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

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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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.

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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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

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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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

YC500A Installation/User Manual
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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