SolarEdge StorEdge SE5K User manual

Installation Guide
Three Phase System with
SetApp Configuration
For Europe and APAC
Version 1.2

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.

Disclaimers 1
Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2

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 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.
-Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2
2 Emission Compliance

Support and Contact Information
If you have technical problems concerning SolarEdge products, please contact us:
Country Phone E-Mail
Australia ([phone] [e-mail]
APAC (Asia Pacific)([phone] [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]
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.
Support and Contact Information 3
Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2

Revision History
Version 1.2 (Feb 2019)
Added appendix 'Determining the Circuit Breaker Size' and paragraph
referencing to it, in the 'Grid Connection Guidelines' section.
Updated guidelines for use of extension cables in power optimizer installation
Torque for plastic cover screws 10.3 N*m/ 7.5 lb-ft.
In Specifications:
Addition of footnote for MC4 inputs: Connection of additional strings in
parallel to a single input is allowed as long as the cumulative current
does not exceed 45A.
Removed the 'Recommended circuit breaker/ fuse size to use at the grid
connection point' table.
Version 1.0 (Aug. 2018)
Initial release
-Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2
4 Revision History

Contents
Disclaimers 1
Important Notice 1
Emission Compliance 2
Support and Contact Information 3
Revision History 4
HANDLING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 7
Safety Symbols Information 7
IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS 8
Chapter 1: Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System 10
Power Optimiser 10
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 17
Step 2: Connecting a PV Module to a Power Optimiser 17
Step 3: Connecting Power Optimizers in Strings 18
Step 4: Verifying Proper Power Optimiser Connection 19
Chapter 3: Installing the Inverter 20
Inverter Package Contents 20
Identifying the Inverter 20
Inverter Interfaces 20
Mounting the Inverter 25
Chapter 4: Connecting the AC and the Strings to the Inverter 30
Grid Connection Guidelines 30
Connecting the ACGrid to the Inverter 31
Connecting the Strings to the Inverter 33
Selecting a Residual Current Device (RCD) 33
Chapter 5: Activating, Commissioning and Configuring the System Using the
Inverter SetApp 35
Step 1: Activating the Installation 35
Step 2: Commissioning and Configuring the Installation 36
Step 3: Verifying Proper Activation and Commissioning 40
Viewing System Status 40
Revision History 5
Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2

Reporting and Monitoring Installation Data 46
Chapter 6: Setting Up Communication 49
Communication Options 49
Communication Connectors 51
Removing the Inverter Cover 52
Creating an Ethernet (LAN) Connection 52
Creating an RS485 Bus Connection 56
Verifying the Connection 60
Appendix A: Errors and Troubleshooting 62
Identifying Errors 62
Troubleshooting Communication 64
Power Optimizer Troubleshooting 65
Appendix B: Mechanical Specifications 67
Appendix C: Connecting the AC and DCStrings to the DC Safety Unit 68
Connecting the ACGrid to the Inverter 69
Connecting the Strings to the DC Safety Unit 70
Appendix D: SafeDC™ 73
Appendix E: External Fan Maintenance and Replacement 74
Fan Maintenance 74
External Fan Replacement 74
Appendix F: Replacing and Adding System Components 77
Replacing an Inverter 77
Replacing the DC Safety Unit 78
Adding, Removing, or Replacing Power Optimizers 81
Appendix G: Determining the Circuit Breaker Size 82
Revision History 82
Introduction 82
Using Transformers in Commercial Three Phase Inverter Installations 82
Determining the Size of an Inverter Circuit Breaker 84
Technical Specifications - Three Phase Inverters (Europe &APAC) 86
-Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2
6 Revision History

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
Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2

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.
-Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2
8 IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS

NOTE
The inverter is IP65 rated . Unused conduit openings and glands should be
sealed with appropriate seals.
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, however must
not operate at the same time as the generator.
Operating an inverter and a generator simultaneously will void the warranty.
SolarEdge requires installing a physical or electronic interlock, which will
prevent the generator and inverter from operating simultaneously. 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.
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
Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2

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 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 switch is turned OFF
The safety switch on the DC Safety Unit 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.
-Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2
10 Chapter 1: Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System

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
Inverter
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).
Some inverters are available with an optional DC Safety Unit. The DC Safety Unit has a
manually operated switch for disconnecting the DC power of a SolarEdge system.
The DC Safety Unit is located below the inverter and is connected to the inverter with
AC and DC wires.
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 18.
2. Recording power optimizer serial numbers (optional), page 47.
3. Mounting the inverter, Page 25.
4. Connecting the AC and the Strings to the Inverter, page 31, or Connecting the AC and the
String to the DCSafety Unit, page 68.
5. Commissioning and activating the installation, page 35.
6. Connecting the inverter to the monitoring platform, page 48.
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 5mm screw type for the inverter cover, DC Safety Unit
cover (if applicable), and inverter side screws
Chapter 1: Introducing the SolarEdge Power Harvesting System 11
Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2

Allen screwdriver for M5/M6/M8 screw types
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 mounting brackets to the mounting surface
the power optimizer to the racking (not required for smart modules)
MC4 crimper
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Voltmeter
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.
-Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2
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 switch,
the Connection Unit 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
Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2

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.
-Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2
14 Installation Guidelines

The steps in this chapter refer to module add-on power optimizers. For smart
modules, start from Step 3: Connecting Power Optimizers in Strings on page
18 Step 3: Connecting Power Optimizers in Strings on page 18 Also refer to the
documentation supplied with the smart modules.
The power optimizer can be placed in any orientation.
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 within a row, and from the end of the string to
the inverter, as long as the maximum distance is not exceeded.
NOTE
The total conductor length of the string (excluding
power optimizers’ conductors; including home runs and
necessary extensions between optimizers) should not
exceed the following:
Inverter model Total conductor length ( from DC+
to DC- of the inverter)
Three phase up to
SE25K 1000 ft. /300 m
Three phase SE25K
and above 2300 ft./ 700 m
Use at least 11 AWG/ 4 mm² DC cables.
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
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimizers 15
Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2

the minimum optimizers are connected to unshaded modules, add more
optimizers to the string.
To allow for heat dissipation, maintain a 2.5 cm / 1" clearance distance between
the power optimizer and other surfaces, on all sides except the mounting
bracket side.
Figure 2: Power optimizer clearance
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.
-Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2
16 Installation Guidelines

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 46.
Step 2: Connecting a PV Module to a Power Optimiser
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.
(1)Not applicable to smart modules.
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimizers 17
Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2

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.
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 47.
-Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2
18 Step 3: Connecting Power Optimizers in Strings

Step 4: Verifying Proper Power Optimiser 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 65.
Chapter 2: Installing the Power Optimizers 19
Three Phase System Installation Guide MAN-01-00505-1.2