Eaton Power Xpert Solar 1500 Instruction Manual

Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter
Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Inverter
Installation and Operation
User Manual
Effective October 2014
New Information

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Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability
The information, recommendations, descriptions and safety notations in this document are
based on Eaton Corporation’s (“Eaton’s”) experience and judgment and may not cover all
contingencies. If further information is required, an Eaton sales office should be consulted.
Sale of the product shown in this literature is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in
appropriate Eaton selling policies or other contractual agreement between Eaton and the
purchaser.
THERE ARE NO UNDERSTANDINGS, AGREEMENTS, WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
MERCHANTABILITY, OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY SET OUT IN ANY EXISTING
CONTRACT BETWEEN THE PARTIES. ANY SUCH CONTRACT STATES THE ENTIRE
OBLIGATION OF EATON. THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL NOT BECOME
PART OF OR MODIFY ANY CONTRACT BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
In no event will Eaton be responsible to the purchaser or user in contract, in tort (including
negligence), strict liability or otherwise for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential
damage or loss whatsoever, including but not limited to damage or loss of use of equipment,
plant or power system, cost of capital, loss of power, additional expenses in the use of
existing power facilities, or claims against the purchaser or user by its customers resulting
from the use of the information, recommendations and descriptions contained herein. The
information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Cover Photo: Power Xpert®Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter

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Scope of the Manual
Target Audience
This manual describes the installation, operation, and maintenance of the Eaton Power Xpert
Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverters. This manual is intended for professionals working in the
photovoltaic industry. The information provided will enable Architects, Consultants,
Contractors, Engineers, Solar Integrators, and Utilities to successfully specify, order,
design-in, install, commission, operate, and maintain the inverter.
This equipment, its installation, operation, and maintenance is intended for qualified
personnel who are licensed and trained for electrical-power systems ranging to 35 kV volts
AC, and 1000 volts DC. This manual addresses the inverter specific input DC and output
AC voltages.
Product Usage
Eaton Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter is intended for conversion of
photovoltaic-module energy into alternating-current for grid-tie applications. Usage
other than as intended is prohibited, voiding the warranty and certification.

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Support Services
The goal of Eaton is to ensure your greatest possible satisfaction with the operation of our
products. We are dedicated to providing fast, friendly, and accurate assistance. That is why
we offer you so many ways to get the support you need. Whether it’s by phone, fax, or email,
you can access Eaton’s support information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our wide
range of services is listed below.
Please contact your local distributor or sales representative for product specification,
availability pricing, and ordering. Product-application assistance is available through these
channels.
Website
Use the Eaton website to find product information, directly. You can also find information on
local distributors or Eaton’s sales offices.
Product Website
www.eaton.com/powerxpertsolar
●Photovoltaic Inverters
www.eaton.com/solar
●Photovoltaic Balance of System Products
EatonCare Customer Support Center
Call the EatonCare Support Center if you need assistance with placing an order, stock
availability or proof of shipment, expediting an existing order, emergency shipments, product
price information, returns other than warranty returns, and information on local distributors or
sales offices.
Voice: 855-ETN-SOLR (386-7657)
(8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. EST)
FAX: [phone]
After-Hours Emergency: 800-543-7038
(6:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m. EST)
Technical Resource Center
Voice: 877-ETN-CARE (386-2273)
(8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST)
FAX: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Photovoltaic-Inverter Specific Contact Information
Eaton
901 S 12th Street
Watertown, WI 53094
United States

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Table of Contents
DEFINITIONS, SAFETY, AND LIMITATIONS
Read these Instructions FIRST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Save These Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Definitions and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
POWER XPERT SOLAR 1500/1670 KW INVERTER
Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Product Information and Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Inverter Overview and Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Major Components and Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Delivery Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Unloading and Moving Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Dimensions and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Clearance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Anchoring Requirements—Concrete Pad and Seismic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
DC Input Fuse Options—Re-Combiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Electrical Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
DC Circuit Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Inverter AC Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Neutral and Equipment Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Phase Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Grounding Conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Grounding Electrode Terminal and Conductor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Positive-Ground Photovoltaic Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
INVERTER OPERATION
Pre-Commission Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Energize and Operation Procedure: Automatic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
De-Energize Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Interactive Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Operational States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
TROUBLESHOOTING
Identifying Inverter Faults and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Inverter Response to Faults and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Troubleshooting Ground-Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

