SMA SUNNY TRIPOWER 5000TL User manual

ServiceManual
SUNNY TRIPOWER 5000TL / 6000TL / 7000TL /
8000TL / 9000TL / 10000TL / 12000TL
STP5-12TL-20-SG-en-12 | Version 1.2 AMERICAN ENGLISH

Legal Provisions
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publication, whether in whole or in part, requires prior written approval by
SMASolarTechnologyAG. Internal reproduction used solely for the purpose of product evaluation
or other proper use is allowed and does not require prior approval.
SMA Warranty
You can download the current warranty conditions from the Internet at www.SMA-Solar.com.
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not mean that a product or symbol is not trademarked.
The BLUETOOTH® word mark and logos are registered trademarks of BluetoothSIG,Inc. and any
use of these marks by SMASolarTechnologyAG is under license.
Modbus® is a registered trademark of SchneiderElectric and is licensed by the
ModbusOrganization,Inc.
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SMA Solar Technology AG
Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.SMA.de
E-mail: [email protected]
© 2004 to 2014 SMA Solar Technology AG. All rights reserved.
Legal Provisions SMA Solar Technology AG
Service ManualSTP5-12TL-20-SG-en-122

Table of Contents
1 Information on this Document ................................................. 4
2 Safety......................................................................................... 6
2.1 Skills of Qualified Persons .................................................................. 6
2.2 Safety Precautions............................................................................... 6
3 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources.................. 8
4 Cleaning the Inverter................................................................ 10
5 Checking the PV System for Ground Faults............................ 11
6 Checking the Function of the Varistors.................................... 14
7 Replacing the Varistors ............................................................ 16
8 Cleaning the Fans ..................................................................... 17
9 Checking the Function of the Fans........................................... 19
10 Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 20
10.1 LED Signals.......................................................................................... 20
10.2 Error Messages ................................................................................... 21
10.3 Event Messages................................................................................... 27
11 Recommissioning the Inverter.................................................. 28
12 Decommissioning the Inverter ................................................. 30
13 Spare Parts................................................................................ 33
14 Contact....................................................................................... 34
Table of Contents
SMA Solar Technology AG
Service Manual 3STP5-12TL-20-SG-en-12

1 Information on this Document
This document describes how to rectify certain errors and how to replace defective components.
This document is a supplement to the documentation that is provided with each product. It does not
replace any locally applicable standards or directives. Read and observe all documentation
supplied with the product.
Validity
This document is valid for the following device types from firmware version2.52:
• STP 5000TL-20 (Sunny Tripower 5000TL)
• STP 6000TL-20 (Sunny Tripower 6000TL)
• STP 7000TL-20 (Sunny Tripower 7000TL)
• STP 8000TL-20 (Sunny Tripower 8000TL)
• STP 9000TL-20 (Sunny Tripower 9000TL)
• STP 10000TL-20 (Sunny Tripower 10000TL)
• STP 12000TL-20 (Sunny Tripower 12000TL)
Target Group
This document is intended for qualified persons. Only persons with the appropriate skills are
allowed to perform the activities described in this document (see Section2.1 "Skills of Qualified
Persons", page6).
Symbols
Symbol Explanation
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, can result in death or serious injury
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, can result in minor or moderate injury
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, can
result in property damage
Information that is important for a specific topic
or goal, but is not safety-relevant
Indicates a requirement for meeting a specific
goal
Desired result
A problem that might occur
1 Information on this Document SMA Solar Technology AG
Service ManualSTP5-12TL-20-SG-en-124

Nomenclature
Complete designation Designation in this document
Electronic Solar Switch ESS
PV system System
SMA Bluetooth® Wireless Technology Bluetooth
Sunny Boy Inverter, product
1 Information on this Document
SMA Solar Technology AG
Service Manual 5STP5-12TL-20-SG-en-12

