SMA 9000TL User manual

SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 | IME-SMCTL_9_10_11 | Version 4.0
EN
PV Inverter
SUNNY MINI CENTRAL
9000TL / 10000TL / 11000TL
9000TL / 10000TL / 11000TL with Reactive Power Control
Installation Guide

SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents
Installation Guide SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 3
Table of Contents
1 Notes on this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.1 Validity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2 Target Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.3 Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4 Symbols Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1 Appropriate Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3 Explanation of Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3.1 Symbols on the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3.2 Symbols on the Type Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3 Unpacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1 Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2 Identifying the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4 Installing the Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.1 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2 Selecting the Mounting Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.3 Mounting the Inverter with the Wall Mounting Bracket . . . . . . 18
5 Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.1 Overview of the Connection Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.1.1 Exterior View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.1.2 Interior View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.2 Connection to the Public Grid (AC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.2.1 Conditions for the AC Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.2.2 Connecting the Inverter to the Public Grid (AC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5.2.3 Additional Grounding of the Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Table of Contents SMA Solar Technology AG
4 SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 Installation Guide
5.3 Setting the Display Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5.4 Installing the String Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5.5 Connection of the PV Generator (DC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.5.1 Conditions for the DC Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.5.2 Assembling the DC Plug Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.5.3 Opening the DC Plug Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.5.4 Connecting the PV Generator (DC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.6 Connection of the SMA Power Balancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.6.1 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.6.2 Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5.6.3 Testing the Functioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
5.7 Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.8 Setting the Grid and Country Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.8.1 Setting the Installation Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.8.2 Setting Off-Grid Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
5.8.3 Additional Country Parameter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
5.9 Reactive Power and Grid Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5.9.1 Setting the Displacement Power Factor cos ϕ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5.9.2 Frequency-dependent Active Power Limitation P(f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.9.3 Grid Safety Management via External Active Power Limitation . . . . . . . . . . 52
5.9.4 Soft Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5.9.5 Phase Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5.9.6 Limited Dynamic Grid Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
6 Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
7 Opening and Closing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
7.1 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
7.2 Opening the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
7.3 Closing the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents
Installation Guide SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 5
8 Maintenance and Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.1 Checking Heat Dissipation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.1.1 Cleaning the fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.1.2 Checking the Fans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
8.1.3 Cleaning the Air Grills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
8.2 Checking the Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) for Wear . . . . . . . 65
9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
9.1 LED Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
9.2 Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
9.3 The Red LED Glows Continuously (Ground Fault) . . . . . . . . . . 74
9.4 The Red LED is Flashing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
9.4.1 Checking the Function of the Varistors (<Check Varistor>) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
9.4.2 Replacing the String Fuses (<DC fuse>) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
10 Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
10.1 Dismantling the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
10.2 Packing the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
10.3 Storing the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
10.4 Disposing of the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
11 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
11.1 Sunny Mini Central 9000TL / 10000TL / 11000TL . . . . . . . . 82
11.2 Sunny Mini Central 9000TL / 10000TL / 11000TL
with Reactive Power Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
12 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
13 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Table of Contents SMA Solar Technology AG
6 SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 Installation Guide

SMA Solar Technology AG Notes on this Manual
Installation Guide SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 7
1 Notes on this Manual
1.1 Validity
This installation guide describes the assembly, installation, commissioning and maintenance of the
following SMA inverters:
• Sunny Mini Central 9000TL (SMC 9000TL-10)
• Sunny Mini Central 10000TL (SMC 10000TL-10)
• Sunny Mini Central 11000TL (SMC 11000TL-10)
• Sunny Mini Central 9000TL with Reactive Power Control (SMC 9000TLRP-10)
• Sunny Mini Central 10000TL with Reactive Power Control (SMC 10000TLRP-10)
• Sunny Mini Central 11000TL with Reactive Power Control (SMC 11000TLRP-10)
Store this manual where it can be accessed at all times.
1.2 Target Group
This guide is for qualified electrical technicians. The tasks described in this manual may be performed
by qualified electrical technicians only.
1.3 Additional Information
You will find further information on special topics such as designing a line circuit breaker or the
description of the operating parameters in the download area at www.SMA.de/en.
Refer to the user manual for detailed information on operating the inverter.