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Table of Contents, continued
GLOSSARY
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
APPENDIX A
Power Xpert Solar Electrical, Mechanical and Equipment Specifications . . . . . 65
APPENDIX B
Flex Bus Kit: Throat Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
APPENDIX C
Step-Up Transformer Sensor Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
APPENDIX D
Torque Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
APPENDIX E
Fuse Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
APPENDIX F
Enclosure Lifting Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
APPENDIX G
Customer External Load-Power Circuit Breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
APPENDIX H
Maintenance Schedule Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
APPENDIX J
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

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List of Figures
Figure 1. Symbols and Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Figure 2. DANGER—WARNING—CAUTION—NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Figure 3. Power Xpert Solar Inverter Rating Label (Typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Figure 4. Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Figure 5. Major Components Diagram: Inverter and Step-Up Transformer . . . . . . . . . . 8
Figure 6. Power Xpert Solar Inverter with Step-Up Transformer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Figure 7. Power Xpert Solar: Inverter Power Module and Power Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 8. Schematic of the Ventilation-Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Figure 9. Mounting of Lifting Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 10. Mounting of Cover Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 11. Inverter Transport by Lift Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Figure 12. Inverter Transport by Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Figure 13. Inverter Cabinet Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Figure 14. Anchoring Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Figure 15. Inverter Conductor Entry-Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 16. Inverter and Transformer Conductor Entry Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 17. Electrical Connections, Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter . . . . . . . . 20
Figure 18. PV Conductor Terminations (Typical)—Positive and Negative Connections . 21
Figure 19. Typical Mounting with MV Transformer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Figure 20. Phase Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 21. AC Output Phase Connections: Throat Connection Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 22. DC Section: 24 Input-Circuit options, Illustrated PV Input Connections . . . . 26
Figure 23. DC Section Grounding Bus and Grounding Electrode Terminal . . . . . . . . . . 26
Figure 24. AC Section Equipment Grounding Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Figure 25. Accessory Power Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Figure 26. Inverter AC Cabinet Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 27. HMI Menu Display Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Figure 28. Power Xpert Solar Machine-State Transition Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Figure 29. The GFDI Connection Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Figure 30. Flex Bus Kit: 84-37413-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Figure 31. Example of Available Step-Up Transformer Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Figure 32. Enclosure Lifting Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Figure 33. Location of CB4 in the Electrical Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

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List of Tables
Table 1. Word Meanings: “shall,” “may,” “must,” and “should” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Table 2. Standard Inverter Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Table 3. DC Input Fuse Re-Combiner Options:
Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Table 4. Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Table 5. Inverter Minimum and Required Clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Table 6. Re-Combiner Input Options: Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter . . . . . 17
Table 7. Fasteners and Sequence for Conductor Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Table 8. 3-Wire Connection—Inverter Point-of-Common Coupling Interface . . . . . . . . . 24
Table 9. 30-Day, 6-Month and Annual Inspection and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Table 10. Fault and Warning Types: Actions and Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Table 11. Critical Faults: CRITICAL FAULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Table 12. Non-Critical Faults: FAULT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Table 13. Warnings That Become Faults: WARNING RFAULT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Table 14. Warnings That Cannot Become Faults: FAULT R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Table 16. Inverter Inhibit Status: INHIBIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Table 15. Alerts That Signal Inverter Service Is Required: NOTIFY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Table 17. Power Xpert Solar Electrical,
Mechanical and Equipment Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Table 18. Grid-Tie Settings: Protection Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Table 19. Step-Up Transformer Sensor Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Table 20. DC Section Electrical Connection Torque Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Table 21. AC Section Electrical Connection Torque Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Table 22. Ground Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Table 23. Inverter Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Table 24. Maintenance Schedule Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

