Autarco MH Series User manual

© Autarco Group B.V. IM-S2.MH-EN-V1.3
Installation and Operation Manual
Hybrid Solar Inverters MH series

2 MH-series Hybrid Inverters
Contact Information
Autarco Group B.V.
Torenallee 20
5617 BC Eindhoven
The Netherlands
www.autarco.com
[email protected]
Other Information
This manual is an integral part of the unit. Please read the manual carefully before installation,
operation or maintenance. Keep this manual for future reference.
Product information is subject to change without notice. All trademarks are recognized as the
property of their respective owners.
© Autarco Group B.V.
All rights reserved

Installation and operation manual
IIM-S2-MH-EN-V1.3 3
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 6
1.1 Read this first 6
1.2 Target Audience 6
1.3 Product versions covered by this document 7
2Preparation 8
2.1 Safety instructions 8
2.2 Package contents 10
2.3 Internal DC switch 11
2.4 Explanations of symbols on inverter 11
3 Product information 12
3.1 Overview 12
3.2 Product identification 12
3.3 Product overview 12
4 Installation 14
4.1 Select a Location for the Inverter 14
4.2 Mounting of the inverter 15
4.3 PV Input Terminal Assembly 17
4.4 Battery Terminal Components 18
4.5 Assembling the AC-connector 18
4.6 Meter Installation 20
4.6.1 Single phase meter installation (Europe) 21
4.6.2 Single phase meter installation (Italy) 22
4.7 Communication Cable Assembly 22
4.8 External Ground Connection 23
4.9 Logic interface connection 25
4.10 Inverter Monitoring Function 26
4.11 Status LED indicators 27
5 Operation 28
5.1 Initial Display 28
5.2 Main Menu 30
5.3 Information 31
5.4 Settings 33
5.4.1 Set Time/Date 33
5.4.2 Set Address 34
5.4.3 Set Language 34
5.5 Advanced Information 34
5.5.1 Alarm message 35
5.5.2 Running message 36
5.5.3 Version 36
5.5.4 Communication data 36
5.5.5 Daily energy 37

4 MH-series Hybrid Inverters
5.5.6 Monthly energy 38
5.5.7 Yearly Energy 38
5.5.8 Total Energy 39
5.5.9 Warning message 39
5.6 Advanced Settings 40
5.6.1 Select standard 41
5.6.2 ON/OFF 41
5.6.3 Calibrate energy 42
5.6.4 Reset password 43
5.6.5 Restart HMI 43
5.6.6 Storage Energy Set 44
5.6.6.1 Control parameter 44
5.6.6.2 Battery Select 45
5.6.6.3 Meter Set 48
5.6.6.3.1 Meter Select 48
5.6.6.3.2 Meter Placement 49
5.6.6.4 Storage Mode Select 49
5.6.6.5 Battery Wake Up 49
5.6.7 Export Power Set 50
5.6.7.1 Backflow power 50
5.6.7.2 ON/OFF 50
5.6.7.3 Fail Safe ON/OFF 51
5.6.8 HMI Update 51
5.6.9 DSP Update 51
5.6.10 BaudRate RS485 52
5.7 AFCI function 53
5.7.1 Enable the AFCI function 53
5.7.2 Enable the AFCI function 54
6 Inverter commissioning sequence 55
6.1 Preparation of Commissioning 55
6.2 Commissioning procedure 55
6.3 Shutdown procedure 55
7 Maintenance 56
8 Troubleshooting 57
8.1 Alarm messages 58
9 Recycling and Disposal 60
10 Specifications 61
11 Appendix 64

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IIM-S2-MH-EN-V1.3 5
11.1 Working Mode description 66
11.2 Grid standard selection guide 70

6 MH-series Hybrid Inverters
1Introduction
1.1 Read this first
This manual contains important information for use during installation and maintenance of the MH
series Autarco inverter.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, and to ensure the safe installation and operation of the MH series
Autarco inverters, the following safety symbols appear throughout this document to indicate dangerous
conditions and important safety instructions.
WARNING! Indicates safety instructions, which if not correctly followed, could result
in injury, death or property damages.
Indicates important safety instructions, which if not correctly followed, could result in
damage to or the destruction of the inverter.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! Indicates important safety instructions, which if not
correctly followed, could result in electric shock.
HOT SURFACE! Indicates safety instructions, which if not correctly followed, could
result in burns.
1.2 Target Audience
This manual is intended for anyone who uses Autarco MH series inverter. Before any further action, the
operators must first read all safety regulations and be aware of the potential danger to operate high-
voltage devices. Operators must also have a complete understanding of this device’s features and
functions.
ATTENTION! Qualified personnel means a person with valid license from the local
authority in:
●Installing electrical equipment and PV power systems (up to 1000 V)
●Applying all applicable installation codes and using Personal Protective
Equipment
●Analyzing and reducing the hazards involved in performing electrical work
WARNING! Do not use this product unless it has been successfully installed by
qualified personnel in accordance with the instructions in chapter 4 Installation.

