PV Powered 1100 User manual

Grid Tied Residential Inverter Installation and
Operations Manual
Models 1100, 2000, 2800, and 3000
Contact Information
PV Powered, Inc.
150 Scalehouse Loop #101
Bend, OR 97702
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: 877-312-3832
Email: [email protected]

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Table of Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................................. 4
1INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 5
2INSTALLATION......................................................................................... 5
2.1Selecting a Location for the Inverter.................................................... 5
2.2Mounting the Inverter........................................................................ 5
2.2.1Mounting the Inverter .................................................................... 6
2.3Electrical Connections........................................................................ 7
2.3.1Inverter Voltage and Frequency Limits.............................................. 8
2.3.2Separation of Circuits..................................................................... 9
2.3.3Grounding ...................................................................................10
2.3.4GFI Circuit...................................................................................11
2.3.5Connecting the Inverter to the Electrical Grid....................................12
3OPERATION ............................................................................................17
3.1Start-Up Procedures for the Inverter...................................................17
3.2Inverter Front Panel Status Indicators.................................................17
3.2.1LED Indicator Lights......................................................................17
3.2.2Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)..................................................18
4TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................19
4.1Red and Green LED Lights ON............................................................19
4.2Displayed Fault Codes ......................................................................20
4.2.1Multiple Faults..............................................................................20
4.2.2Fault Code List .............................................................................21
5SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................23
5.1Operational Specifications .................................................................23
5.2Abnormal Specifications....................................................................24
6LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................25
6.1Term of Coverage ............................................................................25
6.2Coverage........................................................................................25
6.3What is Not Covered.........................................................................25
6.4Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability...................................................26
6.5Arbitration ......................................................................................26
6.6Miscellaneous Provisions ...................................................................27

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7RETURN PROCEDURE ...............................................................................28
7.1Information about Your System .........................................................28

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This product has been engineered and manufactured to ensure your personal safety.
Improper use may result in potential electrical shock or burns. Please read and
follow all instructions for installation, use and servicing of this product.
NOTE: A locking tab has been designed into the PV Powered Grid Tied Residential
Inverter line. It is the sole responsibility of the end user to provide a locking
mechanism that utilizes the tab, and secures the cover on the inverter.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important
instructions for the PV Powered Grid Tied Residential Inverter product line
that must be followed during installation and maintenance of these
inverters.
CAUTION:
•All electrical installations should be done in accordance with local electrical
codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.
•Before connecting the inverter to the electrical utility grid, your utility
company must grant approval. Only qualified electricians should make the
connection.
•When exposed to light, photovoltaic (PV) arrays create electrical energy that
could cause a hazardous condition. To avoid this, completely cover the
surface of all PV arrays with opaque (dark) material before wiring them.
•The inverter contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer maintenance to
qualified service personnel.
•Do not touch the heat sink located at the top of the inverter, temperatures
can exceed 158°F (70°C).
FCC Compliance:
The PV Powered Grid Tied Residential Inverters have been tested and found to pass
FCC Class B radio interference standards with proper installation of the inverter. This
is not a guarantee that there will be no interference at every installation. If you
notice interference at your installation, try the following potential solutions:
•Move or re-orient the affected device.
•Increase the distance between the devices.
•Connect the device to a different AC circuit.
Please read all safety warnings and instructions before
installing or operating the inverter.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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1INTRODUCTION
The PV Powered Grid Tied Residential Inverter is a utility interactive inverter for
photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The inverter is tied to an electrical source provided by the local utility company as
well as to the PV system. The inverter contains everything needed to convert the DC
voltage generated by the PV arrays into the AC voltage required to power a house.
This manual provides information necessary for the successful installation and use of
the PV Powered Grid Tied Residential Inverter.
2INSTALLATION
2.1 Selecting a Location for the Inverter
When choosing a location for the inverter, consider the following criteria:
•The inverter is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation; the inverter
enclosure has a NEMA 3R rating.
•The optimum location of the inverter is outside, shielded from direct exposure
to sunlight (i.e. not on the south facing side of the building).
•The heat sink temperatures can exceed 158°F (70°C). The inverter must be
installed so that people will not touch the top of the unit.
•The inverter is designed to handle the temperature extremes of most
climates. The operating and non-operating environmental ambient
temperature range is -15°F to 105°F (-25°C to 40°C).
•The following clearances are recommended for proper placement of the
inverter:
•A minimum of 36″between the bottom of the inverter box and the
ground.
•A minimum of 12” above the heat sink.
•Visibility of the operating LEDs and display located at the top front of
the inverter box should also be considered.
•If the inverter is installed in an enclosed space, adequate ventilation must be
provided.
2.2 Mounting the Inverter
The inverter should be mounted vertically to a flat, solid surface such as wallboard,
concrete, or wood siding. The inverter should be located near the PV arrays to
minimize the DC wire length.
The mounting bracket provided makes mounting the inverter quick and simple. The
2 screw holes at either end of the bracket are 16” apart. Once the wall studs are
located, anchoring the bracket becomes an easy task.
WARNING: Before drilling holes to mount the inverter, verify that there are no
electrical wires or plumbing in the area.

