SMA 15000TL User manual

Service Manual for Installers
SUNNY TRIPOWER 15000TL / 17000TL /
20000TL / 25000TL
STP15-25TL-30-SG-en-12 | Version 1.2ENGLISH

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publication, whether in whole or in part, requires prior written approval by SMA Solar Technology
AG. Internal reproduction used solely for the purpose of product evaluation or other proper use is
allowed and does not require prior approval.
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You can download the current warranty conditions from the Internet at www.SMA-Solar.com.
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SMA Solar Technology AG
Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.SMA.de
Email: [email protected]
Copyright © 2016 SMA Solar Technology AG. All rights reserved.
Legal Provisions SMA Solar Technology AG
Service Manual for InstallersSTP15-25TL-30-SG-en-122

Table of Contents
1 Information on this Document................................................. 4
1.1 Validity ............................................................................................... 4
1.2 Target group ...................................................................................... 4
1.3 Symbols.............................................................................................. 4
1.4 Nomenclature.................................................................................... 5
2 Safety ........................................................................................ 6
2.1 Safety Information ............................................................................. 6
2.2 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources............................ 7
3 Cleaning the Inverter ............................................................... 11
4 Retrofitting the Surge Arrester Type II.................................... 12
5 Troubleshooting........................................................................ 13
5.1 Event Messages................................................................................. 13
5.2 Error Messages.................................................................................. 14
6 Cleaning the Fans..................................................................... 23
6.1 Cleaning the Fan at the Bottom ........................................................ 23
6.2 Cleaning the Fan on the Left-Hand Side of the Enclosure............... 24
7 Checking the Function of the Fans .......................................... 27
8 Checking the PV System for Ground Faults ........................... 28
9 Checking the Function of the Surge Arresters........................ 32
10 Replacing the Surge Arrester .................................................. 34
11 Recommissioning the Inverter ................................................. 36
12 Procedure for Receiving a Replacement Device.................... 39
13 Decommissioning the Inverter................................................. 43
14 Spare Parts ............................................................................... 45
15 Contact ...................................................................................... 46
Table of Contents
SMA Solar Technology AG
Service Manual for Installers 3STP15-25TL-30-SG-en-12

1 Information on this Document
1.1 Validity
This document describes how to rectify certain errors and how to replace defective components.
This document supplements the documents that are enclosed with each product and does not
replace any locally applicable standards or directives. Read and observe all documents supplied
with the product.
This document is valid for the following device types:
• STP 15000TL-30 (Sunny Tripower 15000TL)
• STP 17000TL-30 (Sunny Tripower 17000TL) (This device is only available as a service
product)
• STP 20000TL-30 (Sunny Tripower 20000TL)
• STP 25000TL-30 (Sunny Tripower 25000TL)
1.2 Target group
The tasks described in this document must only be performed by qualified persons. Qualified
persons must have the following skills:
• Knowledge of how an inverter works and is operated
• Training in how to deal with the dangers and risks associated with installing and using
electrical devices and installations
• Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices and installations
• Knowledge of the applicable standards and directives
• Knowledge of and compliance with this document and all safety information
1.3 Symbols
Symbol Explanation
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, can result in death or serious injury
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, can result in minor or moderate injury
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, can
result in property damage
Information that is important for a specific topic
or goal, but is not safety-relevant
Indicates a requirement for meeting a specific
goal
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Symbol Explanation
Desired result
A problem that might occur
1.4 Nomenclature
Complete designation Designation in this document
SunnyTripower Inverter, product
1 Information on this Document
SMA Solar Technology AG
Service Manual for Installers 5STP15-25TL-30-SG-en-12

2 Safety
2.1 Safety Information
This section contains safety information that must be observed at all times when working on or with
the product.
To prevent personal injury and property damage and to ensure long-term operation of the product,
read this section carefully and observe all safety information at all times.
Danger to life due to high voltages of the PV array
When exposed to sunlight, the PV array generates dangerous DC voltage, which is present in the
DC conductors and the live components of the inverter. Touching the DC conductors or the live
components can lead to lethal electric shocks. If you disconnect the DC connectors from the
inverter under load, an electric arc may occur leading to electric shock and burns.
