SolarEdge SE15K User manual

Installation Guide
Three Phase Inverter with
SetApp Configuration
Model Name: SE15K and SE17K for
Australia
Version 1.1

Disclaimers
Important Notice
Copyright © SolarEdge Inc. 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, electronic, mechanical, photographic,
magnetic or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SolarEdge Inc.
All company and brand products and service names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
Patent marking notice: see
The general terms and conditions of delivery of SolarEdge shall apply.
The content of these documents is continually reviewed and amended, where
necessary. However, discrepancies cannot be excluded. No guarantee is made for the
completeness of these documents.
The images contained in this document are for illustrative purposes only and may vary
depending on product models.
Disclaimers 1
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration

Emission Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits applied by the
local regulations.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Safety Warnings
Please review the following safety guidelines, and observe them when handling the
equipment.
Always power down the inverter before opening the unit. Perform the following
steps:
Switch the inverter’s ON/OFF switch to OFF, and wait five minutes for the
capacitors to discharge
Cut off AC power to the inverter by turning off the circuit breakers on the
distribution panel.
Turn the DC Safety Unit’s switch (if applicable) to OFF.
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration
2 Emission Compliance

Revision History
Version 1.1 (Oct. 2021)
Initial release
Revision History 3
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration

Contents
Disclaimers 1
Important Notice 1
Emission Compliance 2
Safety Warnings 2
Revision History 3
HANDLING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 6
Safety Symbols Information 6
Chapter 1: Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System 9
Power Optimiser 9
Inverter 9
Designer 10
Monitoring Platform 10
SetApp 10
Installation Procedures 10
Installation Equipment List 10
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimisers 12
Safety 12
Installation Guidelines 13
Step 1: Mounting the Power Optimisers 16
Step 2: Connecting a PV module to a Power Optimiser 16
Step 3: Connecting Power Optimisers in PV strings 17
Step 4: Verifying Proper Power Optimiser Connection 18
Step 5: Connecting the Strings to a Combiner Box 19
Chapter 3: Installing the Inverter 20
Package Contents 20
Identifying the Inverter 20
Inverter Interfaces 20
Mounting the Inverter 25
Chapter 4: Connecting Grid and PVStrings to the Inverter 30
Grid Connection Guidelines 30
Connecting to the ACGrid 31
Connecting the ACGrid to the Inverter 31
Connecting the PV Array to the Inverter 33
Chapter 5: Setting Up Communication with the Monitoring Platform 37
Communication Options 37
Communication Connectors 39
Removing the Inverter Cover 40
Removing the DC Safety Unit Cover 40
Creating an Ethernet (LAN) Connection 40
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration
4 Revision History

Creating an RS485 Bus Connection 44
RS485 Bus Configuration 46
Verifying the Connection 47
Chapter 6: Activating, Commissioning and Configuring the System 48
Step 1: Activating the Installation 48
Step 2: Commissioning and Configuring the Installation 49
Step 3: Verifying Proper Activation and Commissioning 51
Reporting and Monitoring Installation Data 51
Signaling Options 53
Appendix A: Errors and Troubleshooting 55
Identifying Errors 55
Troubleshooting Communication 56
Power Optimiser Troubleshooting 57
Appendix B: Adding Optional Components 59
AC Surge Protection Device (SPD) 59
DC Surge Protection Device (SPD) 59
Appendix C: Mechanical Specifications 60
Dimensions of Inverter Mounting Bracket 61
Support Contact Information 62
Revision History 5
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration

HANDLING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Safety Symbols Information
The following safety symbols are used in this document. Familiarize yourself with the
symbols and their meaning before installing or operating the system.
WARNING!
Denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life. Do not proceed
beyond a warning note until the indicated conditions are fully understood and
met.
CAUTION!
Denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in damage or destruction of the
product. Do not proceed beyond a caution sign until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.
NOTE
Denotes additional information about the current subject.
IMPORTANTSAFETYFEATURE
Denotes information about safety issues.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury, read all instructions in this document.
WARNING!
When servicing or replacing SolarEdge equipment, instructions in the
SolarEdge Inverter Installation Guide must be followed to maintain the integrity
of the PV hazard control system. SolarEdge Power Optimizers and/or inverters
may only be replaced with SolarEdge Power Optimizers and/or inverters. Third
party equipment is not compatible with SolarEdge equipment.
WARNING!
Using this equipment in a manner not specified by SolarEdge in this document
may impair the protection provided by this equipment.
WARNING!
The inverter cover must be opened only after switching the inverter ON/OFF/P
switch located at the bottom of the inverter to OFF. This disables the DC voltage
inside the inverter. Wait five minutes before opening the cover. Otherwise, there
is a risk of electric shock from energy stored in the capacitors.
HANDLING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 6
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration