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2.2.1 Mounting the Inverter
1. Locate the wall studs in the desired location and align the mounting bracket
over the studs. Mark the mounting holes. Ensure that locations A and B (see
Figure 1) are aligned over the wall studs.
2. VERIFY THE BRACKET IS LEVEL. Ensure points A and B are aligned with
the wall studs. Drill 1/8” pilot holes for the screws.
•Use heavy-duty 1/4" x 2” coarse thread lag screws to secure points A
and B to the wall.
•Use an 1/8” screw to secure points C, D, E, and F (See Figure 1).
Figure 1: Mounting Bracket
3. Carefully hang the inverter on the upper part of the bracket. The hooks
located at the rear of the inverter should hang over the bracket.
4. Verify inverter is level.
5. Remove the front cover of the inverter by unscrewing the four cover screws
located around the front perimeter of the inverter.
6. Locate the inverter mounting hole below the power board. Insert the
mounting screw through the inverter and tighten securely.
F
E
D
C
A B
Mounting
hole

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Figure 2: Inverter with mounting bracket in place
NOTE: Leave the inverter cover off to allow for electrical connections described in
Section 2.3.
2.3 Electrical Connections
CAUTION:
1. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that the inverter be connected to
a dedicated circuit with no other outlets or devices connected to the same
circuit. See NEC Section 690-64(b)(1). The NEC also places limitations on
the size of the inverter and the manner in which it is connected to the utility
grid. See NEC Section 690-64(b)(2).
See Table 2.1 for more information on required branch circuit protection.
2. To reduce the risk of fire, connect the inverter to the appropriate size breaker
(See Table 2.1). Maximum branch-circuit over-current protection calculated
in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.
Inverter model Circuit breaker
required
PVP 1100 1 pole 15 A
PVP 2000 2 pole 15 A
PVP 2800 2 pole 20 A
PVP 3000 2 pole 20 A
Table 2.1Required Branch Circuit Protection