Installation and operation manual
IIM-S2-MH-EN-V1.3 7
1.3 Product versions covered by this document
The main purpose of this user manual is to provide instructions and detailed procedures for installing,
operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the MH series of Autarco hybrid inverters which includes
the following models:
●S2.MH3000
●S2.MH3600
●S2.MH4600
●S2.MH5000
●S2.MH6000
The ‘S2’ in the product code indicates that this product belongs to our product group of inverters, hybrid
inverters, retrofit battery chargers and monitoring devices.
The item code or SKU will include an additional number at the end. The final number references the
default grid standard and colour of inverter. For example, S2.MH5000.1 is the 5kW model with Dutch grid
standard as default and Autarco blue cover.
Please keep this user manual available at all times in case of emergency.

8 MH-series Hybrid Inverters
2 Preparation
2.1 Safety instructions
DANGER! Do not touch any internal components whilst the inverter is in operation.
DANGER! Do not stand close to the inverter during severe weather conditions such as
lighting, etc.
DANGER! Make sure you completely cover the surface of all PV arrays with opaque
(dark) material before wiring them or make sure the DC circuit breaker or equivalent
DC isolator is disconnected. This is because photovoltaic (PV) arrays create electrical
energy when exposed to light, and could cause a hazardous condition.
WARNING! The MH series inverter must only be operated with PV arrays of protection
class II, in accordance with IEC 61730, class A.
WARNING! The PV inverter will become hot during operation; please don’t touch the
heat sink or peripheral surface during or shortly after operation.
NOTICE! Do not directly connect AC output of the inverter to any private AC
equipment. The PV inverter is designed to feed AC power directly into the public utility
power grid.
NOTICE! The MC4 connectors supplied in the box with the inverter are to be used to
make the connections with the inverter (Staubli MC4M-PV-KST4-6II-UR / MC4F-PV-
KST4-6II-UR).
WARNING! The installation, service, recycling and disposal of the inverters must be
performed by qualified personnel in compliance with national and local standards and
regulations. Please contact your dealer to get the information of authorized repair
facilities for any maintenance or repairmen.
Any unauthorized actions including modification of product functionality of any form will affect the
validation of warranty service; Autarco may deny the obligation of warranty service accordingly.

Installation and operation manual
IIM-S2-MH-EN-V1.3 9

10 MH-series Hybrid Inverters
2.2 Package contents

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IIM-S2-MH-EN-V1.3 11
2.3 Internal DC switch
Please verify whether your Autarco MH series inverter is equipped with internal DC switches. This switch
can be found on the bottom of the inverter. If there isn’t an internal DC switch it is important to apply an
external DC switch in order to completely disconnect the solar PV module strings from the inverter.
2.4 Explanations of symbols on inverter
10min
DANGER - HIGH ELECTRIC VOLTAGE
This device is directly connected to public grid. All work to the inverter
shall be carried out by qualified personnel only. There might be residual
currents in inverter for up to 10 minutes because of large capacitors.
ATTENTION
This device is directly connected to electricity DC generators and the
public AC grid.
DANGER –HOT SURFACES
The components inside the inverter will get hot during operation, DO NOT
touch aluminum housing during operating.
ATTENTION
In case of any work to the inverter, always refer to this manual for
detailed product information.
ATTENTION
This device SHALL NOT be disposed of in residential waste. Please go to
chapter 9 Recycling and Disposal for proper treatments.
CE MARK
This equipment conforms to the basic requirements of the EU guideline
governing low voltage and electromagnetic compatibility.

12 MH-series Hybrid Inverters
3 Product information
3.1 Overview
Autarco MH series grid tied inverters are state of the art, high efficiency, robust and reliable hybrid
inverters at the best price quality ratio available. They are easy to install and carry a standard 5 year
product warranty. Our rigorous quality control and testing facilities guarantee Autarco inverters meet the
highest quality standards possible. These inverters are the key to our international track record of
delivering extremely reliable solar power solutions.
Key features:
●Maximum efficiency of 97.5%
●Wide MPPT voltage range
●Low turn off voltage
●High enclosure protection class IP65
●Standard 5 year product warranty,
extendable to 15 years
●Multiple monitoring options
●Integrated DC switch
For full specifications please see chapter 10 Product Specifications.
3.2 Product identification
You can identify the inverter by the serial number (S/N) sticker on the side of the inverter. Important
electrical specifications can also be found on the label which can be found on the left of the inverter
housing. Do not remove the label or the serial number as this voids the product warranty.
3.3 Product overview
Find below a basic diagram of the inverter.
Screen

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IIM-S2-MH-EN-V1.3 13
Autarco MH series has a 7 inch color screen, it displays the status, operating information and settings
of the inverter.
Keypad
There are four keys in the front panel of the inverter (from left to right): ESC, UP, DOWN and ENTER
keys.
The keypad is used for:
Scrolling through the displayed options (the UP and DOWN keys); Access and modify the settings (the
ESC and ENTER keys).
Terminal connections
The Autarco MH Series inverter is different from the normal on-grid inverter, please refer to the
instructions below before starting connection.

