SolarEdge SE2500H User manual

Installation Guide
Single Phase Inverter with
HD-Wave Technology
with SetApp Configuration
For Europe and APAC
Version 1.0

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.
The material furnished in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, SolarEdge assumes no responsibility for the use of this material. SolarEdge
reserves the right to make changes to the material at any time and without notice. You
may refer to the SolarEdge web site (www.solaredge.com) for the most updated version.
All company and brand products and service names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
Patent marking notice: see http://www.solaredge.com/patent
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.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. 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.
Disclaimers 1
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0

Revision History
Version 1.0 (June 2019)
Initial release
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0
2 Revision History

Support and Contact Information
If you have technical problems concerning SolarEdge products, please contact us:
Support Center: https://www.solaredge.com/service/support
Country Phone E-Mail
Australia ([phone] [e-mail]
APAC (Asia Pacific)([phone] support-
[e-mail]
Belgium ([phone] [e-mail]
China ([phone] support_
[e-mail]
DACH & Rest of Europe ([phone] [e-mail]
France ([phone] [e-mail]
Italy ([phone] [e-mail]
Japan ([phone] [e-mail]
Netherlands ([phone] [e-mail]
New Zealand ([phone] [e-mail]
Republic of Ireland ([phone] [e-mail]
United Kingdom ([phone]
US & Canada ([phone] [e-mail]
Greece ([phone]
[e-mail]
Israel ([phone]
Middle East &Africa ([phone]
South Africa ([phone]
Turkey ([phone]
Worldwide ([phone]

Support and Contact Information 3
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0

Before contact, make sure to have the following information at hand:
Model and serial number of the product in question.
The error indicated on the Inverter SetApp mobile application or on the monitoring
platform or by the LEDs, if there is such an indication.
System configuration information, including the type and number of modules
connected and the number and length of strings.
The communication method to the SolarEdge server, if the site is connected.
The inverter software version as appears in the status screen.
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0
4 Support and Contact Information

Contents
Disclaimers 1
Important Notice 1
Revision History 2
Support and Contact Information 3
HANDLING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 7
Safety Symbols Information 7
IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS 8
Chapter 1: Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System 10
Power Optimizer 10
SolarEdge Inverter 11
Monitoring Platform 11
Installation Procedure 11
Installation Equipment List 11
Inverter Transport and Storage 12
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimizers 13
Safety 13
Installation Guidelines 14
Step 1: Mounting the Power Optimizers 16
Step 2: Connecting a PV Module to a Power Optimizer 17
Step 3: Connecting Power Optimizers in Strings 17
Step 4: Verifying Proper Power Optimizer Connection 18
Chapter 3: Installing the Inverter 19
Inverter Package Contents 19
Identifying the Inverter 19
Inverter Interfaces 20
Mounting the Inverter 23
Chapter 4: Connecting the AC and the Strings to the Inverter 27
Connecting the ACGrid to the Inverter 27
Connecting the Strings to the Inverter 28
Selecting a Residual Current Device (RCD) 29
Chapter 5: Activating, Commissioning and Configuring the System 31
Step 1: Activating the Installation 31
Step 2: Commissioning and Configuring the Installation 32
Step 3: Verifying Proper Activation and Commissioning 36
Viewing System Status 37
Reporting and Monitoring Installation Data 44
Support and Contact Information 5
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0

Chapter 6: Setting Up Communication to the Monitoring Platform 47
Communication Options 47
Communication Connectors 49
Removing the Inverter Cover 50
Removing the DC Safety Unit Cover 50
Creating an Ethernet (LAN) Connection 51
Creating an RS485 Bus Connection 54
Verifying the Connection 57
Chapter 6: Errors and Troubleshooting 59
Identifying Errors 59
Troubleshooting Communication 60
Power Optimizer Troubleshooting 62
Appendix A: Mechanical Specifications 64
Appendix B: Replacing and Adding System Components 65
Replacing an Inverter 65
Replacing the DC Safety Unit 67
Adding, Removing, or Replacing Power Optimizers 69
Appendix C: SafeDC™ 70
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0
6 Support and Contact Information

HANDLING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
During installation, testing and inspection, adherence to all the handling and safety
instructions is mandatory. Failure to do so may result in injury or loss of life and
damage to the equipment.
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.
Disposal requirements under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
regulations:
NOTE
Discard this product according to local regulations or send it back to SolarEdge.
HANDLING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 7
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0

IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS
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.