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2.3.1 Inverter Voltage and Frequency Limits
The inverter is factory-calibrated to the voltage and frequency limits specified in
Table 2.2. This adjustable range can be set by PV Powered field technicians.
Condition Factory setting
(VAC) or (Hz) Adjustable Range (VAC) Maximum trip time(s)
Voltage phase high 132.0 132.0 - 142.0 < 1 second
Voltage phase low 105.6 95.6 - 105.6 < 2 seconds
Voltage phase fast high 144.0 144.0 - 156.0 < 160mS
Voltage phase fast low 60.0 <60.0 < 160mS
Voltage high Line to Line (240V
inverters) 264.0
Voltage low Line to Line (240V
inverters) 211.0
Voltage high Line to Line (208V
inverters) 228.8
Voltage low Line to Line (208V
inverters) 183.0
Line Frequency Low 59.3 Hz n/a < 160mS
Line Frequency High 60.5 Hz n/a < 160mS
Table 2.2 Voltage and Frequency Limits
Do not proceed with the electrical connection of the inverter until it has been
properly mounted.
WARNING: Electrical connections must be completed in accordance with local
electrical codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70. Use 10 AWG,
minimum 90°C (194°F), copper wire for all inverter electrical connections. Voltage
drop as well as other considerations may dictate using larger wire sizes.
NOTE: PV Powered recommends sizing wire of one percent voltage drop for AC
and one percent voltage drop for DC.
WARNING: Make sure the main breaker in the main utility breaker box is
switched OFF before wiring the inverter. This breaker should be switched ON only
after all wiring has been completed as described in this manual.
WARNING: Follow the order listed below to wire the inverter. Failure to do so
may result in hazardous voltages or disconnection of contacts.

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IMPORTANT: When mounting the inverter outside, use rain-tight or wet-
location conduit hubs that comply with the requirements in the Standard for Fittings
for Conduit and Outlet Boxes, UL 514B.
Terminal connections for the inverter are located inside the inverter on the circuit
board at the bottom of the cabinet. The AC and DC terminals accept wires up to 6
AWG.
CAUTION: The input and output circuits are isolated from the enclosure.
System grounding, when required by Sections 690-41, 690-42, and 690-43 of the
National Electric Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70-1999, is the responsibility of the
installer.
Figure 3: Communications, AC, and DC ports
2.3.2 Separation of Circuits
The lower part of the inverter circuit board is divided into three sections.
1. The left side is dedicated to the low voltage DC communications.
2. The center is dedicated to the AC.
3. The right side is dedicated to the DC.
Each section has two to three knockouts as shown in Figure 3. UL 1741 standard
requires a straight run of wire, with no loops or crossover to the other circuits
(sections) and low voltage versus high voltage in each section.
1. Left knockouts (up to the divider) are for low voltage communications only
(PVM1010).
2. Center knockouts are for AC.
3. Right knockouts are for DC.

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2.3.3 Grounding
A single-point ground connection is located in the lower right-hand side of the
inverter cabinet. This is where the PV array grounding wire is terminated. The AC
ground connection is terminated next to the Line 1 and Line 2 connections on the
circuit board.
The PV ground connector is attached to the cabinet with a 10-32 bolt. This ground
lug is provided to allow for the PV safety ground to be bonded to the cabinet. This is
the only place the ground should be connected to the inverter.
•Do not tie the safety ground to the PV array positive or negative. That would
defeat the ground fault protection circuit. (Refer to Figure 5.)
•See Table 2.3 for appropriate sizing of the grounding electrode. Use the
maximum current AC or DC - whichever is larger - and multiply it by 1.25 to
get the maximum current rating per NEC 690.
Maximum
current
rating
Minimum size of grounding
electrode conductor AWG
Copper Aluminum
Copper clad
15 8 6
20 8 6
30 8 6
40 8 6
60 8 6
Table 2.3 Grounding Electrode Sizing
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the PV Powered single-point grounding. The
front cover is grounded through the cover mounting screws.
Line
Filter
Control pcb Power Distribution PCB
DC
Power
Supply
L1
L2
GND
PV GND
20 A SB
System Block Diagram
120/240 VAC
60Hz
PV
DC input
+
GND
1A
GF Detect Circuit
-
Figure 4: System Block Diagram showing single-point ground

