SMA Sunny Boy 1100U User manual

Photovoltaic, Grid-Tied
String Inverter
Sunny Boy 1100U
Installation Guide
SOLARTECHNOLOGY

Installation Guide
SB1100U-11:SE1604 SMA America i
Copyright © 2003 SMA America, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photographic,
magnetic, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SMA America, Inc.
SMA America makes no representations, express or implied, with respect to this
documentation or any of the equipment and/or software it may describe, including
(with no limitation) any implied warranties of utility, merchantability, or fitness for
any particular purpose. All such warranties are expressly disclaimed. Neither SMA
America nor its distributors or dealers shall be liable for any indirect, incidental, or
consequential damages under any circumstances.
(The exclusion of implied warranties may not apply in all cases under some
statutes, and thus the above exclusion may not apply.)
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Every attempt has been made
to make this document complete, accurate, and up-to-date. Readers are cautioned,
however, that SMA America reserves the right to make changes without notice and
shall not be responsible for any damages, including indirect, incidental or
consequential damages, caused by reliance on the material presented, including,
but not limited to, omissions, typographical errors, arithmetical errors, or listing
errors in the content material.
SMA America, Incorporated
12438-C Loma Rica Drive
Grass Valley, California 95945
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.sma-america.com
Revision History
Rev. No. Date By Reason
0.1 Sept. 2, 2003 Mike Brazil Alpha draft
0.2 Oct. 16, 2003 Mike Brazil Beta draft
0.3 Nov. 12, 2003 Jeffrey Philpott Preliminary Release
1.0 March 22, 2004 Gerald Salisbury First official version

Installation Guide
ii SMA America SB1100U-11:SE1604
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important instructions for the Sunny Boy 1100U that must be
followed during installation and maintenance of the inverter.
The Sunny Boy is designed and tested according to international safety requirements,
but as with all electrical and electronic equipment, certain precautions must be observed
when installing and/or operating the Sunny Boy. To reduce the risk of personal injury
and to ensure the safe installation and operation of the Sunny Boy, you must carefully
read and follow all instructions, cautions, and warnings in this Installation Guide.
Safety and Hazard Symbols
This symbol is used to call attention to important information that you
must have when installing and/or operating the Sunny Boy. Failure to
read and follow instructions marked with this symbol could result in
injury or death and/or damage to the equipment.
This symbol appears beside instructions and warnings that deal
with dangerous voltages that can injure or kill people who come
in contact with them.
This symbol appears beside instructions and cautions that deal
with equipment components that can be damaged by static
electricity.
This symbol appears beside instructions, cautions, and warnings that
deal with portions of the equipment that can operate at temperatures
high enough to cause burns.
This symbol appears beside instructions, cautions, and warnings that
deal with portions of the equipment that can operate at temperatures
high enough to start a fire.

Installation Guide
SB1100U-11:SE1604 SMA America iii
Cautions and Warnings
WARNING: A Warning describes a hazard to personnel. It
calls attention to a procedure or practice, which, if not correct-
ly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury.
CAUTION: A Caution describes a hazard to equipment. It calls
attention to an operating procedure or practice, which, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or
destruction of part or all of the SMA equipment and/or other
equipment connected to the SMA equipment.
Warnings and Cautions may also be accompanied by one or more of the safety and
hazard symbols described above to indicate the type of hazard described therein.
All electrical installations must be done in accordance with
the local and National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70.
The Sunny Boy contains no user-serviceable parts. Always
return the unit to an SMA authorized Service Center for
repairs and maintenance.
Before installing or using the Sunny Boy, read all of the
instructions, cautions, and warnings on the Sunny Boy, the
PV array, and in this Installation Guide.
You must not connect the Sunny Boy to the electrical utility
grid until you have received prior approval from the utility
company. This connection must be made only by qualified
personnel.
PV arrays produce electrical energy when exposed to light
and thus can create an electrical shock hazard.
Completely cover the surface of all PV-arrays with opaque
(dark) material before wiring them.
The Sunny Boy has a heat sink on its top surface to help
cool the internal components. This heat sink can reach
temperatures as high as 158° F (70° C). To avoid the risk
of burns, never touch the Sunny Boy’s heat sink while the
unit is in operation.