14 MH-series Hybrid Inverters
4 Installation
4.1 Select a Location for the Inverter
To select a location for the inverter, the following criteria should be considered:
Exposure to direct sunlight may cause output power derating. It is recommended to avoid installing the
inverter in direct sunlight.
It is recommended that the inverter is installed in a cooler ambient which doesn't exceed 104F/40C.
Warning: Risk of fire Despite careful construction, electrical devices can cause fire.
Do not install the inverter in areas containing highly flammable materials or gases.
Do not install the inverter in potentially explosive atmosphere.
Install on a wall or strong structure capable of bearing the weight of the inverter (17kg).
Install vertically with a maximum incline of +/- 5 degrees; exceeding this may cause output power
derating.
To avoid overheating, always make sure the flow of air around the inverter is not blocked.
A minimum clearance of 300mm should be kept between inverters or objects and 500mm clearance
between the bottom of the inverter and the ground.

Installation and operation manual
IIM-S2-MH-EN-V1.3 15
Visibility of the LEDs and LCD should be considered.
Adequate ventilation must be provided.
Note:
Nothing should be stored on or placed against the inverter.
4.2 Mounting of the inverter
Dimensions of mounting bracket:

16 MH-series Hybrid Inverters
Once a suitable location has be found accordingly to 4.1 using figure 4.3 and figure 4.4 mount the wall
bracket to the wall.
The inverter shall be mounted vertically.
The steps to mount the inverter are listed below:
1. Select the mounting height of the bracket and mark the mounting holes.
For brick walls, the position of the holes should be suitable for the expansion bolts
2. Lift the inverter
up (be careful to
avoid body strain)
and align the back bracket on the inverter with the convex section of the mounting bracket.
3.Hang the inverter on the mounting bracket and make sure the inverter is secure (see below)

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IIM-S2-MH-EN-V1.3 17
4.3 PV Input Terminal Assembly
Please ensure the following before connecting the inverter:
Make sure the voltage of the PV string will not exceed the max DC input voltage (600Vdc).
Violating this condition will void the warranty.
Make sure the polarity of the PV connectors is correct.
Make sure the DC-switch, battery, AC-BACKUP, and AC-Grid are all in their off-states. Make sure
the PV resistance to ground is higher than 20K ohms.
The Autarco MH Series inverter uses MC4 connectors. Please follow the picture below to assemble the
MC4 connectors.
PV wire diameter requirements: 2.5~6mm².
DANGER! Do not connect the strings with an open circuit voltage greater than the Max
DC voltage of the inverter.
DANGER! For protection against electric shock, MC4 connectors must be isolated from
the PV array while being assembled or disassembled.
DC connections must not be unplugged while under load. They can be placed in a no-
load state by switching off the DC/AC converter or breaking the DC circuit interrupter.
Plugging while under voltage is permitted.

18 MH-series Hybrid Inverters
CAUTION! MC4 connectors are watertight IP67 but cannot be used permanently under
water. Do not leave MC4 connectors directly on the roof surface, but always tie them
up..
If any tools or parts are used in the MC4 connector assembly other than those listed in
the MC4 connector manual, neither safety nor compliance with the technical data can
be guaranteed.
4.4 Battery Terminal Components
To avoid a DC Arc, Autarco recommends installing a suitable DC switch between batteries and Hybrid
Inverter.
Ensure the correct polarity of batteries before connecting to the inverter.
Connect the Battery cable to the inverter and make sure the positive and negative poles are correct. A
"Click" sound means full connection and fasten the cables with the terminal protection cover as
indicated.
Note: Before connecting the battery, please carefully read the
user manual of the battery and perform the installation exactly as the
battery manufacturer requests
4.5

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IIM-S2-MH-EN-V1.3 19
Assembling the AC-connector
DANGER! Never connect or disconnect the connectors under load.
NOTICE! The AC connection to the electrical distribution grid must be performed only
after receiving authorization from the utility that operates the grid.
There are two AC terminals on this inverter and the assembly steps for both are the same. Take out the
AC connector parts from the packaging.
1. Make sure you use a cable within the correct specifications as shown in the image below.
Description
Numerical Value
Wire Diameter
10-12 mm
Traverse cross sectional area
2.5-6 mm2
Exposure Length
13 m
2. Lead the AC cable through the cable gland and the housing.

20 MH-series Hybrid Inverters
3. Remove a length of 40mm of the cable jacket and strip the wire insulation to a length of 8 –
15mm.
4. Each of the terminals are labeled. Ensure that the correct conductor is fastened (1.2 Nm torque)
to the correct terminal.
5. Make sure the rib of the terminal block and the groove on the housing engage perfectly until a
“click” is heard.
4.6 Meter Installation