APsystems YC500A User manual

Installation / User Manual
Rev 1.0
ALTENERGY POWER SYSTEM Inc.
WEB: www.APsystems.com
APsystems Shanghai:
B403 No.188, Zhangyang Road, Pudong, Shanghai｜[phone]
© All Rights Reserved
YC500A Microinverter

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions..............................................................................................................2
Safety Instructions................................................................................................................................................ 2
Radio Interference Statement.............................................................................................................................. 3
APsystems Microinverter System Introduction.................................................................................. 4
APsystems Microinverter YC500A Introduction..................................................................................6
APsystems Microinverter System Installation.................................................................................... 7
Additional Installation components from APsystems..........................................................................................7
Required Parts and Tools from you...................................................................................................................... 7
YC500A Installation Procedures............................................................................................................................8
Step 1 - Installing the AC Branch Circuit AC Isolator.................................................................................... 8
Step 2 - Attaching the APsystems Microinverters to the Racking or the PV Module Frame...................... 9
Step 3 - Connecting the APsystems Microinverter AC Cables....................................................................10
Step 4 - Connecting APsystems Microinverters to the PV Module............................................................ 11
Step 5 - Completing the APsystems Installation Map................................................................................ 12
APsystems microinverter system operating instructions................................................................. 14
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................. 15
Status Indications and Error Reporting...............................................................................................................15
Start up LED.................................................................................................................................................15
Operation LED............................................................................................................................................. 15
Other Faults.................................................................................................................................................15
Troubleshooting a non-operating APsystems Microinverter............................................................................. 16
Replace a microinverter.....................................................................................................................17
Technical Data.................................................................................................................................... 18
APsystems YC500A Microinverter Datasheet..................................................................................................... 19
Wiring Diagram.................................................................................................................................. 19
Sample Wiring Diagram - Single Phase...............................................................................................................20
Sample Wiring Diagram - Three Phase............................................................................................................... 21

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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Important Safety Instructions
This manual contains important instructions to follow during installation
and maintenance of the APsystems Photovoltaic Grid-connected Inverter
(Microinverter). To reduce the risk of electrical shock and ensure the safe
installation and operation of the APsystems Microinverter, the following
symbols appear throughout this document to indicate dangerous conditions
and important safety instructions.
Specifications subject to change without notice - please ensure you are using
the most recent update found at www.APsystems.com
WARNING: This indicates a situation where failure to follow
instructions may cause a serious hardware failure or personnel
danger if not applied appropriately. Use extreme caution when
performing this task.
NOTE: This indicates information that is important for optimized
microinverter operation. Follow these instructions closely.
Safety Instructions
Do NOT disconnect the PV module from the APsystems Microinverter
without first disconnecting the AC power.
Only qualified professionals should install and/or replace APsystems
Microinverters.
Perform all electrical installations in accordance with local electrical
codes.
Before installing or using the APsystems Microinverter, please read all
instructions and cautionary markings in the technical documents and on
the APsystems Microinverter system and the solar-array.
Be aware that the body of the APsystems Microinverter is the heat sink
and can reach a temperature of 80°C. To reduce risk of burns, do not
touch the body of the Microinverter.
Do NOT attempt to repair the APsystems Microinverter. If it fails, contact
APsystems Customer Support to obtain an RMA number and start the
replacement process. Damaging or opening the APsystems Microinverter
will void the warranty.
WARNING
SYMBOL
NOTE
SYMBOL

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Important Safety Instructions
Radio Interference Statement
EMC Compliance：The equipment can comply with the limits from
EMC requirement, which are designed to protect against harmful
interference in a residential installation. The equipment could radiate radio
frequency energy and this might cause harmful interference to radio
communications if not following the instructions when installing and using
the equipment. But there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio
or television reception, the following measures might resolve the issues:
A) Relocate the receiving antenna and keep it well away from the equipment.
B) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technical for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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APsystems Microinverter System Introduction
The APsystems Microinverter is used in utility-interactive grid-tied applications,
comprised of three key elements:
APsystems Microinverter
APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU)
APsystems Energy Monitor and Analysis (EMA) web-based
monitoring and analysis system
Figure 1