Installation Guide
iv SMA America SB1100U-11:SE1604
Other Symbols
In addition to the safety and hazard symbols described on the previous pages, the
following two symbols are also used in this Installation Guide:
Note: This symbol accompanies notes that call attention to sup-
plementary information that you should know and use to ensure
optimal operation of the system.
Example: This symbol accompanies examples that are included
to help you understand certain topics.
Warranty
All Sunny Boy inverters sold in the USA have a five-year warranty, as indicated on the
warranty card included in the Sunny Boy shipping container. For warranty coverage, or
if you have questions about the Sunny Boy warranty, contact SMA America at the
address, telephone number, or Web site listed on page i (to send E-mail, see the Contact
section of the SMA America Web site).

SB1100U-11:SE1604 SMA America v
Contents
Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Safety and Hazard Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Cautions and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Other Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
1 Introduction
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Installation Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
2 Unpacking and Inspection
3 Mounting the Sunny Boy
Choosing a Mounting Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Dimensions and Recommended Clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Mounting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
4 Wiring and Connecting the Sunny Boy
Sunny Boy 1100U Internal Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Opening the Sunny Boy 1100U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Locating Internal Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Wiring the AC Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
AC Connection Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Connecting the AC Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Wiring the DC Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
DC Connection Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Connecting the DC Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Connecting Communication Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
RS-232 Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
RS-485 Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Replacing the Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
5 Commissioning the Sunny Boy
6 Displays and Messages
Fault Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Communication Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
7 Troubleshooting

vi SMA America SB1100U-11:SE1604

SB1100U-11:SE1604 SMA America 1-1
Section 1:
Introduction
This installation guide provides all the information needed to mount, wire, and
commission a Sunny Boy 1100U grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) inverter.
Note: To help avoid problems during the installation,
familiarize yourself with the installation process by reading
the entire Installation Guide before starting the installation.
WARNING: Lethal voltages are present at various points
in a PV system. For safety reasons, it is recommended that
only trained professionals attempt to install this equip-
ment.
Product Overview
The SMA Sunny Boy 1100U string inverter is designed for use in grid-tied PV generating
plants. It accepts DC voltage inputs from PV arrays of up to 400 V DC.
A grid-feeding inverter takes the DC output of the PV array, converts it to AC, adjusts
the output voltage to match the local utility-grid voltage, and feeds the AC output to both
the house wiring and the utility grid. In its most basic form, a PV system therefore consists
of three basic components: the PV module (or array of panels), the inverter, and the
utility grid. The AC voltage supplied by the PV system is used first by household devices
(appliances, lights, etc.), and any unconsumed power is then fed through the house’s
power meter into the utility grid as shown in Figure 1-1 (page 1-1).
Figure 1-1 Sunny Boy 1100U Installed in a Utility Interactive PV System
PVArray Sunny Boy 1100U Utility Grid
Meter

Introduction Installation Overview
1-2 SMA America SB1100U-11:SE1604
When the PV system is not producing enough power to meed the demands of all the
electrical loads in the household, additional power is drawn from the utility grid to make
up the difference. When the PV system is producing more power than is consumed by
household devices, the surplus power turns the house’s power meter backwards as it
passes into the utility grid to be used by other electrical consumers, thus producing utility
credits for the power added to the utility grid.
Note: Policies vary from one utility company to another. Consult
with a representative of the local utility company before
planning and installing a PV system.
Installation Overview
This section provides a high-level overview of the installation process so you have an
idea what to expect as you proceed through the rest of the Installation Guide.
The installation process is broken down into the following tasks:
Section 2: Unpacking and Inspection
This section provides instructions and information for unpacking the Sunny Boy,
inspecting it for shipping damage, and if necessary, returning a damaged Sunny Boy.
Section 3: Mounting the Sunny Boy
This section includes guidelines to help you select the best mounting location, cautions
and warnings that you should follow to avoid injury and/or equipment damage, and
step-by-step instructions for mounting a Sunny Boy 1100U inverter.
Section 4: Wiring and Connecting the Sunny Boy
This section includes guidelines for selecting the correct wire sizes, cautions and
warnings that you should follow to avoid injury and/or equipment damage, and step-
by-step instructions for wiring a Sunny Boy to a PV array, household electrical circuits,
and the utility grid. Procedures are also included for connecting optional data-
communication cables to the Sunny Boy.
Section 5: Commissioning the Sunny Boy
Commissioning involves applying DC input power to the Sunny Boy, observing the LED
indicators on the cover, and resolving any problems that occur.
Section 6: Displays and Messages
This section provides tips and procedures for resolving problems that can occur during
installation.

