Solark 12K User manual

February 3, 2020 1
SOL-ARK 12K INSTALL GUIDE & OWNER’S MANUAL 1-47
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
DISCLAIMER 2
COMPONENT GUIDE 3
SYSTEM PLACEMENT 4
TRANSFER SWITCH 5
MOUNTING 6
BATTERY WIRING 7-8
SOLAR PANEL WIRING 9-10
SYSTEM WIRE DIAGRAM 11-14
MULTI-SYSTEM WIRE DIAGRAM 15-17
BACKUP GAS GENERATOR SETUP &SENSOR PLACEMENT 18
TESTING 18-19
BATTERY SETTINGS AND WIFI SETUP 19-24
EMP SUPPRESSOR INSTALLATION 25
RAPID SHUTDOWN DIAGRAMS 26
SPECIFICATIONS 27
OFF GRID TIPS &GRID TIE /NO BATT TIPS 28
POWERING ON THE SYSTEM /INDICATOR LEDS29
SELECTING POWER MODES /SENSORS 29-30
BATTERY SETTING &LIMITER SENSOR AUTO-SETUP 30-31
SCREENS (GUI MAP PAGE 38) 32-38
BATTERY CHARGE/DISCHARGE REFERENCE 39
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE /ERROR CODES 40-41
COMMON BATTERY APPLICATION NOTE 42
WIRE GAUGE GUIDE 43
PARALLEL SYSTEM APPLICATION NOTE /COMPATIBILITY REFERENCE 44
INSTALL TESTING CHECKLIST 45-46
WARRANTY 47
CONTACT US
PHONE [phone] X2
EMAIL [e-mail]
WEBSITE WWW.SOL-ARK.COM
12K

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Disclaimer
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, SOL-ARK:
(a) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO 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.
Information included in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Sol-Ark 12K inverter should be installed by qualified persons only.
Do Not Mount Outdoors
Do Not Expose to Moisture
System Must Have Ground
System Must Have Neutral
Solar PV+/PV- Are Ungrounded
Ground Must be Bonded to
Neutral Once in Home

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1. Inspect Shipment
a. Compare the package condition to the condition of the package in the photo we sent you
before it left our facility. You must note any damage due to shipping with
delivery driver before accepting the package otherwise the shipping
company will deny any claim.
b. If damaged, contact us immediately at 972-575-8875 Ext. 3
2. Component Guide
a. Solar Panel MC4 tool: To disconnect solar panels
b. Allen Key: for opening the user area of the system
c. WIFI Plug: For software updates and remote monitoring (use screws to hold in!)
d. Limiter Sensors: for “Limited-to-Home Mode”(larger ones are optional)
e. French Cleat: For wall mounting the Sol-Ark 12K
f. Battery Temperature Sensor: For voltage adjustment
g. Battery Cables (If purchased)
h. Solar Panel Wire 100’ (If purchased)
i. Solar Panel Jumper wires 25’ (If purchased)
j. Y-Connectors (If purchased)
k. Battery Toroids: For EMI reduction
3. Component Distance Guide

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WIRE RUN LENGTH: SEE DIAGRAM FOR WIRE GAUGE (AWG) RECOMMENDATIONS, PAGE 43 FOR COMPLETE DETAIL
4. Decide Critical Backup Circuits
a. If using a 10-circuit switch: decide which 10 circuits will be on backup power continuously.
These circuits must use non-GFI breakers to work with the transfer switch. You can replace a
GFI breaker with a normal breaker, installing GFI outlets instead (or you can move GFI breaker
into 10-circuit SW). If applicable, low load circuits can be combined.
b. Important: Make sure to keep within inverter amperage limits (per inverter):
On Grid = 50A continuous
Off Grid = 33A continuous/83A peak
c. Verify each load circuit by measuring typical and max Amps with a clip-on Amp meter. Amps x
120V = Watts
d. If you have Arc-Fault / GFI breakers in your main panel we recommend that you install a
subpanel for your backup loads, not a multi-circuit transfer switch.
e. If using multiple 12K units in parallel consider powering the main breaker panel directly as
shown on page 15. (Example: 3 systems will have a total of 150A of pass through)
IF PROGRAMMED TO SMART LOAD
DO NOT CONNECT GENERATOR TO GEN PORT

