Sofar solar ME 5KTL-3PH User manual

Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
User manual
Energy storage inverter
Product Model: ME 5K~20KTL-3PH

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
Content
1. Basic safety information..................................................................... - 1 -
1.1. Safety instructions...................................................................- 1 -
1.2. Symbols and signs...................................................................- 4 -
2. Product characteristics........................................................................ - 6 -
2.1. Product informations...............................................................- 6 -
2.2. Size description....................................................................... - 6 -
2.3. Function characteristics...........................................................- 7 -
2.4. Electrical block diagram......................................................... - 7 -
3. Installation.......................................................................................... - 9 -
3.1. Installation Process..................................................................- 9 -
3.2. Checking Before Installation...................................................- 9 -
3.3. Product Overview..................................................................- 11 -
3.4. Tools...................................................................................... - 12 -
3.5. Installation Environment.......................................................- 13 -
3.6. Determining the Installation Position....................................- 13 -
3.7. Moving the ME 5-20KTL-3PH.............................................- 14 -
3.8. Installing ME 5-20KTL-3PH................................................ - 15 -
4. Electrical Connections...................................................................... - 17 -
4.1. Wire instructions................................................................... - 17 -
4.2. Connecting PGND Cables.....................................................- 18 -
4.3. Battery Connection................................................................- 19 -
4.4. Load connection.................................................................... - 20 -
4.5. Grid connection.....................................................................- 21 -
4.6. External communication interface........................................ - 22 -
4.7. Communication method........................................................ - 32 -
5. Buttons and indicator lights.............................................................. - 36 -
5.1. Buttons.................................................................................. - 36 -
5.2. Indicator lights and status......................................................- 36 -
6. Operation（commission）............................................................... - 37 -
6.1. Double Check........................................................................- 37 -
6.2. First Time Setup (IMPORTANT!)........................................ - 37 -
6.3. Menu..................................................................................... - 39 -
7. Troubleshooting................................................................................ - 54 -
8. Technical Data.................................................................................. - 64 -
9. Quality Assurance............................................................................. - 70 -

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFAR SOLAR Co., Ltd.
I
Notice
This manual contains important safety instructions that must be followed during
installation and maintenance of the equipment.
Save these instructions!
This manual must be considered as an integral part of the equipment. The manual
must always accompany the equipment,even when it is transferred to another user
or field.
Copyright Declaration
The copyright of this manual belongs to Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co.,Ltd. Any
corporation or individual should not plagiarize, partially copy or fully copy it
(including software, ect .),and no reproduction or distribution of it in any form or
by any means.All right reserved.
SOFARSOLAR reserves the right of final interpretation.This manual is subject to
change according to user’s or customer’s feedback.Please check our website at
http://www.sofarsolar.com for latest version.
The current Version updated at 20210331.

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFAR SOLAR Co., Ltd.
II
Preface
If you have any question or problem when you read the
following information, please contact Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR
Co., Ltd.
Note
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
This product manual describes the installation,electrical connections,
commissioning,maintenance and troubleshooting of ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverters:
ME 5KTL-3PH; ME 6KTL-3PH; ME 8KTL-3PH;
ME 10KTL-3PH; ME 15KTL-3PH; ME 20KTL-3PH.
Keep this manual where it will be accessible at all times.
Target Group
This manual is intended for qualified electrical technical personnel who are
responsible for inverter installation and commissioning in the PV power system
and PV plant operator.
Symbols Used
This manual is provides safety operation information and uses the symbol in
order to ensure personal and property security and property security and use
inverter efficiently when operating the inverter. You must understand these
emphasized information to avoid the personal injury and property loss.Please read
the following symbols used in this manual carefully.