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Definitions, Safety, and Limitations
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Definitions, Safety, and Limitations
Read these Instructions FIRST
Read this manual thoroughly and make sure the procedures
are understood before attempting to receive, install,
commission, operate, or maintain the inverter.
Do not attempt to receive, install, operate, or maintain this
equipment without proper training, tools, and safety
equipment.
Save These Instructions
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS—This manual contains
important instructions for the Power Xpert Solar 1500/
1670 kW Inverters that shall be followed during all aspects
of planning, designing-in, ordering, receiving, installing,
operating, and maintaining the inverter.
Definitions and Symbols
Nomenclature and Glossary
In this document, the Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW
Inverter is referred to as Power Xpert Solar or the Inverter.
A glossary covering many of the terms applicable to the
understanding and operation of these grid-tie photovoltaic
(PV) inverters is included. The glossary defines terms used
within this document and applicable to photovoltaic-inverter
applications and photovoltaic systems.
DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE
Through this document and the inverter itself, the
wording and use of the symbols; Danger, Danger of
Electric Shock Hazard; Warning!; Caution!; and Notices!
have specific meanings and precede task-descriptions in
compliance with the NEC®, OSHA, NFPA-70E®, and
industry practice. While repetitive in nature, they alert of
the potential personal and physical dangers associated
with equipment. The specific text accompanies each of
the specific symbols.
DANGER is used when an accident will happen and the
result will be death or serious injury.
WARNING is used when an accident could happen and
the probability of death or serious injury.
CAUTION is used when an accident could happen and
the result will be moderate or minor injury.
NOTICE is used when an accident could result in
property or equipment damage.
DANGER of Electric Shock Hazard
DANGER of Electric Shock Hazard indicates
a hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
When this symbol appears in this document or
is posted on/in the inverter equipment, read
and follow the instructions carefully.
WARNING!
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation that,
if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
When this symbol appears in this document or
is posted in/on the inverter equipment, read
and follow the instructions carefully.
CAUTION!
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation that,
if not avoided, could result in moderate or
minor injury.
When this symbol appears in this document or
is posted in/on the inverter equipment, read
and follow the instructions carefully.
NOTICE!
NOTICE indicates a situation that, if not
avoided, can result in property or
equipment damage.
When this symbol appears in this document or
is posted in/on the inverter equipment, read
and follow the instructions carefully.
shall—may—must—should
These words derive from various sources including the
Code of Federal Regulations (USA), Title 29, Part 1910,
NFPA Standard 70E-2009/11 Edition and Eaton policy
documents. When used in this document their meanings
are as follows:
Table 1. Word Meanings: “shall,” “may,” “must,”
and “should”
Word Meaning
“shall” Law mandates the action (OSHA)
“may” Almost always mandated, some limited exceptions (OSHA)
“must” Recommended policy, need to have very good reasons to
disregard (Eaton policy documents)
“should” Recommended practice under normal circumstances (OSHA)