WARNING!
Before operating the inverter, ensure that the inverter grounded properly. This
product must be connected to a grounded, metal, permanent wiring system, or
an equipment-grounding conductor must be run with the circuit conductors
and connected to the equipment grounding terminal or lead on the product.
WARNING!
Opening the inverter and repairing or testing under power must be performed
only by qualified service personnel familiar with this inverter.
WARNING!
SafeDC complies with IEC60947-3 when installing the system with a worst case
SafeDC voltage (under fault conditions) < 120V.
The worst case voltage is defined as: Voc, max+ (PV string Length-1)*1V, where:
Voc,max = Maximum Voc (at lowest temperature) of the PV modules in the PV
string (for a PV string with multiple modules, use the max value)
PV string Length = number of Power Optimisers in the PV string
CAUTION!
This unit must be operated according to the technical specification datasheet
provided with the unit.
CAUTION!
HEAVY OBJECT. To avoid muscle strain or back injury, use proper lifting
techniques, and if required - a lifting aid.
NOTE
The symbol appears at grounding points on the SolarEdge equipment. This
symbol is also used in this manual.
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration
7 Safety Symbols Information

NOTE
SolarEdge inverters can be installed in sites with an alternative power source
such as a generator. SolarEdge requires installing a physical or electronic
interlock, which will signal to the inverter when the grid has been
disconnected. Interlock procurement, installation, maintenance and support
are the responsibility of the installer. Damage to the inverter due to incorrect
interlock installation or use of an interlock that is incompatible with the
SolarEdge system will render the SolarEdge warranty invalid.
For more information on connecting an alternative power source
to SolarEdge inverter, refer to
https://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/se-inverter-
support-of-voltage-sources.pdf.
HANDLING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 8
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration

Chapter 1: Introducing the SolarEdge Power
Harvesting System
The SolarEdge power harvesting solution maximizes the power output from any type of
solar photovoltaic (PV) installation while reducing the average cost per watt. The
following sections describe each of the system’s components.
Figure 1: The SolarEdge power – harvesting system components
Power Optimiser
The Power Optimisers are DC-DC converters connected to PV modules in order to
maximize power harvesting by performing independent Maximum Power Point
Tracking (MPPT) at the module level.
Each Power Optimiser also transmits module performance data over the DC power line
to the inverter.
Inverter
An external The inverter efficiently converts DC power from the modules into AC power
that can be fed into the main ACservice of the site and from there to the grid. The
inverter also receives the monitoring data from each power optimizer and transmits it to
a central server (the monitoring platform; requires Internet connection).
An external Connection Unit has a manually operated switch for disconnecting the DC
power of a SolarEdge system. The Connection Unit is located below the inverter and is
connected to the inverter with AC and DC wires.
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration
9 Chapter 1: Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System

Designer
Designer recommends inverter and Power Optimiser selection per site size and enables
report generation. You can create a project in Designer and export the site design with
the PV array layout to the monitoring platform.
Monitoring Platform
The monitoring platform enables monitoring the technical and financial performance of
one or more SolarEdge sites. It provides past and present information on the system
performance both at the system and module levels.
SetApp
SetApp is a mobile application that enables activating and configuring the inverter
through a smartphone or any mobile device.
Installation Procedures
The following procedures are used for installing and setting up a new SolarEdge site.
Some procedures, may also apply to modify an existing site.
1. Connecting Power Optimizers in Strings, page 1
2. Recording power optimiser serial numbers (optional), page 52
3. Mounting the inverter, page 25
4. Activating, commissioning and configuring the system, page 48
5. Connecting the inverter to the monitoring platform, page 53
Installation Equipment List
Standard tools can be used during the installation of the SolarEdge system. The
following is a recommendation of the equipment needed for installation:
4 mm Allen torque screwdriver for the inverter enclosure screws
Standard torque flat-head screwdrivers set
Non-contact voltage detector
Mounting hardware (stainless bolts, nuts, and washers) for attaching:
the mounting brackets to the mounting surface
the power optimiser to the racking (not required for smart modules)
Tools:
Chapter 1: Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System 10
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration

Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Voltmeter
Mobile phone with latest SetApp version
For installing the communication options, you may also need the following:
For Ethernet:
CAT6 twisted pair Ethernet cable with RJ45 connector
If using a CAT6 cable spool: RJ45 plug and RJ45 crimper
For RS485 :
Four- or six-wire shielded twisted pair cable
Watchmaker precision screwdriver set
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration
11 Installation Equipment List

Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimisers
Safety
WARNING!
When modifying an existing installation, turn OFF the inverter ON/OFF/P
switch, the DC Disconnect Switch DC Safety Unit ON/OFF switch and the AC
circuit breaker on the main AC distribution panel.
CAUTION!
Power Optimisers are IP68/NEMA6P rated. Choose a mounting location where
optimisers will not be submerged in water.
CAUTION!
This unit must be operated according to the operating specifications provided
with the unit.
CAUTION!
Cutting the Power Optimiser input or output cable connector is prohibited and
will void the warranty.
CAUTION!
All PV modules must be connected to a Power Optimiser.
CAUTION!
If you intend to mount the Power Optimisers directly to the module or module
frame, first consult the module manufacturer for guidance regarding the
mounting location and the impact, if any, on module warranty. Drilling holes in
the module frame should be done according to the module manufacturer
instructions.
IMPORTANTSAFETYFEATURE
Modules with SolarEdge Power Optimisers are safe. They carry only a low safety
voltage before the inverter is turned ON. As long as the Power Optimisers are
not connected to the inverter or the inverter is turned OFF, each Power
Optimiser will output a safe voltage of 1V.
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimisers 12
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration

CAUTION!
Installing a SolarEdge system without ensuring compatibility of the module
connectors with the Power Optimiser connectors may be unsafe and could
cause functionality problems such as ground faults, resulting in inverter shut
down. To ensure mechanical compatibility of the SolarEdge Power Optimisers’
connectors with the PV modules’ connectors to which they are connected:
Use identical connectors from the same manufacturer and of the same type
on both the Power Optimisers and on the modules; or
Verify that the connectors are compatible in the following way:
The module connector manufacturer should explicitly verify compatibility
with the SolarEdge Power Optimiser connector; and the Inverter DC input
connectors.
A third-party test report by one of the listed external labs (TUV, VDE, Bureau
Veritas UL, CSA, InterTek) should be obtained, verifying the compatibility of
the connectors.
Installation Guidelines
For the minimum and maximum number of Power Optimisers in a PV string (PV
string length), see the Power Optimiser datasheets. Refer to the Designer for PV
string length verification. The Designer is available on the SolarEdge website at: .
Do not use extension cables between a module and a Power Optimiser, between
two modules connected to the same Power Optimiser, or between two Power
Optimisers other than in the following cases:
Between a Power Optimiser and a module:
Extension cables of up to 1.8 m are allowed for all Power Optimisers (0.9 m for
DC+, and 0.9 m for DC -).
P-Series Power Optimisers with the 4-type suffix in their part number (Pxxx-
4xxxxxx) and the Mxxxx-Series - extension cables of up to 16 m can be installed
per Power Optimiser (8 m for DC+, and 8 m for DC-).
Between two Power Optimisers or between a Power Optimiser and the inverter:
Extension cables can be installed between Power Optimisers only from row to
row, around obstacles or pathways within a row and from the end of the PV
string to the inverter. The total length of the extension cables may not exceed
the following values:
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration
13 Installation Guidelines

Single Phase Inverters Three Phase Inverters
All - 300 m
Frame-mounted Power Optimisers are mounted directly on the module frame,
regardless of racking system (rail-less or with rails). For installation of frame-
mounted Power Optimisers, refer to
http://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/installing_frame_mounted_power_
optimizers.pdf.
The Power Optimiser can be placed in any orientation.
If connecting more modules than Power Optimiser inputs in parallel, use a branch
cable. Some commercial Power Optimiser models have a dual input.
Position the Power Optimiser close enough to its module so that their cables can be
connected.
Make sure to use Power Optimisers that have the required output and input
conductor length.
Completely shaded modules may cause their Power Optimisers to temporarily shut
down. This will not affect the performance of the other Power Optimisers in the PV
string, as long as the minimum number of unshaded Power Optimisers connected in
a PV string of modules is met. If under typical conditions fewer than the minimum
Power Optimisers are connected to unshaded modules, add more Power Optimisers
to the PV string. To allow for heat dissipation, maintain clearance shown in
All Power Optimisers, except for the P860 and P960 Power Optimisers
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimisers 14
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration

P860, P960 and M1600 Power Optimisers
Figure 2: Power Optimisers clearance
When installing PV modules in a confined space such as Building-integrated
photovoltaic (BIPV) modules, ventilation measures may be required to ensure that
the Power Optimisers are not exceeding the maximum temperatures stated in their
specifications.
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration
15 Installation Guidelines