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFAR SOLAR Co., Ltd.
III
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
Attention indicates potential risks which, if not
avoided, may lead to equipment fault or property damage.
Attention
Note provides tips that are valuable for the optimal
operation of the product.
Note

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
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1. Basic safety information
1.1. Safety instructions
Read and understand the instructions of this manual, and be familiar with
relevant safety symbols in this chapter, then start to install and troubleshoot the
equipment.
According to the national and state requirements, before connecting to the
electrical grid, you must get permission from the local electrical grid operation can
only be performed by qualified electrical engineer.
Please contact the nearest authorized service center if any maintenance or
repair is needed.Contact your distributor for the information of the nearest
authorized service center. Do NOT repair it by yourself, it may cause injury or
property damage.
When the battery needs to be installed, please confirm the positive and
negative terminals of the battery and turn OFF the battery. Otherwise, serious
injury may be caused.
Qualified persons
The customer must make sure the operator has the necessary skill and training
to do his/her job.Staff in charge of using and maintaining the equipment must be
skilled,aware and mature for the described tasks and must have the reliability to
correctly interpret what is described in the manual. For safety reason only a
qualified electrician, who has received training and / or has demonstrated skills and
knowledge in construction and in operation of this unit, can install this inverter.
Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd. does not take any responsibility for the
property destruction and personal injury because of any incorrect use.
Installation requirements
Please install inverter according to the following section. Fix the inverter on
an appropriate objects with enough load bearing capacity (such as walls, PV racks
etc.), and ensure that inverter is vertical placed. Choose a place suitable for
installing electrical devices. And assure there is enough fire exit space, convenient

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
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for maintenance. Maintain proper ventilation to ensure enough air cycle to cool the
inverter.
Transport requirements
If you find packing problems that may cause the damage of the inverter, or
find any visible damage, please immediately notice the responsible transportation
company. You can ask solar equipment installation contractor or Shenzhen
SOFARSOLAR Co.Ltd. for help if necessary.
Transport of the equipment, especially by road, must be carried out with by
suitable ways and means for protecting the components (in particular, the electronic
components) from violent shocks, humidity, vibration, etc.
Labels on the equipment
Electric connection
Please comply with all the current electrical regulations about accident
prevention in dealing with the invert.
Before the electrical connection, please make sure the battery
switch is off !
Danger
All installation accomplished only by professional electrical
engineer!
Must be trained;
Completely read the manual operation and understand
relevant matter.
Warning
The labels must NOT be hidden with objects
and extraneous parts (rags, boxes, equipment,
etc.); they must be cleaned regularly and kept
visible at all times.

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
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Get permission from the local electrical gird operator,
complete all electrical connections by professional electrical
engineer, then connect inverter to electrical grid.
Attention
It’s forbidden to remove the tamper evident label, or open the
inverter. Otherwise Sofarsolar will not provide warranty or
maintenance!
Note
Operation
Touching the electrical grid or the terminal of the equipment
may lead to electrocution or fire!
Don’t touch the terminal or conductor connected to the
electrical grid.
Pay attention to any instructions or safety documents related to
grid connection.
Danger
Some internal components will be very hot when inverter is
working. Please wear protective gloves!
Attention
Maintenance and repair
Before any repair work, turn OFF the AC circuit breaker
between the inverter and electrical grid first, then turn OFF the
battery switch.
After turning OFF the AC circuit breaker and DC switch, wait
for 5 minutes at least before carrying out any maintenance or repair
work.
Danger
Inverter should work again after removing any faults. If you
need any repair work, please contact with the local authorized
service center.
Can’t open the internal components of inverter without
authorized. Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd. does not take any
responsibility for the losses from that.
Attention
EMC / noise level of inverter
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) refers to that one 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.

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
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Electromagnetic radiation from inverter may be harmful to
health!
Please do not continue to stay around the inverter in less than 20
cm when inverter is working.
Danger
1.2. Symbols and signs
Caution of burn injuries due to hot enclosure!
You can only touch the screen and pressing key of the inverter
while it’s working.
Caution
Ensure input DC voltage < Max. DC voltage .Over voltage may
cause permanent damage to inverter or other losses, which will not
be included in warranty!
Warning
Signs on the inverter
There are some symbols which are related to security on the inverter. Please
read and understand the content of the symbols, and then start the installation.
This symbol indicates a hazardous situation which could result in
injuries, if not avoided.
There is a residual voltage in the inverter! Before opening the
equipment, operator should wait for five minutes to ensure the
capacitor is discharged completely.
Caution, risk of electric shock.
Caution hot surface.
Comply with the Conformite Europeenne (CE) certification.
Grounding point.
Please read this manual before install ME 5-20KTL-3PH.
This indicates the degree of protection of the equipment
according to IEC standard 70-1 (EN 60529 June 1997).
Positive pole and negative pole of the input voltage (DC).