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APsystems Microinverter System Introduction
This integrated system improves safety; maximizes solar energy harvest;
increases system reliability, and simplifies solar system design, installation,
maintenance, and management.
APsystems Microinverters maximize PV energy production
Each PV module has individual Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT)
controls, which ensures that the maximum power is exported to the utility
grid regardless of the performance of the other PV modules in the array.
When PV modules in the array are affected by shade, dust, orientation,
or any situation in which one module underperforms compared with the
other units, the APsystems Microinverter ensures top performance from
the array by maximizing the performance of each module within the array.
More reliable than centralized or string inverters
The distributed APsystems Microinverter system ensures that no single
point of system failure exists across the PV system. APsystems Microinverters
are designed to operate at full power at ambient outdoor temperatures
of up to 149°F (65°C). The inverter housing is designed for outdoor
installation and complies with the NEMA 6 environmental enclosure
rating.
Simple to install
You can install individual PV modules in any combination of module
quantity, orientation, different type and power rate (check our online
module compatibility checker called Edecider or contact APsystems).
The Ground wire (PE) of the AC cable is connected to the chassis
inside of the Microinverter,potentially eliminating the installation
of grounding wire (check local regulation).
Smart system performance monitoring and analysis
The APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU) is installed by simply
plugging it into any wall outlet and providing an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection
to a broadband router or modem. After installing and setting the ECU (see ECU manual),
the full network of APsystems Microinverters automatically reports to the
APsystems Energy Monitor and analysis (EMA) web server. The EMA software
displays performance trends, informs you of abnormal events, and controls system
shutdown when it is needed. (See ECU manual for instructions.)

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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APsystems Microinverter YC500A Introduction
The APsystems YC500A Microinverters connect with the Split-phase grid,
and operate with most 60 and 72 cell PV modules. For more information,
please see the Technical Data page (p.18) of this manual, or sign in APsystems
website to obtain a solar panel list which can match with APsystems Microinverters:
www.APsystems.com
Model
Number
AC grid
PV Module
Max. #
Per branch
Module Connector
YC500A
50Hz/230V
60,72 Cell
9 for 20A breaker
11 for 25A breaker
MC-4 Type or Customize

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APsystems Microinverter System Installation
A PV system using APsystems Microinverters is simple to install. Each
Microinverter easily mounts on the PV racking, directly beneath the PV
module(s). Low voltage DC wires connect from the PV module directly
to the Microinverter, eliminating the risk of high DC voltage.
Installation MUST comply with local regulations and technical rules.
Special Statement! An AC GFCI device should not be used to protect the
dedicated circuit to the APsystems microinverter even though it is an outside
circuit. None of the small GFCI devices (5mA-30 mA) are designed for back
feeding and will be damaged if back feed. In a similar manner, AC AFCIs
have not been evaluated for back feeding and may be damaged if back feed
with the output of a PV inverter.
WARNING: Perform all electrical installations in accordance with
localelectrical codes.
WARNING:Be aware that only qualified professionals should install
and/or replace APsystems Microinverters.
WARNING: Before installing or using an APsystems Microinverter,
please read all instructions and warnings in the technical documents
and on the APsystems Microinverter system itself as well as on the
PV array.
WARNING: Be aware that installation of this equipment includes
the risk of electric shock.
WARNING: Do not touch any live parts in the system, including the
PV array, when the system has been connected to the electrical grid.
NOTE: Strongly recommend to install Surge protection Devices in
the dedicated meter box.
Additional Installation components from APsystems
AC End Cable (sold separately)
AC Extension Cable (sold separately)
AC Female Connector Cap (sold separately)
AC Male Connector Cap (sold separately)
Required Parts and Tools from you
In addition to your PV array and its associated hardware, you will need
the following items:
An AC isolator
Mounting hardware suitable for module racking
Sockets and wrenches for mounting hardware
A Phillips screwdriver
A torque wrench

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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YC500A Installation Procedures
APsystems Microinverters are designed to only operate when they can sense
power coming from the grid. Even if they are plugged into the solar array,
they will not turn themselves on until they can read power from the grid.
WARNING: Do NOT connect APsystems Microinverters to the
utility grid or energize the AC circuit until you have completed
all of the installation procedures as described in the following
sections.
Figure 2
Step 1 - Installing the AC Branch Circuit AC Isolator
Figure 3
a. Install an appropriate AC isolator at a suitable location on the PV
racking system (typically at the end of a branch of modules).
b. Connect the open wire end of the AC branch end cable into the
junction box using an appropriate gland or strain relief fitting.
c. Wire the conductors: L - BROWN; N - BLUE; PE -YELLOW GREEN.
d. Connect the AC branch circuit AC isolator to the point of utility
interconnection.
Go to AC isolator

