Solark 12K User manual

October 21st, 2021 1
SPEC SHEET........................................................................................................................................................................................5
WIRE GAUGE GUIDE (COPPER) ..........................................................................................................................................................7
WIRING DIAGRAMS...........................................................................................................................................................................8
GUI SCREENS ...................................................................................................................................................................................16
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................................................18
DECIDING BACKUP CIRCUITS.......................................................................................................................................................................18
MOUNTING BACKUP LOADS PANEL OR MULTI-CIRCUIT TRANSFER SWITCH (NOT VALID FOR ARC-FAULT/GFI BREAKERS)............................................18
SINGLE SYSTEM INSTALLS ...........................................................................................................................................................................19
MOUNTING THE SOL-ARK ..........................................................................................................................................................................19
INTEGRATING BATTERIES (SOL-ARK POWERED "OFF") .................................................................................................................................19
CONNECTING SOLAR PANELS ......................................................................................................................................................................20
INTEGRATING A GENERATOR.......................................................................................................................................................................21
INTEGRATING SENSORS AND ACCESSORY PLACEMENT......................................................................................................................................22
POWERING-UP AND TESTING THE SOL-ARK 12K ............................................................................................................................................23
WI-FI / INTERNET CONNECTION ......................................................................................................................................................25
REMOTE MONITORING SETUP.....................................................................................................................................................................25
IP ADDRESS SETUP INSTRUCTIONS (PC OR SMART PHONE)...............................................................................................................................28
PROGRAMMING GUIDE...................................................................................................................................................................30
MAIN SCREENS (TOUCHSCREEN) .................................................................................................................................................................31
BASIC SETUP............................................................................................................................................................................................32
SYSTEM ALARMS ......................................................................................................................................................................................32
BATTERY SETUP........................................................................................................................................................................................33
GRID SETUP.............................................................................................................................................................................................35
LIMITER SENSOR AUTOMATIC SETUP ............................................................................................................................................................38
E.M.P SYSTEMS ONLY ..............................................................................................................................................................................38
INSTALL TIPS....................................................................................................................................................................................39
OFF-GRID INSTALL TIPS .............................................................................................................................................................................39
GRID-TIE /NO BATTERY INSTALL TIPS ..........................................................................................................................................................39
BATTERIES……………………………………………. ...................................................................................................................................... 40
BATTERY CHARGING INFORMATION..............................................................................................................................................................40
MODBUS/RJ45 APPLICATION NOTE..........................................................................................................................................................42
PARALLEL SYSTEMS .........................................................................................................................................................................43
BEFORE ENABLING PARALLEL OPERATION......................................................................................................................................................44
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .............................................................................................................................................................45
TROUBLESHOOTING PHASING ISSUES............................................................................................................................................................46
SOL-ARK 12K ERROR CODES ......................................................................................................................................................................47
INSTALL VERIFICATION CHECKLIST...................................................................................................................................................48
SOL-ARK 12K LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................................................49
PHONE [phone] x2
EMAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE WWW.SOL-ARK.COM
12K
OUTDOOR
OUTDOOR
OUTDOOR SOL-ARK 12K INSTALL GUIDE & OWNER’S MANUAL
Contact Us

October 21st, 2021 2
Disclaimer
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, SOL-ARK:
(a) MAKES NO WARRANTY REGARDING THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY, OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL
OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION.
(b) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. THE USE
OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER'S RISK.
Sol-Ark cannot be responsible for system failure, damages, or injury resulting from improper installation of
their products.
The information included in this manual is subject to change without notice.
This version is for OUTDOOR MODELS ONLY; previous hardware versions of the Sol-Ark 12K are not
compatible with the wire diagrams and instructions contained herein.

