SolarEdge SE8k User manual

About This Guide
SolarEdge Installation Guide for Three Phase Inverters –EU
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About This Guide
SolarEdge Installation Guide for Three Phase Inverters –EU
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About This Guide
This user guide is intended for Photovoltaic (PV) system owners, installers,
technicians, maintainers and integrators who are authorized to install and
connect a SolarEdge power harvesting system.
This guide describes the process of installing SolarEdge PowerBoxes and
SolarEdge Three Phase Inverters. This guide does not describe how to
install the PV modules. The inverter models covered in this guide are:
SE8k, SE10k and, SE12k. The PowerBox models covered in the guide are
PB250-AOB, PB350-AOB, PB250-TFI and PB350-TFI.
The guide includes the following chapters:
Chapter 1, Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System,
page 10, introduces the SolarEdge power harvesting solution and the
workflow for using it.
Chapter 2, Installing the PowerBoxes, page 16, describes how to
install the SolarEdge PowerBoxes.
Chapter 3, Installing the Inverter, page 24, describes the process of
installing and connecting a SolarEdge Three Phase Inverter.
Chapter 4, Commissioning the Installation, page 37, describes how
to activate the system, commission the PowerBoxes and verify the
proper functioning of the system.
Chapter 5, Replacing and Adding System Components, page 43,
describes how to replace or add various SolarEdge system components
after the initial installation.
Chapter 6, Inverter User Interface, page 47, describes how to
configure the inverter and how to identify its status.
Appendix A, Errors and Troubleshooting, page 61, lists the error
messages that may appear on the inverter’s LCD panel, describes their
meaning and describes how to troubleshoot each one.

Important Notice
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Appendix B, Technical Specifications, page 67, provides the
technical specifications of the SolarEdge system components.
Appendix C, PowerBox Mechanical Specifications, page 72, presents
the mechanical specifications for the SolarEdge PowerBoxes.
Appendix D, Site Installation Data, page 74, enables you to receive
up-to-date information from the installation site for viewing in a
physical or logical view.
Additional Documentation
The following describes where additional information and manuals can be
accessed. For further information, datasheets and the most up-to-date
certifications for various products in different countries, please visit the
SolarEdge web site: www.solaredge.com
The following additional manuals can be found on the site:
SolarEdge Monitoring Portal User Guide
SolarEdge Configuration Tool Software Guide
SolarEdge Add-on PowerBox Mounting Guide for Schott Solar
Modules
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.
This document is solely for the use of SolarEdge customers and employees.
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.
Exclusion of Liability
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.

Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
List of Figures...........................................................................................................6
Handling and Safety Instructions ...........................................................................7
Support and Contact Information..........................................................................9
Chapter 1, Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System......10
What is the SolarEdge Power Harvesting Solution?...........................................11
SolarEdge PowerBox..................................................................................................... 11
Three Phase Inverter...................................................................................................... 12
SolarEdge Monitoring Portal......................................................................................... 13
Installation Workflow............................................................................................13
Transport and Storage...........................................................................................14
Three Phase Inverter Transport...................................................................................... 14
Three Phase Inverter Storage......................................................................................... 14
Equipment List.......................................................................................................14
Chapter 2, Installing the PowerBoxes....................................................16
Applicable Notes and Warnings............................................................................17
Step 1, Mounting the PowerBoxes ........................................................................18
Step 2, Connecting Each PV Module to a PowerBox..........................................19
AOB............................................................................................................................... 19
TFI................................................................................................................................. 20
Step 3, Connecting PowerBoxes in Strings...........................................................21
Constructing Strings ...................................................................................................... 21
Verifying Proper PowerBox Connection ....................................................................... 22
Chapter 3, Installing the Inverter...........................................................24
Identifying the Inverter..........................................................................................25
Selecting the Mounting Location ..........................................................................26
Chassis Clearance.......................................................................................................... 26
Mounting the Inverter............................................................................................27
Connecting the Inverter.........................................................................................29
Inverter Connection Overview....................................................................................... 29
Connecting the Three Phase Inverter............................................................................. 30
Completing the Three Phase Inverter Installation.......................................................... 34