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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YC500A Installation Procedures
Step 2 - Attaching the APsystems Microinverters to the Racking or the
PV Module Frame
Attach to the racking
a. Mark the location of the Microinverter on the rack, with respect to
the PV module junction box or any other obstructions.
b. Mount one Microinverter at each of these locations using hardware
recommended by your module racking vendor.
Option 1:
Photovoltaic Grid-connected Inverter Type:YC500A-NA-MX
AB
Figure 4
Option:2
Figure 5
Attach to the PV module frame.
Drill holes on the PV module frame before installing YC500A. Please check with
the module manufacturer the compatibilty of such installation process.
Figure 6
WARNING: Prior to installing any of the microinverters, verify
that the utility voltage at the point of common connection matches
the voltage rating on microinverter label.
WARNING: Do not place the inverters (including DC and AC connectors)
Where exposed to the sun, rain or snow, even gap between modules.
Allow a minimum of 3/4’’(1.5cm.) between the roof and the bottom of the
Microinverter to allow proper air flow.
M8
(not supplied
by APsystems)
54
54
46
M4

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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YC500A Installation Procedures
Step 3 - Connecting the APsystems Microinverter AC Cables
AB
Figure 7
Best Practice: Use screwdriver to split the Main connectors.
Figure 8
a. Check the Microinverter technical data page (P.18) for the maximum
allowable number of Microinverters on each AC branch circuit.
b. Plug the AC female connector of the first Microinverter into the male
connector of the next Microinverter, and so on, to form a continuous
AC branch circuit.
c. Install a protective end cap on the open AC connector of the last
Microinverter in the AC branch circuit.
Figure 9
AC connector interface as follows.
Female Connector Male Connector Figure 10
WARNING: Do NOT exceed maximum number of Microinverters
in an AC branch circuit, as displayed on the Technical Data page
(p.18) of this manual.
NOTE: Please contact with ALTENERGY POWER SYSTEM Inc for
the purchase of AC extended cables when microinverters which are
installed space far and AC cable is not long enough.
Female
Connector
Male
Connector
L
N
PE
N
L
PE

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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Installation Procedures
Step 4 - Connecting APsystems Microinverters to the PV Module
Connect the DC cables from the PV Modules to the Microinverter per the
diagram below:
NOTE: When plugging in the DC cables, the Microinverter should
immediately blink green three times. This will happen as soon as
the cables are plugged in and will show that the Microinverter is
functioning correctly. This entire check function will start and end
within 5 seconds of plugging in the unit, so pay careful attention to
these lights when connecting the DC cables.
AB
Figure 11
WARNING: Insure that all AC and DC wiring is correct. Check that
none of the AC and DC wires are pinched or damaged. Be sure that
all AC isolator are properly closed.
NOTE: About A and B Sides corresponding the location of modules,
EMA registration show acquiesce in this installation. if there are
different connection methods, please email the detail installation
drawings to us to register, or the A, B Sides corresponding component
location will not correspond to the EMA position.

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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Installation Procedures
Step 5 - Completing the APsystems Installation Map
Fill in the APsystems Registration Cards, which provide system information
and the installation map. Feel free to provide your own layout if a larger or
more intricate installation map is required. The layout map provided is
designed to accomodate labels in vertical or horizontal orientation to meet
all the field PV connections.
a. Each APsystems Microinverter has removable serial number labels.
Peel labels off, affix one to the respective location on the APsystems
installation map, and fill in A,B in the label below(as figure13)
according to the layout on the roof(as figure 12). Then affix another
label to the PV module frame which is easy to see. The warranty cards
can obtain from the appendix of this manual or APsystems website
www.APsystems.com
b. Fill the warranty cards and email to APsystems at
[e-mail]
c. APsystems will create the EMA account and email you the account
information. Then you can use the EMA website to view detailed
performance of your PV system. You can learn more information on
energy monitoring and analysis system from APsystems website
www.APsystems.com
A
B
Figure 12
Microinverter
serial numbers
A
BA BA B
101123458044 101123458045 101123458054
……
Figure 13