Notes on this Manual SMA Solar Technology AG
8 SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 Installation Guide
1.4 Symbols Used
The following types of safety instructions and general information appear in this document as
described below:
DANGER!
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING!
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION!
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE!
NOTICE indicates a situation that can result in property damage if not avoided.
Information
Information provides tips that are valuable for the optimal installation and operation of
your product.
☑ This symbol indicates the result of an action.

SMA Solar Technology AG Safety
Installation Guide SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 9
2 Safety
2.1 Appropriate Usage
The Sunny Mini Central is a PV inverter, which converts the DC current of the PV generator to
AC current and feeds it into the public grid.
Operating Principle of a PV System with Sunny Mini Central
The Sunny Mini Central may only be operated with PV generators (modules and cabling) of
protection class II. Do not connect any sources of energy other than PV modules to the Sunny Mini
Central.
Capacitive Discharge Currents
PV modules with large capacities relative to ground, such as thin-film modules with cells on
a metallic substrate, are only to be implemented if their coupling capacity does not exceed
1400 nF.
During grid feeding, a discharge current flows from the cells to ground. The amount of
current depends on the manner in which the modules are installed (e.g. foil on metal roof)
and on the weather (rain, snow). This "normal" discharge current may not exceed 50 mA
due to the fact that the inverter would otherwise automatically disconnect from the grid as
a protective measure. For further information on this subject, see the technical information
"Capacitive Discharge Currents" in the download area at www.SMA.de/en.

Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
10 SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 Installation Guide
When designing the PV system, ensure that the values comply with the permitted operating range of
all components at all times. The free design program "Sunny Design" (www.SMA.de/en/
SunnyDesign) will assist you. The manufacturer of the PV modules must have approved the modules
for use with this Sunny Mini Central. You must also ensure that all measures recommended by the
module manufacturer for long-term maintenance of the module properties are taken (see also
Technical Information "Module Technology", in the download area of www.SMA.de/en).
Do not use the Sunny Mini Central for purposes other than those described here. Alternative uses,
modifications to the Sunny Mini Central or the installation of components not expressly recommended
or sold by SMA Solar Technology AG void the warranty claims and operation permission.
Certified Countries
The Sunny Mini Central 9000TL / 10000TL / 11000TL (with according configuration) fulfill the
requirements specified in the following standards and directives (dated: February/2010):
• VDE 0126-1-1 (02.2006)
• DK 5940 Ed. 2.2 (02.2006) (only for SMC 9000TL-10/IT / 10000TL-10/IT / 110000TL-10/IT)
• RD 1663/2000 (2000) a)
• PPC (06.2006) (only for SMC 9000TL-10 / 10000TL-10 / 11000TL-10)
•PPDS
• C10/C11 (08.2003) b)
• AS4777 (2005)
• IEC-utility Meeting 216
• RD 1663/661 (only for SMC 9000TLRP-10 / 10000TLRP-10 / 11000TLRP-10)
• MEA (on request)
•PEA (on request)
• Kepco guide (02.2006) (on request)
a) In the event of restrictions in certain regions, contact the SMA Serviceline.
b) Only possible when the phase voltage is 220 V.
SMA Solar Technology AG can preset special grid parameters for other countries / installation
locations according to customer request, after evaluation by SMA Solar Technology AG. You can
later make modifications yourself by changing software parameters with respective communication
products (e.g. Sunny Data Control or Sunny Explorer) (see section 5.8”Setting the Grid and Country
Parameters” (page48)). To change grid-relevant parameters, you need a personal access code - the
so-called SMA Grid Guard Code. The application form for the personal access code is located in the
download area at www.SMA.de/en, in the "Data sheet" category for each inverter.

