SMA SUNNY BOY 3800 User manual

SB33_38-IEN111851 | IME-SB3800 | Version 5.1
EN
PV Inverter
SUNNY BOY 3300/3800
Installation Guide

SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents
Installation Guide SB33_38-IEN111851 3
Table of Contents
1 Notes on this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.1 Validity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.2 Target Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3 Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4 Symbols Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1 Appropriate Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 Explanation of Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.1 Symbols on the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.2 Symbols on the Type Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3 Unpacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.1 Scope of Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2 Identifying the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4 Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2 Selecting the Mounting Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.3 Mounting the Inverter with the Wall Mounting Bracket . . . . . . 17
5 Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2 Overview of the Connection Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2.1 Exterior View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2.2 Interior View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Table of Contents SMA Solar Technology AG
4 SB33_38-IEN111851 Installation Guide
5.3 Connection to the Power Distribution Grid (AC). . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.3.1 Conditions for the AC Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.3.2 Connecting the Inverter to the Power Distribution Grid (AC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.3.3 Connecting Additional Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.4 Setting the Display Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
5.5 Connection of the PV Generator (DC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5.5.1 Conditions for the DC Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5.5.2 Assembling the DC Plug Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5.5.3 Opening the DC Plug Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.5.4 Connecting the PV Generator (DC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.6 Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.7 Setting the Grid and Country Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.7.1 Setting the Installation Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.7.2 Setting Off-Grid Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
6 Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.1 Commissioning the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.2 Self-Test in accordance with DK 5940, Ed. 2.2
(applies to Italy only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6.2.1 Starting the Self-Test by Tapping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6.2.2 Completion of the Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
7 Opening and Closing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7.1 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7.2 Opening the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7.3 Closing the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8 Maintenance and Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
8.1 Checking Heat Dissipation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
8.1.1 Cleaning the Fan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
8.1.2 Checking the Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
8.1.3 Cleaning the Ventilation Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents
Installation Guide SB33_38-IEN111851 5
8.2 Checking the Electronic Solar Switch for Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
9.1 Blink Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
9.2 Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
9.3 Red LED is Glowing Continuously. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
9.3.1 Checking the PV Generator for a Ground Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
9.3.2 Checking the Function of the Varistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
10 Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
10.1 Dismantling the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
10.2 Packing the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
10.3 Storing the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
10.4 Disposing of the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
11 Technical data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
11.1 Sunny Boy 3300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
11.2 Sunny Boy 3800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
12 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
13 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Notes on this Guide SMA Solar Technology AG
6 SB33_38-IEN111851 Installation Guide
1 Notes on this Guide
1.1 Validity
This guide describes the assembly, installation, commissioning and maintenance of the following SMA
inverters:
• Sunny Boy 3300 (SB 3300) from firmware version GRX33_3.02/3.02,
• Sunny Boy 3800 (SB 3800) from firmware version GRX38_3.05/3.05.
The firmware version will be indicated in the display once you have commissioned the inverter.
Keep this guide in a convenient place for future reference.
1.2 Target Group
This guide is for electrically qualified persons. The tasks described in this guide may be performed by
electrically qualified persons 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 provided for detailed information on operating the inverter.

SMA Solar Technology AG Notes on this Guide
Installation Guide SB33_38-IEN111851 7
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.

Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
8 SB33_38-IEN111851 Installation Guide
2 Safety
2.1 Appropriate Usage
The Sunny Boy is a PV inverter, which converts the DC current of the PV generator to AC current and
feeds it into the public grid.
Principle of a PV plant with this Sunny Boy
The Sunny Boy 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 Boy.
When designing the PV plant, 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 Boy device. 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 Boy for purposes other than those described here. Alternative uses,
modifications to the Sunny Boy or the installation of components not expressly recommended or sold
by SMA Solar Technology AG void the warranty claims and operation permission.