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5. Mount Multi-Circuit Transfer Switch (Not valid for Arc-Fault/GFI breakers)
Important notes:
When the transfer switch is in the “Gen” position, this means the circuit is being powered by the Sol-Ark
(which can use Grid/Solar/Battery/Generator automatically).
When in the “Line” position, the transfer switch is being powered by the grid (Sol-Ark can be removed).
The transfer switch setup is complete once all the switches are set to “Gen”position.
The Sol-Ark will take care of the rest.
If you are not installing a transfer switch (Off Grid or have a 50A sub-load panel), you can wire the “Load”
output of the Sol-Ark 12K directly to a Main Lug breakers sub-panel rated for at least 50A.
Please refer to page 11 for complete wire diagram
Strain Reliefs must be used for all wires going in/out of the Sol-Ark 12K user area
Ground and Neutral must be wired as shown above, or damage can occur.
Conduit (or double insulated wire) must be used for the AC Wires going to and from the Sol-Ark.
DO NOT CONNECT THE GRID TO THE LOAD OUTPUT BREAKER
Step 1. Turn off main breaker
Step 2. Connect White/Neutral wire (6 AWG) to Neutral Bar
Step 3. Connect Green/Ground wire (8 AWG) to Ground Bar
Step 4. Remove load wire (12 AWG) from circuit breaker and
connect it to the black “A” wire (12 AWG) with a wire nut.
Step 5. Place red “A” wire (12 AWG) from the switch into
breaker.
Step 6. Repeat steps 4-5 for circuits A-J
Note: All AC wires should be 6 AWG (4 AWG OK)
Opt. Limiters
Sol-Ark User Area

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6. Single System Installs: Install Double Pole 50A breaker in Main Panel for Grid In/Out
a. It is best practice to install at the opposite end of the bus bar from the main breaker (Usually
this is the bottom of the breaker panel as seen on page 5).
7. Multi System Installs: Line side tap recommended for grid connection point
a. Please see page 15 for an example diagram.
8. Mount Sol-Ark 12K
a. Find a suitable location for the system(s), keeping in mind the dimensions in Fig. 1 below.
b. System must be protected from moisture and extreme heat. (Do not mount outdoors or in
attic OR WARRANTY WILL BE VOID AND DAMAGE WILL LIKELY OCCUR)
c. The system weighs 74lbs (34kg), be sure to attach it securely to the wall. You may need to affix
a mounting board to your wall first using 6-8 screws into studs.
d. Then use 2-3 screws (appropriate in length and type for your mounting surface) to mount the
French Cleat to the board/wall (washers recommended).
e. Mount the Sol-Ark on the installed cleat making sure that it sits properly and is level.
f. Add 2 screws in bottom mounts.
Fig. 1
6”
6” minimum clearance (12” if next to another system)
6” minimum clearance
(12” if next to another system)

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9. Connect Batteries (Sol-Ark should be POWERED “OFF”)
a. Connect the batteries to the Sol-Ark 12K as shown in the diagrams Fig. B below:
b. Fig. A: Install included ferrites (part k. on pg. 3) on the battery input cables. Slide
the ferrite over the battery cables so that both cables are within the toroid (as
shown in Fig. A).
c. When connecting batteries make sure the built-in battery disconnect is in the off
position while the batteries are connected, or arcing will occur.
d. Multi-system installs:
i. All systems in parallel are connected to the same battery bank, with each
system having its own battery cables to connect to the same large battery
bank. Do not use separate battery banks for parallel systems.
Note: PCC batteries are stackable
WARNING! Do not stack more than 2 banks high!
Do NOT reverse
polarity of batteries!
Damage will occur!
Best Practice
Spacer
Recommended
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 4
batteries in series. When using other
battery chemistries, stay within the voltage
range: Min 43V-Max 63V
Fig. A
Fig. B
Fig. C
Note: Before powering up Multi-System installs please see app note on page 44

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4 12
8
12
16
20
12V Battery Wiring Examples

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10. Solar Panel Install
1. Sol-Ark 12K has 2 separate pairs of solar panel inputs. (Dual MPPT)
3. Max PV input:
16,500W(+/- 5%) per system (8,250W per MPPT) PV = 500Voc Max
Max Isc input per MPPT: 33A (self-limiting to 20A @450Voc/300Vmp or 18A @ 500Voc/400Vmp)
Note: Damage will occur if PV Voc > 550V.
4. Connect the strings of solar panels to the system as shown on pages 9/10.
5. Parallel strings per MPPT must be the same voltage, PV1A/B must be the same voltage if both are used (see
Fig. E).
6. Panel frame grounding can be done to any ground in the home via 12AWG wire. Mounts usually bond
frames together, so only 1 ground wire is needed.
Note: When connecting more than 13,000W +/- 10% of PV to Sol-Ark 12K, it is recommended that a portion of
the array faces a different direction (Example: 2 strings west, 4 strings south). This increases the max total
energy produced per day.
Note: Max Panels in Series (Rule of Thumb, always verify the string characteristics are within spec):
60 Cell: 10 72 Cell: 9 96 Cell: 6
If more than 2 strings in parallel:
each string must be fused (In-Line)
PV input
Positive
PV input
Negative