Step 1: Mounting the Power Optimisers
For each of the Power Optimisers(1):
1. Determine the Power Optimiser mounting location and use the Power
Optimiser mounting brackets to attach the Power Optimiser to the
support structure . It is recommended to mount the Power Optimiser
in a location protected from direct sunlight. For frame-mounted
Power Optimisers follow the instructions supplied with the optimisers,
or refer to https://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/installing_frame_
mounted_power_optimizers.pdf.
2. If required, mark the mounting hole locations and drill holes.
CAUTION!
Drilling vibrations may damage the Power Optimiser and will void the
warranty. Use a torque wrench or an electric drill with adjustable clutch that
meets the mounting torque requirements. Do not use impact drivers for
mounting the Power Optimiser.
Do not drill through the Power Optimiser or through the mounting holes.
3. Attach each Power Optimiser to the rack using M6 or M8 stainless steel bolts, nuts
and washers or other mounting hardware. Apply torque of 9-10 N*m.
4. Verify that each Power Optimiser is securely attached to the module support
structure.
5. Record Power Optimiser serial numbers and locations, as described in Reporting and
Monitoring Installation Data on page 51.
Step 2: Connecting a PV module to a Power Optimiser
NOTE
Improper wiring may cause electrical faults in a PV system. To avoid electrical
faults, verify proper locking of connectors and avoid cable tension and
friction. Proper planning, materials and installation reduce the risk of electric
arcs, short-circuits and ground faults in the PV system.
NOTE
Images are for illustration purposes only. Refer to the label on the product to
identify the plus and minus input and output connectors.
For each of the Power Optimisers:
(1)Not applicable to smart modules.
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimisers 16
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration

Connect the Plus (+) output connector of the module to the Plus (+) input
connector of the Power Optimiser.
Connect the Minus (-) output connector of the module to the Minus (-) input
connector of the Power Optimiser.
Figure 3: S-Series (left) and P-Series (right) Power Optimiser connectors
Step 3: Connecting Power Optimisers in PV strings
You can construct parallel PV strings of unequal length, that is, the number of Power
Optimisers in each PV string does not have to be the same. The minimum and maximum
PV string lengths are specified in the power datasheets. Refer to the SolarEdge Site
Designer for PV string length verification.
NOTE
The DC bus of each unit is separate and not shared for all units. Therefore, in
addition to following the inverter design rules, each unit should follow the
unit design rules as detailed in the Technical Specifications.
1. Connect the Minus (-) output connector of the PV string’s first Power Optimiser to
the Plus (+) output connector of the PV string’s second Power Optimiser.
2. To minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI), make sure to minimize the distance
between the positive and negative DC cables.
3. Connect the rest of the Power Optimisers in the PV string.
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration
17 Step 3: Connecting Power Optimisers in PV strings

Figure 4: Power Optimisers connected in series
4. If you intend to monitor the installation, using the SolarEdge Monitoring platform,
record the physical location of each Power Optimiser, as described in Creating
Logical and Physical Layout using Installation Information on page 52.
Step 4: Verifying Proper Power Optimiser Connection
When a module is connected to a Power Optimiser, the Power Optimiser outputs a safe
voltage of 1V (±0.1V). Therefore, the total PV string voltage should equal 1V times the
number of Power Optimisers connected in series in the PV string. For example, if 10
Power Optimisers are connected in a PV string, then 10V should be produced.
Make sure the PV modules are exposed to sunlight during this process. The Power
Optimiser will only turn ON if the PVmodule provides at least 2W.
In SolarEdge systems, due to the introduction of Power Optimisers between the PV
modules and the inverter, the short circuit current ISC and the open circuit voltage VOC
hold different meanings from those in traditional systems.
For more information about the SolarEdge system’s PV string Voltage and
current, refer to the VOC and ISC in SolarEdge Systems Technical Note ,
available on the SolarEdge website at:
https://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/isc_and_voc_in_solaredge_
sytems_technical_note.pdf
To verify proper Power Optimiser connection:
Measure the voltage of each PV string individually before connecting it to the other
PV strings or to the inverter. Verify correct polarity by measuring the PV string
polarity with a voltmeter. Use a voltmeter with at least 0.1V measurement accuracy.
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimisers 18
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration

NOTE
Since the inverter is not yet operating, you may measure the PV string
Voltage and verify correct polarity on the DC wires inside the Connection
UnitDC Safety Unit.
For troubleshooting Power Optimiser operation problems, refer to Power Optimiser
Troubleshooting on page 57.
Proper Power Optimiser connection can also be verified in the Designer application.
For more information, refer to
https://www.solaredge.com/products/installer-tools/designer#/.
Step 5: Connecting the Strings to a
Combiner Box
For connecting the strings to the DC Safety Unit with glands using a single input
connection use a combiner box. The combiner box should reside between the modules
and the inverter.
Three Phase Inverter with SetApp Configuration
19 Step 5: Connecting the Strings to a Combiner Box