2 Safety
2.1 Skills of Qualified Persons
The tasks described in this document must only be performed by qualified persons. Qualified
persons must have the following skills:
• Knowledge of how an inverter works and is operated
• Training in how to deal with the dangers and risks associated with installing and using
electrical devices and systems
• Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices and systems
• Knowledge of the applicable standards and directives
• Knowledge of and compliance with this document and all safety precautions
2.2 Safety Precautions
This section contains safety precautions that must be observed at all times when working on or with
the product.
To prevent personal injury and property damage and to ensure long-term operation of the product,
read this section carefully and follow all safety precautions at all times.
Danger to life due to high voltages of the PV array
When exposed to sunlight, the PV array generates dangerous DC voltage which is present in the
DC conductors and the live components of the inverter. Touching the DC conductors or the live
components can lead to lethal electric shocks. If you disconnect the DC connectors from the
inverter under load, an electric arc may occur leading to electric shock and burns.
• Do not touch uninsulated cable ends.
• Do not touch the DC conductors.
• Do not touch any live components of the inverter.
• Have the inverter mounted, installed and commissioned by qualified persons with the
appropriate skills only.
• If an error occurs, have it rectified by qualified persons only.
• Prior to performing any work on the inverter, disconnect it from all voltage sources as
described in this document (see Section3, page8).
Danger to life due to electric shock
Touching an ungrounded PV module or an array frame can cause a fatal electric shock.
• Connect and ground the PV modules, array frame and electrically conductive surfaces so
that there is continuous conduction. Observe the applicable local regulations.
2 Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
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Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
Some parts of the enclosure can get hot during operation.
• During operation, do not touch any parts other than the enclosure lid of the inverter.
Damage to the seal of the enclosure lid in sub-zero conditions
If you open the enclosure lid in sub-zero conditions, the sealing of the enclosure lid can be
damaged. This can lead to moisture entering the inverter.
• Do not open the inverter at ambient temperatures lower than -5°C.
• If a layer of ice has formed on the seal of the enclosure lid in sub-zero conditions, remove it
prior to opening the inverter (e.g. by melting the ice with warm air). Observe the applicable
safety regulations.
Damage to the inverter due to electrostatic discharge
Touching electronic components can cause damage to or destroy the inverter through
electrostatic discharge.
• Ground yourself before touching any component.
Damage to the display or the type label due to the use of cleaning agents
• If the inverter is dirty, clean the enclosure, the cooling fins, the enclosure lid, the type label,
the display and the LEDs using clean water and a cloth only.
2 Safety
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3 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources
Prior to performing any work on the inverter, always disconnect it from all voltage sources as
described in this section. It is important to always observe the prescribed sequence.
Destruction of the measuring device due to overvoltage
• Only use measuring devices with a DC input voltage range of 1,000V or higher.
1. Disconnect the circuit breaker from all three line conductors and secure against reconnection.
2. Remove the ESS.
3. Loosen two screws of the protective cover using an Allen key (AF5) and remove the protective
cover.
4. Use a current clamp to ensure that no current is present in the DC cables.
5. Release and remove all DC connectors. Insert a
flat-blade screwdriver or an angled screwdriver
(blade width: 3.5mm) in one of the side slots
and pull the DC connectors straight out. Do not
pull on the cable.
6.
Danger to life due to high voltages
The capacitors in the inverter take five minutes to discharge.
• Wait five minutes before opening the enclosure lid.
7. Ensure that no voltage is present at the DC inputs of the inverter.
8. Unscrew all the screws of the enclosure lid using an Allen key (AF5) and remove the
enclosure lid.
9. Use an appropriate measuring device to ensure that no voltage is present at the AC
connecting terminal plate between L1 and N, L2 and N, and L3 and N. Insert a test probe in
each round opening of the terminal.
10. Use an appropriate measuring device to ensure that no voltage is present at the AC
connecting terminal plate between L1 and PE, L2 and PE, and L3 and PE. Insert a test probe
in each round opening of the terminal.
11. Ensure that no voltage is present between any terminal of the multifunction relay and PE of the
AC connecting terminal plate.
3 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources SMA Solar Technology AG
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12.
Damage to the inverter due to electrostatic discharge
The internal components of the inverter can be irreparably damaged by electrostatic
discharge.
• Ground yourself before touching any component.
3 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources
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4 Cleaning the Inverter
Damage to the display or the type label due to the use of cleaning agents
• If the inverter is dirty, clean the enclosure, the cooling fins, the enclosure lid, the type label,
the display and the LEDs using clean water and a cloth only.
4 Cleaning the Inverter SMA Solar Technology AG
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5 Checking the PV System for Ground Faults
If the inverter displays the event numbers 3501, 3601 or 3701, there could be a ground fault. The
electrical insulation from the PV system to ground is defective or insufficient.
Danger to life due to electric shock
In the event of a ground fault, high voltages can be present.
• Touch the cables of the PV array on the insulation only.
• Do not touch any parts of the sub-structure or frame of the PV array.
• Do not connect PV strings with ground faults to the inverter.
Destruction of the measuring device due to overvoltage
• Only use measuring devices with a DC input voltage range of 1,000V or higher.
Procedure
• Check the PV system for ground faults by measuring the voltage.
• If the voltage measurement was not successful, check the PV system via insulation resistance
measurement for ground faults.
Test by Measuring the Voltage
Proceed as follows to check each string in the PV system for ground faults.
Procedure:
1.
Danger to life due to high voltages
• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources (see Section3, page8).
2. Measure the voltages:
• Measure the voltages between the positive terminal and the ground potential (PE).
• Measure the voltages between the negative terminal and the ground potential (PE).
• Measure the voltages between the positive and negative terminals.
If the following results are present at the same time, there is a ground fault in the PV
system:
☑ All measured voltages are stable.
☑ The sum of the two voltages to ground potential is approximately equal to the
voltage between the positive and negative terminals.
• If a ground fault is present, determine the location of the ground fault via the ratio of the
two measured voltages and eliminate the ground fault.
5 Checking the PV System for Ground Faults
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Service Manual 11STP5-12TL-20-SG-en-12