• Do not touch non-insulated cable ends.
• Do not touch the DC conductors.
• Do not touch any live components of the inverter.
• Have the inverter mounted, installed and commissioned only by qualified persons with the
appropriate skills.
• If an error occurs, have it rectified by qualified persons only.
• Prior to performing any work on the inverter, disconnect it from all voltage sources as
described in this document.
Danger to life due to electric shock
Touching an ungrounded PV module or array frame can cause a lethal electric shock.
• Connect and ground the PV modules, array frame and electrically conductive surfaces so
that there is continuous conduction. Observe the applicable local regulations.
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
Some parts of the enclosure can get hot during operation.
• Do not touch any parts other than the lower enclosure lid of the inverter during operation.
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Damage to seals on the enclosure lids in subfreezing conditions
If you open the upper and lower enclosure lids when temperatures are below freezing, the
enclosure seals can be damaged. This can lead to moisture entering the inverter.
• Do not open the inverter at ambient temperatures lower than -5°C.
• If a layer of ice has formed on the seal of the lid when temperatures are below freezing,
remove it prior to opening the enclosure lids of the inverter (e.g. by melting the ice with
warm air). Observe the applicable safety regulations.
2.2 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources
Prior to performing any work on the inverter, always disconnect it from all voltage sources as
described in this section. Always adhere to the prescribed sequence.
Damage to seals on the enclosure lids in subfreezing conditions
If you open the upper and lower enclosure lids when temperatures are below freezing, the
enclosure seals can be damaged. This can lead to moisture entering the inverter.
• Do not open the inverter at ambient temperatures lower than -5°C.
• If a layer of ice has formed on the seal of the lid when temperatures are below freezing,
remove it prior to opening the enclosure lids of the inverter (e.g. by melting the ice with
warm air). Observe the applicable safety regulations.
Destruction of the measuring device due to overvoltage
• Only use measuring devices with a DC input voltage range of 1000V or higher.
Procedure:
1. Disconnect the circuit breaker from all three line conductors and secure it against
reconnection.
2. Turn the DC load-break switch to the position O.
3. If the multifunction relay is used, switch off any supply voltage to the load.
2 Safety
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4. Wait until the LEDs have gone out and, if necessary, the load connected to the multifunction
relay has been switched off.
5. Use a current clamp to ensure that no current is present in the DC cables.
6. Unscrew the two screws on the DC load-break
switch using an Allen key (AF3).
7. Pull the DC load-break switch down and out of
the recess.
8. Remove all six screws from the lower enclosure
lid using an Allen key (AF 3).
9. Lift and remove the lower enclosure lid from
below.
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10.
Risk of burns when touching the DC protective cover
The DC protective cover can get hot during operation.
• Do not touch the DC protective cover.
11. Release and remove all DC connectors. Insert a
slotted screwdriver or an angled screwdriver
(blade width 3.5mm) into one of the slide slots
and pull the DC connectors out downwards. Do
not pull on the cable.
12. Ensure that no voltage is present at the DC inputs of the inverter.
13. Use an appropriate measuring device to ensure
that no voltage is present at the AC connecting
terminal plate between L1 and N, L2 and N,
and L3 and N. Insert the test probe of the
multimeter into the round opening of the
terminal.
14. Use an appropriate measuring device to ensure that no voltage is present at the AC
connecting terminal plate between L1 and PE, L2 and PE, and L3 and PE. Insert the test
probe into the round opening of each terminal.
15. Ensure that no voltage is present between any terminal of the multifunction relay and PE of the
AC connecting terminal plate.
16.
Danger to life due to high voltages in the inverter
The capacitors in the inverter take 20minutes to discharge.
• Wait 20minutes before opening the upper enclosure lid.
• Do not open the DC protective cover.
2 Safety
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17.
Damage to the inverter due to electrostatic discharge
Touching electronic components can cause damage to or destroy the inverter through
electrostatic discharge.
• Ground yourself before touching any component.
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3 Cleaning the Inverter
Damage to the inverter due to the use of cleaning agents
• If the inverter is dirty, clean the enclosure, the enclosure lid, the type label and the LEDs
using only clean water and a cloth.
