CanadianSolar CSI User manual

CSI GRID-TIED PV INVERTER
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
CSI-15K-T220GL02-E | CSI-20K-T220GL02-E
CSI-40K-T480GL02-E | CSI-50K-T480GL02-E
www.csisolar.com
CSI Solar Co., Ltd.
199 Lushan Road, SND, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215129
Version 1.0, Release Date: 05,2021
Global Headquarters
CSI Solar Co., Ltd.
199 Lushan Road, SND, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215129
P [phone]
F [phone]
Sales Inquiries Email: [e-mail]
Customer Support Email: [e-mail]
Europe, Middle East & Africa
Canadian Solar EMEA GmbH
LandsbergerStraße 94, 80339 Munich, Germany
P [phone]
F [phone]
Sales Inquiries Email: [e-mail]
Customer Support Email: [e-mail]
Australia
Canadian Solar MSS (Australia) Pty Ltd
44 Stephenson St, Cremorne VIC 3121, Australia
P +61 ( 3 ) 860 918 44
Sales Inquiries Email: [e-mail]
Customer Support Email: [e-mail]
South East Asia
101 Thompson Road #15-03 United Square, Singapore 307591
P [phone]
F [phone]
Sales Inquires Email: [e-mail]
Customer Support Email: [e-mail]
Latin America
Canadian Solar Brazil
Avenida Roque Petroni Junior, 999, 4º andar Vila Gertrudes,
São Paulo, Brasil,CEP 04707-910
P [phone]
Sales Inquiries Email:[e-mail]
Customer Support Email: [e-mail]
Please adhere to the actual products in case of any discrepancies in this user manual.
This manual is subject to change without prior notification. Copyright is reserved.
Duplication of any part of this issue is prohibited without written permission.
Mexico
CANADIAN SOLAR MEXICO, S.A. DE C.V.
LAGO ZURICH #219, PISO 15, OFICINA 1501-B,
COLONIA AMPLIACIÓN GRANADA, ALCALDÍA MIGUEL HIDALGO,
C.P. 11529, CIUDAD DE MÉXICO, MÉXICO.

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1. Introduction
2. Safety Instructions
2.1 Safety Symbols
2.2 General Safety Instructions
2.3 Notice For Use
3. Overview
3.1 Front Panel Display
3.2 LED Status Indicator Lights
3.3 Keypad
3.4 LCD
5. Installation
5.1 Select Location for the Inverter
5.2 Mounting the Inverter
5.3 Electrical Connections
7. Operation
6. Start & Stop
6.1 Start the Inverter
6.2 Stop the Inverter
1.1 Product Description
1.2 Packaging
7.2 Information
7.1 Main Menu
4. Product handing and storage
4.1 Product handling
4.2 Product Storage
7.3 Settings
7.4 Advanced Info.
7.5 Advanced Settings
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Contents
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8. Maintenance
9. Troubleshooting
10. Specifications
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7.6 AFCI function …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1.1 Product Description
.3..2.
LED lights
LCD display
4 buttons
Figure 1.1 Front view
Figure 1.2 Bottom view
1.2 Packaging
When you receive the inverter, please ensure that all the parts listed below are included:
1. Introduction 1. Introduction
Canadian Solar three phase inverter is suitable for utility-scale PV projects .
This manual covers the three phase inverter model listed below:
CSI-15K-T220GL02-E, CSI-20K-T220GL02-E, CSI-40K-T480GL02-E, CSI-50K-T480GL02-E
AC output
DC input
DC Switch Meter
DRM (Only for UK)
ON
OFF DC1 DC2 DC3 DC4 DC5 DC6 DC7 DC8
COM1
METER
DRM
DC SWITCH
Inverter x1 Back plate x1
If anything is missing, please contact your local Canadian Solar distributor.
Cross screws x4
Hex screws x2 DC connectors
(15-20)K x6, (40-50)K x8
RJ45 connector x1(Only for UK)
AC terminal cover x1 User manual x1
Manual