SMA Solar Technology AG Safety
Installation Guide SB33_38-IEN111851 9
Certified Countries
Providing correct settings, Sunny Boy 3300/3800 complies with the following standards and
guidelines (status: 11/2010):
• VDE 0126-1-1 (02.2006)
• RD 1663/2000 (2000)
• G83/1 (09.2003)
• CER/06/190 (10.2006)
• E 2750 (11.2004)
• PPC (2006/06)
• EN 50438 (12.2007)
• C10/C11 (08.2003)
• PPDS (2009)
• DK 5940 Ed.2.2 (02.2006) (valid for SB 3300-IT/3800-IT only)
• AS4777 (2005)
• IEC-utility Meeting 216
• UTE C15-712-1
SMA Solar Technology AG can preset special grid parameters for other countries/installation
locations according to customer requests, 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 5.7”Setting the Grid and Country
Parameters” (page36)). 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 "Certificate" category for each inverter.

Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
10 SB33_38-IEN111851 Installation Guide
2.2 Safety Instructions
DANGER!
Danger to life due to high voltages in the inverter.
• All work on the inverter may only be carried out by an electrically qualified person.
CAUTION!
Danger of burn injuries due to hot enclosure parts!
• Do not touch the inverter's enclosure 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 dust. In order to also
maintain protection rating IP65 during temporary decommissioning, proceed as follows:
• Release and disconnect all DC connectors.
• Open all DC connectors and remove the cables.
• Close all DC inputs with the corresponding DC connectors and the supplied sealing
plugs.
• 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 in a manner which ensures continuous conductions, and
grounding them in order to achieve maximum protection of the system and personnel.

SMA Solar Technology AG Safety
Installation Guide SB33_38-IEN111851 11
2.3 Explanation of Symbols
This section gives an explanation of all the symbols found on the inverter and on the type plate.
2.3.1 Symbols on the Inverter
Symbol Explanation
Operation Display.
Indicates the operating state of the inverter.
Ground fault or varistor defective.
Read section 9.3”Red LED is Glowing Continuously” (page58).
Error or disturbance.
Read section 9”Troubleshooting” (page52).
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.
• In order to interrupt the DC circuit and disconnect the inverter
securely under load, first pull out the Electronic Solar Switch and
then remove all DC plug connectors , as described in section
7.2”Opening the Inverter” (page43).

Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
12 SB33_38-IEN111851 Installation Guide
2.3.2 Symbols on the Type Plate
Symbol Explanation
Beware of dangerous electrical voltage.
The inverter operates at high voltages. All work on the inverter may only be
carried out by an electrically qualified person.
Beware of hot surface.
The inverter can become hot during operation. Avoid contact during
operation.
Observe all documentation that accompanies the inverter.
The inverter must not be disposed of together with household waste. For
more information on disposal, see section 10.4”Disposing of the Inverter”
(page65).
CE mark.
The inverter complies with the requirements of the applicable EC
guidelines.
The inverter has a transformer.
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.

SMA Solar Technology AG Unpacking
Installation Guide SB33_38-IEN111851 13
3 Unpacking
3.1 Scope of Delivery
Check the delivery for completeness and for visible external damage, such as cracks in the enclosure
or in the display. Contact your dealer if anything is damaged or missing.
Object Number Description
A1 Sunny Boy
B1 Wall mounting bracket (back panel)
C2 Ventilation grid (1 x right, 1 x left)
D1 Electronic Solar Switch (ESS)
E5 Filler-plug for wall mounting (sealing)
F2 Cylinder bolts and M6 safety washers
G1 Jumper for communication/fan test
H1 AC coupling socket: socket unit, protective cap for socket unit, threaded
sleeve, sealing ring, clamping nut.
I6 Sealing plugs for DC plug connectors
K6 DC plug connectors (3 x positive / 3 x negative)
L1 Installation Guide
M1User Manual
N1Document set
O1 Supplementary sheet with inverter factory settings

Unpacking SMA Solar Technology AG
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3.2 Identifying the Inverter
You can identify the inverter using the type plate. The type plate 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 plate.

