Solark 5K User manual

February 8th, 20221
UPON RECEIVING SHIPMENT .............................................................................................................................................................4
SPEC SHEET........................................................................................................................................................................................5
WIRE GAUGE GUIDE (COPPER) ..........................................................................................................................................................7
WIRING DIAGRAMS ...........................................................................................................................................................................8
GUI SCREENS ...................................................................................................................................................................................12
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................................................14
DECIDING BACKUP CIRCUITS .......................................................................................................................................................................14
SINGLE SYSTEM INSTALLS ...........................................................................................................................................................................15
MOUNTING THE SOL-ARK .......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
INTEGRATING BATTERIES (SOL-ARK POWERED "OFF") .................................................................................................................................15
E.M.P SYSTEMS ONLY ..............................................................................................................................................................................16
CONNECTING SOLAR PANELS ......................................................................................................................................................................16
INTEGRATING A GENERATOR.......................................................................................................................................................................17
INTEGRATING SENSORS AND ACCESSORY PLACEMENT ......................................................................................................................................18
POWERING-UP AND TESTING THE SOL-ARK 5K .............................................................................................................................................. 20
CHECK THE VOLTAGE ON EACH PV INPUT CIRCUIT............................................................................................................................................ 20
WI-FI / INTERNET CONNECTION......................................................................................................................................................21
REMOTE MONITORING SETUP..................................................................................................................................................................... 21
IP ADDRESS SETUP INSTRUCTIONS (PC OR SMART PHONE)............................................................................................................................... 24
PROGRAMMING GUIDE...................................................................................................................................................................26
MAIN SCREENS (TOUCHSCREEN) .................................................................................................................................................................27
BASIC SETUP............................................................................................................................................................................................28
SYSTEM ALARMS ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
BATTERY SETUP........................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
GRID SETUP.............................................................................................................................................................................................31
LIMITER SENSOR AUTOMATIC SETUP ............................................................................................................................................................34
INSTALL TIPS....................................................................................................................................................................................35
OFF-GRID INSTALL TIPS .............................................................................................................................................................................35
GRID-TIE /NO BATTERY INSTALL TIPS ..........................................................................................................................................................35
BATTERIES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 36
BATTERY CHARGING INFORMATION.............................................................................................................................................................. 36
MODBUS/RJ45 APPLICATION NOTE ..........................................................................................................................................................39
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .............................................................................................................................................................40
TROUBLESHOOTING PHASING ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................................ 41
SOL-ARK 5K ERROR CODES ........................................................................................................................................................................42
INSTALL VERIFICATION CHECKLIST...................................................................................................................................................43
SOL-ARK 5K LIMITED WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................................................44
5K
OUTDOOR
OUTDOOR SOL-ARK 5K INSTALL GUIDE & OWNER’S MANUAL

February 8th, 20222
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 5K are not
compatible with the wire diagrams and instructions contained herein.
Contact Us:
PHONE [phone] x2
EMAIL [e-mail]
WEBSITE WWW.SOL-ARK.COM

February 8th, 20223
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 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 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
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 user area.
MUST use conduit (or double insulated wire) for AC Wires entering/exiting Sol-Ark 5K user area.
ALL terminals/breakers including battery, MPPT, and AC breaker inputs should only have one
conductor connecting to them.

February 8th, 20224
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 (Sold Seperately)
C. Limiter Sensors if purchased: 2" CT sensors x2 (Sold Separately)
D. Battery Temperature Sensor: for voltage adjustment
E. Battery Cable Toroid x2
F. CAT 5 cable for parallel communications
G. WIFI Dongle: For software updates and remote monitoring (use M4x10 screws to hold in)
H. French Cleat: For wall mounting the Sol-Ark 5K
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

February 8th, 20225
Spec Sheet
Spec Sheetf
5

February 8th, 20226
Sol-Ark 5K 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
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.