.5..4.
2. Safety Instructions 2. Safety Instructions
2.1 Safety Symbols
Safety symbols used in this manual, which highlight potential safety risks and important
safety information, are listed as follows:
2.2 General Safety Instructions
CAUTION:
Risk of electric shock from energy stored in capacitors of the Inverter.
Do not remove cover for 15 minutes after disconnecting all power sources
(service technician only). Warranty may be voided if the cover is removed
without unauthorized.
CAUTION:
The surface temperature of the inverter can exceed 75℃ (167F).
To avoid risk of burns, DO NOT touch the surface when inverter is operating.
The inverter must be installed out of reach of children.
2.3 Notice For Use
CAUTION:
CAUTION, RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK symbol indicates important safety
instructions, which if not correctly followed, could result in electric shock.
CAUTION:
CAUTION, HOT SURFACE symbol indicates safety instructions, which if not
correctly followed, could result in burns.
NOTE:
NOTE symbol indicates important safety instructions, which if not correctly
followed, could result in some damage or the destruction of the inverter.
WARNING:
WARNING symbol indicates important safety instructions, which if not
correctly followed, could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING:
Electrical installations must be done in accordance with the local and national
electrical safety standards.
WARNING:
Please don’t connect PV array positive(+) or negative(-) to ground, it could
cause serious damage to the inverter.
CAUTION:
The PV array (Solar panels) supplies a DC voltage when they are exposed to
sunlight.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of fire, over-current protective devices (OCPD) are
required for circuits connected to the Inverter.
The DC OCPD shall be installed per local requirements. All photovoltaic
source and output circuit conductors shall have disconnects that comply
with the NEC Article 690, Part II. All Canadian Solar three phase inverters
feature an integrated DC switch.
CAUTION:
Risk of electric shock. Do not remove cover. There is no user serviceable
parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified and accredited service technicians.
The inverter has been constructed according to the applicable safety and technical
guidelines. Use the inverter in installations that meet the following specifications only:
1. Permanent installation is required.
2. The electrical installation must meet all the applicable regulations and standards.
3. The inverter must be installed according to the instructions stated in this manual.
4. The inverter must be installed according to the correct technical specifications.
5. To startup the inverter, the Grid Supply Main Switch (AC) must be switched on, before
the solar panel's DC isolator shall be switched on. To stop the inverter, you must ensure
that the inverter is off before you can turn off the DC switch and AC.

.6.
Light
1
2
3
POWER
OPERATION
ALARM
3. Overview
3.1 Front Panel Display
3.2 LED Status Indicator Lights
Status
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
OFF
ON
FLASHING
Description
The inverter can detect DC power.
No DC power or low DC power.
The inverter is operating properly.
The inverter has stopped to supply power.
The inverter is initializing.
Alarm or fault condition is detected.
Figure 3.1 Front Panel Display
Table 3.1 Status Indicator Lights
3.3 Keypad
3.4 LCD
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 to modify the adjustable settings (the ESC and ENTER keys).
The two-line Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is located on the front panel of the Inverter,
which shows the following information:
Inverter operation status and data; Service messages for operator;
Alarm messages and fault indications.
4.1 Product handling
Please review the instruction below for handling the inverter:
1. The red circles below denote cutouts on the product package.
Push in the cutouts to form handles for moving the inverter (see Figure 4.1).
Figure 4.1 move the inverter
2.Open the carton, then two people handle both sides of inverter through the area
denoted dotted line. ( see figure 4.2).
4. Product handing and storage
The inverter is operating without fault or alarm.
.7.
Figure 4.2 Inverter handles
NOTE:
Be careful to lift the inverter. The weight is around 84kg.
3

