Kostal PIKO MP plus 1.5-1 Manual

Technical Information
PIKO MP plus 1.5-1 - 4.6-2

Legal notice
KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH
Hanferstraße 6
79108 Freiburg i. Br.
Germany
Phone [phone] - 100
Fax [phone] - 111
www.kostal-solar-electric.com
Proper use
The inverter converts direct current into alternating current. This can be used as follows:
n For self-consumption
n For feed-in into the public grid
The device may only be used in grid-connected photovoltaic systems within the permissible power range
and under the permissible ambient conditions. The device is not intended for mobile use.
Inappropriate use may lead to injury or even death for the user or third parties. Material damage to the device
and other equipment can also occur. The inverter may therefore only be used for its intended purpose.
All components fitted on the inverter or in the PV system must satisfy the standards and guidelines that ap-
ply in the country of installation.
Exclusion of liability
Any use that diers from that described under “Proper use“ or goes beyond the stated intended purpose, is
considered inappropriate. The manufacturer accepts no liability for any damage resulting from this. Modifica-
tions to the inverter are prohibited. The inverter may only be used if it is safe to operate and is in a technically
perfect condition. Any instance of misuse will result in the termination of the warranty, guarantee and general
liability of the manufacturer.
Only a qualified electrician may open the device. The inverter must be installed by a trained electrician (ac-
cording to DIN VDE 1000-10 or BGV A3 accident prevention regulations or an internationally comparable
standard) who is responsible for observing the applicable standards and regulations.
Work that could aect the electrical power system of the relevant energy supply company at the site of the
solar power feed-in, may only be carried out by qualified electricians expressly authorised (licensed) by the
energy supply company. This includes changes to the factory-preset parameters. The installer must always
observe the regulations of the energy supply company.
Factory settings may only be changed by qualified electrical installers or persons with at least comparable or
higher technical qualifications, e.g. foremen, technicians or engineers. When doing so, all requirements are to
be observed.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The inverter may only be installed, maintained and repaired by a trained and qualified electrician.
The electrician is responsible for ensuring that the applicable standards and regulations are observed and
implemented. Work that could aect the electrical power system of the relevant energy supply company
at the site of the solar power feed-in, may only be carried out by qualified electricians expressly authorised
(licensed) by the energy supply company.
This includes changes to the factory-preset parameters.

© 2018 KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH 3
Table of contents
1General information ...................................................................6
2General information ...................................................................7
2.1 Types....................................................................................................................7
2.2 Accessories ..........................................................................................................7
2.3 Documents ...........................................................................................................7
2.4 Monitoring portal...................................................................................................7
2.5 Scope of delivery ..................................................................................................8
2.6 Labelling ...............................................................................................................8
2.7 Type plate.............................................................................................................9
2.8 EU Declaration of Conformity ...............................................................................9
2.9 Abbreviations........................................................................................................9
3Safety ........................................................................................10
3.1 General safety instructions .................................................................................10
3.2 Designated use...................................................................................................11
3.3 Target group .......................................................................................................11
3.4 Labels and symbols............................................................................................12
3.4.1 Safety marks.......................................................................................................12
3.4.2 Keywords............................................................................................................12
3.5 Safety symbols on the device .............................................................................13
4Structure and functioning........................................................ 13
4.1 Structure / connection of the inverter..................................................................13
4.2 Operating buttons ...............................................................................................14
4.2.1 Functions of the operating buttons......................................................................14
4.3 Display................................................................................................................15
4.4 Cooling ...............................................................................................................16
4.5 Grid monitoring ...................................................................................................16
4.6 Data ....................................................................................................................16
4.6.1 Data communication...........................................................................................16
4.6.2 Data display........................................................................................................17
4.6.3 Data storage .......................................................................................................17
4.7 Network (TCP/IP)................................................................................................17
4.8 "COM1" and "COM2" connections......................................................................17
4.8.1 Connecting further master devices .....................................................................18
4.8.2 Connection of further inverters ...........................................................................18
4.8.3 Alternative RS485 data connecting cable...........................................................19
4.8.4 RS485 termination..............................................................................................20
4.8.5 RS485 addressing ..............................................................................................20
4.8.6 Connecting an energy meter (Modbus RTU) ......................................................20
4.8.7 Special connection features (only Italy) ..............................................................21
5Installing the inverter ............................................................... 22
5.1 Safety instructions for installation .......................................................................22
5.2 Mounting the inverter..........................................................................................24
5.2.1 Attaching the mounting plate ..............................................................................24
5.2.2 Fixing the inverter to the mounting plate.............................................................24