• Ensure that the inverter is free of dust, foliage and other dirt.
3 Cleaning the Inverter
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4 Retrofitting the Surge Arrester TypeII
The inverter is equipped ex works with surge arresters or it can be retrofitted (see Section14
"Spare Parts", page45).
1.
Danger to life due to high voltages
• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources (see Section2.2, page7).
• Wait 20minutes before you remove the DC protective cover to allow residual voltages
to discharge.
2. Release the screws on the DC protective cover
using an Allen key (AF3), lift the DC protective
cover upwards from below and remove it.
3. Plug the new surge arresters into the designated
slots until they lock into place with the locking
tabs. The inspection window must be located on
the right-hand side.
4. Position the DC protective cover at the upper edge, flip down and tighten it (torque: 3.5Nm).
4Retrofitting the Surge Arrester Type II SMA Solar Technology AG
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5 Troubleshooting
5.1 Event Messages
Message Cause
Inst. code valid The entered GridGuard code is valid. Protected parameters have
now been unlocked and you can adjust the parameters. The param-
eters will be automatically locked again after ten feed-in hours.
Self-test The self-test is in progress.
Set parameter The parameter change has been adopted.
Parameters set successfully The parameter changes were successfully adopted.
Update file OK The update file found is valid.
SD card is read Memory card is being searched for update file and the update file is
being checked.
No new update SDcard An update file that has already been used is on the memory card.
Update communication The inverter is updating the communication component.
Update main CPU The inverter is updating the inverter component.
Update RS485i module The inverter is updating the corresponding component.
Update Speedwire The inverter is updating the corresponding component.
Webconnect update The inverter is updating the corresponding component.
Upd. language table The inverter is updating the corresponding component.
Update completed The inverter has successfully completed the update.
Grid param. unchanged The selected rotary switch position is not assigned or the grid param-
eters cannot be changed.
Grid param. locked The parameters are locked and you cannot change them.
5 Troubleshooting
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5.2 Error Messages
The communication product (e.g. SunnyExplorer) displays the warnings and errors that apply to
the inverter, the utility grid or the PV array. The warning or error is identified by an event number
and the corresponding message.
Event number Message, cause and corrective measures
101 … 103 Grid fault
The grid voltage or grid impedance at the connection point of the inverter is
too high. The inverter has disconnected from the utility grid.
Corrective measures:
• Check whether the grid voltage at the connection point of the inverter is
permanently in the permissible range.
If the grid voltage is outside the permissible range due to local grid
conditions, contact the grid operator. The grid operator must agree with
an adjustment of the voltage at the feed-in point or with a change of the
monitored operating limits.
If the grid voltage is permanently within the permissible range and this
message is still displayed, contact the SMAServiceLine.
202 … 203 Grid fault
The utility grid has been disconnected, the AC cable is damaged or the grid
voltage at the connection point of the inverter is too low. The inverter has dis-
connected from the utility grid.
Corrective measures:
1. Make sure that the circuit breaker is switched on.
2. Make sure that the AC cable is not damaged.
3. Make sure that the AC cable is correctly connected.
4. Check whether the grid voltage at the connection point of the inverter is
permanently in the permissible range.
If the grid voltage is outside the permissible range due to local grid conditions,
contact the grid operator. The grid operator must agree with an adjustment of
the voltage at the feed-in point or with a change of the monitored operating
limits.
If the grid voltage is permanently within the permissible range and this
message is still displayed, contact the SMAServiceLine.
5Troubleshooting SMA Solar Technology AG
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Event number Message, cause and corrective measures
301 Grid fault
The ten-minute average value of the grid voltage is no longer within the per-
missible range. The grid voltage or grid impedance at the connection point is
too high. The inverter disconnects from the utility grid to maintain power qual-
ity.
Corrective measures:
• Check whether the grid voltage at the connection point of the inverter is
permanently in the permissible range.
If the grid voltage is outside the permissible range due to local grid
conditions, contact the grid operator. The grid operator must agree with
an adjustment of the voltage at the feed-in point or with a change of the
monitored operating limits.
If the grid voltage is permanently within the permissible range and this
message is still displayed, contact the SMAServiceLine.