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2.3.4 GFI Circuit
The purpose of the Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) circuit is to detect a ground fault
(unintended current flow from the PV arrays to earth ground).
•For the GFI circuit to function as designed, the PV array safety ground must
be connected only at the ground terminals provided.
•Bonding the safety ground to the grounded leg of the array anywhere but
through the inverter will bypass the GFI circuit. This creates an unsafe
operating condition.
•The GFI works by using a fuse to connect or bond the PV array negative (or
the PV array positive if using a positively grounded array) to earth ground
through the 1 A fuse.
•If current is greater than 1 A between the grounded array terminal and the
earth ground, the fuse will “blow”. A “blown” or open fuse will disconnect the
PV arrays from their ground reference and interrupt the ground fault current.
In this situation, the inverter will cease operation and display a fault message
(as illustrated below):
Fault 0400 0000
Ground Fault
If the inverter displays “Ground Fault”, turn OFF the AC and DC to the
inverter and refer to the Troubleshooting section of this manual.
Figure 5: AC and PV Grounding
AC Ground
PV Ground

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2.3.5 Connecting the Inverter to the Electrical Grid
Two circuit boards are located inside the Inverter:
•The Control Board (at the top of the inverter).
•The Power Distribution Board (at the bottom of the inverter) with the
following terminals:
•The AC connection terminal.
•The DC connection terminal.
•The internal Ground Fault Interrupt fuse.
WARNING:Replace the GFI fuse with the same type and rating of fuse. The
inverter uses only Littelfuse KLKD001 1A/600V.
The inverter is connected to the electrical grid using 3 wires - LINE 1, LINE 2 and
GROUND.
NOTE: To avoid an increase in AC voltage to unacceptable values while the inverter
is connected, the grid impedance value at the connection point should be as low as
possible. By keeping the grid impedance value low, the inverter will achieve higher
system efficiency and avoid nuisance shutdowns. The total impedance of the grid plus
the interconnecting AC wires should be less than 1.25 Ohm.
WARNING: Ensure the main 240V (or 208V for the PVP 2800) breaker at the
circuit breaker panel is switched OFF before connecting to the AC terminal block.
To wire the inverter to the main utility grid, follow these steps (see Figure 6):
1. Run the conduit from the main breaker panel to the bottom of the inverter.
Insert the fitting in the center opening of the inverter and fasten it with a
locking nut.
2. Feed the LINE 1, LINE 2 and GROUND wires through the conduit and into a
center opening of the inverter.
3. Connect the GROUND wire to the terminal marked “earth ground” inside the
inverter.
4. Connect the LINE 2 wire to the terminal marked “line 2” inside the inverter.
5. Connect the LINE 1 wire to the terminal marked “line” inside the inverter.
6. Ensure all connections are wired correctly and properly torqued. Tighten the
terminal block screws to 0.5 Nm (0.37 ft-lb).
NOTE: In the PVP1100 units, LINE 1 wire is the only phase voltage wire, LINE 2
is neutral, and LINE 3 is the AC GROUND.

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Figure 6: AC Wiring for the Line 1, Line 2, and Ground Wires
WARNING: Before proceeding with the DC wiring, completely cover the
surface of all PV panels with dark material to avoid the production of electrical
current.
WARNING: Make sure the polarity and the PV panel voltage between the
positive and the negative cable connectors of the PV panels are correct before
connecting the panels to the DC terminal block on the power distribution board.
The PV array open circuit voltage should be at or below the listed voltages in Table
2-4 under all circumstances. Each DC input to the DC terminal block must be less
than the voltages listed in Table 2-4.
AC Ground
Line 1
Line 2