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4 © 2018 KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH
5.3 Preparing AC connection....................................................................................24
5.3.1 Selecting AC cable .............................................................................................25
5.3.2 Residual current circuit breaker ..........................................................................25
5.3.3 Assembling the AC plug .....................................................................................26
5.4 Preparing DC connection....................................................................................27
5.4.1 Preparing data connecting cable ........................................................................28
5.5 Connecting inverter and switching AC on ...........................................................28
5.6 Performing initial commissioning ........................................................................28
5.7 Setting the feed-in management.........................................................................29
5.7.1 Switching the energy meter on or off ..................................................................29
5.7.2 Limiting dynamic feed-in value ...........................................................................29
5.7.3 Selecting an energy meter..................................................................................29
5.8 Switching DC on .................................................................................................30
6Initial commissioning...............................................................30
6.1 Setting the display language...............................................................................30
6.2 Setting the date and time....................................................................................31
6.3 Setting the country..............................................................................................31
6.4 Setting the reactive power ..................................................................................31
6.4.1 Setting the mode.................................................................................................32
6.4.2 Changing parameters of the nodes.....................................................................32
6.4.3 Displaying the reactive power characteristic curve .............................................32
6.5 Finishing the initial commissioning......................................................................33
7Dismounting the inverter .........................................................33
7.1 Switching AC and DC off ....................................................................................33
7.2 Disconnecting DC connection from inverter........................................................33
7.3 Disconnecting AC plug from inverter ..................................................................34
7.4 Opening the AC plug ..........................................................................................34
7.5 Removing inverter from mounting plate..............................................................34
8Operation ..................................................................................35
8.1 Menu structure....................................................................................................35
8.2 Navigating the menu structure............................................................................36
8.3 Status displays....................................................................................................36
8.3.1 Displaying output power .....................................................................................36
8.4 Main menu..........................................................................................................37
8.4.1 Displaying yields.................................................................................................37
8.4.2 Generator characteristic curve............................................................................37
8.4.3 Event log.............................................................................................................38
8.4.4 Information..........................................................................................................38
8.4.5 Self-test (only Italy).............................................................................................39
8.4.6 Settings...............................................................................................................40
8.4.7 Service................................................................................................................43
9Web portal ................................................................................ 45

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10 Fault elimination.......................................................................46
10.1 Event message type ...........................................................................................46
10.2 Alerting behaviour...............................................................................................47
10.3 Operation............................................................................................................47
10.4 Event messages .................................................................................................47
11 Maintenance and care..............................................................53
11.1 Maintenance .......................................................................................................53
11.2 Care....................................................................................................................53
11.2.1 Removing dust....................................................................................................53
11.2.2 Cleaning .............................................................................................................53
12 Disposal ....................................................................................54
13 Technical data ..........................................................................54
13.1 PIKO MP plus 1.5-1, 2.0-1, 2.5-1, 3.0-1 and 3.6-1..............................................54
13.2 PIKO MP plus 3.0-2, 3.6-2 and 4.6-2..................................................................57
14 Table of countries .................................................................... 59
15 Warranty terms and further information................................. 59
16 Contact info and service..........................................................60
17 Annex ........................................................................................61
17.1 Drilling pattern for wall mounting.........................................................................61
17.2 Manufacturer documents for AC plug and DC plugs...........................................61

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6 © 2018 KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH
1 General information
Thank you for choosing an inverter from KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH! We wish you
consistently good energy yields with the inverter and your photovoltaic system.
If you have any technical questions, please call our service hotline:
Germany and other countries 1
[phone] - 222
Switzerland
[phone]
France, Belgium, Luxembourg
[phone]
Greece
[phone]
Italy
[phone]
Spain, Portugal 2
[phone]
Turkey 3
[phone]
1 Language: German, English
2 Language: Spanish, English
3 Language: English, Turkish