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If using Y-Connectors: (Running two strings in parallel, totaling 20A (self-limiting) Note: separate wires can be
used per string, and string minimum is 5 panels or 175V)

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Portable Generator / AC Coupling / SmartLoad Diagram
Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT

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Install w/ Whole Home Generator Diagram
Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT

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Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT
Line Side Tap Example

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Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT
Load Side AC Coupling Example

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Note: Before powering up Multi-System installs please see app note on page 43
Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT

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Note: Before powering up Multi-System installs please see app note on page 43
Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT

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Note: Before powering up Multi-System installs please see app note on page 43
Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT

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11. Connecting a Portable Backup Generator (240V/208V only)
a. Generators smaller than 10kW - See page 11
i. Connect the generator output to the “Gen”input breaker in the Sol-Ark 12K user panel.
ii. Only 240V/208V generators are supported.
iii. If Off-Grid, connect the generator output to the “Grid” input in the Sol-Ark and select the “GEN
connected to Grid input” option in the Sell Control tab of the Grid Setup Menu.
1. Home Screen →Gear Icon →Grid Setup →Sell Control
b. Standby Generators >10kW - See page 12
i. If Off-Grid, you may connect the generator output directly to the “Grid”input on the Sol-Ark
12K. The Sol-Ark 12K will perceive the generator as if it were the grid. You will need to select the
“GEN connected to Grid input” option in the Sell Control tab of the Grid Setup Menu.
1. Home Screen →Gear Icon →Grid Setup →Sell Control
ii. Being Off-Grid, you will have “Grid Sell”off and will not need current limiting sensors.
iii. Under “Grid Setup” do the following:
1. Select “Limited to Load”
2. Select “General Standard”
3. Increase Grid frequency range: 55-65Hz
iv. If using a large generator with a whole home transfer switch, we suggest not using the “Gen”
input breakers in the Sol-Ark. Instead, use the existing home wiring to distribute the generator’s
power (through your existing “Gen”transfer switch, usually to the main panel in the home or
building).
12. Sensor and Accessory Placement
a. Limiter Sensors
i. Install on incoming electrical service wires on L1 and L2 (see
diagram pg. 11). Required if in Limited To Home Mode
(meter zero).
b. Battery Temp Sensor
i. Place between batteries (See Fig. F). Note: Temp sensor is
not required for lithium batteries. This sensor has no
polarity when connecting to the sensor input of the Sol-Ark.
c. CanBus & RS485
i. In order to connect batteries to the Sol-Ark 12K via RJ45, you will need to splice the end that
connects to the Sol-Ark 12K. Use the middle two conductors.
ii. RS485 is SunSpec draft 4 (will not work with draft 3)
d. Gen Start Signal (Two-Wire)
i. Normally open relay that closes when the Gen Start state is active
ii. If your generator only starts with the loss of 120/240V to the generator, we suggest using a
DPST relay to the output of the inverter.
e. PV Rapid Shutdown Signal
i. 12v signal/200mA power is present until the Sol-Ark is shut down with the front button
f. WI-FI Antenna
i. Only needed for remote monitoring and/or software updates.
13. Testing and Powering up Sol-Ark 12K
a. Check Voltage of each PV input circuit
i. Should be no higher than 500Vdc open circuit.
ii. DO NOT connect PV+ OR PV- to GND.
iii. Good to verify polarity (if polarity is backwards the Sol-Ark will show a Voltage of 0V).
b. Check Grid Input Voltage (voltages shown are for North America)
i. Ensure 120Vac L1 to Neutral and L2 to Neutral.
Fig. F