401… 404 Grid fault
The inverter is no longer in grid-parallel operation and has stopped feeding
into the utility grid.
Corrective measures:
• Check the grid connection for significant short-term frequency
fluctuations.
501 Grid fault
The power frequency is not within the permissible range. The inverter has dis-
connected from the utility grid.
Corrective measures:
• If possible, check the power frequency and observe how often
fluctuations occur.
If fluctuations occur frequently and this message is displayed often,
contact the grid operator. The grid operator must approve changes to the
operating parameters of the inverter.
If the grid operator gives its approval, discuss any changes to the
operating parameters with the SMAServiceLine.
601 Grid fault
The inverter has detected an excessively high proportion of direct current in
the grid current.
Corrective measures:
1. Check the grid connection for direct current.
2. If this message is displayed frequently, contact the grid operator and
check whether the monitoring threshold on the inverter can be raised.
5 Troubleshooting
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Service Manual for Installers 15STP15-25TL-30-SG-en-12

Event number Message, cause and corrective measures
701 Frq. not permitted > Check parameter
The power frequency is not within the permissible range. The inverter has dis-
connected from the utility grid.
Corrective measures:
• If possible, check the power frequency and observe how often
fluctuations occur.
If fluctuations occur frequently and this message is displayed often,
contact the grid operator. The grid operator must approve changes to the
operating parameters of the inverter.
If the grid operator gives its approval, discuss any changes to the
operating parameters with the SMAServiceLine.
1302 Waiting for grid voltage > Installation failure grid connection > Check
grid and fuses
The inverter has detected an error in the AC cabling. The inverter cannot con-
nect to the utility grid.
Corrective measures:
1. Ensure that the AC connection is correct (see the operating manual for
inverter at www.SMA-Solar.com).
2. Ensure that the country data set has been configured correctly. Select the
parameter Set country standard or CntrySet and check its value.
1501 Reconnection fault grid
The changed country data set or the value of a parameter you have set does
not correspond to the local requirements. The inverter cannot connect to the
utility grid.
Corrective measures:
• Ensure that the country data set has been configured correctly. Select
the parameter Set country standard or CntrySet and check its value.
3301 Unstable operation > Generator output too low
There is not enough power at the DC input of the inverter for stable operation.
This may be caused by snow on the PV modules or insufficient irradiation. The
inverter interrupts feed-in operation and can no longer connect to the utility
grid.
Corrective measures:
1. If irradiation is too low, wait for it to increase.
2. If this message is displayed frequently, ensure that the PV array has been
correctly rated and wired.
5Troubleshooting SMA Solar Technology AG
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Event number Message, cause and corrective measures
3302 Unstable operation > Abort self-test
There is not enough power at the DC input of the inverter for stable operation.
This may be caused by snow on the PV modules or insufficient irradiation. The
inverter interrupts feed-in operation and can no longer connect to the utility
grid.
Corrective measures:
1. If irradiation is too low, wait for it to increase.
2. If this message is displayed frequently, ensure that the PV array has been
correctly rated and wired.
3303 Unstable operation > Data storage blocked
There is not enough power at the DC input of the inverter for stable operation.
This may be caused by snow on the PV modules or insufficient irradiation. The
inverter interrupts feed-in operation and can no longer connect to the utility
grid.
Corrective measures:
1. If irradiation is too low, wait for it to increase.
2. If this message is displayed frequently, ensure that the PV array has been
correctly rated and wired.
3401 … 3402 DC overvoltage > Disconnect generator
Overvoltage at the DC input. This can destroy the inverter.
Corrective measures:
1. Immediately disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources (see
Section2.2, page7).
2. Check whether the DC voltage is below the maximum input voltage of
the inverter.
If the DC voltage is below the maximum input voltage of the inverter,
reconnect the DC connectors to the inverter.
If the DC voltage is above the maximum input voltage of the inverter, ensure
that the PV array has been correctly rated or contact the installer of the PV
array.
3. If this message is repeated frequently, contact the SMAServiceLine.
3501 Insulation resistance > Check generator
The inverter has detected a ground fault in the PV array.
Corrective measures:
• Check the PV system for ground faults (see Section8, page28).