SMA Solar Technology AG Safety
Installation Guide SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 11
2.2 Safety Instructions
DANGER!
Danger to life due to high voltages in the inverter!
• All work on the inverter must be carried out by qualified personnel only.
• The appliance is not to be used by children or persons with reduced physical, sensory
or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been
given supervision or instruction.
• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
DANGER!
Danger of burn injuries due to hot enclosure parts!
• Do not touch enclosure during operation.
• Only touch the lid during operation.
NOTICE!
Dust and water in the inverter can damage the device!
Once the Electronic Solar Switch has been pulled out, the inverter only provides protection
rating IP21. The inverter is then no longer protected against water and foreign objects. In
order to keep the protection rating IP65 during temporary decommissioning, proceed as
follows:
• Unlock and disconnect all DC connectors.
• Open all DC connectors and remove the wires.
• Close all DC inputs with the corresponding DC connectors and the supplied blank
plug.
• Securely attach the Electronic Solar Switch again.
Grounding the PV Generator
Comply with the local requirements for grounding the modules and the PV generator. SMA
Solar Technology AG recommends connecting the generator frame and other electricity-
conducting surfaces such that there is continuous conduction and to connect them to the
ground in order to reach maximum protection for property and persons.

Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
12 SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 Installation Guide
2.3 Explanation of Symbols
This chapter contains an explanation of all symbols found on the inverter and type label.
2.3.1 Symbols on the Inverter
2.3.2 Symbols on the Type Label
Symbol Explanation
Operation display.
Indicates the operation condition of the inverter.
Ground fault, varistor defective or string fuse defective
Read section 9”Troubleshooting” (page66).
Disturbance or fault
Read section 9”Troubleshooting” (page66).
Tap to switch on the display light and switch to the next display message.
Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) DC load disconnection unit
• When the Electronic Solar Switch is plugged in, the DC circuit is
closed.
• To interrupt the DC circuit and disconnect the inverter securely
under load, you have to first pull out the Electronic Solar Switch
and then remove all DC plug connectors , as described in section
7.2”Opening the Inverter” (page56).
Symbol Explanation
Beware of dangerous electrical voltage.
The inverter operates at high voltages. All work on the inverter must be
carried out by qualified personnel only.
Beware of hot surface.
The inverter can become hot during operation. Avoid contact during
operation.
Observe all documentation that accompanies the inverter.

SMA Solar Technology AG Safety
Installation Guide SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 13
The inverter must not be disposed of with the household waste. For more
information on disposal, see section 10.4”Disposing of the Inverter”
(page81).
CE mark.
The inverter complies with the requirements of the applicable EC guidelines.
The inverter is transformerless.
Direct Current (DC)
Alternating current (AC)
Protection rating IP65.
The inverter is protected against penetration by dust particles and water
jets from any angle.
RAL quality mark for solar products.
The inverter complies with the requirements of the German Institute for
Quality Assurance and Labeling.
Symbol Explanation

Unpacking SMA Solar Technology AG
14 SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 Installation Guide
3 Unpacking
3.1 Packing List
Check the delivery for completeness and any visible external damage. Contact your dealer if anything
is damaged or missing.
Object Number Description
A1 Sunny Mini Central
B1 Air grills (right / left)
C1 Wall mounting bracket
D1 Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) DC load disconnection unit
E10 DC plug connectors (5 x positive / 5 x negative)
F10 Blank plugs for DC plug connectors
G1 Cable screw connection for AC connection
H1 Counter nut for cable gland at AC connection
I1 Clamping clip for additional grounding
K2 Tooth lock washers: 1 x for cover screws (replacement),
1 x for ground connection cable terminal
L2 Cylinder head screws (M6x16): 1 x for lid (replacement),
1 x for ground connection cable terminal
C1 Jumper for fan test
N2 Cylinder head screws (M6 x 8) for securing the Sunny Mini Central to the wall
mounting bracket
O1 Installation guide
P1User manual
Q1 Set of documents with explanations and certificates
R1 Supplementary sheet with inverter factory settings

SMA Solar Technology AG Unpacking
Installation Guide SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 15
3.2 Identifying the Inverter
You can identify the inverter by the type plate. The type label is on the right side of the enclosure.
The serial number (Serial No.) and the type (Type / Model) of the inverter, as well as device-specific
characteristics, are specified on the type label.