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© 2018 KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH 7
2 General information
These instructions contain information for the safe use of the inverter and all the infor-
mation that a specialist needs for setting up, and the operator needs for operating the in-
verter. When installing other components (e.g. PV generator, wiring), follow the instructions
of the respective manufacturer.
The PIKO MP plus inverters are available in various models for different power classes.
Except for the PIKO MP plus 3.0-2, 3.6-2, and 4.6-2, all the inverters are designed to be
connected to one PV generator. The PIKO MP plus 3.0-2, 3.6-2, and 4.6-2 inverters are
suitable for the connection to two PV generators.
2.1 Types
The PIKO MP plus inverters are available in the following models:
•PIKO MP plus 1.5-1
•PIKO MP plus 2.0-1
•PIKO MP plus 2.5-1
•PIKO MP plus 3.0-1
•PIKO MP plus 3.0-2
•PIKO MP plus 3.6-1
•PIKO MP plus 3.6-2
•PIKO MP plus 4.6-2
2.2 Accessories
Ask for possible accessories, options, suitable PV generators, and installation material at
the installer's or at KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH.
2.3 Documents
Data sheets, country tables, and certificates are available in the download area of the
KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH homepage.
2.4 Monitoring portal
The KOSTAL (PIKO) Solar Portal monitoring portal of KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH offers
online monitoring of the PV system at no charge: www.kostal-solar-portal.com

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8 © 2018 KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH
2.5 Scope of delivery
1 Inverter
2 Mounting plate
3 AC plug
4 DC plug (one pair per DC connection)
5 Sealing cap (3 units)
6 Installation and operating instructions
2.6 Labelling
1 Type plate
2 Safety marks

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2.7 Type plate
1 Manufacturer address
2 "Protection Class II" symbol
3 Technical data of the AC output
4 Standard for grid monitoring
5 Barcode (for internal purposes)
6 Degree of protection
7 Technical data of the DC input
8 Item number and product name
2.8 EU Declaration of Conformity
The products described in this document comply with the applicable European directives.
Find the certificates on our website: www.kostal-solar-electric.com/download.
2.9 Abbreviations
Abbreviation Description
AC Alternating Current
DC Direct Current
DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (automatic connection of the
device to an existing network)
DNS Domain Name System (name of the IP address)
MSD Mains monitoring with allocated Switching Devices (internal grid
monitoring of the inverter)
LAN Local Area Network
MAC Media Access Control (device address)

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Abbreviation
Description
MPP Maximum Power Point
MPP tracker Regulates the power of the connected module strings to the MPP
PV Photovoltaics (technology for the conversion of solar energy into
electrical energy)
RTU Remote Terminal Unit
SELV Safety Extra Low Voltage
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
3 Safety
NOTE
Any repair work may only be carried out by the manufacturer's customer
service department.
3.1 General safety instructions
•This document must be kept to hand at the site of use of the inverter.
In case of a change of ownership pass on the document with the inverter.
•This document must have been read and understood in full before installing and using
the inverter.
•Incorrectly connected components may cause damage to the inverter.
•If one of the following components is damaged, immediately take the inverter out of
operation and disconnect it from the grid and the PV generators:
- Inverter (not functioning, visible damage, smoke, penetration of liquid etc.)
- Cables
- PV generators
•Do not switch on the system again until it has been repaired and checked by a suitably
qualified and authorised technical specialist.
•Dangerous voltages may be present for up to 10 minutes after disconnecting the
inverter from the voltage sources.
•Disconnect inverter from both voltage sources (power grid and PV generator) prior to
any work on the inverter.
•Always carry out the measures described in this document in the specified sequence.

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© 2018 KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH 11
•Do not change nor remove any factory-applied labels on the inverter.
•Do not open the inverter. Danger to life! Opening the inverter will also void any warranty.
•Do not cover the inverter.
•Keep children away from the inverter.
•Follow the instructions of manufacturers of the connected components.
•Follow the general and national safety and accident prevention regulations.
The inverter does not cause any inrush current.
3.2 Designated use
The PIKO MP plus inverters are intended for single-phase feed-in and are suitable for in-
door and outdoor (degree of soiling 3) installation. The inverters are designed for wall
mounting.
•Only use the inverter for grid-connected PV generators.
•The inverter is suitable for PV generators whose connections are not grounded.
•All connected solar modules must be classified as Class A according to IEC 61730,
because these inverters do not have galvanic isolation.
•The maximum permissible system voltage of the PV generator must be higher than the
AC grid voltage.
•The installation location for the inverter must not be at an altitude higher than 2000 m
above MSL.
3.3 Target group
Unless otherwise noted, the target group for these instructions are specialists and system
operators. The following persons are considered specialists:
•Persons that have knowledge of the established terms and skills for setting up and
operating PV generators.
•Persons that due to their knowledge and experience are able to evaluate the following
tasks and recognise possible hazards:
- Mounting electrical equipment
- Assembling and connecting data cables
- Assembling and connecting power supply cables

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12 © 2018 KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH
3.4 Labels and symbols
3.4.1 Safety marks
The following safety marks are used on the inverter and in these instructions:
Warning sign Nature of the danger
Warning of hazardous voltage
Warning of hazardous area
Warning of hot surface
Disposal information (separate collection of electrical and electronic
equipment)
3.4.2 Keywords
The following keywords are used in these instructions:
Keyword
Meaning
DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, leads to death or
serious injuries.
WARNING Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
lead to death or serious injuries.
NOTE Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
lead to damage to property and/or the environment.