5 Troubleshooting
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Service Manual for Installers 17STP15-25TL-30-SG-en-12

Event number Message, cause and corrective measures
3601 High discharge curr. > Check generator
The leakage currents of the inverter and the PV array are too high. There is a
ground fault, a residual current or a malfunction.
The inverter interrupts feed-in operation immediately after exceeding a thresh-
old and then automatically reconnects to the utility grid. If this process hap-
pens five times a day, the inverter disconnects from the utility grid and termi-
nates feed-in.
Corrective measures:
• Check the PV system for ground faults (see Section8, page28).
3701 Resid.curr.too.high > Check generator
The inverter has detected a residual current due to temporary grounding of the
PV array.
Corrective measures:
• Check the PV system for ground faults (see Section8, page28).
3801 … 3802 DC overcurrent > Check generator
Overcurrent at the DC input. The inverter briefly interrupts feed-in operation.
Corrective measures:
• If this message is displayed frequently, ensure that the PV array has
been correctly rated and wired.
3901 … 3902 Waiting for DC start conditions > Start cond. not met
The feed-in conditions for the utility grid are not yet fulfilled.
Corrective measures:
1. If irradiation is too low, wait for it to increase.
2. If this message is displayed frequently in the morning, increase the
voltage limit for starting grid feed-in. Change the parameter Minimum
voltage input or A.VStr, B.VStr.
3. If this message is displayed frequently with medium irradiation, ensure
that the PV array is correctly rated.
6001 … 6438 Self diagnosis > Interference device
The cause must be determined by the SMAServiceLine.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMAServiceLine.
6501 … 6511 Self diagnosis > Interference device
The inverter has switched off due to excessive temperature.
Corrective measures:
1. Clean the fans (see Section6, page23).
2. Ensure that the inverter has sufficient ventilation.
5Troubleshooting SMA Solar Technology AG
Service Manual for InstallersSTP15-25TL-30-SG-en-1218

Event number Message, cause and corrective measures
6512 Minimum operating temperature not reached
The inverter will only recommence grid feed-in once the temperature has
reached at least −25°C.
6603 … 6604 Self-diagnosis > Overload
The cause must be determined by the SMAServiceLine.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMAServiceLine.
6606 Interference device
The cause must be determined by the SMAServiceLine.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMAServiceLine.
6701 … 6702 Communication disturbed
The cause must be determined by the SMAServiceLine.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMAServiceLine.
6801 … 6802 Self-diagnosis > Input A defective
The cause must be determined by the SMAServiceLine.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMAServiceLine.
6901 … 6902 Self-diagnosis > Input B defective
The cause must be determined by the SMAServiceLine.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMAServiceLine.
7001 … 7002 Sensor fault fan permanently on
The cause must be determined by the SMAServiceLine.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMAServiceLine.
7101 SD card defective
The SD memory card is not formatted.
Corrective measures:
• Re-format the SD memory card.
• Re-save the files to the SD memory card.
5 Troubleshooting
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Event number Message, cause and corrective measures
7102 Parameter file not found or defective
The parameter file was not found or is defective. The update failed. The in-
verter continues feeding power into the grid.
Corrective measures:
• Copy the parameter file to the correct folder again.
7105 Param. setting failed
Parameters could not be set using the memory card. The inverter continues
feeding power into the grid.
Corrective measures:
• Ensure that the parameters are set correctly.
• Ensure that the SMA Grid Guard code is available.
7106 Update file defect.
Update file on the memory card is defective.
Corrective measures:
• Reformat the memory card.
• Re-save the files to the memory card.
7110 No update file found
No update file has been found.
Corrective measures:
• Copy the update file to the memory card folder. Select the folder
\UPDATE.
7201 … 7202 Data stor. not poss.
Internal error. The inverter continues to feed into the utility grid.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMAServiceLine.
7303 Update main CPU failed
The cause must be determined by the SMAServiceLine.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMAServiceLine.
7305 Update RS485I module failed
Update of RS485i module failed.
Corrective measures:
• Retry update.
• If the error recurs, contact the SMA Service Line.
5Troubleshooting SMA Solar Technology AG
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