Example: Location of the ground fault
The example shows a ground fault between the second and third PV module.
3. If a definite ground fault cannot be measured and the message is still displayed, measure the
insulation resistance.
4. Reconnect the strings without ground fault to the inverter and recommission the inverter (see
Section11, page28).
Test by Measuring the Insulation Resistance
If the voltage measurement does not accurately indicate a ground fault, the insulation resistance
measurement can provide more detailed results.
Figure 1: Schematic diagram of the measurement
5 Checking the PV System for Ground Faults SMA Solar Technology AG
Service ManualSTP5-12TL-20-SG-en-1212

Calculating the insulation resistance
The total resistance of the PV system to be expected or of an individual string can be
calculated using the following formula:
total
The exact insulation resistance of a PV module can be obtained from the module manufacturer
or the datasheet.
For the resistance of a PV module an average value can be assumed: for thin-film PV modules
approximately 40MOhm and for polycrystalline and monocrystalline PV modules
approximately50MOhm per PV module (for further information on calculating the insulation
resistance see the Technical Information "Insulation Resistance (Riso) of Non-Galvanically
Isolated PV Systems" at www.SMA-Solar.com).
Required devices:
☐ Suitable device for safe disconnection and short-circuiting
☐ Measuring device for insulation resistance
Device required for safe disconnection and short-circuiting of the PV array
The insulation resistance can only be measured with a suitable device for safe disconnection
and short-circuiting of the PV array. If no suitable device is available, the insulation
measurement must not be carried out.
Procedure:
1. Calculate the insulation resistance per string to be expected.
2.
Danger to life due to high voltages
• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources (see Section3, page8).
3. Install the short circuit device.
4. Connect the measuring device for insulation resistance.
5. Short-circuit the first string.
6. Set the test voltage. The test voltage should be as close as possible to the maximum system
voltage of the PV modules but must not exceed it (see datasheet of the PV modules).
7. Measure the insulation resistance.
8. Eliminate the short circuit.
9. Measure the remaining strings in the same manner.
☑ If the insulation resistance of a string deviates considerably from the theoretically
calculated value, there is a ground fault present in the respective string.
10. Reconnect only those strings to the inverter from which the ground fault was eliminated.
11. Reconnect all other strings to the inverter.
12. Recommission the inverter (see Section11, page28).
13. If the inverter still displays an insulation error, contact the SMAServiceLine. The PV modules
might not be suitable for the inverter in the present quantity.
5 Checking the PV System for Ground Faults
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6 Checking the Function of the Varistors
If the inverter displays event number 7401, one of the varistors is probably defective.
Destruction of the inverter due to overvoltage
If varistors are missing, the inverter is no longer protected against overvoltage.
• Do not operate the inverter without varistors in PV systems with a high risk of overvoltages.
• Do not recommission the inverter until the defective varistors have been replaced.
Destruction of the measuring device due to overvoltage
• Only use measuring devices with a DC input voltage range of 1,000V or higher.
Check the function of each varistor as described in the following:
Procedure:
1.
Danger to life due to high voltages
• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources and open the enclosure lid (see
Section3, page8).
2. Insert the insertion tool in the clamping contacts
of the connecting terminal plate.
3. Remove the varistor from the connecting terminal plate.
4. Use a measuring device to measure whether
there is a conductive connection between the
middle and the right-hand varistor lead. Hold the
varistor with the labeling pointing forward.
If there is no conductive connection, the varistor is defective. SMA Solar Technology AG
recommends replacing all varistors immediately.
• Order new varistors and insertion tools (see Section13 "Spare Parts", page33).
6 Checking the Function of the Varistors SMA Solar Technology AG
Service ManualSTP5-12TL-20-SG-en-1214