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ii. Ensure 240Vac L1 and L2.
iii. Check Neutral and Ground are ~0V AC.
c. Check Battery voltage
i. Turn on battery switch (if using a Lithium battery).
ii. Turn on the built-in battery disconnect in the user area of the Sol-Ark.
iii. Voltage should be 45Vdc-57Vdc.
d. If all checks out, Turn on Breakers for Grid and Load, Turn PV Disconnect knob to “On”
i. Note: (If PV is backwards: Sol-Ark will show a voltage of 0 for PV)
e. System will boot up with power from PV, Grid, or ON/Off Batt.
f. Press the ON/OFF Button on the front, light should come on.
g. If you installed limit sensors for Limited To Home selling mode, it is critical you verify the proper sensor
placement and direction. (Auto learn function avoids this section, function can be found under the
advanced tab of the basic setup menu in settings).
i. Using AC multi-meter, verify L1 voltage on AC in/out is 0Vac with main L1 connection in panel.
Same for L2.
ii. To verify sensor connections to Sol-Ark, try removing one sensor from the main L1 connection.
The power should drop to 0W.
iii. To verify proper sensor direction, with any loads in the home, the HM: +watts will be positive. If
you turn on solar panels and turn enable Grid Sell, you should see HM: -watts if you are
producing more power than the loads are consuming. And if you turn on limited power to Home
mode, then HM: ~0 watts to zero the meter (system matches the loads to within 99%).
14. Basic Setup
a. Display: Auto dim must be enabled for LCD screen to be covered by warranty. Color LCD screens dim if
left on continuously for years.
b. Time: Set date and time for the system
15. Programming Battery Settings
a. Battery Capacity
i. This allows Sol-Ark to know the size of the battery bank. The system is also self-learning as batteries age.
ii. Main Menu →System Settings →Battery Setup →Batt →Batt Capacity
b. Use Battery Voltage or % Charged
i. Use whatever you are comfortable with. Most installers prefer voltage, while most homeowners prefer
% Charged. (Note: if Lithium BMS is selected but not present, Sol-Ark will force Voltage mode)
c. Battery Charge & Discharge Current
i. For a list of settings for commonly used batteries see the application note section of this manual.
ii. For AGM and Flooded, we recommend Ah battery size x 20% = Charge/Discharge amps
iii. For Lithium, we recommend Ah battery size x 50% = Charge/Discharge amps
iv. For Gel, follow manufacturer’s instructions.
v. When Off Grid, The Sol-Ark will shut down if Max discharge current is exceeded for 10 seconds.
d. Battery Type
i. Navigate to the charge menu and set the values appropriate to your battery chemistry. The owner’s
manual is good reference for lead acid batteries.
ii. Main Menu →System Settings →Battery Setup →Charge
e. Supported Battery Chemistries (48V configuration required for all chemistries)
i. Lead Acid
▪AGM, Gel, Wet
ii. Lithium
▪NMC, LiPo4

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iii. NiFe (Note: must use a 37 series cell configuration, 44.4V Nominal)
▪Set Absorb and Equalization to 61.0V, 3 hours, and days = 1 (every day). Float = 53.7V
Battery
Type
Absorption
Stage
Float Stage
Equalize Stage
(every 30 days 3hr)
AGM (or PCC)
14.4v (57.6v)
13.5v (53.6v)
14.4v (57.6v)
Gel
14.1v (56.4v)
13.5v (54.0v)
Wet
14.7v (59.0v)
13.7v (55.0V)
14.7v (59.0v)
Lithium
14.1v (54.6v)
13.2v (54.3v)
14.1v (54.6v)
f. Battery Discharge
i. Allows the user to define the depth of discharge the system will allow before using the grid/generator to
the charge the battery bank. Solar is always the priority in charging the battery bank.
ii. Main Menu →System Settings →Battery Setup →Discharge
16. Grid Setup
a. Grid Sell: maximum watts sold to grid
b. Limited To Home: Limits power produced by the system to match the demand of the home
c. Limited To Load: Limits power produced by the system to match the demand of connected loads
d. Time of Use: Use battery power to support the programmed mode at selectable times/watts/DoD
17. Remote Monitoring Setup
a. WIFI (Via Cell Phone or computer)
i. Plug WIFI dongle into Sol-Ark
ii. Using your device look for WIFI networks and select the one that matches the PN number on your
dongle (Example: EESW-D200-00)
▪Password: 12345678
iii. Once Connected to the Dongle
▪Follow this instruction on the following pages
iv. Note: Sol-Ark 12K is not compatible with wired ethernet connections for monitoring or updates, you
must use the included WIFI dongle.
Once Setup is complete, Dongle will have a solid green LED and a solid Red light
Default