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
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This side up, ME 5-20KTL-3PH 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.

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
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2. Product characteristics
2.1. Product informations
ME 5-20KTL-3PH is an AC coupled bi-directional battery converter.
Customers can purchase batteries&ME 5-20KTL-3PH as an energy storage add-on
to his/her existing renewable energy system. ME 5-20KTL-3PH helps to achieve
optimal usage of renewable energy.
The ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter has a variety of built-in operating modes to
suit the diverse user needs.
The ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter can provide a complete solution in the period
of rising energy costs such as oil and coal, the energy subsidy of photovoltaic
grid-connected system keeps falling. In the period of continuous power supply and
emergency power supply demand in mountainous areas or base stations without
power grid.
Fig. 2-1 ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter system diagram
2.2. Size description
Fig. 2-2 Size chart

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
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Front view
①
left view
②
Bracket
③
2.3. Function characteristics
The ME 5-20KTL-3PH energy storage inverters allow up to 10% overloading
to maximize power output, and the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) mode can
support inductive loads such as air conditioners or refrigerators with an automatic
switchover time of less than 20 milliseconds.
a. Max. battery charge and discharge efficiency 97.7%.
b. 2 strings of battery input with maximum 50A charge and discharge current.
c. Wide battery voltage range(180-800V).
d. Off-grid output can be connected to unbalanced load.
e. AC Multi-parallel function, more flexible system solution.
f. Smart monitoring, RS485/WiFi/Bluetooth/GPRS(Optional).
2.4. Electrical block diagram
Fig. 2-3 Electrical block diagram

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
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ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd。
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3. Installation
Installation notes
3.1. Installation Process
Fig.3-1 Installation flowchart
3.2. Checking Before Installation
Checking Outer Packing Materials
Packing materials and components may be damaged during transportation.
Therefore, check the outer packing materials before installing the inverter. Check
the outer packing materials for damage, such as holes and cracks. If any damage is
found, do not unpack the ME 5-20KTL-3PH and contact the dealer as soon as
possible. You are advised to remove the packing materials within 24 hours before
installing the ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter.
Checking Deliverables
Do NOT install the ME 5-20KTL-3PH on flammable material.
Do NOT install the ME 5-20KTL-3PH in an area used to store
Flammable or explosive material.
Dager
The enclosure and heat sink are very hot while the inverter is
working, therefore do NOT install the ME 5-20KTL-3PH in places
where you might touch them inadvertently.
Caution
Consider the weight of ME 5-20KTL-3PH when transporting
and moving the inverters.
Choose an appropriate mounting position and surface.
Assign at least two persons to install the inverter.
Attention

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
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After unpacking the inverter, check whether deliverables are intact and
complete. If any damage is found or any component is missing, contact the dealer.
Table3-1 Components and mechanical parts that should be delivered
NO.
Picture
Description
Quantity
1
Inverter
1pcs
2
Rear panel
1pcs
3
BAT- input terminal
2pcs
4
BAT+input terminal
2pcs
5
Metal terminals secured
to BAT- input power
cables
2pcs
6
Metal terminals secured
to BAT+ input power
cables
2pcs
7
M6 Hexagon screw
2pcs
8
M8*80 Expansion bolts used
to secure the wall-mount
bracket to the wall
4pcs
9
AC Grid connector
1pcs
10
Load Output connector
1pcs
11
Link port connector
1pcs

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12
8 pin terminal
Matching terminal resistance
（parallel system）
1pcs
13
DRMs connector
1pcs
14
CT 6pin connector
1pcs
15
Three phase electronic energy
meter
1pcs
16
Split Core Current
Transformer
3pcs
17
COM 16pin connector
1pcs
18
Manual
1pcs
19
The warranty card
1pcs
20
Quality Certificate
1pcs
21
Outgoing inspection report
1pcs
3.3. Product Overview
ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter is 100% strictly inspected before package and
delivery. It is forbidden to put the ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter upside down during
delivery.