SB1100U-11:SE1604 SMA America 2-1
Section 2:
Unpacking and Inspection
All Sunny Boy inverters are thoroughly checked before they are packed and shipped.
Although they are shipped in sturdy, recyclable packaging, damage can still occur
during shipping and delivery. It is important for you to carefully inspect the shipping
container prior to beginning the installation. If you detect any external damage to the
packaging that makes you suspect the inverter itself could be damaged, or if you find
that the inverter is damaged after unpacking it, report the damage immediately to your
SMA dealer and to the shipping company that delivered the Sunny Boy. If it becomes
necessary to return the Sunny Boy, use the original packaging in which the Sunny Boy
was delivered.
WARNING: The Sunny Boy 1100U weighs 21 kg (47 lb.). To
avoid injury, lift the Sunny Boy carefully, and be careful to
prevent the weight of the inverter from causing you to lose
your balance and fall. If possible, have someone help you
when you unpack the Sunny Boy.
If you need assistance in dealing with a damaged Sunny Boy, contact your SMA dealer
or SMA America. Contact information for SMA America is provided below.
SMA America, Incorporated
12438-C Loma Rica Drive
Grass Valley, California 95945
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.sma-america.com

Unpacking and Inspection
2-2 SMA America SB1100U-11:SE1604

SB1100U-11:SE1604 SMA America 3-1
Section 3:
Mounting the Sunny Boy
This section provides guidelines to help you select the best mounting location, cautions
and warnings that you should follow to avoid injury and/or equipment damage, and
step-by-step instructions for mounting a Sunny Boy 1100U inverter.
WARNING: To avoid injury, lift the Sunny Boy carefully, and
handle it carefully to prevent the weight of the inverter from
causing you to lose your balance and fall. If possible, have
someone help you when you mount the Sunny Boy.
Choosing a Mounting Location
Consider the following guidelines, cautions, and warnings when choosing a mounting
location for a Sunny Boy inverter:
• The Sunny Boy 1100U should be installed in a location where it is not exposed to
direct sunlight, since the higher temperature within the unit caused by the sun can
result in reduced output from the PV system. When the heatsink on the top of the
Sunny Boy is exposed to direct sunlight, the inverter operates in Derate Mode, which
reduces the output power of the system to keep the heatsink temperature below
158°F (70°C).
• The inverter must be installed in a location that is inaccessible to children.
• The Sunny Boy emits a slight vibrating noise when operating. This vibration is normal
and has no effect on performance, but it can be objectionable if the inverter is
mounted on a wall in a living area, on the outside of a wall that is part of a living
area, or on certain types of materials, such as thin wood panelling or sheet metal.
• If the inverter is installed outside, it must be mounted vertically or with the top tilted
towards the back. To ensure optimum energy yield and ease of operation, mount the
inverter vertically and at eye level (see Figure 3-1).
Figure 3-1 Sunny Boy Mounting Positions
Tilted Back
(Acceptable)
Vertical
(Best)
Tilted Forward
(Unacceptable)

Mounting the Sunny Boy Choosing a Mounting Location
3-2 SMA America SB1100U-11:SE1604
CAUTION: The Sunny Boy 1100U weighs 21 kg (47 lb.).
Ensure that the surface on which you mount the Sunny Boy
is strong enough to hold the weight. Do not mount the Sunny
Boy on plasterboard (sheet-rock) or thin wood panelling.
CAUTION: All electrical conduits and any communication
cables must be positioned and/or sealed so that no water
can enter the inverter enclosure through these conduits and
cables.
CAUTION: If the Sunny Boy is mounted outside, humid
weather during the installation could cause eventual
damage to the inverter. If moisture from damp air is
enclosed in the case when you complete the installation, it
will eventually condense within the case, and the moisture
can damage the electronic components. Do not install the
Sunny Boy when it is raining, and if possible, choose a day
when the humidity is low to install it.
CAUTION: If you are installing the Sunny Boy in a cabinet,
closet, or other relatively small enclosed area, you must pro-
vide sufficient air circulation to dissipate the heat generated
by the inverter.
WARNING: When the Sunny Boy is operating, individual
parts of the enclosure may reach temperatures of 158° F
(70° C). To prevent fires, ensure that nothing comes in
contact with the heat sink and that surrounding materials
are sufficiently heat-resistant.
WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or other injury,
check for existing electrical or plumbing installations in the
walls where you plan to drill mounting holes for the Sunny
Boy prior to drilling.