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3.5 Safety symbols on the device
1 Disposal information (separate collection of electrical and
electronic equipment)
2 Request to disconnect the power sources prior to any
intervention
3 Note on presence of voltage after switching off the inverter
4 Serial number (barcode and plain text)
5 Warning of voltage (two voltage sources)
6 Warning of hot surface
7 Follow the instructions
4 Structure and functioning
The PIKO MP plus inverter is connected between PV generators and consumers. Via the
DC input and the MPP tracker, PV generators feed in DC, which the inverter converts into
AC. Consumers connected to the AC connection are supplied AC by the inverter.
4.1 Structure / connection of the inverter
1 Type plate, serial number, warning notices
2 Case
3 Display (monochrome, 128 x 64 pixels)
4 Operating buttons: X, , , , (from left to
right)
5 AC connection
6 PV connection (PIKO MP plus x.x-2:
2 x DC inputs)
7 DC disconnector (interrupts the plus and
minus inputs simultaneously)
8 RJ45 sockets (LAN, COM1, COM2)

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4.2 Operating buttons
1 (SET)
2 
3 
4 X (ESC)
4.2.1 Functions of the operating buttons
Button
Action
Function
Normal operation Commissioning
X Press briefly - Jumps 1 menu level up
- Discards changes
Jumps 1 step back
Press longer
(≥ 1 second)
Jumps to the start image Jumps to the start of the
guided operation
Press briefly - Moves the selection bar or the display content upwards
- Moves the selection bar 1 position to the left when setting
numeric values
- Increases the setting value by 1 step
Browses in menu structure -
Press longer
(≥ 1 second)
Triggers a repetition of the command. The repetition rate
increases when pressing for a longer period
Press briefly - Moves the selection bar or the display content
downwards
- Moves the selection bar 1 position to the right when
setting numeric values
- Decreases the setting values by 1 step
Browses in menu structure -
Press longer
(≥ 1 second)
Triggers a repetition of the command. The repetition rate
increases when pressing for a longer period

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Button
Action
Function
Normal operation
Commissioning
 Press briefly - Jumps down by 1 menu
level
- Jumps to the diagram
view in certain menus
-
- A selected value starts flashing and can be changed
- Accepts any entered changes
- Changes the state of a control element
(check box / radio button)
Press longer
(≥ 1 second)
Answers a query dialogue
with Yes
Navigates 1 step forward
4.3 Display
At very low temperatures, the display may respond more slowly than usual.
The display shows the menus of the inverter (for an overview of the menus refer to sec-
tion 8.1).
As a general rule, the menu name is located in the top left corner, and the corresponding
values or selection lines underneath.
The backlight of the display is switched on by pressing any button. The operating states of
the inverter are shown as follows:
Display
Meaning
The inverter is processing large data volumes.
It is not possible to enter user data
Backlight flashing red
with event message
Fault

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4.4 Cooling
The inverter may heat up during operation. This is a normal operating characteristic.
When the internal temperature rises above a certain value, an internal temperature control-
ler regulates the power consumption from the PV generator. The operating temperature
decreases when power consumption is lower.
A fan disperses the waste heat inside the closed case evenly onto the case surface.
Cooling fins allow the heat to dissipate to the surrounding.
4.5 Grid monitoring
The grid monitoring in the device permanently monitors the grid parameters of the public
grid. If the grid monitoring detects a deviation of the grid parameters from the statutory re-
quirements, the device switches off automatically. When the public grid meets the statutory
requirements again, the device switches on again automatically.
4.6 Data
4.6.1 Data communication
The device has the following communication interfaces:
•"LAN" connection (Ethernet for TCP/IP network) for the communication with a central
data server
•"COM1" connection (Modbus RTU) for the communication with e.g. an external energy
meter
•"COM2" connection (RS485 bus) for the communication with external devices, e.g. with
a data logger (in the case of PIKO MP plus x.x-2: two connections)
For data analysis purposes, the inverter can provide a wide range of data via the RS485
and LAN interfaces (e.g. data logger). The RS485 bus also allows the connection to other
inverters.