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Inverter
Model
Maximum inverter
start voltage
Absolute maximum
input voltage
PVP1100 450VDC 500VDC
PVP2000 450VDC 500VDC
PVP2800 450VDC 500VDC
PVP3000 450VDC 500VDC
Table 2.4: PV Open Circuit Voltages
2.3.5.1 Open Circuit Calculations
The PV array open circuit voltage should be at or below 500 VDC under all
circumstances. Each DC input to the DC terminal block must be less than 500 VDC.
2.3.5.2 DC Connections
Each DC input connection must carry the same input voltage. The inverter allows up
to three connections for both the positive and negative poles.
To wire the DC inputs from the PV array to the inverter (see Figure 8):
1. Calculate the maximum open circuit voltage (Voc) for each series of modules
based on the VOC_TC, the ambient temperature, and accepted industry
practice.
Note: For all temperature conditions, the Voc for each series connection
must total less than the VDC indicated in Table 2-4 for the PVP1100,
PVP2000, PVP2800, and PVP3000 models.
Review the PV panel’s data sheet for operating temperature ranges.
2. Keep track of the array positive and negative leads and mark them clearly.
3. Route the PV array leads through the far right opening in the inverter.
4. Connect each series positive DC lead to the positive terminals of the power
distribution board.
WARNING:
Negative grounded array: On a standard negatively grounded PV array, only
break only the positive wire(s) in the DC disconnect. Do NOT break the negative
wire(s)..
Positive grounded array: On a positively grounded PV array, only break only the
negative wire(s) in the DC disconnect. Do NOT break the positive wire(s).
5. Connect the negative DC leads directly to the negative terminal on the power
distribution board.
6. Connect the ground wire(s) to the ground lug.

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WARNING: Do not connect or disconnect the jumper while the inverter is
supplied with DC or AC power.
7. Remove the 1 A fuse and select the negative or positive grounding jumper
included with the inverter (see Figure 7).
Figure 7 Grounding Jumpers
8. Install the grounding jumper with the white wire on the right into connector
J3 on the power board (see Figure 8).
Figure 8 Power Board Connections
Negative ground
jumper has a
black wire
Positive ground
jumper has a red
wire
PV Negative
PV Positive
Fuse Clips
GFI Jumper (J3)

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9. Confirm that the DC disconnect is turned OFF and remove the material from
the array.
10.With a voltmeter, check the PV array positive leads in the DC disconnect and
confirm that the voltage is positive when referenced to the negative leads.
The reading should match your series Voc total.
Measure the DC voltage potential between the two mounting clips (see Figure
8) for the 1 A fuse.
11.The voltage should be less than 25 volts absolute value. The DC and AC
disconnect can be turned OFF and the 1 A fuse installed.
•If the voltage is outside of this range (-25V to 25V), wait 10 minutes
and check again.
•If (after 10 minutes) the voltage is still not in the range of -25V to
25V, check for a ground fault or other incorrect wiring.
•If the problem continues to persist, contact PV Powered Technical
Support.

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3OPERATION
3.1 Start-Up Procedures for the Inverter
WARNING: Before turning ON the inverter, ensure that the front panel is
closed properly.
WARNING: The heat sink can reach temperatures in excess of 158ºF (70ºC).
Do not touch the heat sink when in use, and do not place anything on top of the heat
sink.
To start up the inverter, complete the following steps in the order indicated:
1. Turn the AC breaker ON.
2. Verify that the RED LED light is illuminated.
3. Check the polarity to ensure the positive and negative are wired correctly,
and confirm that the PV array open circuit voltage is at or below the level
specified in Table 2-4.
4. Turn the DC disconnect ON.
Note: PV Powered recommends that a padlock be attached to prevent
unauthorized access or damage to the inverter.
5. After five minutes, the inverter will start to produce power if all necessary
operating conditions are met.
3.2 Inverter Front Panel Status Indicators
3.2.1 LED Indicator Lights
The inverter has two LED indicator lights visible through the upper left corner of the
front panel. These lights indicate the inverter’s status.
•If the inverter’s operating environment is safe to export power into the AC
grid, the GREEN LED is illuminated.
•If the operating environment moves outside the safe operating limits
governed by UL 1741, IEEE 1547, IEEE 519, and NEC 690, the RED LED
indicator is illuminated.
The inverter continuously monitors:
1. The AC grid connection, to ensure the AC voltage and frequency levels are
within safe operating limits per UL1741.
2. The DC voltage and current from the PV array ensuring safe operating
conditions per UL 1741.