Installing the Device SMA Solar Technology AG
16 SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 Installation Guide
4 Installing the Device
4.1 Safety
4.2 Selecting the Mounting Location
Consider the following requirements when selecting where to install:
• The installation method and mounting location must be suitable for the inverter's weight and
dimensions (see section 11”Technical Data” (page82)).
• Mount on a solid surface.
• The mounting location must at all times be clear and have safe access without the use of
additional aids such as scaffolding or lifting platforms. Any possible service actions are
otherwise limited.
DANGER!
Danger to life due to fire or explosion!
Despite careful construction, electrical devices can cause fires.
• Do not mount the inverter on flammable construction materials.
• Do not mount the inverter in areas where highly flammable materials are stored.
• Do not mount the inverter in areas with a risk of explosion.
CAUTION!
Danger of burn injuries due to hot enclosure parts!
• Mount the inverter in such a way that it cannot be touched inadvertently.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to the heavy weight of the inverter!
• Take the inverter's weight of approx. 35 kg into account for mounting.

SMA Solar Technology AG Installing the Device
Installation Guide SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 17
• Vertical installation or tilted backwards by max. 15°.
• The connection area must point downwards.
• Never install the device with a forward tilt.
• Do not install horizontally.
• Install at eye level to allow operating status to be read at all times.
• The ambient temperature should be below 40 °C to ensure optimal operation.
• Do not expose the inverter to direct sunlight to avoid a power reduction due to excessive
heating.
• In living areas, do not mount the unit on plasterboard walls or similar in order to avoid audible
vibrations. The inverter can make noises when in use which may be perceived as a nuisance in
a living area.
• Observe the minimum clearances to walls, other
inverters, or objects as shown in the diagram in
order to guarantee sufficient heat dissipation and to
have enough space for removing the Electronic
Solar Switch.
Multiple inverters installed in areas with high ambient temperatures
There must be sufficient clearance between the individual inverters to ensure the cooling air
from the adjacent inverter flows freely.
If necessary, increase the clearances and make sure there is enough ventilation to ensure
sufficient cooling of the inverters.

Installing the Device SMA Solar Technology AG
18 SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 Installation Guide
4.3 Mounting the Inverter with the Wall Mounting Bracket
1. Mark the position of the drill holes using the wall mounting bracket and drill the holes. Use at
least 2 of the 6 holes, with one hole on the right and one on the left.

SMA Solar Technology AG Installing the Device
Installation Guide SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 19
2. Secure the wall mounting bracket to the wall using
appropriate screws and washers.
3. Using the mounting hole, attach the inverter to the
rear panel of the enclosure in the wall mounting
bracket.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to the heavy weight of the inverter!
The inverter weights approx. 35 kg.
• Attach the wall mounting bracket with the corresponding mounting material
(depending on the surface).
• Use the side handles (above and below)
or a steel rod (maximum diameter of
30 mm) for transport and mounting. The
rod must be pushed through the
enclosure openings.

Installing the Device SMA Solar Technology AG
20 SMC9-11TLRP-IEN100640 Installation Guide
4. Screw the inverter to the wall mounting bracket on
both sides using the screws (M6x8) provided.
Only tighten the screws hand-tight.
5. Check to ensure the inverter is firmly fastened.
6. Close the recessed grips with the fan grills
provided. The air grills are marked "rechts/right"
and "links/left" on the interior for proper
assignment.
The air grills prevent dirt and insects from entering
the device and, if necessary, can be reordered from
SMA Solar Technology AG (see section
12”Accessories” (page88)).
Optional Theft Protection
To protect the inverter against theft, the rear
panel can be secured to the wall at the bottom
using 2 single-use bolts.
The other two holes are spares.