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Installation Procedures
1 2 34 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 15 1716 18 19 20 2221
APsystems Microinverter&Energy Communication Unit
Warranty Card
The APsystems Installation Map is a diagram of the physical location of each microinverter in your PV installation.
Each APsystems microinverter has a removable serial number label located on the mounting plate. Pee l the label
and affix it to the respective location on the APsystems installation map.
Installation Map Template
To register your APsystems microinverter, please mail this warranty registration card to: emasupport@altenergy-power com.
B A B A B A
Figure 14
NOTE: 1. The layout of the inverters' serial numbers on the warranty
card is only suitable for general arrangement.
2. Step 1~5 can be done in any order..
3. Warranty card is located in Appendix last page of this manual.
4. You can use Scanning Gun or mobile phone to scan the
serial numbers on the map when set ECU (see ECU manual).
5. Using apsystems' mobile app ArrayApp can make the
installation and registion much more simple.

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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APsystems microinverter system operating instructions
To operate the APsystems microinverter PV system:
1. Turn ON the AC circuit breaker on each microinverter AC branch
circuit.
2. Turn ON the main utility-grid AC circuit breaker. Your system will
start producing power after a five-minute waiting time.
3. The units should start blinking green every 2 seconds five minutes
after turning on the AC circuit breaker. This means they are producing
power normally, but have not yet connected to the ECU. After the ECU
has been plugged in and acknowledges the Microinverters, they will
start to blink green every 10 seconds.
4. Plug in the ECU and follow the instructions according to the manual
for the ECU.
5. The APsystems Microinverters will start to send performance data over
power line to the ECU. The time required for all the Microinverters in the
system to report to the ECU will vary with the number of Microinverters
in the system. You can verify proper operation of the APsystems
Microinverters via the ECU. See the ECU Installation and Operation
Manual for more information.
NOTE: Once AC power is applied, about 0.1A current and 25VA(W)
power for each microinverter may be measured with a meter. This
Current and Power are Reactive. The inverters ARE NOT operating.
After an over 300s waiting time, the inverters will start operation.

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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Troubleshooting
Qualified personnel can use the following troubleshooting steps if the
PV system does not operate correctly:
Status Indications and Error Reporting
Start up LED
One quick red light followed by three short green blinks when DC power
is first applied to the Microinverter indicates a successful Microinverter
startup.
Operation LED
Flashing Slow Green (10 sec. gap) - Producing power and communicating
with ECU
Flashing Fast Green (2 sec. gap) - Producing power and not
communicating with ECU over 60mins
Flashing Red - Not producing power
Steady Red - Electrode assembly ground fault protection
Other Faults
All other faults are reported to the ECU. Refer to the ECU
Installation and Operation Manual for a list of additional faults
and troubleshooting procedures.
WARNING: Only qualified personnel should directly handle the
APsystems microinverter.
WARNING: Never disconnect the DC wire connectors under
load. Ensure that no current is flowing in the DC wires prior to
disconnecting. An opaque covering may be used to cover the module
prior to disconnecting the module.
WARNING: Always disconnect AC power before disconnecting
the PV module wires from the APsystems microinverter. Either
disconnecting by the appropriate AC circuit breaker or unplugging
the first AC connector of the first Microinverter in a branch circuit
is suitable as a means of disconnection.
WARNING: The APsystems microinverter is powered by PV module
DC power. After disconnecting the DC power, when reconnecting
the PV modules tothe Microinverter, be sure to watch for the three
short LED flashes.