SMA Solar Technology AG Assembly
Installation Guide SB33_38-IEN111851 15
4 Assembly
4.1 Safety
4.2 Selecting the Mounting Location
Consider the following requirements when selecting where to install:
• The mounting method and location must be suitable for the inverter's weight and dimensions
(see section 11”Technical data” (page66)).
• 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 during
operation.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to the heavy weight of the inverter!
• Take the inverter's weight of approx. 38 kg into account for mounting.

Assembly SMA Solar Technology AG
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• Install vertically or tilted backwards at a maximum angle of 45°.
• The connection area must point downwards.
• Never mount the device with a forward tilt.
• Never install the device with a sideways tilt.
• Do not mount horizontally.
• Install at eye level in order to allow operation conditions to be read at all times.
• The inverter must be easy to remove from the mounting location at any time.
• The ambient temperature should be below 40 °C to ensure optimal operation.
• Do not expose the inverter to direct sunlight to avoid power reduction due to excessive heating.
• In living areas, do not mount the unit on plasterboard walls or similar 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 ensure sufficient heat dissipation and
sufficient space for removing the Electronic Solar
Switch.
Multiple inverters installed in areas with high ambient temperatures
If necessary, increase the clearances between the individual inverters. In addition, make
sure there is enough ventilation to ensure sufficient cooling of the inverters

SMA Solar Technology AG Assembly
Installation Guide SB33_38-IEN111851 17
4.3 Mounting the Inverter with the Wall Mounting Bracket
1. Use the wall mounting bracket as a drilling template and mark the positions of the drill holes.
2. Fill in holes that are not required in the wall mounting bracket using the filler-plugs. Insert the
filler-plugs into the wall mounting bracket from the outside (the side that will later be placed
against the wall).
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to the heavy weight of the inverter.
• Note that the inverter weighs approx. 38 kg.
Mounting material
When mounting the bracket, use fastening material suitable for the mounting surface.

Assembly SMA Solar Technology AG
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3. Attach the wall mounting bracket to the wall using
appropriate screws and washers.
4. Mount the inverter with the upper fastening plates
on the wall mounting bracket in such a way that
both plates on the upper edge of the bracket pass
through the cutouts on the inverter.
5. Visual inspection: The inverter is only correctly
mounted when both rear panel mounting plates
slightly protrude through the cutouts.
6. If a second protective conductor is required in the country of installation, ground the inverter and
protect against excavation, as described in section 5.3.3”Connecting Additional Grounding”
(page27).

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Installation Guide SB33_38-IEN111851 19
7. If a second protective conductor is not required,
secure the inverter against excavation:
– Insert cylinder bolt with safety washer through
the metal lashing eye on the bottom of the
enclosure. The toothing of the safety washer
must face toward the metal shackle.
– Tighten cylinder bolt to a tightening torque of
6Nm.
8. Check to ensure that the inverter is firmly fastened. The wall mounting bracket is designed so
that the inverter tilts backward slightly on a perfectly vertical wall.
9. Attach the ventilation grids provided to the inverter.
To help you identify the sides, "links/left" or "rechts/
right" is printed on the inside of the ventilation grids.
☑ The inverter is now mounted.

Electrical Connection SMA Solar Technology AG
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5 Electrical Connection
5.1 Safety
5.2 Overview of the Connection Area
5.2.1 Exterior View
The following figure shows the assignment of the individual connection areas on the bottom of the
inverter.
NOTICE!
Damage to the inverter through electrostatic discharges.
Internal components of the inverter can be irreparably damaged by static discharge.
• Before you touch a component inside the inverter, ground yourself by touching a
grounded object.
Object Description
AEnclosure openings for communication (with filler-plugs)
BDC connectors for connecting the PV strings
CSocket for connecting the Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) DC load disconnection unit
DAC socket for grid connection