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Warning Symbols
This symbol indicates information that, if ignored, could result in minor injury or
damage to the equipment.
This symbol indicates information that, if ignored, could result in serious injury,
damage to the equipment, or death.
This symbol indicates information that is important but not hazard-related.
Warnings
Read this entire document before installing or using the Sol-Ark 12K inverter. Failure to follow any of
the instructions or warnings in this document can result in electrical shock, serious injury, or death.
Damage to the 12K inverter is also possible, potentially rendering it inoperable.
High Life Risk Due to Fire or Electrocution –ONLY qualified persons should install the Sol-Ark 12K
inverter.
The system must have Ground connections and Neutral connections. Ground MUST be bonded to
Neutral ONLY ONCE in the circuit.
Solar PV+/PV- are UNGROUNDED. Note, you may ground PV Racking/Mounts, but doing so directly
to the Sol-Ark will likely result in damage in the case of a direct lightning strike to the PV array.
DO NOT connect the grid to the Load Output Breaker.
DO NOT reverse the polarity of batteries. Damage WILL occur.
DO NOT exceed more than 500Voc on any MPPT on the Sol-Ark.
DO NOT use impact drivers to tighten any fasteners on the Sol-Ark.
MUST use Strain Reliefs ON ALL wires entering/exiting the Sol-Ark 12K user area.
MUST use conduit (or double insulated wire) for AC Wires entering/exiting Sol-Ark 12K user area.

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Inspect Shipment
a. Compare the package condition to the condition of the package in the photo we sent you
before it left our facility.
b. If damaged, contact us immediately at 972-575-8875 Ext. 3
Component Guide
a. Limiter Sensors included: 5/8" CT sensors x2 (Inlcuded)
b. Limiter Sensors if purchased: 15/16" CT sensors x2 (Available upon request)
c. Limiter Sensors if purchased: 2" CT sensors x2 (Available upon request)
d. Battery Temperature Sensor: for voltage adjustment
e. Battery Cable Toroid x2
f. CAT 5 cable for parallel communications
g. Allen Key: for opening the user area of the system
h. French Cleat: For wall mounting the Sol-Ark 12K
i. WIFI Dongle: For software updates and remote monitoring (use M4x10 screws to hold in)
You must note any damage due to shipping with delivery driver before
accepting the package otherwise the shipping company will deny any claim.
Upon Receiving Shipment

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Spec Sheet
Spec Sheetf

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Sol-Ark 12K Torque Values Application Note
Load Breaker
26.5 IN Lbs
3 NM
Grid Breaker
26.5 IN Lbs
3 NM
Gen Breaker
26.5 IN Lbs
3 NM
Neutral / Ground Busbars
26.5 IN Lbs
3 NM
Cover Screws
26.5 IN Lbs
3 NM
Battery Connection
90.0 IN Lbs
10 NM
6”
6” minimum clearance (12” IF NEXT TO ANOTHER SYSTEM)
6”
Temperature Derating
DC: 90C-100C Shutdown @ 100C
AC: 75C-82C Shutdown @ 82C
Do Not Use Impact Drivers to Tighten Any Fasteners on the Sol-Ark.

October 21st, 2021 7
Wire Gauge Guide (copper)
PV input: 10AWG
All AC Inputs/Outputs: 6-4AWG
All Sensors: 20-24AWG
CT Sensors: 10' Wire Included
Batt Temp Sensor: 6' Wire Included
RJ45 Cable: 7' Included (Extendable up to 20')
Battery input: 2/0-4/0AWG (3/8"Lugs)
All Sensor Inputs
0’ –100’: 24 AWG
100’ –400’: 23 AWG CAT 6
Extensions for Limiter Sensors
must be twisted pair
(Shielded CAT6 Recommended)
DC Battery Input
0’ –12’: 2/0 AWG
12’ –20’: 4/0 AWG
All AC Inputs / Outputs /
Neutral Connections
0’ –100’: 6 AWG
100’ –200’: 4 AWG
2/0 AWG Max
4/0 AWG Max
Small
Limiter
Sensor
Inputs
Large
Limiter
Sensor
15.875mm (5/8in)
10 AWG Max
PV Panel Inputs
0’ –100’: 12 AWG
100’ –300’: 10 AWG
25.4mm (1.0in)
Max
10mm
(1/2in)
4/0 AWG Max
15.875mm (5/8in)
4 AWG Max
100A: 50mA
+
-
100A: 50mA
+
-
CAT
6
6.35mm
(1/4in)
20 AWG Max
Max
200A: 0.1A
+
-
23.813mm (15/16in)
100A: 50mA
15.875mm (5/8in)
+
-

October 21st, 2021 8
Wiring Diagrams
These Single Line Diagrams (SLDs) are examples of common use-cases for
Sol-Ark inverters.
Sol-Ark does not provide custom diagrams; however, you may contact
[email protected] for any questions about an existing SLD.

