SMA SUNNY TRIPOWER 12000TL-US User manual

PV Inverter
SUNNY TRIPOWER
12000TL-US / 15000TL-US / 20000TL-US / 24000TL-US
Installation Manual
STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 | IMEN-STPTL-US | Version 1.1 AMERICAN ENGLISH

SMA America, LLC Legal Provisions
Installation Manual STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 3
Legal Provisions
Copyright © 2013 SMA America, LLC. 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, be it electronic, mechanical, photographic, magnetic or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of SMA America, LLC.
Neither SMA America, LLC nor SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. makes 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, LLC nor
its distributors or dealers nor SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. 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, LLC and SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. reserve 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.
All trademarks are recognized even if these are not marked separately. Missing designations do not
mean that a product or brand is not a registered trademark.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and
any use of such marks by SMA America, LLC and SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. is under
license.
SMA America, LLC
3801 N. Havana Street
Denver, CO 80239 U.S.A.
SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc.
2425 Matheson Blvd. E
7th Floor
Mississauga, ON L4W 5K4
Canada

Important Safety Instructions SMA America, LLC
4 STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 Installation Manual
Important Safety Instructions
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important instructions for the following products:
• STP 12000TL-US-10 (Sunny Tripower 12000TL-US)
• STP 15000TL-US-10 (Sunny Tripower 15000TL-US)
• STP 20000TL-US-10 (Sunny Tripower 20000TL-US)
• STP 24000TL-US-10 (Sunny Tripower 24000TL-US)
This manual must be followed during installation and maintenance.
The product is designed and tested in accordance with international safety requirements, but as with
all electrical and electronic equipment, certain precautions must be observed when installing and/or
operating the product. To reduce the risk of personal injury and to ensure the safe installation and
operation of the product, you must carefully read and follow all instructions, cautions and warnings in
this manual.
Warnings in this Document
A warning describes a hazard to equipment or personnel. It calls attention to a 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 or personal injury.
Symbol Description
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not related to personal injury.

SMA America, LLC Important Safety Instructions
Installation Manual STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 5
Warnings on this Product
The following symbols are used as product markings with the following meanings.
Symbol Description
Warning regarding dangerous voltage
The product works with high voltages. All work on the product must
only be performed as described in the documentation of the product.
Beware of hot surface
The product can become hot during operation. Do not touch the
product during operation.
Observe the operating instructions
Read the documentation of the product before working on it. Follow
all safety precautions and instructions as described in the
documentation.

General Warnings SMA America, LLC
6 STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 Installation Manual
General Warnings
All electrical installations must be made in accordance with the local and National Electrical
Code® ANSI/NFPA 70 or the Canadian Electrical Code® CSA C22.1. This document does not
and is not intended to replace any local, state, provincial, federal or national laws, regulations or
codes applicable to the installation and use of the product, including without limitation applicable
electrical safety codes. All installations must conform with the laws, regulations, codes and
standards applicable in the jurisdiction of installation. SMA assumes no responsibility for the
compliance or noncompliance with such laws or codes in connection with the installation of the
product.
The product contains no user-serviceable parts.
For all repair and maintenance, always return the unit to an authorized SMA Service Center.
Before installing or using the product, read all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings in this
manual.
Before connecting the product to the electrical utility grid, contact the local utility company. Such
connection must be made by qualified personnel only.
Wiring of the product must be made by qualified personnel only.

SMA America, LLC Table of Contents
Installation Manual STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 7
Table of Contents
1 Information on this Document ...................................................11
2 Safety...........................................................................................13
2.1 Intended Use.............................................................................13
2.2 Skills of Qualified Persons ........................................................ 14
2.3 Safety Precautions.....................................................................15
3 Scope of Delivery .......................................................................16
4 Product Description.....................................................................17
4.1 Sunny Tripower .........................................................................17
4.2 Type Label and Additional Label .............................................19
4.3 SMA Webconnect Data Module ............................................ 20
4.4 485 Data Module ....................................................................20
4.5 Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)...........................................20
4.6 SMA OptiTrac Global Peak.....................................................21
4.7 SMA Grid Guard...................................................................... 21
5 Mounting .....................................................................................22
5.1 Requirements for Mounting ......................................................22
5.2 Mounting the Inverter ............................................................... 26
6 Electrical Connection...................................................................28
6.1 Safety during Electrical Connection.........................................28
6.2 Overview of the Connection Area...........................................30
6.2.1 View from Below .............................................................................30
6.2.2 Interior View ....................................................................................31
6.3 AC Connection.......................................................................... 32
6.3.1 Requirements for the AC Connection.............................................32
6.3.2 Connecting the Inverter to the Utility Grid.....................................33
6.4 DC Connection .........................................................................35
6.4.1 Requirements for the DC Connection.............................................35
6.4.2 Connecting the PV Array................................................................36