Definitions, Safety, and Limitations
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Symbols
Definition of the symbols used within this document and
inverter.
Figure 1. Symbols and Descriptions
Safety Procedures
Personal Safety
When installing or maintaining the Power Xpert Solar
inverter, there are exposed components with housings or
protrusions at or above utility and photovoltaic voltage
potentials. Extreme care shall be taken to protect against
electric shock and arc-flash hazards by de-energizing and
isolating all sources of connected and stored energy
BEFORE attempting to install or perform work on/inside the
Power Xpert Solar.
Verify all equipment and tools are properly grounded. Stand
on an insulating pad and make it a habit to use only the right
hand when checking components. Always work with another
person in case an emergency occurs.
Wear appropriate electrical personal protective equipment
(PPE), including safety glasses and hearing protection
whenever working on this equipment and while operating
rotating or moving machinery during installation or
performing maintenance or service.
Disconnect all sources of power prior to accessing any
portion of the inverter following OSHA and NFPA-70E
electric-shock and arc-flash safety procedures.
All Danger, Danger of Electric Shock Hazard; Warning!;
Caution!; and Notices! alerts must be followed for the proper
and warranted use of the inverter.
Equipment Safety
The inverter shall be installed in accordance with all
applicable codes and regulations. Consult the latest edition
of NFPA 70: National Electrical Code®. The installer and
operator shall comply with Code, building, fire marshal, and
seismic standards and with NFPA 70E. Utility interconnect
approval is required before installation and operation of this
medium voltage grid-tie photovoltaic inverter.
Canadian installations shall follow the NEC 690 and
applicable Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Canadian
Electrical Code (CE Code), and the National Building Code of
Canada (NBC). Consult all local and utility regulations for solar
photovoltaic.
Non-Code compliant installations will adversely affect the
safe usage and serviceability of the inverter, including
applicable balance-of-system products, including the
photovoltaic modules. Use only modules specific for
grounded PV systems.
The inverter is designed and certified to meet the NEC,
OSHA, and NFPA-70E standards and installation methods.
These shall take precedence over non-USA centric
regulations.
Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)
When installing or maintaining the inverter, Lock Out and Tag
Out (LOTO) all Photovoltaic and Grid (utility) disconnects
before working on the equipment.
A LOTO policy must be in place when working on the
inverter and solar site.
-or “-”
-
- or “+”
Symbol Description
Direct current
Alternating current
- sinusoidal waveform -
Phase symbol for AC
electricity
Used to identify field-wiring
Equipment Grounding
Conductor (EGC)
Used for identifying points
within equipment that are
intended to be bounded to
earth ground (e.g., GET).
ON
OFF
Negative PV
Positive PV
Ø

Definitions, Safety, and Limitations
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De-Energizing the Inverter
The Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter is designed to
be connected to photovoltaic DC energy and export AC
energy. It stores a significant amount of capacitance
electrical energy.
The Inverter Must Be Considered Energized
Whenever:
●The medium voltage transformer is energized from the
utility.
●The inverter’s main output circuit breaker CB1 is closed.
●The inverter’s control-power circuit breaker CB2 is closed.
●Any of the PV System’s external (to the inverter)
disconnects are closed.
Closed (ON) means the switching-device contact(s)’ are
engaged and able to transfer energy: Voltage or Current.
AC and DC Disconnecting Means:
●The inverter does not provide a means to isolate utility
voltage on the transformer-side of circuit breaker CB1, CB2
or CB4, which are located inside the inverter AC cabinet
(section) outer door panel.
●The AC bus will be energized whenever the MV
transformer is energized.
●The inverter does not provide a means to isolate
input-circuits from the PV system’s side of disconnects
DS1, DS2, and DS3, nor the inverter’s pre-charge fuses
located inside the doors of the inverter DC cabinet
(section).
●The DC Cabinet Section will be energized whenever
external PV-disconnects are closed (electrically
connected to the inverter)
De-Energizing the Inverter Procedure
1. Turn the ON/OFF function on the HMI (LCD) to the OFF
position.
2. The inverter will de-energize when the ON/OFF function
on the HMI is turned OFF and CB1, CB2, CB4, DS1,
DS2, DS3, and pre-charge fuses are verified to be in their
respective opened (disconnected) state.
●Pressing the emergency stop switch (E-stop) will
shut-off the inverter, forcing open CB1, DS1, DS2, and
DS3, but not the pre-charge fuses, CB2 or CB4.
3. The medium voltage transformer, unless de-energized
from the utility (or through optional switches and
breakers on the medium voltage side) will remain
energized, including the low voltage side connected to
the inverter output phases.
●All PV systems vary, therefore it is the responsibility of
the site operator/owner to ensure de-energizing
procedures of the transformer are defined and followed.
4. Wait at least 5 minutes to allow the stored capacitive
energy to dissipate before opening the inverter cabinet
doors and access panels.
●Using the appropriate PPE, verify all capacitive voltage
has discharged before servicing the inverter or removing
any protective guards to access fuses, terminals, and
inverter components.
●Beware of any additional non-inverter components,
circuits, devices, and sources of stored or connected
electrical energy that may have been added to the
inverter or the photovoltaic-site, beyond the scope of
this manual.