February 8th, 20227
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
2/0 AWG Max
4/0 AWG Max
Small
Limiter
Sensor
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)
10mm
4/0 AWG Max
15.875mm (5/8in)
4 AWG Max
100A: 50mA
+
-
100A: 50mA
+
-
CAT
6
6.35mm
(1/4in)
20 AWG Max
200A: 0.1A
+
-
23.813mm (15/16in)
100A: 50mA
15.875mm (5/8in)
+
-

February 8th, 20228
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
[e-mail] for any questions about an existing SLD.
CT Sensors are optional, but
necessary to enable Peak Shaving.
See pg. 21 and pg.39 for additional
info.
Diagram 1

February 8th, 20229
Diagram 2
Diagram 3

February 8th, 202210
Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT
Diagram 4

February 8th, 202211
Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT
Diagram 1
Diagram 5
Diagram 2
Diagram 5

February 8th, 202212
GUI Screens
Main Menus
Basic Setup

February 8th, 202213
c
Battery Setup
Grid Setup

February 8th, 202214
Physical Installation
A. LCD Touch Screen F. Sensor Pin-Out Board
B. Power Button G. Comms/Paralleling Ports
C. PV DC Disconnect Switch H. AC Breakers (Grid 63A/Gen 50A/Load 63A)
D. 250A Battery Breaker I. Neutral/Ground Bus Bar
E. Battery Terminals (+/-) J. MPPT Charge Controllers
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

February 8th, 202215
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
Fig. A
Positive to
Sol-Ark
Negative
to Sol-Ark
Sol-Ark 5K 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!

February 8th, 202216
E.M.P Systems Only
Suppressor installation
• If your system was purchased with Lightning / EMP Hardening, the vast majority of protection is in the Sol-Ark.
However, you also have EMP suppressors that get installed on the power cords of appliances that are connected to the
transfer switch. Although not critical, it is recommended they be installed as close as possible to the appliance.
• You also have EMP suppressors that get installed on both solar panel wires with a zip tie. Closer to the panel is better.
If you purchased the panels from us, we already installed >150kV/m protection inside the solar panels.
Connecting Solar Panels
A. Sol-Ark has DUAL MPPTs for two separate PV input pairs
B. MAX PV input = 6.5kW (± 5%) / system | 3.25kW / MPPT | MAX 500VOC PV | MAX ISC /MPPT 10A (limiting to 10A)
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:
Each string can use separate
wires
String minimum is usually 5
panels or 175V

February 8th, 202217
Integrating a Generator
Generators < 10kW (GEN Breaker)— See Diagram 1-2
A. ONLY supports 240V / 208V generators | 50A breaker
B. Connect the generator output to the "GEN" input breaker in the Sol-
Ark 5K user area
C. THD of less than 15% preferred but not required
Standby Generators > 10kW (GRID Breaker)— See
Diagram 1 (OFF-GRID)
A. Supports 220V / 240V / 208V generators | Depends on “Grid Type”
selection | 63A breaker
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 CT's (on Gen lines) 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 and L2 of the
generator's output, pointing arrows on the CT's 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
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 to Load” 2. Select “General Standard”
3. Increase Grid frequency range: 55-65H

February 8th, 202218
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 Sensors (CT Sensors)
•Install sensors on incoming electrical service wires on L1 and L2 (see Diagrams Section)
•Limited To Home Mode (meter zero) and Peak Shaving Modes require CT sensors
•CT winding default ratio is 2000:1; however, this ratio is programmable
•To ensure the sensors will fit, please check the wire size before ordering
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 via RJ45, you need to splice the end connecting to the Sol-Ark 5K
•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
(1,2) Batt Temp: Battery Temperature Sensor has
no polarity and is needed for voltage correction
when using lead acid batteries.
(+3, -4) CT1 & (+5,-6) CT2: Current transformers
used for limited to home mode and peak shaving
(7,8) Gen Start Relay: Two wire start for
generators, simple open or closed relay
(9,10) Gen On Relay: Not currently used
(B 11, B 12) Emergency Stop: Short these pins to
initiate emergency stop. This will shutdown AC
output from the inverter and initiate rapid
shutdown of the PV.
(+13, -14) Optional 12V input signal for RSD
(+15, -16) 12V power supply for RSD
transmitters: such as TIGO and Midnite
Rated for a maximum of 1.2W (100mA @12V)
Fig. C