.9..8.
4.2 Product Storage 5.1 Select a Location for the Inverter
5. Installation4. Product handing and storage
Storage temperature must be between -40℃ and 70℃ and the humidity should be
between 0 and 100% non-condensing.
Stacknomorethantwo(2)invertershigh.
If the inverter is not to be installed immediately, storage instructions and environmental
conditions are below:
Use the original box to repackage the inverter, seal with adhesive tape with the
desiccant inside the box.
Store the inverter(s) in a clean and dry place, free of dust and dirt.
Keep box(es) away from corrosive materials to avoid damage to the inverter enclosure.
Inspect packaging regularly. If packaging is damaged(wet, pest damage, etc),
repackage the inverter immediately.
Store the inverter(s) on a flat, hard surface - not inclined or upside down.
After long-term storage, the inverter needs to be fully examined and tested by qualified
service or technical personnel before using.
Restarting after a long period of non-use requires the equipment to be inspected
and, in some cases, the removal of oxidation and dust that has settled inside the
equipment will be required.
To select a location for the inverter, the following criteria should be considered:
Do not install in small closed spaces where air cannot circulate freely. To avoid
overheating, always make sure the flow of air around the inverter is not blocked.
Exposure to direct sunlight will increase the operational temperature of the inverter and
may cause output power limiting. Canadian Solar recommends inverter installed to avoid
direct sunlight or raining.
To avoid over heating ambient air temperature must be considered when choosing the
inverter installation location. Canadian Solar recommends using a sun shade minimizing
direct sunlight when the ambient air temperature around the unit exceeds 104°F/40°C.
Figure 5.1 Recommended Installation locations
WARNING: Risk of fire
Despite careful construction, electrical devices can cause fires.
Do not install the inverter in areas containing highly flammable materials or
gases.
Do not install the inverter in potentially explosive atmospheres.
NOTE:
Nothing should be stored on or placed against the inverter.

.11..10.
5.2 Mounting the Inverter
Figure 5.3 Inverter wall mounting
Refer to figure 5.4 and figure 5.5. Inverter shall be mounted vertically.
The steps to mount the inverter are listed below.
1. Refer to Figure 5.4, the holes for expansion bolt based on the hole diameter of bracket
(M10*70) , using the percussion drilling with the 10mm drill need to stay vertically on
the wall. And the drill hole must be vertically on the wall. And all drill holes' depth is 60mm.
2. Make sure the bracket is horizontal. And the mounting holes (in Figure 5.4) are marked
correctly. Drill the holes into wall at your marks.
3. Use the suitable expansion screws to fix the bracket on the wall.
Figure 5.4 Inverter wall mounting
5. Installation5. Installation
Suitable fixing screws
Bracket
Back hanging plate size:
× ×
Inverted
Figure 5.2 Inverter Mounting clearance
Install on a vertical surface or structure capable of bearing the weight.
Please install the inverter vertically. If the inverter cannot be mounted vertically, it may
be tilted backward to 15 degrees from vertical.
For multiple inverters are installed on site, a minimum clearance of 500mm,should be kept
between each inverter and any other mounted equipment. The bottom of the inverter must
be at least 500mm from the ground or floor. See figure 5.2.
Visibility of the LED status indicator lights and LCD display screen should be considered.
≤15°
√ √
Vertical Backward
1000mm
500mm
500mm
500mm
500mm

.12. .13.
Figure 5.5 Install the inverter
WARNING:
The inverter must be mounted vertically.
5. Installation5. Installation
4. Lift the inverter and hang it on the bracket, and then slide down to make sure they
match perfectly.
Figure 5.6
5. If the installation position is high, the inverter cannot be directly mounted on the
mounting plate, and the hoisting rope is hoisted through the two lifting holes.
（The rope needs to meet the load-bearing requirements of this product）.
5.3 Electrical Connections
Table 5.1 Electrical connection symbols
The electrical connection of the inverter must follow the steps listed below:
ON
DC input terminal
DC 1 ~ DC 8
OFF
2. Prepare OT terminals: M6.
Canadian Solar requires 2 ground protection methods: Through grid terminal connection
and external heat sink connection.
When connect the AC terminal grounding cable, please refer to the contents of 5.3.3.
When connect the heat sink grounding cable, please follow the steps below:
1. Prepare the grounding cable: recommend to use the ≥ 16mm² outdoor
copper-core cable.
Important:
For multiple inverters in parallel , all inverters should be connected to the
same ground point to eliminate the possibility of a voltage potential existing
between inverter grounds.
5.3.1 Grounding
COM1
METER
DRM
Switch on the DC switch
Switch off the DC switch
COM port for monitoring
COM port for Meter
COM port for DRM
Inverter designs quick-connect terminal, so top cover needn't open during electrical
connection. The sign meaning located the bottom of inverter, as shown below in table 3.1.
All electrical connections are suit for the local or national standard.
1. Switch the Grid Supply Main Switch (AC) OFF.
2. Switch the DC Isolator OFF.
3. Connect the inverter to the grid.
4. Assemble PV input connector to the Inverter.