• Reinsert old varistors and leave them in place until new varistors and insertion tools are
available.
• If new varistors are available, replace all varistors (see Section7, page16).
If a conductive connection is present, contact the SMAServiceLine.
6 Checking the Function of the Varistors
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Service Manual 15STP5-12TL-20-SG-en-12

7 Replacing the Varistors
Proceed as follows to replace each varistor.
1.
Danger to life due to high voltages
• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources and open the enclosure lid (see
Section3, page8).
2. Insert the insertion tool in the clamping contacts
of the connecting terminal plate.
3. Remove the varistor from the connecting terminal plate.
4. Insert the new varistor in the connecting terminal
plate. The label of the varistor must face to the
right in the inside of the inverter.
5. Remove the insertion tool from the clamping contacts of the connecting terminal plate.
6. Recommission the inverter (see Section11, page28).
7 Replacing the Varistors SMA Solar Technology AG
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8 Cleaning the Fans
Procedure:
• Cleaning the ventilation grids
• Cleaning the fans
Cleaning the Ventilation Grids
Proceed as follows to clean each ventilation grid.
1. Remove the ventilation grid laterally.
2.
Damage to the inverter due to foreign bodies
• Do not remove the ventilation grid permanently, otherwise foreign bodies could penetrate
the enclosure.
3. Clean the ventilation grid with a soft brush, a paint brush, or compressed air.
4. Close the recessed grips with the ventilation grids. Ensure that the assignment is correct. The
correct assignment is marked on the inside of each ventilation grid: links/left for the left-hand
side and rechts/right for the right-hand side.
Cleaning the Fans
Proceed as follows to clean each fan.
1.
Danger to life due to high voltages
• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources (see Section3, page8).
2. Wait for the fans to stop rotating.
3. Check whether the fan guard is dusty or heavily soiled.
If the fan guard is dusty, clean the fan guard with a vacuum cleaner.
If the fan guard is heavily soiled, remove the fan guard and clean it:
• Use a screwdriver to push the two locking
tabs at the right-hand edge of the fan guard
to the right-hand side and remove them
from the retainer.
• Carefully remove the fan guard.
• Clean the fan guard with a soft brush, a paint brush, a cloth or compressed air.
4. Check whether the fan is soiled.
If the fan is soiled, remove the fan:
8 Cleaning the Fans
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Service Manual 17STP5-12TL-20-SG-en-12

• Use a screwdriver to push the two locking
tabs at the right-hand edge of the fan guard
to the right-hand side and remove them
from the retainer.
• Carefully remove the fan guard.
• Push the locking tabs of the fan towards the
center.
• Carefully remove the fan from the inverter.
• Release and remove the fan plug.
5.
Damage to the fan due to compressed air
• Clean the fan with a soft brush, a paint brush, or a damp cloth.
6. Insert the plug of the fan in the pin connector until it snaps into place.
7. Insert the fan in the inverter until it snaps into place.
8. Push the fan guard into the retainer until it snaps into place.
9. Recommission the inverter (see Section11, page28).
10. Check that the fan is working properly (see Section9, page19).
8 Cleaning the Fans SMA Solar Technology AG
Service ManualSTP5-12TL-20-SG-en-1218

9 Checking the Function of the Fans
You can check the function of the fans by setting a parameter.
Requirements:
☐ A communication product corresponding to the type of communication used must be
available.
☐ The inverter must be in operation.
Procedure:
1. Access the user interface of the communication product and log in as installer.
2. Select the parameter Fan test or FanTst and set to On.
3. Save settings.
4. Check whether air is coming out of the ventilation grids and whether the fans are making any
unusual noises.
If there is no air coming out of the ventilation grids or the fans are making unusual noises,
presumably the fans were not installed properly. Check the installation of the fans.
If the fans were installed correctly, contact the SMAServiceLine.
5. Select the parameter Fan test or FanTst and set to Off.
6. Save settings.
9 Checking the Function of the Fans
SMA Solar Technology AG
Service Manual 19STP5-12TL-20-SG-en-12

10 Troubleshooting
10.1 LED Signals
The LEDs indicate the operating state of the inverter.
LED Status Explanation
Green LED glowing Feed-in operation
If an event occurs during feed-in operation, the event mes-
sage is shown on the display (see Section10.3, page27
).
flashing The grid connection conditions are not met.
Red LED glowing Error
The display shows an error message and an event number
(see Section10.2, page21).
Blue LED glowing Bluetooth communication is active.
10 Troubleshooting SMA Solar Technology AG
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