Solark 5K-1P-N User manual

September 14th, 2022 1
UPON RECEIVING SHIPMENT ................................................................................................................................. 4
SPEC SHEET............................................................................................................................................................ 5
WIRE GAUGE GUIDE (COPPER)............................................................................................................................... 7
WIRING DIAGRAMS ............................................................................................................................................... 8
GUI SCREENS........................................................................................................................................................ 14
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................................... 16
INVERTER COMPONENTS................................................................................................................................................16
DECIDING BACKUP CIRCUITS...........................................................................................................................................16
SINGLE SYSTEM INSTALLS...............................................................................................................................................17
MOUNTING THE SOL-ARK..............................................................................................................................................17
INTEGRATING BATTERIES (SOL-ARK POWERED "OFF").....................................................................................................17
CONNECTING SOLAR PANELS ..........................................................................................................................................18
GRID |LOAD |GEN.....................................................................................................................................................18
INTEGRATING A GENERATOR ..........................................................................................................................................19
INTEGRATING SENSORS AND ACCESSORY PLACEMENT..........................................................................................................20
POWERING-UP AND TESTING THE SOL-ARK 5K-1P-N.........................................................................................................21
CHECK THE VOLTAGE ON EACH PV INPUT CIRCUIT ...............................................................................................................21
WI-FI / INTERNET CONNECTION........................................................................................................................... 22
REMOTE MONITORING SETUP ........................................................................................................................................22
IP ADDRESS SETUP INSTRUCTIONS (PC OR SMART PHONE) ..................................................................................................25
PROGRAMMING GUIDE ....................................................................................................................................... 27
MAIN SCREENS (TOUCHSCREEN).....................................................................................................................................28
BASIC SETUP ...............................................................................................................................................................29
SYSTEM ALARMS..........................................................................................................................................................30
BATTERY SETUP ...........................................................................................................................................................30
GRID SETUP ................................................................................................................................................................32
LIMITER SENSORS (CT SENSOR)............................................................................................................................ 35
LIMITER SENSOR AUTOMATIC SETUP................................................................................................................................36
INSTALL TIPS ........................................................................................................................................................ 37
OFF-GRID INSTALL TIPS.................................................................................................................................................37
GRID-TIE /NO BATTERY INSTALL TIPS ..............................................................................................................................37
BATTERIES ........................................................................................................................................................... 38
BATTERY CHARGING INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................38
MODBUS/RJ45 APPLICATION NOTE..............................................................................................................................41
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.................................................................................................................................. 42
TROUBLESHOOTING PHASING ISSUES................................................................................................................................43
SOL-ARK 5K-1P-N ERROR CODES...................................................................................................................................44
INSTALL VERIFICATION CHECKLIST ....................................................................................................................... 45
5K-1P-N LIMITED WARRANTY .............................................................................................................................. 46
5K-1P-N

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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.
Contact Us:
PHONE [phone] x2
EMAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE WWW.SOL-ARK.COM

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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 5K-1P-N 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 5K-1P-N inverter is also possible, potentially rendering it inoperable.
High Life Risk Due to Fire or Electrocution –ONLY qualified persons should install the Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N
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 5K-1P-N user area.
MUST use conduit (or double insulated wire) for AC Wires entering/exiting Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N user
area.
ALL terminals/breakers including battery, MPPT, and AC breaker inputs should only have one
conductor connecting to them.

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Upon Receiving Shipment
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. French Cleat: For wall mounting the Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N
B. Stainless Steel Anti-collision bolt M6*60 x 4
C. Stainless steel mounting screws M4*12 x 2
D. Battery Temperature Sensor: for battery voltage adjustment
E. CAT 5 cable for parallel communications
F. Wi-Fi Dongle: For software updates and remote monitoring (use included M4x10 screws to
secure dongle)
G. L-Type Hexagon Wrench x 1
H. Limiter Sensors included: 5/8" CT sensors x 1 (Included)
You must note any damage due to shipping with delivery driver before
accepting the package otherwise the shipping company will deny any claim.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

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Spec Sheet

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Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N Torque Values Application Note
Load Terminal
17.7 IN Lbs
2 Nm
Grid Terminal
17.7 IN Lbs
2 Nm
Gen Terminal
17.7 IN Lbs
2 Nm
Cover Screws
26.5 IN Lbs
3 Nm
Battery Connection
40.2 IN Lbs
5.2 Nm
2”
6” minimum vertical clearance | | 2’’ minimum horizontal clearance
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.