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Diagram 2
Diagram 3

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Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT
Diagram 4

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Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT
Diagram 1
Diagram 5
Diagram 2
Diagram 5

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Note: Before powering up Parallel System installs, please see Parallel System app note (Pg. 43-44)
Diagram 6

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Diagram 7

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Note: Before powering up Parallel System installs, please see Parallel System app note (Pg. 43-44)
Diagram 8

October 21st, 2021 15
Note: Before powering up Parallel System installs, please see Parallel System app note (Pg. 43-44)
Diagram 9

October 21st, 2021 16
GUI Screens
Main Menus
Basic Setup

October 21st, 2021 17
c
Battery Setup
Grid Setup

October 21st, 2021 18
Physical Installation
Deciding Backup Circuits
A. We recommend subpanels and require them if you have Arc-Fault / GFI breakers
B. Ensure you keep the inverter within its amperage limits
•ON-Grid = 63A Continuous (pass-through)
•OFF-Grid = 37.5A Conutuous | 67A Peak (10s) | 104A Peak (100ms)
C. Verify each load circuit by measuring typical and max Amps with a clip-on Amp meter. Amps x 120V = Watts
D. Install a subpanel for backup loads if you have Arc-Fault / GFI breakers, NOT a multi-circuit transfer switch
Mounting Backup Loads Panel OR Multi-Circuit Transfer Switch (Not
valid for Arc-Fault/GFI breakers)
•Transf. Switch on "GEN" position = Sol-Ark powers the circuit (uses Grid/Solar/Batt/Gen automatically)
•Transf. Switch on "Line" position = Grid powers circuit (may remove Sol-Ark)
•Set all Transf. Switches to the "GEN" position to complete setup
•Transf. Switch = Optional. You may wire the "Load" output of the Sol-Ark 12K directly to a Main Lug
breakers sub-panel rated for at least 50A (REFER TO WIRING DIAGRAMS SECTION)
MUST wire Ground and Neutral as shown above, or damage
can occur

October 21st, 2021 19
Single System Installs
A. Install Double Pole 60A breaker in Main Panel for Grid In/Out
B. Best practice to install at the opposite end of the bus bar from the main breaker, which is usually at the bottom
of the breaker panel (see figure above)
Mounting the Sol-Ark
A. Keeping in mind Sol-Ark's dimensions, find a suitable location for the system (s)
B. NEMA 3R rating for Outdoor installations
C. PROTECT the LCD screen from excessive UV exposure
D. System weight = 78lbs (35kg). Securely attach to the wall. Affix a mounting board to studs using 6-8 screws
E. Using 2-3 screws + washers (choose screw length and surface type) to mount the French Cleat to the board/wall
F. Mount Sol-Ark on the installed French Cleat / Ensure Sol-Ark is level and sits properly
G. Add two screws for the bottom mount
Integrating Batteries (Sol-Ark POWERED "OFF")
A. Connect batteries to Sol-Ark as shown in Fig. B below
B. Install included toroids (Part e. on pg. 4) on battery input cables as shown in Fig. A to the right
C. Ensure the built-in battery disconnect is OFF while connecting batteries, or arcing may occur
Multi-System Installs
a. ALL paralleled systems MUST connect to the same large battery bank, each with its own
cables attached
b. Do NOT use separate battery banks for parallel systems
Fig. A
Positive to
Sol-Ark
Negative
to Sol-Ark
Sol-Ark 12K is a 48V system. Do NOT wire
the battery bank to any other nominal
voltage.
When using 12V batteries do not exceed
FOUR (4) batteries in series.
When using other battery chemistries, stay
within the voltage range: MIN 43V-MAX 63V
Do NOT stack more than 2
banks high
PCC batts are
stackable
Fig. B
Do NOT reverse
polarity of batteries!
Damage will occur!

October 21st, 2021 20
Connecting Solar Panels
A. Sol-Ark has DUAL MPPTs for two separate PV input pairs
B. MAX PV input = 13kW (± 5%) / system | 6.5kW / MPPT | MAX 500VOC PV | MAX ISC /MPPT 25A (limiting to 20A)
Damage will occur if PV VOC > 550V
C. Parallel strings per MPPT must be the same Voltage
i. PV1 A/B must be the same voltage if using both strings
ii. Panels on the same MPPT CAN face different directions
D. Ground the panel MOUNTS/FRAMES to any ground in the Home via 12AWG wire
E. IF using Y-Connectors: Running two strings in parallel, totaling 20A (self-limiting)
F. Connect the solar panel strings as indicated by the following diagrams:
Each string can use separate
wires
String minimum is usually 5
panels or 175V