Definitions, Safety, and Limitations
4 Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter MN141001EN—October 2014 www.eaton.com
Photovoltaic Ground-Fault
The inverter is designed for grounded PV systems only. It
is furnished with photovoltaic Ground-Fault Detection and
Interruption (GFDI). If the inverter detects a PV Ground Fault,
it will interrupt the fault-current within the inverter, set a
ground-fault alarm error message visual on the HMI (LCD)
and Modbus, stop exporting power (turn-off) and open CB1,
DS1, DS2, and DS3. Additional corrective and protective
actions will be required when this alarm is active. Refer to
“Troubleshooting Ground Faults” on Page 43 for a detailed
description of the ground fault detection and interruption
circuit: operation and servicing requirements.
By Code, the PV system must be labeled as illustrated,
below. Look for such labeling.
Figure 2. DANGER—WARNING—CAUTION—NOTICE
IF A GROUND FAULT IS INDICATED, NORMALLY
GROUNDED CONDUCTORS MAY BE UNGROUNDED
AND ENERGIZED.
Limitations
The Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter is designed
and tested to the UL508C and UL 1741 standards. As with all
electrical/electronic equipment, this document cannot
possibility anticipate all site, installation, or operation
variances. It is the system engineer’s, installer’s, operator’s
and owner’s responsibility to follow these instructions and
ensure any deviation from this document first establishes
that neither personnel (persons) safety nor the inverter’s and
photovoltaic (PV) system’s balance of system (BOS)
components are compromised.
Professional engineering and construction standards must
always be followed. Incorrect installation and maintenance
will adversely affect any warranty. Contact Eaton for any
questions.
DANGER of
Electric Shock
Hazard
WARNING!
Indicates a
Hazardous
Situation
CAUTION!
Indicates a
Hazardous
Situation
NOTICE!
Situation that can
Result in Property or
Equipment Damage

Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter
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Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter
Product Description
The Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter is designed
for commercial and utility-scale photovoltaic systems.
Engineered for ease-of-installation, operation and
maintenance, the inverter contains the intelligence to
facilitate the commissioning, operation and shut-down
procedures. The inverter is based upon proprietary Eaton
technology, algorithms, and software.
The Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter is designed
specifically for North American, 60-Hertz, 3-phase grid tie
applications and 1000 Vdc (array Voc) photovoltaic modules
and systems. The medium voltage level must be defined
when ordering.
Product Information and Labeling
Complete inverter specifications are listed in Appendix A.
The most up-to-date inverter information and documentation
is available on the internet.
Navigate to: www.eaton.com/PowerXpertSolar
On the front of the inverter, near the Rating Label is the unit
general order number (GO#) and the serial number. Please
use this identification when contacting Eaton regarding your
inverter.
The Rating label attached to the inverter will be specific to
the unit and its assembly location (i.e., USA or Canada).
Figure 3. Power Xpert Solar Inverter Rating Label
(Typical)
30-46871-02
Model No: Power Xpert Solar 1500
4003986
PHOTOVOLTAIC UTIILITY INTERACTIVE INVERTER
®
Maximum Continuous Output Power AC (kW)
Maximum Input Voltage Open Circuit, (Vdc)
Maximum DC Input Operating Range (Vdc)
Maximum Peak Power Tracking Range, MPPT, (Vdc)
Nominal Output Current AC (A)
Maximum Branch Circuit Over Protection AC (A)
Nominal DC Operating Current DC (A)
Maximum Array Short Circuit Current DC (A)
Nominal Operating Voltage (Vac)
Operating Voltage Range (Vac)
Nominal Operating Frequency (Hz)
Enclosure Rating
Operating Temperature Range (°C)
Power Factor (Leading-Lagging)
1500
1000
500 - 1000
500 - 1000
2700
3200
3100
5600
3-Ø, 320
288 to 352
60
UL Type 3R
-20 to 50
0.91 - 1.0
Power Xpert™ Solar
1500 kW Inverter
Eaton Corporation
Electrical Sector
877-ETN-CARE (877-386-2273)
Conforms to UL STD 1741
Certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01

Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter
6 Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter MN141001EN—October 2014 www.eaton.com
Inverter Overview and Highlights
The Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter is a
central-type photovoltaic inverter designed specifically for
grid-tie utility applications employing photovoltaic modules
arranged in a series-circuit manner to form 1000V-strings
as per NEC. The inverter is comprised of three 500/555 kW
power stacks fed from a common DC (PV) bus and
culminating in a single 3-phase 1500/1670 kW AC output.
The power-stacks are precisely matched to eliminate
circulating currents, enabling the use of a single-wound
medium voltage step-up transformer. Inverter features are
illustrated in Figure 4 and highlighted in Table 2.
Figure 4. Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter Diagram
+
DS1
K1
K2
K11
DC-INPUT/PRE-CHARGE/ISOLATION MODULE POWER-STACK MODULE OUTPUT FILTER MODULE
AC-OUTPUT/ISOLATION MODULE
3
K8
690V, 1800A
DS3
K1
K2
K13
3
K10 F28/F29/F30
690V, 1800A
DS2
K3
K4
K12
3
K9 F25/F26/F27
690V, 1800A
}
INVERTER POWER-STACK OUTPUTS
3-PHASE- 60Hz
CB2
INVERTER
CONTROL POWER
CB1
30A
F31/F32/F33
A-B-C
PHASE
ROTATION
SEQUENCE
3
SS2 /4
OUTPUT-CIRCUITS
SURGE
SUPPRESSOR
A
B
C
-
INVERTER
RE-COMBINER BOX
1000V FUSE
CONFIGURABLE
POSITIVE BUS
1000VDC/3100A
NEGATIVE BUS
F2/20A
SS1
CS1
F3/5A
CB3
RG1-4
INPUT-CIRCUITS
SURGE
SUPPRESSOR
PHOTOVOLATAIC GROUND FAULT
DETECTION AND INTERRUPTION
MCCB
MAGNUM

Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter
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Table 2. Standard Inverter Features
Feature Highlights
Megawatt Power utilizing 1000V-photovoltaic configuration and medium voltage grid connection
Advanced real-time control algorithms—Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and Controller Area Network (CAN) bus
Certified efficient operation—1500 kW = 98% CEC efficiency; 1670 kW = 98.5% CEC efficiency
Efficient liquid-cooling of power electronics with coupled filtered-air cooled magnetics and electronics
Standard UL 1741 Grid-tie operation—AC current-based photovoltaic maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
3-phase / 3-wire delta / 60 Hz inverter power-stack output with UL 1741 grid-tie configurable SEL protection relay
Standard, configurable PV input circuit sub-combiner fuses—up to 24 fuses rated 160 to 355 Amps / 1000 Vdc
Lockable (LOTO)—Inverter power-stack, load-break rated inverter-recombiner disconnect DC switches
Lockable (LOTO)—Inverter AC output, load-break rated Power Air Circuit Breaker disconnect
Lockable (LOTO)—Inverter control-power, load-break rated MCCB disconnect
Surge (lightning) Suppression on the PV input, AC output, and Inverter control power
Inverter power-stack isolation contactors
Fault-tolerant operation availability—power-stack isolation for 1/3, 2/3 operation
Outdoor rated single-box inverter design with direct (throat-connected) MV transformer—non-skid design
Eaton’s Cooper direct-throat connected medium voltage pad-mount transformer to match utility connection
120 Vac power (available terminal strip with L-N-G 120 Vac for monitoring gateway, etc.; 3 A, 360 W nominal loads)
Available, VAR/PF control; ± 0.91 power factor range at rated power
Available, step-up transformer monitoring—consult factory
Available, 400 Amps inverter re-combiner DC input fusing—consult factory

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Major Components and Functionality
The Power Xpert Solar requires a step-up transformer to
match its intended medium voltage installation as illustrated
in Figure 5 schematic diagram and Figure 6 isometric
illustration.
Figure 5. Major Components Diagram: Inverter and Step-Up Transformer
Figure 6. Power Xpert Solar Inverter with Step-Up Transformer
+
-
+
-
}