Table of Contents SMA America, LLC
8 STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 Installation Manual
6.5 Additional Grounding of the Enclosure................................... 38
7 Commissioning............................................................................39
8 Configuration ..............................................................................40
8.1 Connecting the Inverter to the Network ..................................40
8.2 Registering the Inverter in Sunny Portal ...................................41
8.3 Changing the SystemTime and System Password................... 41
8.4 Changing Operating Parameters............................................. 42
8.5 Activating and Setting SMA OptiTrac Global Peak ............... 42
8.6 Adjustable Parameters..............................................................43
9 Disconnecting the Inverter .........................................................44
10 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................45
10.1 LED Signals................................................................................ 45
10.2 Event Messages ........................................................................46
10.2.1 Information ......................................................................................46
10.2.2 Warnings and Errors.......................................................................47
10.3 Cleaning the Inverter ................................................................54
10.4 Cleaning the Fan.......................................................................54
10.4.1 Cleaning the Fan at the Bottom......................................................54
10.4.2 Cleaning the Fan on the Left-Hand Side of the Enclosure............56
10.5 Checking the Fans.....................................................................58
10.6 Checking the PV System for Ground Faults............................. 58
10.7 Resetting the Operation Inhibition after Detection of an
Arc Fault ....................................................................................60
10.8 Procedure for Receiving a Replacement Device .....................61
11 Decommissioning the Inverter ...................................................64

SMA America, LLC Table of Contents
Installation Manual STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 9
12 Technical Data.............................................................................66
12.1 DC/AC ...................................................................................... 66
12.1.1 Sunny Tripower 12000TL-US / 15000TL-US................................66
12.1.2 Sunny Tripower 20000TL-US / 24000TL-US................................68
12.2 General data............................................................................. 70
12.3 Protection Devices.....................................................................71
12.4 Climatic Conditions...................................................................71
12.5 Features ..................................................................................... 71
12.6 Torques ......................................................................................71
12.7 Data Storage Capacity ............................................................ 72
13 Accessories ..................................................................................73
14 Compliance Information.............................................................74
15 Contact.........................................................................................75

Table of Contents SMA America, LLC
10 STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 Installation Manual

Installation Manual STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 11
SMA America, LLC Information on this Document
Validity
STSatz_Hinw_Gültigkeitsbereich
This document is valid for the following device types:
• STP 12000TL-US-10 (Sunny Tripower 12000TL-US)
• STP 15000TL-US-10 (Sunny Tripower 15000TL-US)
• STP 20000TL-US-10 (Sunny Tripower 20000TL-US)
• STP 24000TL-US-10 (Sunny Tripower 24000TL-US)
STSatz_ Hinw_Zie lgruppe_Fachkräfte
Target Group
This document is intended for qualified persons. Only qualified personnel are allowed to perform the
tasks described in this manual (see section 2.2 "Skills of Qualified Persons", page 14).
STSatz_Hinw_Weiterführende Informationen
Additional Information
Links to additional information can be found at www.SMA-Solar.com:
STSatz_Hinw_Symbole_US
Symbols
1 Information on this Document
Document title Document type
Sunny Explorer User manual
Webconnect Plants in Sunny Portal User manual
Parameter Description Technical information
Parameter Settings Technical information
Efficiency and Derating Technical information
Leading Leakage Currents Technical information
Shade Management Technical information
Module Technology Technical information
Symbol Explanation
Information that is important for a specific topic or goal, but is not
safety-relevant
Indicates a requirement for meeting a specific goal
Desired result
A problem that could occur

12 STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 Installation Manual
Information on this Document SMA America, LLC
Nomenclature
Complete designation Designation in this document
SMA America Production, LLC SMA
SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. SMA
SMA Speedwire Speedwire
PV system System
Sunny Tripower 12000TL-US / 15000TL-US /
20000TL-US / 24000TL-US
Sunny Tripower, inverter
SMA Connection Unit1000-US Connection Unit

