from systems that photovoltaic
modules are subdivided into strings and controlled by one or several inverters, this system is built
for the incorporation of a Micro-inverter for each photovoltaic module. Each Micro-inverter works
independently of the others to guarantee maximum power of each photovoltaic module. This setup
enables direct control over the production of a single photovoltaic module, consequently improving
the flexibility and reliability of the system.
This manual contains important instructions for the PIGRID250 Micro-inverter and must be read in
its entirety before installing or commissioning the equipment. For safety, only qualified technician,
who has received training or has demonstrated skills should install and maintain this Micro-inverter
under the guide of this document.
PIGRID250 is a 250W maximum Grid Tied Micro-inverter, and is designed to operate on 208Vac,
220Vac, 230Vac or 240Vac split phaseAC grid connections.
This document applies only to the inverter model listed in Table 1 below:
Table 1
Output Power
Model Number
250W
PIGRID250
For technical assistance or to find out where to buy this or related products you may contact AIMS
Power via email [e-mail] or [e-mail] or call us at [phone].

SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN A SAFE PLACE!
SYMBOL ILLUSTRATION
The safety symbols used in this manual are list below and illustrated in detail.
Symbol
Usage
Indicates a hazardous situation that can result in deadly
electric shock hazards, other serious physical injury, or
fire hazards.
Indicates directions which must be fully understood and
followed in its entirety in order to avoid potential safety
hazards including equipment damage or personal injury.
This points out that the described operation must not be
carried out. The reader should stop, use caution and fully
understand the operations explained before proceeding.
INSTALLATION WARNINGS
The PIGRID250 Micro-inverter is designed and tested according to international safety
requirements (UL 1741/IEEE 1547). However, certain safety precautions must be taken when
installing and operating this inverter. The installer must read and follow all instructions, cautions
and warnings in this installation manual

All operations including transport, installation, start-up and maintenance,
must be carried out by qualified, trained personnel.
Before installation, check the unit to ensure absence of any transport or
handling damage, which could affect insulation integrity or safety clearances.
Choose installation location carefully and adhere to specified cooling
requirements. Unauthorized removal of necessary protections, improper use,
incorrect installation and operation may lead to serious safety and shock
hazards or equipment damage.
Before connecting the Micro-inverter to the power distribution grid, contact
the local power distribution grid company to get appropriate approvals. This
connection must be made only by qualified technical personnel. It is the
responsibility of the installer to provide external disconnect switches and
Overcurrent Protection Devices (OCPD).
AIMS Power DOES NOT provide AC output overcurrent protection. To
reduce the risk of fire, connect only to a circuit with 20A maximum branch
circuit overcurrent protection in accordance with the National Electric Code
(ANSI/NFPA 70)
The AC output (neutral) is not bonded to ground .
Only one photovoltaic module can be connected to the input of the inverter.
Do not connect batteries or other sources of power supply. The inverter can
be used only if all the technical characteristics are observed and applied.
Do not install the equipment in adverse environment conditions such as
flammable, explosive, corrosive, extreme high or low temperature, or extreme
humidity. Do not use the equipment when the safety devices do not work or
are disabled.
Use personal protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection when
working.
Inform the manufacturer about non-standard installation conditions.
Do not use the equipment if any operating anomalies are found. Avoid
temporary repairs.
All repairs should be carried out using only qualified spare parts, which must
be installed in accordance with their intended use and by a licensed contractor

or authorizedAIMS Power service representative.
Liabilities arising from commercial components are delegated to their
respective manufacturers.
Anytime the inverter has been disconnected from the power network, use
extreme caution as some components can retain charge sufficient to create a
shock hazard. Prior to touching any part of the inverter use care to ensure
surfaces and equipment are at touch safe temperatures and voltage potentials
before proceeding.
AIMS Power accepts No liability for damage from incorrect or careless
operation
PREPARE FOR INSTALLING
TRANSPORTION AND INSPECTION
AIMS Power packages and protects individual components using suitable means to make the
transport and subsequent handling easier. Transportation of the equipment, especially by road, must
be carried out by suitable ways for protecting the components (in particular, the electronic
components) from violent, shocks, humidity, vibration, etc. Please dispose of the packaging
materials in an appropriate way to avoid unforeseen injury.
It is the customer’s responsibility to examine the condition of the components transported. Once
receiving the Micro-inverter, it is necessary to check the container for any external damage and
verify receipt of all items. Call AIMS Power, the Shipper or the carrier immediately if damage or
shortage is detected. If inspection reveals damage to the inverter, contact the supplier, or authorized
distributor for a repair/return determination and instructions regarding the process.
Table 2 lists components for use with PIGRID250,

Table 2
Code
Description
AC trunk spool_41inches_50plugs
AC cable (4conducotors)
10AWG
Plug inches 41
AC trunk spool_67inches_32plugs
AC cable (4conducotors)
10AWG
Plug inches 67
AC trunk spool_81inches_27plugs
AC cable (4conducotors)
10AWG
Plug inches 81
AC trunk plug cap
InsulatedAC cap forAC cable connectors
AC trunk end cap
End cap for 10 AWG AC cable
AC trunk unlock tool
Tool for releasing connectors

CHECK INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENT
Installation of the equipment is carried out based on the system design and the place in which the
equipment is installed.
The installation must be carried out with the equipment disconnected from the grid (power
disconnect switch open) and with the photovoltaic modules shaded or isolated.
See Appendix: Technical Data to check the environmental parameters to be observed (degree
of protection, temperature, humidity, altitude, etc.)
To avoid unwanted power de-rating due to an increase in the internal temperature of the inverter,
do not expose it to direct sunlight.
To avoid overheating, always make sure the flow of air around the inverter is not blocked.
Do not install in places where gasses or flammable substances may be present.
Avoid electromagnetic interference that can compromise the correct operation of electronic
equipment.
INSTALLATION POSITION
When choosing the position of installation, comply with the following conditions:
Install only on structures specifically conceived for photovoltaic modules (supplied by installation
technicians).
Install Micro-inverter underneath the photovoltaic modules so that they work in the shade. If this
condition cannot be met, the inverter could undergo de-rating.

Fig.1. Installation position of Micro-inverter
CHOOSE AC CABLE
The AC cable is shipped on a reel with the connectors pre-mounted. The available spacing between
connectors is: 41”, 67”, and 81”. The installer is responsible for choosing the AC cable model with
the correct spacing on the basis of the orientation (shown below) and type of
photovoltaic modules.
Observe the certification documents concerning the maximum number of Micro-
inverters permitted for installation at each cable section!
Table 3
AC Cable Items
Photovoltaic Modules Orientation Illustration
AC-TRUNK Spool
41 Inches
50 Plugs
PV Module
Micro Inverter
60 Cells

AC-TRUNK Spool
41 Inches
50 Plugs
AC-TRUNK Spool
67 Inches
32 Plugs
AC-TRUNK Spool
81 Inches
27 Plugs
* Note: The AC-TRUNK SPOOL may contain a number of connectors indicated by the number of
plugs in the part number. The installer may cut the cable to the length needed for the specific
installation.
MOUNTING AND WIRING
INSTALLATION DIAGRAM
System Schematic Diagram
60 Cells
72 Cells
72 Cells