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Inverter DC Section
Inverter re-combiner
The inverter’s input receives up to 24 photovoltaic-array
output circuits, forming the PV-system’s final combiner
(i.e., re-combiner). These inputs, classified as inverter
input circuits by the National Electrical Code, have the
non-grounded PV circuits conductors connected to a fuse.
Each fuse provides backfeed overcurrent-protection for its
individual circuit and is not designed or intended to provide
protection from incoming over-currents, due to the sizing
guidelines of NEC 690.8. The available fuse options are
listed in Table 3. These fused circuits are classified as
the non-grounded PV input circuits by the NEC and are
referenced as such through this manual and supporting
documents.
OCPD fuse-conductor ampacity and temperature guide
The energized input circuits from the PV system mate to
1/4 inch thick tin-plated copper bus utilizing two-hole
compression lugs as outlined in Table 3. The fuses are
closed-coupled to the bus. The inverter is rated for 50 °C
ambient. Therefore, the PV-system input-circuit conductor
and overcurrent protection device design parameters for the
inverter-combiner fuse include:
Percent of fuse’s rated current for continuous operation: 80%
●PV conductors are calculated at 80% of ∑Isc as per
NEC 690.8 (A)
●PV-combiner OCPD are calculated at 64% of ∑Isc as
per NEC 690.8 (B)
●Eaton inverter-configurations are determined according
to NEC 690.8 (A) (B)
Temperature of fuse’s rated current: 25 °C
Allowed fuse temperature rise: 75 °C
●Use the 75 °C column in the 2011 National Electrical Code,
Table 310 (B) (16) {formally Table 310.16}
●Use 75 °C when determining conductor ampacity under
engineering supervision, as per Code.
Fuse type: Cooper-Bussmann 2XL 1000 Vdc photovoltaic
fuse (160–355 A)
Fuse Holder: Cooper-Bussmann SD2XL-S
Data sheet: 2162 (BU-SB12916);
●When designing a PV system, consult the fuse’s data
sheet
●Time-Current graph
●Temperature de-rating graph
Use only conductors rated at 90 °C, minimum.
PV-Current Limitation
The maximum array short circuit current that can be
connected to the inverter’s re-combiner is 4,480 ADC, based
upon 125% of modules ∑Isc, STC basis. With the inverter’s
nominal DC-input current rating of 3100 amperes, a high DC/
AC ratio is achievable. Consult Eaton when planning
solar-systems exceeding DC/AC ratios of 1.5 for optimum
inverter operation.
The Power Xpert Solar inverters are UL 1741 approved for
mixed-fuse ratings at the re-combiner. Any quantity of the
Table 3 listed 2XL-size fuses can be utilized, up to the
physical limit of 24 devices. Therefore, from the readily
available 160 A to 355 A OCPDs, solar-system
source-combiners with different string counts can be utilized,
or subsequent sub-combiners, enabling the inverter to
conform to a wide range of PV-array and system layout
constraints.
Up to 600 kcmil single-conductor lugs are acceptable as
listed in Table 3. Consult Eaton for conductors larger than
600 kcmil or when dual-conductor (per terminal) usage are
planned, as some physical or PV-positive to PV-Negative
separation or clearance constraints can exist based upon the
re-combiner configuration.
When planning a photovoltaic system, selection of the input
OCPD ratings and quantity can have a profound effect on the
DC incident-energy per any PV input circuit and the selection
of external PV-Disconnecting devices, as per Code and NFPA
70E. Due to the available PV energy in utility-scale inverters,
attention to the total DC incident energy at the inverter’s
re-combiner must be addressed. Eaton offers a wide variety
of solar-specific products, beyond the inverters, to address
Code and NFPA 70E requirements and safe-practice policy
and recommendations, including engineering services.