Installation Manual STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 13
SMA America, LLC Safety
Aufgabe STP klein_STP groß
The Sunny Tripower is a transformerless PV inverter with two MPP trackers which converts the direct
current of the PV array to grid-compliant three-phase current and feeds it into the utility grid.
STSatz_Best Verwend_Outdoor
The product is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Sunny Tripower may only be operated with PV arrays (PV modules and cabling) that are
approved by the electrical standards applicable on-site and the National Electrical Code®
ANSI/NFPA 70 or the Canadian Electrical Code® CSA C22.1. The PV modules must be suitable for
use with the Sunny Tripower.
To protect the PV system against excessive reverse currents under faulted conditions, the National
Electrical Code®, Section 690.9, requires overcurrent protection for PV source circuits where possible
short-circuit currents exceed the ampacity of source circuit conductors or the maximum series fuse
rating of the PV modules. Typically, this requires PV string fusing where more than two strings are
combined in parallel. Where overcurrent protection is required, National Electrical Code®, Section
690.35, requires that both positive and negative conductors have overcurrent protection for
ungrounded PV arrays.
The Sunny Tripower does not contain string fuses. With the Sunny Tripower, because there is no
potential for reverse current from one MPP tracker input circuit to the other, PV string fusing may not
be required when no more than two PV strings are connected to one MPP tracker input. PV string fuses
will typically be necessary when more than two PV strings are connected to one MPP tracker input.
A means of disconnecting the inverter from the PV array and the AC utility grid must be present.
SMA offers the SMA Connection Unit that is equipped with fuseholders for up to eight PV strings and
a DC load-break switch. The SMA Connection Unit combines up to four PV strings to each of two
output circuits. These two output circuits can be connected to the Sunny Tripower's two MPP tracker
inputs.
PV modules with a high capacity to ground may only be used if their coupling capacity does not
exceed 3.5 μF.
Observ e the permitted operating range of all components
All components must remain within their permitted operating ranges at all times.
STSatz_Best Verwend_Produkt ändern
For safety reasons, it is forbidden to modify the product or install components that are not explicitly
recommended or distributed by SMA for this product.
National approval and release
The product may only be used in countries for which it is approved or released by SMA and the grid
operator.
2Safety
2.1 Intended Use
No galvanic isolation
• The Sunny Tripower is not equipped with a transformer and therefore has no galvanic
isolation. The open-circuit voltage of the PV modules must be larger than or equal to the
peak value of the AC line voltage.
• The AC output/neutral is not bonded to ground inside of the inverter.

14 STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 Installation Manual
Safety SMA America, LLC
The Sunny Tripower is not equipped with a transformer and therefore has no galvanic isolation.
Do not use grounded PV modules with the Sunny Tripower. Only ground the mounting frame of the
PV modules. If you connect grounded PV modules to the inverter, the error Insulation resistance >
Check generator occurs.
STSatz_Best Verwend_Normen+Richtlinien
Use this product only in accordance with the information provided in the enclosed documentation and
with the locally applicable standards and directives. Any other use can result in personal injury or
property damage.
Installing the Product
• Do not install the product on flammable construction materials.
• Do not install the product in areas where highly flammable materials are stored.
• Do not install the product in potentially explosive atmospheres.
STSatz_Best Verwend_Doku beachten und zugänglich
The enclosed documentation is an integral part of this product.
• Read and observe the documentation.
• Keep the documentation in a convenient place for future reference.
The tasks described in this document must be performed by qualified persons only. 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 plants
• Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices and plants
• Knowledge of the applicable standards and directives
• Knowledge of and adherence to this document and all safety precautions
2.2 Skills of Qualified Persons

Installation Manual STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 15
SMA America, LLC Safety
STSatz_Sicherh_Einleitungssatz
This section contains safety precautions that must be observed at all times when working on or with
the product.
To prevent personal injury or property damage and to ensure long-term operation of the product,
read this section carefully and follow all safety precautions at all times.
SiHiw_Stromschlag durch Erdschluss
SiHiw_Verbrennung durch heiße Oberfläche
SiHiw_Beschädigung des WR durch Staub und Feuchti gkeit
2.3 Safety Precautions
Danger to life due to electric shock when operating the inverter
High voltages are present on the inverter and its components. Death or serious injuries can result
from contact with live components.
• Do not touch live components.
• Prior to performing any work on the inverter, disconnect it from all voltage sources as described
in this document (see section 9, page 44), and wait five minutes.
• Observe the safety messages on the inverter.
Danger to life due to electric shock in case of a ground fault
If a ground fault occurs, parts of the system may still be live. Death or serious injuries can occur from
contact with live components.
• Ensure that no voltage is present and wait five minutes before touching any parts of the
PV system or inverter.
Risk of burns from hot surfaces
The surface of the inverter can get very hot. Touching the surface can result in burns.
• Mount the inverter in such a way that it cannot be touched inadvertently.
• Do not touch hot surfaces.
• Wait 30 minutes for the surface to cool sufficiently.
• Observe the safety messages on the inverter.
Damage to the inverter due to moisture and dust intrusion
Dust or moisture intrusion can damage the inverter and impair its functionality.
• Close all enclosure openings of the inverter tightly.
• Never open the inverter when it is raining or snowing, or the humidity is over 95%.