Mounting the Sunny Boy Dimensions and Recommended Clearances
SB1100U-11:SE1604 SMA America 3-3
Dimensions and Recommended Clearances
The outer dimensions of the Sunny Boy 1100U are shown in Figure 3-2. The Sunny Boy
must be mounted so that there is at least eight inches of clearance above the heat sink
that is mounted on the top of the inverter
Figure 3-2 Outer Dimensions of the Sunny Boy 1100U
CAUTION: You must ensure that there is sufficient clearance for
heat dissipation above the Sunny Boy’s heat sink! In a normal
operating environment with good ventilation, eight inches of
clearance is adequate. However, if the airflow to the Sunny Boy
is restricted or it is subjected to other abnormal operating con-
ditions, enough additional clearance (or forced ventilation)
must be provided to allow the heat that the Sunny Boy produces
to dissipate freely.
Note: If additional ventilation is required use the optional Sunny
Breeze fan that mounts to the heat sink.
Note: The National Electrical Code may require significantly
larger working clearances (see NEC Section 110.26).
180 mm
(7.09 in)
320 mm
(12.60 in)
322 mm
(12.68 in)

Mounting the Sunny Boy Dimensions and Recommended Clearances
3-4 SMA America SB1100U-11:SE1604
Wall-Mounting Bracket
Figure 3-3 Dimensions of the wall-mounting bracket

Mounting the Sunny Boy Mounting Procedure
SB1100U-11:SE1604 SMA America 3-5
Mounting Procedure
The Sunny Boy 1100U is shipped with a T-shaped wall-mounting bracket that is suitable
for use with most walls (see Figure 3-4). The horizontal part of the T bracket has two
holes spaced for 16-inch centers for mounting on wooden wall studs, or it can be
mounted on concrete or stone walls. Make sure that the wall you choose to mount the
Sunny Boy on is sturdy enough to support its weight (21 kg/47 lb.) over a long period
of time and that the wall is plumb.
Figure 3-4 Sunny Boy 1100U with Mounting Bracket
Use the following procedure to mount the Sunny Boy:
1. Locate the T-shaped wall-mounting bracket included in the shipping container with
the Sunny Boy.
2. Position the wall-mounting bracket against the wall where you intend to mount the
Sunny Boy (it is best to mount the Sunny Boy at approximately eye-level), place a
level on the top edge of the bracket, and adjust the position of the bracket so that it
is level.
3. Using the wall-mounting bracket as a template, mark the wall through the two holes
in the horizontal portion of the bracket.
CAUTION: Ensure that there are studs in the wall at the places
where you intend to drill the mounting-holes. DO NOT use molly
or toggle bolts to mount the Sunny Boy to sheet rock or
panelling.
2
3
1

