Sofar solar ESI 3-6K-S1 User manual

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
I
Contents
Preface ..................................................................................................................III
1. Basic Safety Information ..............................................................................1
1.1. Requirement for Installation and Maintenance ................................1
1.2. Symbols and signs ............................................................................5
2. Product Introduction .....................................................................................8
2.1. Product overview ............................................................................. 8
2.2. Product Model Description ..............................................................9
2.3. Product Appearence ....................................................................... 10
2.4. Buttons and indicator lights ........................................................... 12
2.5. Product label .................................................................................. 14
3. Product Installation .....................................................................................15
3.1. Checking Before Installation ......................................................... 15
3.2. Installation Tools ............................................................................18
3.3. Installation environment ................................................................ 21
3.4. Installation Space ...........................................................................21
3.5. Product Installation ........................................................................ 22
4. Electrical Connection ................................................................................. 26
4.1. Attentions Before Connection ....................................................... 26
4.2. Preparation of Connection Cables ................................................. 26
4.3. Electrical Connection for Internal System .....................................27
4.4. External Electrical Connection ...................................................... 30
4.5. Install the cover ..............................................................................46

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
II
4.6. Parallel system ............................................................................... 47
4.7. System Electrical Topology ........................................................... 49
5. Commissioning ...........................................................................................51
5.1. Checking Before System Starting ..................................................51
5.2. Startup steps ...................................................................................51
5.3. Turn off steps ................................................................................. 54
5.4. Menu .............................................................................................. 55
6. Trouble shooting and maintenance .............................................................75
6.1. Troubleshooting ............................................................................. 75
6.2. Daily Maintenance .........................................................................87
7. Technical Parameters ..................................................................................88
8. Manufacturer's Warranty and Liability Terms ............................................91

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
III
Preface
Notice
The products, services or features you purchased shall be subject to the
company's commercial contracts and terms. All or part of the products and
services described in this document may not within the scope of your purchase.
Unless additional terms and conditions in your contract, the company does not
make any statement or guarantee on the contents of this document. In addition,
the term "Product" as described in this document refers broadly to "ESI Series
products"
Save this Instruction
This manual must be considered as an integral part of the equipment. Customer
can print the electronic version to hard copy and keeping properly for future
reference. Anyone who operates the device at any time must operate in
accordance with the requirements of this manual.
Copyright Declaration
The copyright of this manual belongs to SHENZHEN SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
Any corporation or individual should not plagiarize, partially cope or fully copy
(including software, etc.), not allow to duplication and publishment in any form
and any way. All rights reserved, SOFARSOLAR reserves the right of final
interpretation. This manual subject to modify according to user's or customer's
feedback. Please check our website at http://www.sofarsolar.com for lasted
version.
Document Updates
V1.0 2023-01-10

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
IV
Outline
Please read the product manual carefully before installation,operation or
maintenance.This manual contains important safety instructions and installation
instructions that must be followed during installation and maintenance of the
equipment.
Scope of Validity
This product manual describes the installation, electrical connections,
commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting of ESI Series products.
Target Group
This manual is for qualified electricians. The tasks described in this manual only
can be performed by qualified electricians.
Symbols Used
The following types of safety instruction and general information appear in this
document as described below:
“Danger”indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Danger
“Warning”indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury
Warning
“Caution”indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury
Caution

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V
“Attention”indicates there are potential risks, if fail to
prevent, may lead to equipment cannot normally or property
damage.
Attention
“Note”provides additional information and tips that are
valuable for the optimal operation of the product, will help
you to solve a problem or save your time.
Note

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
1
1. Basic Safety Information
Outlines of this Chapter
Please read the instruction carefully. Faulty operation may cause serious injury or
death .
1.1. Requirement for Installation and Maintenance
Common Requirements
The product must be installed in full compliance with national and local power grid
standards and regulations.
Before installing and adjusting the produce, please read all of instructions, cautions
and warnings in this manual
Before connecting the product to the electrical utility grid, contact the local utility
company for allowance. Also, this connection must be made only by qualified
electrician.
When any maintenance or repair is required, please contact the nearest authorized
maintenance center. If you don't know which service center is closest to you, please
contact your local distributor. Don't repair the product by yourself, which may lead
serious injury or damage.
Before installing and maintaining the device, using the DC switch to cut off the high
voltage direct current of the photovoltaic array. Otherwise, the high voltage may cause
serious injury.
If you have any question or problem when you read the
following information, please contact SHENZHEN
SOFARSOLAR CO., Ltd.
Note