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting a non-operating APsystems Microinverter
There are two possible overall areas of trouble:
A. The Microinverter itself may be having problems.
B. The Microinverter itself is working fine but it is having trouble
communicating with the ECU. The items below refer to Microinverter
issues, not communication issues (addressed in the ECU manual).
A quick way to tell whether the issue is the Microinverter or a
communication problem with the ECU:
1. Diagnosing from the Microinverter: A red light – either blinking
or solid on the Microinverter, or no light at all. No light, or a red light,
means it is definitely a Microinverter problem.
2. Diagnosing from the ECU:
a. No-Data-Display: This is probably a communication issue- not a
Microinverter problem.
b. Problems with erratic display: Data is displayed for some period
and then no data is displayed: most likely a communication issue.
c. 0 watts, or 2 watts: Possibly a Microinverter problem
d. Erratic data display that is not coordinating with data displays
from other units: most likely a Microinverter problem.
To troubleshoot a non-operating APsystems Microinverter, Follow
the steps below in order:
1. Verify the utility voltage and frequency are within ranges shown
in the Technical Data section of this manual.
2. Check the connection to the utility grid. Verify utility power is
present at the inverter in question by removing AC, then DC
power. Never disconnect the DC wires while the microinverter
is producing power. Re-connect the DC module connectors and
watch for three short LED flashes.
3. Check the AC branch circuit interconnection between all the
microinverters. Verify each inverter is energized by the utility grid
as described in the previous step.
4. Make sure that any AC breaker are functioning properly and are closed.
5. Check the DC connections between the microinverter and the PV module.
6. Verify the PV module DC voltage is within the allowable range shown
in the Technical Data of this manual.
7. If the problem persists, please call APsystems Customer Support.
WARNING: Do not attempt to repair the APsystems microinverter.
If troubleshooting methods fail, please return the microinverter to
your distributor for replacement.

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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Replace a microinverter
Follow the procedure to replace a failed APsystems
Microinverter.
A. Disconnect the APsystems Microinverter from the PV Module, in the
order shown below:
1. Disconnect the AC by turning off the branch circuit breaker.
2. Disconnect the AC connector of the microinverter.
3. Cover the module with an opaque cover.
4. Disconnect the PV module DC wire connectors from the Microinverter.
5. Remove the Microinverter from the PV array racking.
B. Remove the opaque cover, install a replacement Microinverter to the rack.
Remember to observethe flashing LED light as soon as the new Microinverter
is plugged into the DC cables.
C. Connect the AC cable of the replacement Microinverter and the
neighboring Microinverter to complete the branch circuit connections.
D. Close the branch circuit breaker, and verify operation of the replacement
Microinverter.

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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Technical Data
WARNING: Be sure to verify the voltage and current specifications
of your PV module match with those of the Microinverter. Please refer to the
datasheet or usermanual which can be download from APsystems website
www.APsystems.com.
WARNING: You must match the DC operating voltage range of
the PV module with the allowable input voltage range of the
APsystems Microinverter.
WARNING: The maximum open circuit voltage of the PV module
must not exceed the specified maximum input voltage of the APsystems

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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APsystems YC500A Microinverter Datasheet
Model
YC500A-SAA
Input Data (DC)
MPPT Voltage Range
22V-45V
Operation Voltage Range
16V-52V
Maximum Input Voltage
55V
Startup Voltage
22V
Maximum Input Current
10.5A x 2
Output Data (AC)
Maximum Output Power
530W
Nominal Output Voltage
230V
Maximum Continuous Output Current
2.30A
Default Output Voltage Range
200V-270V*
Extended Output Voltage Range
149V-278V
Nominal Output Frequency
50Hz
Default Output Frequency Range
47.5Hz-50.5Hz*
Extended Output Frequency Range
45.1Hz -54.9Hz
Power Factor
>0.99
Total Harmonic Distortion
<3%
Maximum Units per Branch
9 for 20 Breaker** / 11 for 25A Breaker**
Efficiency
Max. Inverter Efficiency
95.5%
Night Power Consumption
120mW
Mechanical Data
Operating Ambient Temperature Range
-40 oF to +149 oF (-40 °C to +65 °C )
Storage Temperature Range
-40 oF to +185 oF (-40 °C to +85 °C )
Dimensions (W x H x D)
221mm x 167mm x 29mm (8.7” x 6.6” x 1.1”)
Weight
5.5lbs/2.5kg
Enclosure Rating
IP67
Cooling
Natural Convection - No Fans
Features & Compliance
Communication
Power Line Communication
Monitoring
Via EMA Software
Safety Class Compliance
EN 62109-1; EN 62109-2;AS3100
Grid Connection Compliance
AS 4777.2/AS 4777.3
© All Rights Reserved
Specifications subject to change without notice - please ensure you are
using the most recent update found at www.APsystems.com
*Programmable through ECU to meet customer need.
**Depending on the local regulations.
2017/9/12 Rev1.1