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Table 3. DC Input Fuse Re-Combiner Options: Power Xpert Solar 1500/1670 kW Inverter
Note
1Consult Eaton.
Grounded Input Circuits
The grounded PV conductors are connected to a non-fused
bus, working in concert with the UL®1741 compliant
5-ampere photovoltaic ground-fault detection and
interruption feature. The grounded-conductor connections
require the same 2-hole 1/2-inch diameter (bolt) compression
lugs as the non-grounded conductors, as the examples listed
in Table 3. Up to 600 kcmil single-conductor lugs are
acceptable as listed in Table 3. Consult Eaton for conductors
larger than 600 kcmil or dual-conductor (per terminal) usage.
DC Equipment Ground Circuits and Grounding
Electrode Terminal
A corresponding 1/4-inch thick equipment-ground busbar
to the PV non-grounded and grounded input circuits has
24 single-holes for 5/16-inch single-hole compression lugs.
Additionally, the ground busbar has two 2-hole 1/2-inch dia.
at 1.75-inch spacing, two 1/2-inch, four 3/8-inch spaced at
1.25-inch, and an additional two 1/2-inch diameter holes
for single-hole compression lugs. Use this DC ground bus
as the PV’s GET. Refer to Figure 24 for details.
Negative or Positive Grounded Photovoltaic Systems
Either a negative or positive grounded configuration can
be ordered. Either must be ordered and factory-built and
cannot be field modified. Figure 5 displays the typical
negative-grounded photovoltaic system in which the PV
positive is non-grounded.
DC Surge Suppression
Surge suppression devices are featured on both the
grounded (negative) and non-grounded (positive) input bus.
The suppression’s primary operation is protecting the
inverter from voltage-spikes from the PV system (modules,
racking, conduit, etc.) principally due to lightning strikes.
Eaton recommends primary lightning-suppression at the
solar field level, in the source-combiners, for all locations
subject to thunder storms and lightning.
Inverter DC Disconnect Switches and Pre-Charge
Post the sub-combiner; 3 load-break switches isolate the
inverter stacks from the photovoltaic input circuits. These
disconnect both the positive and negative PV bus.
Prior to the initial manual-closing of the DC switches DS1,
DS2, DS3, the inverter uses a DC-input pre-charge process.
The pre-charge circuit controls the in-rush current from the
PV array ensuring the inverter’s capacitive-bank is not
stressed (soft-start effect). From the HMI, the
charge-request is initiated, where the pre-charge circuit is
used to charge to inverter’s DC bus capacitors. Once the
input voltage exceeds the configurable wake-up set-point
(voltage), the bus disconnects (DS1, DS2, and DS3) are to be
manually closed. With the disconnects closed, the power
stacks are fully connected to the PV array, ready to invert and
export the photovoltaic DC energy. The pre-charge feature
only needs to be performed when the disconnects are open.
DS1, DS2, DS3 and pre-charge are illustrated in Figure 5.
Once the inverter is commissioned and operational on a
daily-basis, the pre-charge circuit is not used and the daily PV
array energy completes the input capacitor charging in a
natural soft-start effect with increasing solar irradiance.
In the event of a power stack fault, these DC disconnect
switches can be individually opened (tripped), enabling
continuous operation up to 2/3 rated power. In such an
event, the disconnected power stack will also be isolated
from the AC via its corresponding output contactor (K8, K9,
or K10).
Number of Inputs
Recommendations
(24 maximum)
Fuse Ampacity
Typical Usage
(DC Amperes)
Compression Lug
2-Hole: 1/2 inch dia. at 1.75 inch spacing
Lugs not supplied with the inverter
Compression Lugs
—
Tin-Plated-Bar: 1/4 inch
24 x 1000 Vdc Fuse 160, 200, 250 As specific to solar site or design:
350 kcmil example lugs
Burndy p/n YA31A3
Ilsco p/n 21ACL-350
600 kcmil example lugs
Burndy p/n YA36A3
Ilsco p/n 21ACL-600
Al/Cu
22 x 1000 Vdc Fuse 200, 250, 315
20 x 1000 Vdc Fuse 250, 315, 350
18 x 1000 Vdc Fuse 315, 350, 355
16 x 1000 Vdc Fuse 315, 350, 355
14 x 1000 Vdc Fuse 315, 350, 355
Other, larger fuses 400–630 Amp 11