Mounting the Sunny Boy Mounting Procedure
3-6 SMA America SB1100U-11:SE1604
4. Set the bracket aside temporarily, and drill holes at the marks you made on the
wall.
Note: The diameter of the holes you drill must match the
hardware you are using to mount the Sunny Boy. For example,
if you are mounting the Sunny Boy on a concrete wall, the hole
diameter should be approximately the same as the outside
diameter of the concrete anchors you intend to use. If you are
mounting the Sunny Boy on a wall that has wooden studs inside
it, the hole diameter should be the correct size for the lag screws
you intend to use to mount the bracket. If you are installing the
Sunny Boy outside, the lag screws must be made of stainless
steel, and the diameter of the screws should closely match the
diameter of the holes in the wall-mounting bracket. If you use
M6x10 or 1/4” screws, drill 7/32-inch pilot holes.
5. Insert two stainless-steel lag screws through the holes in the horizontal part of the
wall-mounting bracket and into the holes you drilled in the wall. Tighten the screws
until the bracket is held firmly against the wall (see #1 in Figure 3-4). Do not over-
tighten the screws.
6. Carefully lift the Sunny Boy into position near the mounting bracket. The upside-
down, U-shaped bracket attached to back of the Sunny Boy at the top edge fits over
the top edge of the bracket so that the Sunny Boy hangs from the bracket (see #2 in
Figure 3-4).
WARNING: To avoid injury, lift the Sunny Boy carefully, and
handle it carefully to prevent the weight of the inverter from
causing you to lose your balance and fall. If possible, have
someone help you when you mount the Sunny Boy.
7. Inspect the Sunny Boy from both sides to ensure that the U-shaped bracket on the
Sunny Boy fully engages the top edge of the mounting bracket and that the Sunny
Boy is centered on the bracket.
8. Locate the mounting strap that hangs from the back of the Sunny Boy at the bottom.
9. Insert an M6x10 bolt through the hole in the mounting strap and into the threaded
hole in the bottom end of the wall-mounting bracket (see #3 in Figure 3-4).
10.Tighten the bolt fully (do not overtighten).
11.Verify that the Sunny Boy 1100U is firmly mounted in place.

SB1100U-11:SE1604 SMA America 4-1
Section 4:
Wiring and Connecting the Sunny Boy
This section provides step-by-step procedures and other information required for wiring
the Sunny Boy 1100U to the PV array, the household circuits, and the utility grid. To
accomplish the installation in the safest and most efficient manner, complete the steps in
the order that they appear.
WARNING: Before connecting or operating the Sunny
Boy, read all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings
on the Sunny Boy, the PV array, and in this Installation
Guide.
WARNING: You must connect the wires that carry the AC
voltage from the Sunny Boy to the utility grid and the
wires that carry the DC voltage from the PC array to the
Sunny Boy in the order described in the procedures in this
section. Deviating from these procedures could expose
you to hazardous voltages that can cause serious injury
and/or death if you come in contact with them.
WARNING: Always turn OFF all breakers and switches in
the PV system before connecting any wires to the Sunny
Boy or disconnecting any wires from the Sunny Boy.
WARNING: When connecting wires to the Sunny Boy,
always do so in the following sequence:
1. De-energize all AC and DC sources by switching all AC
and DC disconnects and/or breakers OFF.
2. Connect the Sunny Boy to the utility grid (using an
approved disconnect).
3. Connect the PV wires to the DC disconnect.
4. Connect the DC disconnect wires to the Sunny Boy·
5. Turn the AC switches and/or breakers ON.
6. Turn the DC switches and/or breakers ON.

Wiring and Connecting the Sunny Boy Sunny Boy 1100U Internal Components
4-2 SMA America SB1100U-11:SE1604
To disconnect the Sunny Boy, first turn OFF all DC disconnects and then all AC
disconnects. After the Sunny Boy is de-energized, disconnect the wiring in the
reverse order.
WARNING: Always wait a minimum of 5 minutes for the
stored potential in the Sunny Boy to discharge completely
before opening the enclosure.
WARNING: All electrical installations must be done in
accordance with all local electrical codes and the National
Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.
WARNING: You must not connect the Sunny Boy to the
electrical utility grid until you have received prior
approval from the utility company. This connection must
be made only by qualified personnel.
Sunny Boy 1100U Internal Components
All of the terminals and connectors for DC input, AC output, and communications are
inside the Sunny Boy’s case. To gain access to these and other internal components, you
must remove the cover.
Opening the Sunny Boy 1100U
Remove the four M5 screws and lock washers that attach the cover to the Sunny Boy.
Place the cover, screws, and lock washers aside where they will be out of your way while
you are connecting wires and cables to the Sunny Boy.
CAUTION: Be careful not to misplace the screws or the lock
washers, as all four screws and lock washers are required to
ensure that the cover is grounded properly and is fully sealed to
the case. Handle the cover carefully, as even minor damage to
the cover could result in an inadequate seal between the cover
and the case, thus allowing moisture to enter the case and
damage the sensitive electronic components.
Locating Internal Components
Figure 4-1shows the internal components of the Sunny Boy 1100U. Refer to this
illustration whenever you need to locate a component to complete a step of the
installation procedure.