16 STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 Installation Manual
Scope of Delivery SMA America, LLC
Check the scope of delivery for completeness and any visible damage. Contact your specialty retailer
if the delivery is incomplete or damaged.
3Scope of Delivery
Figure 1 : Components included in the scope of delivery
Item Quantity Designation
A1Inverter
B 1 Wall mounting bracket
C 1 Installation manual, Production Test Report, supplementary sheet with the
default settings

Installation Manual STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 17
SMA America, LLC Product Description
The Sunny Tripower is a transformerless PV inverter with two MPP trackers which converts the direct
current of the PV array to grid-compliant three-phase current and feeds it into the utility grid.
4 Product Description
4.1 Sunny Tripower
No galvanic isolation
• The Sunny Tripower is not equipped with a transformer and therefore has no galvanic
isolation. The open-circuit voltage of the PV modules must be larger than or equal to the
peak value of the AC line voltage.
• The AC output/neutral is not bonded to ground inside of the inverter.
Figure 2 : Design of the Sunny Tripower
Item Designation
A Thread for screwing in the eye bolts for transport with a crane
B Upper enclosure lid
C Type label
D Ventilation grid
E Recessed grips
FLEDs
G Lower enclosure lid

18 STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 Installation Manual
Product Description SMA America, LLC
Symbols on the Inverter
Symbol Explanation
Green LED: inverter
The green LED indicates the operating state of the inverter.
Red LED: observe the documentation
The red LED indicates an error. Read this document for instructions on how
to correct the error.
Blue LED: communication
The blue LED indicates that a wireless communication is enabled.
Transformerless
Equipment Grounding Terminal

Installation Manual STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 19
SMA America, LLC Product Description
The type label uniquely identifies the inverter. The type label is located on the right-hand side of the
enclosure. You will find the following information on the type label:
•Device type (Model)
• Serial number (Serial No.)
• Date of manufacture
• Device-specific characteristics
The information on the type label is required for both safe operation of the inverter and for customer
support from the SMA Service Line. The type label must remain permanently affixed to the inverter.
Symbols on the Type Label
Additional Label for Registration in Sunny Portal
On the right side of the enclosure above the recessed grip is an additional label with information for
registration in Sunny Portal:
• Internet address of the plant setup assistant
• Identification key (PIC)
• Registration ID (RID)
4.2 Type Label and Additional Label
Symbol Explanation
Danger to life due to high voltages
The product operates at high voltages. All work on the product must be
carried out by qualified persons only.
Risk of burns from hot surfaces
The product can get hot during operation. Avoid contact during operation.
Allow the product to cool down sufficiently before carrying out any work.
Wear personal protective equipment such as safety gloves.
Observe the documentation.
Observe all the documentation supplied with the product.
FCC designation
The product complies with the requirements of the applicable FCC
standards.
UL certification mark
UL1741 is the standard applied by Underwriters Laboratories to the product
to certify that it meets the requirements of the National Electrical Code
®
, the
Canadian Electrical Code
®
CSA C22.1 and IEEE-929-2000. IEEE
929-2000 provides recommendations regarding the proper equipment and
functionality necessary to ensure compatible operation when power
generation is connected to the utility grid.

20 STP12_15_20_24TL-US-IA-en-11 Installation Manual
Product Description SMA America, LLC
In order to communicate with special SMA communication products or other inverters, the inverter is
equipped with the SMA Webconnect Data Module as standard. With the SMA Webconnect Data
Module you can use the Webconnect function and register your system in Sunny Portal.
The Sunny Portal will then be able to query the current data of your inverter (for information on
capturing your systems in Sunny Portal, refer to the user manual of the Sunny Portal at
www.SMA-Solar.com).
Class 1 wiring methods are to be used for field wiring connection to the terminals of the
SMA Webconnect Data Module.
The inverter can be retrofitted with a 485 Data Module. The 485 Data Module enables the setup of
cable-connected RS485 communication for SMA inverters (refer to the installation manual of the
485 Data Module at www.SMA-Solar.com).
Class 1 wiring methods are to be used for field wiring connection to the terminals of the
485 Data Module.
In accordance with the National Electrical Code®, Article 690.11, the inverter has a system for the
recognition of electric arc detection and interruption.
An electric arc with a power of 300 W or greater must be interrupted by the AFCI in the time
specified by UL 1699B. A tripped AFCI can only be reset manually. The 2011 edition of the
National Electrical Code®, Section 690.11, stipulates that newly installed PV systems attached to a
building must be fitted with a means of detecting and disconnecting serial electric arcs on the DC side.
If you prefer not to have that function, you can deactivate the arc-fault circuit interrupter via a
communication product (see section 8.4 "Changing Operating Parameters", page 42).
4.3 SMA Webconnect Data Module
4.4 485 Data Module
4.5 Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)