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3. The inverter’s internal operational parameters, to ensure safe operating
conditions exist within the operating environment.
If all three conditions are met, the inverter displays the GREEN LED.
If any one of the operating conditions are not met, there is a fault condition. The
inverter will then flash the RED LED.
A solid RED LED illuminates when the PV array voltage is not within safe operating
limits. The following conditions may cause this to occur:
•At sunset, when the inverter turns OFF for the night.
•When clouds reduce the amount of available sunlight or when portions of the
PV array are covered with snow.
•Any time the DC output from the PV array drops below the inverter’s
minimum DC operating voltage, the inverter turns OFF.
When the array is once again exposed to enough sunlight, the GREEN LED
illuminates, the inverter’s auto-start feature begins, and after five minutes the
inverter begins to export power.
If the RED LED continues to illuminate when there is sufficient sunlight for operation,
verify that no wiring connections are loose. If the wiring is tight, see the
Troubleshooting section of this manual.
3.2.2 Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)
The vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) indicates the inverter’s status and real-time
power output into the AC Grid. This display provides the following information:
•Inverter model number.
•AC power produced in real-time (Watts).
•Lifetime energy produced (kWh).
•AC voltage in real time (VAC).
•PV voltage input in real-time (VDC).
•During start-up, a count down timer.
•Fault code message if a fault exists or recently occurred.

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3.2.2.1 Normal Display Cycle
The display will change screens every two seconds to show a different set of
information.
Normal startup:
2000 Watt PV
Start in 269 sec
0 Watts
3212 kWh
240 VAC
297 VDC
Running:
2000 Watt PV
Grid Tied Inv
1245 Watts
3212 kWh
241 VAC
255 VDC
If a fault occurs, the display also provides a corresponding fault code. Refer to the
Troubleshooting section of this manual.
4TROUBLESHOOTING
The inverter provides two indicator lights that help troubleshoot problems.
•The light on the left is a RED LED.
The RED LED illuminates any time the DC voltage is below the inverters
startup DC voltage, such as at night. The RED LED blinks if the inverter has
had a fault condition, and the vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) displays a
fault code. Possible faults are listed in this Troubleshooting section.
•The light on the right is a GREEN LED.
The GREEN LED illuminates any time the DC voltage is above the inverter’s
DC start voltage and all operational parameters are met. When the GREEN
light illuminates, the inverter tries to invert power from the PV array.
4.1 Red and Green LED Lights ON
If this condition occurs (both lights are on solid at the same time), contact PV
Powered for technical assistance.

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4.2 Displayed Fault Codes
The vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) provides the following codes when a fault has
occurred:
Faulted:
Fault 1000 0400
AC Voltage High
0 Watts
1400 kWh
267 VAC
300 VDC
Starting up from a faulted state:
NOTE: In this case the fault refers to the last fault detected.
If the inverter is in a faulted state, the RED LED blinks and the VFD scrolls through
the screens shown in the faulted example above. The text of the fault describes the
specific fault condition that the inverter experienced.
If the inverter is no longer experiencing the condition that caused it to fault (ex. the
AC voltage climbs above 264V then drops below 264V), the RED LED stops blinking
and the inverter starts the five minute count-down timer. During these five minutes,
the display will also show the last fault.
4.2.1 Multiple Faults
If the inverter detects multiple faults at one time, the inverter displays the text of
the first fault detected.
For multiple faults, the numerical values of the fault codes are added.
Example:
The above example displays the AC Voltage High fault (1000 0400), plus a DC
Voltage Low fault (1000 0020). This might occur at night, when the panel voltage is
low (because of darkness) and the utility voltage was above the limits defined in
Table 2.2.
2000 Watt PV
Start in 269 sec
Fault 1000 0400
AC Voltage High
0 W
1400 kW-hr
240 VAC
300 VDC
Fault 1000 0420
AC Voltage High