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The product should be placed in a well-ventilated place. Do not place the product
in a sealed or air-tight position or cabinet, otherwise it will affect the operation
performance and system life of the energy storage system.
Avoid direct sunlight. Do not place this product near stoves and fire sources.
Otherwise, the lithium battery in the product system will leak or even explode.
The maintenance personnel of this product must understand the knowledge and
skills related to inverter and battery maintenance.
ESI Series products are transformerless inverter which requires the positive pole
and negative pole of the PV array are NOT grounded. Otherwise, it will cause
inverter failure. In the PV system, all non-current-carrying metal parts (such as
mounting frame, combiner box enclosure, etc.) should be connected to earthed.
Caution: Comply with the following requirements during the installation and
maintenance of the product:
A) Remove watches, rings and other metal objects from your body.
B) Use tools with insulated handles.
C) Wear rubber gloves and shoes.
D) Do not place tools or metal objects on the battery.
E) Close the inverter before connecting/disconnecting the battery and the energy
storage inverter.
F) Battery +/- pole shall be isolated from ground.
Installation and maintenance personnel requirements
When the product is in the running state, some parts may be electrified and hot.
Improper use, improper installation or operation may result in serious injury to
person or property. Transport, loading, unloading, installation, start-up and
maintenance operations must be performed by a qualified electrical engineer (all
accident precautions in force in the user's country must be followed!)
SOFARSOLAR will not be responsible for any personal injury or property injury

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
3
caused by improper use.
Installation location requirement
Please install the product according to the following section. Place inverter in an
appropriate bearing capacity objects (such as solid brick wall, or strength
equivalent mounting surface, etc.) and make sure inverter vertical placed. A
proper installation location must have enough space for fire engine access in
order for maintenance if faulty occur. Ensure the inverter is installed in a wall
ventilated environment and have enough air cooling cycle. Air humidity should
less than 90%.
Transportation Requirement
Inverter is in the good electrical and physical condition when it ship out from factory.
During transport, inverter must be placed in its original package or other proper
package. Transportation company should responsible for any damage during transport
period.
If you find any packing problems that may cause the damage of inverter or any visible
damage, please notice the responsible transportation company immediately. You can
ask your installer or SOFARSOLAR for help is necessary.
This product contains battery module through UN38.3, belongs to the ninth category
of dangerous goods. Therefore, loading and unloading must comply with local laws
and regulations and industry standards during transportation. Rough loading and
unloading may cause short circuit or damage to batteries in containers, which may
result in battery leakage, breakage, explosion, or fire.
Electrical Connection
Please comply with all the current electrical regulations about accident prevention in
dealing with the current inverter.

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
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Before the electrical connection, use opaque material to cover the PV
modules or disconnect PV string DC switch. PV arrays will produce
dangerous voltage if it is exposure under sun. When installing a
battery, check the positive and negative terminals of the battery and
turn off the battery.
Danger
All operation must accomplish by certified electrical engineer
Must be trained;
Completely read the manual operation and understand all
information.
Warming
Must get permission by local utility company before connecting to
grid and the connection must be done by certified electrical
engineers.
Attention
Operation Cautions
Touching the utility grid or the terminal conductors can lead to lethal
electric shock or fire!
Do not touch non-insulated cable ends, DC conductors and any live
components.
Attention to any electrical relevant instruction and document.
Danger
Enclosure or internal components may get hot during operation.
Please wear insulated gloves.
Attention
Maintenance and Repair Cautions
Before any repair work, turn OFF the AC circuit breaker between the
product and electrical grid first, then turn OFF the DC switch.
After turning OFF the AC circuit breaker and DC switch wait for at
least 5 minutes before carry any maintenance or repair work.
Danger
Product should not work again until removing all faults. If any repair
work is required, please contact local authorized service centre.
Should not open the product cover without authorized permit,
SOFARSOALR does not take any responsibility for that.
Attention

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
5
EMC/Noise Level
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) refers to that on electrical equipment functions
in a given electromagnetic environment without any trouble or error, and impose no
unacceptable effect upon the environment. Therefore, EMC represents the quality
characters of an electrical equipment.
The inherent noise-immune character: immunity to internal electrical noise
External noise immunity: immunity to electromagnetic noise of external system
Noise emission level: influence of electromagnetic emission upon environment
Electromagnetic radiation from the product may be harmful to health!
Please do not continue to stay away from the product in less than
20cm when it is working
Danger
1.2. Symbols and signs
High voltage of inverter may be harmful to health!
Only certified engineer can operate the product;
Juveniles, Disable, should not use this product;
Keep this product out of the reach of children;
Danger
Caution of burn injuries due to hot enclosure!
Only touch the screen and pressing key of the product while it is
working
Caution
PV array should be grounded in accordance to the requirements of
the local electrical grid company
Attention
Ensure the maximum DC voltage input is less than the product’s
maximum DC voltage (including in low temperature condition).
Any damage cause by over-voltage, SOFARSOLAR will not take the
responsibility including warranty
Warning