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Wire Gauge Guide (copper)
PV input: 10AWG Max
All AC Inputs/Outputs: 8-6 AWG
All Sensors: 20-24 AWG
CT Sensors: 10' Wire Included
Batt Temp Sensor: 6' Wire Included
RJ45 Cable: 7' Included (Extendable up to 20')
Battery input: 2 –2/0 AWG (M6 Lugs)
DC Battery Input
0’ –12’: 2 AWG
12’ –20’: 2/0 AWG
All AC Inputs / Outputs /
Neutral Connections
0’ –100’: 6 AWG
100’ –200’: 4 AWG
2/0 AWG Max
Small
Limiter
Sensor
Inputs
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)
2/0 AWG Max
15.875mm (5/8in)
6 AWG Max
6.35mm
(1/4in)
20 AWG Max
Max
100A: 50mA
15.875mm (5/8in)
+
-
All Sensor Inputs
0’ –100’: 24 AWG
100’ –400’: 23 AWG CAT 6
CT Wires Can Be Extended -Extensions for Limiter
Sensors must be twisted pair (See pg. 32)
(Shielded CAT6 Recommended)

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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.
Diagram 1

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Diagram 2

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Diagram 3

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GUI Screens
Main Menus
Basic Setup

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c
Battery Setup
Grid Setup

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Physical Installation
Inverter Components
A. LCD Touch Screen F. Comms/Paralleling Ports
B. Power Button G. Sensor Pin-Out Board
C. Battery Terminals H. Push Button Load Breaker
D. PV Disconnect Switch I. AC Gen, Load and Grid Terminals
E. MPPT Charge Controllers J. Remote Monitoring Port
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 = 50A Continuous (pass-through)
•OFF-Grid = 40A Continuous @ 120V | 10,00W Peak (10s) @ 120V
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.

September 14th, 2022 17
Single System Installs
A. Install Double Pole 50A 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/IP65 rating for Outdoor installations.
C. PROTECT the LCD screen from excessive UV exposure.
D. System weight = 51lbs (23.1kg). Securely attach to the wall. Affix a mounting board to studs using 6-8 screws.
E. Using 4 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 to connect the chassis to the French Cleat on the left and right sides.
Integrating Batteries (Sol-Ark POWERED "OFF")
A. Connect batteries to Sol-Ark as shown below (size M6 screw)
B. Ensure the battery disconnect is OFF while connecting batteries, or arcing may occur
Fig. A
Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N 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 reverse
polarity of batteries!
Damage will occur!

September 14th, 2022 18
Connecting Solar Panels
A. Sol-Ark has DUAL MPPTs for two separate PV input pairs
B. MAX PV input = 10.4kW (± 5%) / system | 5.2kW / MPPT | MAX 500VOC PV | MAX ISC /MPPT 20A (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. Connect the solar panel strings as indicated by the following diagram:
Grid | Load | GEN
Each string can use separate
wires
String minimum is usually 5
panels or 175V
1. Before making Grid, load, and Gen port connection, be sure to
turn off AC breakers or disconnectors first.
2. Remove 10mm length of insulation sleeve, unscrew the bolts,
insert the wires according to polarities indicated on the terminal.
3. Then, insert AC output wires according to polarities indicated on
the terminal block and tighten terminal. Be sure to connect
corresponding N wires and PE wires to related terminals as well.
4. Make sure the wires are securely connected.
5. Appliances such as air conditioners require at least 2-3 minutes
to restart because they need enough time to balance refrigerant
gases inside of circuit. If a power shortage occurs and recovers in
short time, it will cause damage to your connected appliances. To
prevent this kind of damage, please check of the air conditioner
manufacturer to see if it is equipped with a time-delay function
before installation. Otherwise, this inverter will trigger overload
fault and cut off output to protect your appliance but sometimes it
will still cause internal damage to the air conditioner block.
Tighten the terminal screws for a secure and complete connection.
Before connecting to grid, please install a separate AC breaker between
inverter and grid and between backup load and inverter. This will ensure
the inverter can be securely disconnected during maintenance and fully
protected from overcurrent.