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4.6.2 Data display
The following data are shown on the display:
•voltage and current generated by the PV generator
•power and current fed into the public grid
•current voltage and frequency of the public grid
•generated energy yields on a daily, monthly and annual basis
•current error states and notes
•Information on the version of the device
4.6.3 Data storage
In the internal memory (EEPROM), event messages and energy yields are stored with the
date. The energy yields are stored for the specified period.
Energy yield Storage resolution/period
10-minutes values 31 days
Daily values 13 months
Monthly values 30 years
Annual values 30 years
Total yield Permanent
4.7 Network (TCP/IP)
Via the "LAN" connection, the device can send yield data and event messages to the
server of a solar portal. The KOSTAL (PIKO) solar portal (www.kostal-solar-portal) allows
the graphical representation of the yield data.
In "Settings" > "Network", the operator can enter the network parameters in further sub-
menu masks (refer to section 8.4.6).
4.8 "COM1" and "COM2" connections
The inverter can communicate with other device via the "COM1" and "COM2" connections.
Requirements for the communication:
•Both ends of the data connection are terminated.
•RJ45 standard cables or alternative data connecting cables are used as bus cables.

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4.8.1 Connecting further master devices
Set an external data logger prior to the connection. Follow the instructions of
the manufacturers.
Optionally, one of the following master devices can be connected to the "COM 2" connec-
tion. These devices support the transfer protocol of the inverter.
•External data logger for professional system monitoring (recommended by
KOSTAL Solar Electric GmbH):
- WEB’log (Meteocontrol)
- Solar-Log (Solare Datensysteme)
- Energy-Manager (Kiwigrid GmbH)
4.8.2 Connection of further inverters
Inverters connected via the "COM2" connection operate as slave devices. RJ45 standard
cables (patch cables) for outdoor installation are suitable connecting cables.
NOTE
The following inverters have compatible data interfaces and can be
connected as slaves to the "COM1" and "COM2" connections:
- PIKO 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.6, 4.2 MP
- PIKO MP plus 1.5-1, 2.0-1, 2.5-1, 3.0-1, 3.0-2, 3.6-1, 3.6-2, 4.6-2
Follow the instructions on addressing, termination, and approved data cables
in the operating instructions of these devices.
1 External data logger
2 First inverter
3 Inverter
4 Last inverter, terminated
5 RJ45 standard cable (patch cable)

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4.8.3 Alternative RS485 data connecting cable
NOTE
Voltage may cause property damage.
►Only have specialists manufacture the alternative data connecting cable.
Use a CAT 5 cable for the alternative data connecting cable in the case of long data
connecting distances.
The total length of the data connecting cable shall not exceed 1000 m.
If the alternative data connecting cable is connected to the RJ45 socket of the first inverter
and to the connection of the external data logger, the connections in the plug must be
assigned in accordance with the following table.
Plug assignment of alternative RS485 data connecting cable
Device
Inverter
Solar-Log
WEB’log
1)
Kiwigrid
Signal
Connection
COM1/COM2
Terminal block
RJ12
Terminal
block

Contact
1 1 2 A Data A
2 4 4 B Data B
3 - - - -
4 - - - -
5 - - - -
6 - - - -
7 - - - -
8 3 6 GND Ground
NOTE
1) Contact 1 of the RJ12 socket supplies 24 V DC!
The RS485 input of the inverter may be damaged.
►Never connect the alternative data connecting cable to contact 1.

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4.8.4 RS485 termination
Terminate the data connection at the beginning and the end of the RS485 connection to
ensure faultless data transmission:
•Beginning of the data connection: terminate external data logger in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
•End of the data connection: insert termination plug into the vacant RS485 interface of
the last inverter.
4.8.5 RS485 addressing
All inverters are set to address "1" at the factory. For the master-slave communication,
each inverter requires its own address. The address is changed in the menu under
"Settings" > "RS485 address".
•If possible, assign the addresses starting with 1 at the first inverter and ascending to the
last, as the number of possible addresses in the inverters is limited.
•The sequence of addresses should mirror the order of the mounted devices, to facilitate
the identification of the devices.
4.8.6 Connecting an energy meter (Modbus RTU)
The inverter is able to communicate with energy meters via the "COM 1" connection. To do
this, the energy meter must meet the following requirements:
•The energy meter has been preprogrammed in the inverter.
•The energy meter measures the draw from the grid in positive direction (refer to instruc-
tions of the energy meter).
Modbus RTU data connecting cable
NOTE
Voltage may cause property damage.
►Only have specialists manufacture the alternative data connecting cable.
Use a RJ45 standard cable or a CAT5 patch cable as data connecting cable.