ME 5-20KTL-3PH User manual
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Please check the product package and fittings carefully before
installation.
CAUTION
Fig.3-2 ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter overview
Table 3-2 ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter overview
1
Battery input terminals
6
COM
2
Load connection port
7
Link Port 1
3
Grid connection port
8
Link Port 0
4
USB/WiFi
9
CT
5
DRMs
10
LCD
3.4. Tools
Prepare tools required for installation and electrical connections.
Table 3-3 Tools required for installation and electrical connections.
NO.
Tool
Model
Function
1
Hammer drill
Recommend drill
dia. 8mm
Used to drill holes on the wall.
2
Screwdriver
Wiring
3
Cross screwdriver
Remove and install AC terminal
screws
4
Removal tool
Remove PV terminal

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5
Wire stripper
Strip wire
6
5mm Allen
Wrench
Turn the screw to connect rear panel
with inverter.
7
Crimping tool
Used to crimp power cables
8
Multi-meter
Used to check grounding
9
Marker
Used to mark signs
10
Measuring tape
Used to measure distances
11
Level
Used to ensure that the rear panel is
properly installed
12
ESD gloves
Operators wear
13
Safety goggles
Operators wear
14
Anti-dust respirator
Operators wear
3.5. Installation Environment
a. Choose a dry, clean, and tidy place, convenient for installation.
b. Ambient temperature range: -25℃ ~ 60℃.
c. Relative humidity: 0 ~ 100% (non-condensed).
d. ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter shall be installed in a well-ventilated place.
e. No flammable or explosive materials close to ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter.
f. The AC overvoltage category of ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter is category III.
g. Maximum altitude: 4000m.
3.6. Determining the Installation Position
Determine an appropriate position for installing the ME 5-20KTL-3PH

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inverter. Comply with the following requirements when determining the installation
position.
Fig. 3-3 Installation Position of ME 5-20KTL-3PH inverter
①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦
3.7. Moving the ME 5-20KTL-3PH
Step 1 Open the packaging, insert hands into the slots on both sides of the
inverter and hold the handles, as shown in Fig.3-4.
Fig. 3-4 Moving the inverter

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①
②
Step 2 Lift the inverter from the packing case and move it to the installation
position.
To prevent device damage and personal injury, keep balance when
moving the inverter because the inverter is heavy.
Do not put the inverter with its wiring terminals contacting the
floor because the power ports and signal ports are not designed to
support the weight of the inverter. Place the inverter horizontally.
When placing the inverter on the floor, put foam or paper under the
inverter to protect its shell.
Attention
3.8. Installing ME 5-20KTL-3PH
Step 1 Determine the positions for drilling holes, ensure the hole positions are
level, then mark the hole positions using a marker pen, use the hammer drill to drill
holes on the wall. Keep the hammer drill perpendicular to the wall, do not shake
when drilling, so as not to damage the wall. If the error of the hole positions is too
big, you need to reposition.
Step 2 Insert the expansion bolt vertically into the hole, pay attention to the
insertion depth of the expanding bolt (should be deep enough).
Step 3 Align the rear panel with hole positions, fix the rear panel on the wall
by tightening the expansion bolt with the nuts.
Step 4 Hook the inverter to the rear panel. Using an M6 screw to secure the
inverter to the rear panel to ensure safety.
Step 5 You can secure the inverter to the rear panel and protect if from
stealing by installing an anti-theft lock (this action is optional).
Fig. 3-5 Installing ME 5-20KTL-3PH