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Integrating a Generator
Generators < 3.6kW (GEN Breaker)
A. Supports 120V generators | 30A breaker
B. Connect the generator output to the "GEN" input breaker connected to
the Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N user area
C. THD of less than 15% preferred but not required
Standby Generators > 3.6kW (GRID Breaker)
(OFF-GRID)
A. Supports 120V / 240V generators | Depends on “Grid Type” selection
B. Off-Grid / Whole-home Generator on ATS installations require selecting
"GEN Connected to Grid Input"
Home Screen → Gear Icon → Grid Setup → Sell Control →GEN
Connected to Grid Input
C. Off-Grid = turn "Grid Sell" off | Only need a CT (on Gen line) if using
Grid Peak Shaving (see below)
Grid Peak Shaving Mode (For Gen Connected to Grid Breaker)
A. Prevents the Sol-Ark from overloading generators
B. Must place the CT sensors so that they measure L1 of the generator's
output, pointing arrows on the CTs towards the generator
C. Sol-Ark contributes power above the "Power" value threshold to prevent
overloading the generator
D. This mode will auto-adjust the Grid Charge Amperage to avoid overloads
E. Time of Use (TOU) will be enabled if Grid peak-shaving is enabled
Gen Start V or % (Grid Start if Gen on Grid Breaker)
Value batts need to reach BEFORE automatically starting a generator connected to
the GEN breaker to charge the battery bank.
Sol-Ark will NOT charge batteries from a generator until the batteries
reach this value.
Gen Start A (Grid Start if Gen on Grid Breaker)
This is how many amps (DC) you can pull specifically from the Generator to charge
the batts. To ensure you do not overload a small Generator, you will want to
adjust the GEN or GRID Start A value. Multiply value by # of Sol-Arks for actual
current value into batteries.
Suppose PV production = 0W | Disabled TOU | Enabled Grid/Gen Charge: the batteries will be
charged to "full" using the Grid or a Generator (if available) until the battery bank accepts only
5% of its rated capacity in Amperes. This value correlates to roughly 90-93% full for most
batteries and is the generator's default "OFF" signal. If producing PV, the system will use PV to
charge the batteries to 100% full instead.
Weekly Gen Exercise
If the Sol-Ark is up to date with MCU
version xx73 or newer, and your
generator has two-wire start
compatibility, you will experience
weekly generator tests.
These tests occur at 8AM (local time)
every Monday by default.
The test takes approximately 20
minutes to complete. During that
time, the generator will auto-start
and auto-stop.
The generator will not provide
power during this test. The
generator may charge the batteries
if the batteries reach designated
generator start point, however.
Increase Gen/Sol-Ark efficiency
1. Select “Limited Power to Load” 2. Select “General Standard”
3. Increase Grid frequency range: 55-65Hz

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Integrating Sensors and Accessory Placement
Battery Temperature Sensor
•Place between batteries with tape (See Fig. C).
•This sensor has no polarity and helps perform voltage charging adjustments
and capacity calculations.
Note: Lithium Batteries do NOT require a Temperature sensor.
Limiter Sensor (CT Sensor)
•Install sensor on incoming electrical service wire on L1 (see Diagrams Section).
•Limited Power to Home mode (meter zero) and Grid peak-shaving mode requires the CT sensor.
•To ensure the sensor will fit, please check the wire size before ordering.
•See pg. 31 for additional CT sensor information.
GEN Start Signal (Two-Wire)
•The signal comes from a normally open relay that closes when the Gen Start state is active.
CANbus & RS485
•To connect batteries to the Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N via RJ45, you need to splice the end connecting to the Sol-Ark.
•Use the middle two conductors.
•RS485 is SunSpec draft 4 (will not work with draft 3).
Wi-Fi Antenna (Dongle)
Remote monitoring and software updates require an internet connection through the Wi-Fi dongle.
Sensor Pin Out (Located in Sol-Ark user area)
(1,2) Batt Temp: Battery Temperature Sensor has no polarity
and is needed for voltage correction when using lead acid
batteries.
(+3, -4) CT1: Current transformer used for Limited Power to
Home mode and peak shaving
(5,6) Gen Start Relay: Two wire start for generators, simple
open or closed relay
(7,8) Gen ON Relay: Not Currently Used
Fig. C
Battery CANBus: CAN port for battery
communication.
Parallel 1: Parallel communication port 1
(CAN interface).
Parallel 2: Parallel communication port 2
(CAN interface).
*RS485: for energy meter communication.
*Some hardware versions don't have this
port.
DIP switch: Parallel communication resistor
If the number of inverters in the parallel system is less than
or equal to 6, all inverter’s DIP switch (1&2) need be ON
position. If the number of inverters in parallel system exceeds
6, the main 6pcs inverter’s DIP switch needs to be ON position.
And the other inverter DIP switch (1&2) needs to be OFF position.