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
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The product has some safety symbols on it. Please read and fully understand the
content of the symbols before installation.
Sings on the inverter module
Symbols
Name
Explanation
This is a residual voltage in
the inverter module!
After disconnect with the DC side,
there is a residual voltage in the
inverter module, operator should wait
for 5 minutes to ensure the capacitor is
completely discharged.
Caution of high voltage and
electric shock
The inverter module operates at high
voltages. Prior to performing any work
on the product, disconnect the product
from voltage sources. All work on the
product must be carried out by
qualified persons only.
Caution of hot surface
The inverter module can get hot during
operation. Avoid contact during
operation. Prior to performing any
work on the product, allow the product
to cool down sufficiently
Comply with European
standard (CE) certification
The product comply with the CE
Certification
Grounding Terminal
Connect the inverter module to the
ground bar for grounding protection
Observe the documentation
Read all documentation supplied with
the product before install
Positive pole and negative
pole
Positive pole and negative pole of the
input voltage (DC)

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
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Temperature
Indicated the temperature allowance
range
This side up
Inverter must always be transported,
handled and stored in such a way that
the arrows always point upwards.
RCM (Regulatory
Compliance Mark)
The product complies with the
requirements of the applicable
Australian standards

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Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
8
2. Product Introduction
2.1. Product overview
2.1.1.Product brief introduction
ESI 3-6K-S1 series inverters support multi-power segment operation. Including
PV, energy storage, grid connection, EPS and other corresponding functions in one.
PV is two independent MPPT tracking channels, suitable for different installation
environments. The ESI 3~6K-S1 inverter can be installed with or without batteries. If
the inverter needs to be used with batteries, it can only use BTS 5K battery model.
The battery type is LiFePO4 (LFP), which is one of the lithium battery types.The
maximum energy storage capacity is 5KWH-30KWH. The inverter has the advantages
of multiple working modes in operation. Under different modes, energy can be
managed and distributed according to the actual situation to meet different needs.
Display screen support touch function, multi-language display, use process is more
user-friendly. Flexible monitoring mode, support RS485. At the same time:
WIFI/Bluetooth remote control function.
Notes：Inverter has not been tested to Section 5 of AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 so the
inverter has not been tested to AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 for multiple inverters
combinations.
The main features are as follows:
Stack integrated design, convenient installation, simple maintenance;
Photovoltaic maximum input current 16A, applicable to large current and
double-sided module;
UPS function to ensure the stable operation of critical load;
Supports battery switch off with a button;

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
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Figure 2.1.1-1 ESI Inverter application principle diagram
2.2. Product Model Description
ESI series inverter model:
Figure 2.2-1 Inverter Model Identifiers
Table 2.2-1 Inverter Model demonstration
Identifiers
Meaning
Specification
①
Product Model
Stacked optical storage all in one
machine

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②
Power Grade
5K，the power grade of inverter is 5kw
Power grade list ：
3kw/3.68kw/4kw/4.6kw/5kw/6kw
③
Inverter Model
Single-phase hybrid energy storage
inverter
2.3. Product Appearence
Front Side Back Side
Figure 2.4-1 Product front side and back side
1 Inverter 2 DC Switch 3 LCD display screen 4 Inverter Radiato
1
2
3
4

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Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
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2.3.1.Inverter Port
Right side port Left side port
Figure 2.4.1-1 Inverter port diagram
1 Grid connection port 2 Load connection port 3 Inverter signal port 4 DC Switch
5 PV input port 6 WIFI/4G port 7 Battery black start switch
8 Battery input switch 9 Battery connection port 10 Battery signal port
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

ESI 3~6K-S1 user manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
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2.4. Buttons and indicator lights
Figure 2.5-1 Buttons and indicator lights
1 System power indicator 2 System status indicator 3 Buttons 4 LCD screen
2.4.1.Buttons
Press “back” to the previous screen or enter the main interface.
Press “up” to the upper menu option or value plus 1.
Press “down” to the lower menu option or value minus 1.
Press “ok” to select the current menu option or switch to the next digit.
2.4.2.System status indicator
System Status
Indicator
Blue light
Green light
Red light
On-grid
ON
Standby(On-grid)
Flashing
Off-grid
ON
Alarm
Flashing
1
2
3
4

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2.4.3.Battery capacity indicator
Icon
Battery capacity
Capacity explanation
80%-100%
The battery capacity is full
60%-80%
40%-60%
20%-40%
0-20%
The battery capacity is
insufficient, and the battery
generates a low voltage
alarm.

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2.5. Product label
Figure 2.5-1 Inverter label

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3. Product Installation
3.1. Checking Before Installation
Checking Outer Packing Materials
Before opening inverter package, check whether the outer package is damaged, such
as holes and cracks, and check the inverter and battery model. If any damage is found
or the inverter model does not match your requirements, please do not open the
product package and contact your distributor as soon as possible.
Inverter module packing list
Before installation, carefully check whether the packaging and accessories are intact.
Includes the following accessories:：
No
Pictures
Description
Quantity
1
Inverter
1pcs
2
Pedestal
1pcs
3
Pedestal cover
2pcs
4
Left side cover
1pcs