WARNING!
Before operating the inverter, ensure that the inverter AC power cable and wall
outlet are 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!
Do not touch the PV panels or any rail system connected when the inverter
switch is ON, unless grounded.
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+ (String Length-1)*1V, where:
Voc,max = Maximum Voc (at lowest temperature) of the PV module in the
string (for a string with multiple module models, use the max value)
String Length = number of power optimizers in the 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.
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0
8 IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS

NOTE
Use PV modules rated according to IEC 61730 class A.
NOTE
The symbol appears at grounding points on the SolarEdge equipment. This
symbol is also used in this manual.
NOTE
A SolarEdge inverter may be installed in a site with 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, refer to
https://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/se-inverter-
support-of-voltage-sources.pdf.
NOTE
The following warning symbols appear on the inverter warning label:
Risk of electric shock
Risk of electric shock from energy stored in the capacitor. Do not
remove cover until 5 minutes after disconnecting all sources of
supply.
Hot surface – To reduce the risk of burns, do not touch.
IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS 9
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0

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 Optimizer
The power optimizers 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.
The power optimizers regulate the string voltage at a constant level, regardless of string
length and environmental conditions.
The power optimizers include a safety voltage function that automatically reduces the
output of each power optimizer to 1 Vdc in the following cases:
During fault conditions
The power optimizers are disconnected from the inverter
The inverter ON/OFF/P switch is turned OFF
The inverter AC breaker is turned OFF
Each power optimizer also transmits module performance data over the DC power line
to the inverter.
Two types of power optimizers are available:
Module Add-on power optimizer – connected to one or more modules
Smart modules - the power optimizer is embedded into a module
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0
10 Chapter 1: Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System

SolarEdge Inverter
The SolarEdge 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 SolarEdge monitoring platform; requires Internet connection).
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.
Installation Procedure
The following is the procedure for installing and setting up a new SolarEdge site. Many
of these also apply to modification of an existing site.
1. Connecting Power Optimizers in Strings, page 17
2. Recording power optimizer serial numbers (optional), page 45
3. Mounting the inverter, Page 23
4. Connecting the AC and the Strings to the Inverter, page 27
5. Commissioning and activating the installation, page 31
6. Connecting the inverter to the monitoring platform, page 46
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:
Allen screwdriver for 3mm screw type for the inverter cover, side screws, and DC
Safety Unit cover (if applicable)
Standard flat-head screwdrivers set
Non-contact voltage detector
Cordless drill (with a torque clutch)or screwdriver and bits suitable for the surface
on which the inverter and optimizers will be installed. Use of an impact driver is not
allowed.
Appropriate mounting hardware (for example: stainless bolts, nuts, and washers)
for attaching:
the inverter mounting bracket to the mounting surface
the power optimizer to the racking (not required for smart modules)
Chapter 1: Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System 11
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0

MC4 crimper
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Voltmeter
Mobile phone with latest SetApp version
For installing the communication options, you may also need the following:
For Ethernet:
CAT5/6 twisted pair Ethernet cable with RJ45 connector
If using a CAT5/6 cable spool: RJ45 plug and RJ45 crimper
For RS485:
Four- or six-wire shielded twisted pair cable
Watchmaker precision screwdriver set
Inverter Transport and Storage
Transport the inverter in its original packaging, facing up and without exposing it to
unnecessary shocks. If the original package is no longer available, use a similar box that
can withstand the weight of the inverter (refer to the inverter weight in the specification
datasheet provided with the unit), has a handle system and can be closed fully.
Store the inverter in a dry place where ambient temperatures are -25°C to +65°C /
-13°F to 149°F.
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0
12 Inverter Transport and Storage

Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimizers
Safety
The following notes and warnings apply when installing the power optimizers. Some of
the following may not be applicable to smart modules:
WARNING!
When modifying an existing installation, turn OFF the inverter ON/OFF/P
switch, the Safety Switch (if applicable) and the AC circuit breaker on the main
AC distribution panel.
CAUTION!
Power optimizers are IP68/NEMA6P rated. Choose a mounting location where
optimizers 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 optimizer input or output cable connector is prohibited and
will void the warranty.
CAUTION!
All PV modules must be connected to a power optimizer.
CAUTION!
If you intend to mount the optimizers 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.
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimizers 13
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0

CAUTION!
Installing a SolarEdge system without ensuring compatibility of the module
connectors with the optimizer connectors may be unsafe and could cause
functionality problems such as ground faults, resulting in inverter shut down. To
ensure mechanical compatibility of the power optimizers’ 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 optimizers 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 optimizer connector; and
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.
For more information, refer to
https://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/optimizer-input-
connector-compatibility.pdf
IMPORTANTSAFETYFEATURE
Modules with SolarEdge power optimizers are safe. They carry only a low safety
voltage before the inverter is turned ON. As long as the power optimizers are
not connected to the inverter or the inverter is turned OFF, each power
optimizer will output a safe voltage of 1V.
Installation Guidelines
The minimum and maximum string length guidelines are stated in the power
optimizer datasheets. Refer to the Designer for string length verification. The
Designer is available on the SolarEdge website at
https://www.solaredge.com/products/installer-tools/designer#/.
Frame-mounted power optimizers are mounted directly on the
module frame, regardless of racking system (rail-less or with rails). For
installation of frame-mounted power optimizers, refer to
http://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/installing_frame_
mounted_power_optimizers.pdf.
The power optimizer can be placed in any orientation.
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0
14 Installation Guidelines