Table of Contents
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Residual Current Device........................................................................................36
Chapter 4, Commissioning the Installation...........................................37
Commissioning –Workflow ..................................................................................37
Step 1, Activating the System........................................................................................ 38
Step 2, Pairing PowerBoxes to the Inverter ................................................................... 39
Step 3, Verifying Proper Operation ............................................................................... 41
Step 4, Reporting Installation Data................................................................................ 42
Chapter 5, Replacing and Adding System Components ......................43
Modifying an Existing Installation........................................................................43
Replacing the Fans .................................................................................................45
Chapter 6, Inverter User Interface.........................................................47
Inverter LCD Panel and LEDs..............................................................................48
Inverter LCD Panel and User Buttons ........................................................................... 49
Configuring the Inverter Using the LCD Panel and User Buttons....................53
Inverter Configuration Menu Options ........................................................................... 57
Configuring the Inverter Using the SolarEdge Configuration Tool..................60
Appendix A, Errors and Troubleshooting.............................................61
Appendix B, Technical Specifications....................................................67
Three Phase Inverter..............................................................................................67
Thin Film PowerBox..............................................................................................69
Add-On PowerBox..................................................................................................70
Appendix C, PowerBox Mechanical Specifications..............................72
Add-On Solution PowerBox ..................................................................................73
Thin-Film Solution PowerBox...............................................................................73
Appendix D, Site Installation Data.........................................................74

List of Figures
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List of Figures
Figure 1: Add-On Box Solution......................................................................................11
Figure 2: Three Phase Inverter........................................................................................12
Figure 3: AOB.................................................................................................................19
Figure 4: TFI...................................................................................................................20
Figure 5: Chassis Clearance............................................................................................26
Figure 6: Positioning the U-shaped Part of the Bracket..................................................27
Figure 7: Hanging the Inverter on the Bracket................................................................28
Figure 8: Inserting the Screws into the Bottom Heat Sink..............................................28
Figure 9: Three Phase Inverter Connectors.....................................................................30
Figure 10: Wire Lengths to Strip ....................................................................................32
Figure 11: Inserting the Cable Through the AC Cable Gland.........................................33
Figure 12: Connecting the DC Cables to the Inverter.....................................................33
Figure 13: Chassis Grounding Wire Conection..............................................................35
Figure 14: Tightening the Screws...................................................................................35
Figure 15: Inverter Fan 1 ................................................................................................45
Figure 16: Fan Door Connector......................................................................................46
Figure 17: Three Phase Inverter –Front.........................................................................48
Figure 18: LCD Panel Menu Buttons .............................................................................54
Figure 19: LCD Menu Options.......................................................................................56
Figure 20: AOB PowerBox Mechanical Specifications..................................................73
Figure 21: TFI PowerBox Mechanical Specifications....................................................73

Handling and Safety Instructions
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Handling and Safety Instructions
During installation, testing and inspection adherence to the following
handling and safety instructions is mandatory.
Safety Symbols
The following safety symbols are used throughout this document.
Familiarize yourself with the symbols and their meaning before installing
or operating this instrument.
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 instrument. 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.

Handling and Safety Instructions
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Instructions
WARNING!
Do not remove the inverter cover before five minutes have elapsed after
disconnecting all sources of power. Only use lockable connectors for DC input.
Otherwise, there is a risk of electric shock form energy stored in the capacitor.
WARNING!
Before operating the Three Phase Inverter, ensure that the power cable and wall
outlet have been grounded properly.
WARNING!
The cover must only be opened after shutting off the AC power, disconnecting the
DC cables and waiting five minutes.
WARNING!
Repairs or testing under power must only be performed by qualified SolarEdge
technicians who are familiar with and qualified to work with this Three Phase
Inverter.
WARNING!
This unit is not intended to be opened by a user. It must only be opened by a
qualified technician for installation and maintenance purposes.
CAUTION:
This unit must be operated under the specified operating specifications, as
described in the technical specification document.

Support and Contact Information
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Support and Contact Information
If you have technical problems concerning our products, please contact us:
USA & Worldwide Support Line: +1.650.319.8843
Germany: +49.89.4161703-30
France: +33.(0)970.465.662
Israel: +972.73.2403118
Fax: [phone]
Email to: [e-mail]
Before contact, please gather the following information:
Inverter and PowerBox type.
Serial number of the inverter and the PowerBox in question.
The error indicated on the inverter screen or on the SolarEdge
Monitoring Portal.
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.
The Support option on the top right of the SolarEdge Configuration
Tool’s main window can be used to automatically collect all relevant
information to be sent to SolarEdge Professional Services for support. This
option is described in detail in the SolarEdge Configuration Tool Software
Guide.

Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System
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Chapter 1
Introducing the SolarEdge
Power Harvesting System
About This Chapter
This chapter introduces the components of the SolarEdge power harvesting
solution. This chapter contains the following sections:
What is the SolarEdge Power Harvesting Solution?, page 11
Installation Workflow, page 13
Transport and Storage, page 14
Equipment List, page 14

Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System
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What is the SolarEdge Power
Harvesting Solution?
The SolarEdge power harvesting solution maximizes the power output from
any type of solar PV installation while reducing the average cost per watt.
The sections below describe each of the system’s components.
SolarEdge PowerBox
SolarEdge PowerBoxes can be connected to existing PV modules in order
to maximize power harvesting by locally performing Maximum Power
Point Tracking (MPPT) at the PV module level.
The PowerBoxes keep the string voltage fixed, regardless of the length of the
string and of the environmental conditions. Each SolarEdge PowerBox directly
transmits performance data fromevery PV module over the power line.
Two types of PowerBoxes are provided by SolarEdge, as follows:
Module Add-On Box Solution (AOB), connected during installation
to one PV module. P/N: PB250-AOB, PB350-AOB.
Thin Film Solution (TFI), connected during installation to between
one and four PV modules. P/N: PB350-TFI.
You may refer to the SolarEdge PowerBox datasheets in order to determine
which PowerBox is most suitable for you requirements.
Figure 1: Add-On Box Solution
Mounting Hole
Mounting Hole

Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System
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Three Phase Inverter
The Three Phase Inverter efficiently converts DC power received from the
PV modules into AC power that can be fed into the main circuit board of
the site and from there to the grid. The inverter also receives the monitoring
data from each PowerBox and transmits it to a central server (called the
Monitoring Server) through an Ethernet network to an external modem
connection.
Figure 2: Three Phase Inverter
Three Phase Inverter Package Contents
The following lists the contents of the Three Phase Inverter installation
package:
One SolarEdge Three Phase Inverter.
One wall-mounting bracket.
Two flat head screws for fastening the inverter to the wall-mounting
bracket.
User Guide.
Warranty Card.
CD containing literature (manual, application notes and data sheets)
and software.
Top
Front
Bottom
Heat Sink
LCD

Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System
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SolarEdge Monitoring Portal
The SolarEdge Monitoring Portal enables you to monitor the technical and
financial performance of one or more SolarEdge Photovoltaic sites. It
provides information about present and past performance of each PV
module individually and about the system as a whole.
NOTE:
You may refer to the SolarEdge Monitoring Portal User Guide for more information
about this option.
Installation Workflow
The following provides an overview of the workflow for installing and
setting up a new SolarEdge site. Most of these procedures can also be used
for adding components to an existing SolarEdge site.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Page 16
Page 24
Page 37
Refer to the Setting Up
Communication Application
Note and to page 42
Page 53
Connecting PowerBoxes to Panels
and to a String
Installing the Inverter and Connecting
the String to the Inverter
Commissioning and Activating the
Installation
Connecting the Inverter to the
SolarEdge Monitoring Server
Configuring the Inverter

Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System
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Transport and Storage
Three Phase Inverter Transport
The Three Phase Inverter should be transported in its original packaging,
facing up and without exposing the Three Phase Inverter to unnecessary
shocks. If the original package is no longer available, a similar box can be
used which can withstand the weight of the Three Phase Inverter (25 kg),
has a handle system and can be closed fully.
Three Phase Inverter Storage
Store the Three Phase Inverter in a dry place where ambient temperatures
are always between -25°C and +60°C.
Equipment List
Standard tools can be used during the installation of the SolarEdge system.
The following is a recommendation of the equipment to be used when
installing a SolarEdge system:
Allen screwdriver for M6 and M5 screw types.
Flat Head screwdriver.
Electrical screwdriver (tester).
Drilling machine and bits suitable for a wall or pole, where the inverter
mounting bracket is installed.
Suitable screws for attaching the inverter mounting bracket to a wall.
M8 screws for attaching the PowerBox to the racking.
Wire cutters.
Wire strippers.
Voltmeter.

Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System
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For installing the communication option, you may also need the following:
For Ethernet:
RJ45 connectors
CAT5 twisted pair Ethernet cable
RJ45 crimping tool
For RS485:
Four- or six-wire twisted pair telephone cable
RJ11 six-pin connector (also known as RJ25)
RJ11 crimping tool

Installing the PowerBoxes
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Chapter 2
Installing the
PowerBoxes
About This Chapter
This chapter describes how to install the SolarEdge PowerBoxes. The
following describes the sections in this chapter and the workflow for
installing the PowerBoxes:
Applicable Notes and Warnings, page 17
Step 1, Mounting the PowerBoxes, page 17
Step 2, Connecting Each PV Module to a PowerBox, page 19
Step 3, Connecting PowerBoxes in Strings, page 21

Installing the PowerBoxes
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Applicable Notes and Warnings
The following notes and warnings apply when installing the SolarEdge
PowerBoxes:
NOTE:
The PowerBox is waterproof and has no need for shelter. The PowerBox can be
placed in any orientation, meaning there is no up side.
NOTE:
The PowerBox should be mounted in a location that is either ventilated or that has a
free space of air around it for heat dissipation.
NOTE:
Mounting brackets are suited to either a flat surface or a pole and can be attached
to any surface texture.
CAUTION:
If installing directly on the module or module frame, first consult the module
manufacturer for guidance regarding location and the impact on the module warranty.
NOTE:
The instructions for mounting the AOB and TFI PowerBoxes to the PV module are
nearly identical. The only difference is that an AOB PowerBox connects to a single
PV module and a TFI PowerBox can connect to up to four PV modules.
IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE:
PV modules with SolarEdge PowerBoxes are safe. They only carry a low safety
voltage before the Three Phase Inverter is turned on.
IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE:
As long as the PowerBoxes are unconnected to the inverter and the inverter is OFF,
the PowerBoxes will output a safe 1V voltage during installation.
WARNING!
Before performing this step, turn OFF the Three Phase Inverter by turning off the
ON/OFF switch at the bottom of the inverter and the DC switch of the main circuit board.
All inverters in an installation site should be switched OFF in this manner. This step is
required to verify that the PowerBoxes will output a safe 1V voltage during installation.

Installing the PowerBoxes
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Step 1, Mounting the PowerBoxes
NOTE:
If you are installing modules with embedded PowerBoxes, then skip to Step 3,
Connecting PowerBoxes in Strings on page 21.
Determine the mounting location of each PowerBox. The PowerBox
should be mounted in a place where it can be mounted securely by
using both mounting holes and in a location near enough so that an
AOB PowerBox can connect to a single PV module and a TFI
PowerBox can connect to up to four PV modules, per your plan.
Mark all mounting hole locations.
Each PowerBox must be attached to the rack using both mounting holes.
Drill the holes.
CAUTION:
Do not drill through the PowerBox or through the mounting holes. The
vibrations created by the drill can damage the PowerBox.
Mount one PowerBox at each location using M8 screws and washers.
Verify that the PowerBox is securely attached.

Installing the PowerBoxes
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Step 2, Connecting Each PV
Module to a PowerBox
AOB
The AOB connects to a single PV module via its two inputs (a plus and a
minus).
Figure 3: AOB
►To connect the AOB PowerBox to the PV modules:
WARNING:
Verify that you have identified the inputs and outputs correctly. Do not connect PV
modules to PowerBox outputs.
NOTE:
The PowerBox has reverse polarity protection. Even so, you must still verify the
correct polarity by checking the PV module’s polarity with a voltmeter. Some module
manufacturers may use connector polarity that is different from that used by
SolarEdge PowerBox inputs.
Input +
Input -
Output -
Output +

Installing the PowerBoxes
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TFI
The TFI PowerBox can connect to up to four PV modules via its MC3
inputs. The TFI PowerBox has four pairs of inputs (each pair comprises one
Plus (+) and one Minus (-) connector) and two outputs (one Plus (+) and
one Minus (-)), as shown below.
Figure 4: TFI
IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE:
After a PV module is connected to the PowerBox, the PowerBox outputs a safe
voltage of 1 V. We suggest verifying this output for the first few PowerBoxes that
you connect in order to verify their proper connection. Take note that if you use a
tracker, the PowerBox will turn ON only if the tracker is tracking the sun and at least
2 W of power are provided by the PV module.
►To connect the TFI PowerBox to the PV modules:
The input connectors are shown in Figure 4. The output connectors are
in the middle of each side.
Each of the four pairs of connectors on the TFI PowerBox are provided
sealed. If you connect less than four modules to each PowerBox, you
can leave the unused connectors sealed (as is) instead of plugging them.
The Plus (+) and Minus (-) input connectors on the TFI PowerBox are
not specifically paired, meaning you can connect a PV module to any
Plus (+) input connector and Minus (-) input connector.
Output -
Output +
Inputs +
Inputs +
Inputs -
Inputs -