5. Installation5. Installation
.14. .15.
A
B
3. Strip the ground cable insulation to a suitable length(see Figure 5.12).
Figure 5.12 Suitable length
Important:
4. Insert the stripped wire into the OT terminal crimping area and use the hydraulic
clamp to crimp the terminal to the wire (see Figure 5.13).
B (insulation stripping length) is 2mm~3mm longer than A (OT cable
terminal crimping area) 2mm~3mm.
D
C
Figure 5.13 Strip wire
Important:
After crimping the terminal to the wire, inspect the connection to ensure the
terminal is solidly crimped to the wire.
Grounding screw
5. Remove the screw from the heat sink ground point.
Figure 5.14 Fixed cable
For improving anti-corrosion performance,
after ground cable installed, apply silicone or paint is preferred to protect.
Important:
6. Connect the grounding cable to the grounding point on the heat sink,and tighten the
grounding screw, Torque is 3-4Nm(see figure 5.14).

.16. .17.
5. Installation5. Installation
4.0~6.0 4.0（12AWG）
（12~10AWG）
Before connecting inverter, please make sure the PV array open circuit
voltage is within the limit of the inverter.
Before connection, please make sure the polarity of the output voltage of
PV array matches the“DC+”and“DC-”symbols.
Figure 5.15 DC+ Connector Figure 5.16 DC- Connector
Please use appropriate DC cable for PV system.
Cable type
Cross section（mm²）
Range
Industry generic PV cable
（model:PV1-F）
Recommended value
The steps to assemble the DC connectors are listed as follows:
1. Strip off the DC wire for about 7mm, Disassemble the connector cap nut. (see Figure 5.17)
3. Crimp the contact pin to the wire using a proper wire crimper. (see Figure 5.19)
2. Insert the wire into the connector cap nut and contact pin. (see Figure 5.18)
4. Insert metal connector into top of connector, and tighten nut with torque 3-4 Nm
(see figure 5.20).
5.3.2 Connect PV side of inverter
+
-
Figure 5.21 Multimeter measurement Figure 5.22 Connect the DC
Connectors to the Inverter
5. Measure PV voltage of DC input with multimeter, verify DC input cable polar
(see figure 5.17), and ensure each string of PV voltage in range of inverter operation.
Connect DC connector with inverter until hearing a slight clicking sound indicates
connection succeed. (see figure 5.18)
Figure 5.17 Disassemble the Connector Cap nut Figure 5.18 Insert the Wire into the
Connector Cap nut and contact pin
Figure 5.19 Crimp the contact pin to the wire Figure 5.20 Connector with Cap nut Screwed on
Crimping plier
ON
OFF DC1 DC2 DC3 DC4 DC5 DC6 DC7 DC8
COM1
METER
DRM
SWITCH
Caution:
If DC inputs are accidently reversely connected or inverter is faulty or not
working properly, it is NOT allowed to turn off the DC switch as it will damage
the inverter and even leads to a fire disaster.
The correct actions are:
*Use a clip-on ammeter to measure the DC string current.
*If it is above 0.5A, please wait for the solar irradiance reduces until the
current decreases to below 0.5A.
*Only after the current is below 0.5A, you are allowed to turn off the DC
switches and disconnect the PV strings.
Please note that any damages due to wrong operations are not covered in
the device warranty.