If connecting more modules than optimizer inputs in parallel, use a branch cable.
Some commercial power optimizer models have a dual input.
Position the power optimizer close enough to its module so that their cables can be
connected.
Make sure to use power optimizers that have the required output conductor length:
Do not use extension cables between a module and a power optimizer,
between two modules connected to the same optimizer, or between two
optimizers other than in the cases specified below.
You can use extension cables between power optimizers only from row to row,
around obstacles or pathways within a row, and from the end of the string to
the inverter, as long as the maximum distance is not exceeded.
NOTE
Use at least 11 AWG/ 4 mm² DC cables.
The total cable length of the string (excluding power optimizers’
cables) should not exceed 1000ft./300 m from DC+ to DC- of the
inverter.
Completely shaded modules may cause their power optimizers to temporarily shut
down. This will not affect the performance of the other power optimizers in the
string, as long as the minimum number of unshaded power optimizers connected in
a string of modules is met. If under typical conditions fewer than the minimum
optimizers are connected to unshaded modules, add more optimizers to the string.
To allow for heat dissipation, maintain a minimum of 2.5 cm / 1" clearance between
the power optimizer and other surfaces, on all sides except the mounting bracket
side.
Figure 2: Power optimizer clearance
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimizers 15
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0

When installing modules in a confined space, for example, if installing Building-
integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules, ventilation measures may be needed to
ensure the power optimizers are not be exposed to temperatures outside their
specifications.
NOTE
The images contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and may vary
depending on product models.
Step 1: Mounting the Power Optimizers
For each of the power optimizers(1):
1. Determine the power optimizer mounting location and use the power
optimizer mounting brackets to attach the power optimizer to the
support structure . It is recommended to mount the power optimizer
in a location protected from direct sunlight. For frame-mounted
power optimizers follow the instructions supplied with the optimizers,
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 the hole.
CAUTION!
Drilling vibrations may damage the power optimizer 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 optimizer.
Do not drill through the power optimizer or through the mounting holes.
3. Attach each power optimizer to the rack using M6 (1/4'') stainless steel bolts, nuts
and washers or other appropriate mounting hardware. Apply torque of 9-10 N*m /
6.5-7 lb*ft.
4. Verify that each power optimizer is securely attached to the module support
structure.
5. Record power optimizer serial numbers and locations, as described in Reporting and
Monitoring Installation Data on page 44.
(1)Not applicable to smart modules.
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0
16 Step 1: Mounting the Power Optimizers

Step 2: Connecting a PV Module to a Power Optimizer
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 optimizers:
Connect the Plus (+) output connector of the module to the Plus (+) input
connector of the power optimizer.
Connect the Minus (-) output connector of the module to the Minus (-) input
connector of the power optimizer.
Figure 3: Power optimizer connectors
Step 3: Connecting Power Optimizers in Strings
You can construct parallel strings of unequal length, that is, the number
of power optimizers in each string does not have to be the same. The
minimum and maximum string lengths are specified in the power
optimizer datasheets. Refer to the Designer for string length verification.

1. Connect the Minus (-) output connector of the string’s first power optimizer to the
Plus (+) output connector of the string’s second power optimizer.
2. Connect the rest of the power optimizers in the string in the same manner.
WARNING!
If using a dual-input power optimizer and some inputs are not used, seal the
unused input connectors with the supplied pair of seals.
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimizers 17
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0

Figure 4: Power optimizers connected in series
3. If you intend to monitor the installation, using the monitoring platform, record the
physical location of each power optimizer, as described in Creating Logical and
Physical Layout using Installation Information on page 45.
Step 4: Verifying Proper Power Optimizer Connection
When a module is connected to a power optimizer, the power optimizer outputs a safe
voltage of 1V (±0.1V). Therefore, the total string voltage should equal 1V times the
number of power optimizers connected in series in the string. For example, if 10 power
optimizers are connected in a string, then 10V should be produced.
Make sure the PVmodules are exposed to sunlight during this process. The power
optimizer will only turn ON if the PVmodule provides at least 2W.
In SolarEdge systems, due to the introduction of poweroptimizers 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 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 optimizer connection:
Measure the voltage of each string individually before connecting it to the other strings
or to the inverter. Verify correct polarity by measuring the string polarity with a
voltmeter. Use a voltmeter with at least 0.1V measurement accuracy.
NOTE
Since the inverter is not yet operating, you may measure the string voltage and
verify correct polarity on the DC wires inside the DC Safety Unit.
For troubleshooting power optimizer operation problems, refer to Power Optimizer
Troubleshooting on page 62.
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0
18 Step 4: Verifying Proper Power Optimizer Connection

Chapter 3: Installing the Inverter
Install the inverter either before or after the modules and power optimizers have been
installed.
CAUTION!
Do not rest the connectors at the bottom of the inverter on the ground, as it
may damage them. To rest the inverter on the ground, lay it on its back.
Inverter Package Contents
One inverter with DC Safety Unit
Mounting bracket kit
DC Safety Unit sealing cover (if applicable, for use in case of inverter replacement)
Installation guide
Antenna and mounting bracket for wireless communication (in specific models)
Identifying the Inverter
Refer to the sticker on the inverter that specifies its Serial Number and its Electrical
Ratings. Provide the serial number when contacting SolarEdge support. The serial
number is also required when opening a new site in the monitoring platform.
Chapter 3: Installing the Inverter 19
Single Phase Inverter with HD-Wave Technology Installation MAN-01-00540-1.0