February 8th, 202219
Emergency Stop Signal & PV Rapid Shutdown Signal
Pins 11 and 12 use a normally open & latching switch to connect the two emergency stop pins that cut off the RSD
power supply when triggered, thus stopping the inverter AC output.
Pins 15 and 16 provide the 12V / 100mA signal power lost when the Sol-Ark shuts down using the front button.
Emergency Stop Diagram (Only available on select hardware versions | Shown with TIGO TS4)
Rapid Shutdown: TIGO TS4-A-O | TIGO TS4-A-F | TIGO TS4-O | TIGO TS4-O-DUO | APsmart RSD S-PLC / RSD-D
Misc. Hardware Recommendations
Disconnect / Transfer Switches: 200A Non-Fused Transfer Switch Model #TC10324R (GE) | 200A Fused
Transfer Switch Model #DG224NRK (Eaton)
PV Fuses: 15A PV MC4 in-line fuse holder (ZOOKOTO or DPJ)
Electrical Panel: Any appropriately rated panel for your loads (Check local hardware stores for recommendations)
•The Built-in 12V power supply in the user area of the Sol-Ark (Pins 15 and 16) is rated for
100mA (1.2W)
•Transmitter fits inside the user area of the Sol-Ark 5K but can cause interference
(sometimes requires placing it outside of the user area)
•TIGO Optimizers are compatible with the Sol-Ark 5K (Do not use the built in 12V Power
supply in the Sol-Ark user area to Power the Tigo Optimizer TX transmitter)

February 8th, 202220
Powering-Up and Testing the Sol-Ark 5K
Check the voltage on each PV input circuit
A. Should be no higher than 500Voc Temp. corrected
B. DO NOT connect PV+ OR PV- to GND
C. Verify polarity (backward polarity shows 0V)
Check Grid Input Voltage
A. Measure L1 to Neutral and L2 to Neutral. Ensure 120Vac
B. Measure L1 and L2Ensure 240Vac
C. Check Neutral and Ground are ~0V AC
D. Verify L1 voltage on AC in/out is 0Vac with the main L1
connection in the panel Same for L2
Check Battery Voltage
A. Turn on the battery switch (if using a Lithium battery)
B. Turn on the built-in battery disconnect in the user area
C. The voltage should be 45Vdc-60Vdc
Provide Power to Sol-Ark
A. Turn on Grid Breaker and Load Breaker
B. Turn PV disconnect switch to the "ON" position
C. Press the ON/OFF Button on the front, and the blue light
should turn on
Indicator LED's
DC
A. Green = DC Solar Panels are producing
B. Off = Solar Panels are not producing
AC
A. Green = Grid (or Gen or AC Coupled) is Connected
B. Off = grid is not Connected
Normal
A. Green = Sol-Ark 5K is working properly
B. Off = Sol-Ark 5K is not working properly
Alarm
A. Red = Alarm, check the alarms menu
B. Off = No alarms
Turn ON with one of three sources of power:
1) PV 2) Grid 3) ON/OFF Battery
Power Cycle Sequence
1. Turn on the Built-In battery disconnect
2. Make sure that Sol-Ark 5K is properly
connected to the batteries, panels, grid, etc.
(see system wiring diagram).
3. Turn on grid power breakers.
4. Press the power button on the front of the
unit.
5. Make sure Solar panel inputs are not
connected to Ground, then Turn on DC
disconnect switch.
6. Turn on load breakers.
7. Reverse the steps to turn off