Solark 5K User manual

April 21, 2021 1
OUTDOOR SOL-ARK 5K INSTALL GUIDE & OWNER’S MANUAL 1-53
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
DISCLAIMER 2
COMPONENT GUIDE 3
SYSTEM PLACEMENT 4
TRANSFER SWITCH 5
MOUNTING 6
DIMENSIONS 7
BATTERY WIRING 8
SOLAR PANEL WIRING 9-10
BACKUP GAS GENERATOR SETUP &SENSOR PLACEMENT 11
TESTING 12
BATTERY SETTINGS AND WIFI SETUP 13-21
EMP SUPPRESSOR INSTALLATION 22
RAPID SHUTDOWN DIAGRAMS 22-23
SPECIFICATIONS 24
OFF GRID TIPS &GRID TIE /NO BATT TIPS 25
POWERING ON THE SYSTEM /INDICATOR LEDS26
SELECTING POWER MODES /SENSORS 26-27
BATTERY SETTING &LIMITER SENSOR AUTO-SETUP 28
SCREENS (GUI MAP PAGE 35) 29-35
BATTERY CHARGE/DISCHARGE REFERENCE 36
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE /ERROR CODES 37-39
COMMON BATTERY APPLICATION NOTE 39-40
WIRE GAUGE GUIDE 41
COMPATIBILITY REFERENCE +MODBUS/RS485 PIN OUT AND REGISTERS 42-43
TORQUE VALUES 43
SYSTEM WIRE DIAGRAMS 44-46
INSTALL TESTING CHECKLIST 47
WARRANTY 48
CONTACT US
PHONE [phone] X2
EMAIL [e-mail]
WEBSITE WWW.SOL-ARK.COM
Outdoor
Outdoor
5

April 21, 2021 2
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 5K inverter should be installed by qualified persons only.
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.
System Must Have Ground
System Must Have Neutral
Solar PV+/PV- Are Ungrounded
Ground Must be Bonded to
Neutral Once in Circuit

April 21, 2021 3
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. Limiter Sensors included: 5/8” CT sensors x2
b. Limiter Sensors if purchased: 15/16” CT sensors x2
c. Limiter Sensors if purchased: 2” CT sensors x2
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 5K
i. WIFI Plug: For software updates and remote monitoring (use screws to hold in!)

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3. Component Distance Guide
WIRE RUN LENGTH: SEE DIAGRAM FOR WIRE GAUGE (AWG) RECOMMENDATIONS, PAGE 43 FOR COMPLETE DETAIL
4. Decide Backup Circuits
a. Subpanels are recommended and are required if you have Arc-Fault / GFI breakers.
b. Important: Make sure to keep within inverter amperage limits (per inverter):
On Grid = 63A continuous (pass-through)
Off Grid = 37.5A 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.
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) OR Backup Loads Panel
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 5K directly to a Main Lug breakers sub-panel rated for at least 50A.
Please refer to diagrams section for complete wire diagram
Strain Reliefs must be used for all wires going in/out of the Sol-Ark 5K 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 (4 AWG) to Neutral Bar
Step 3. Connect Green/Ground wire (6 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 4 AWG
Opt. Limiters

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6. Single System Installs: Install Double Pole 60A 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. Mount Sol-Ark 5K
a. Find a suitable location for the system(s), keeping in mind the dimensions in Fig. 1 below.
b. Sol-Ark 5K is NEMA 3R rated for outdoor install.
c. LCD screen should be protected from excessive UV exposure.
d. The system weighs 78lbs (35kg), 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.
e. 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).
f. Mount the Sol-Ark on the installed cleat making sure that it sits properly and is level.
g. Add 2 screws in bottom mounts.
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 & (+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)

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6”
6” minimum clearance (12” if next to another system)
6”
Fig. 1
Temperature Derating
DC: 90C-100C Shutdown @ 100C
AC: 75C-82C Shutdown @ 82C

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8. Connect Batteries (Sol-Ark should be POWERED “OFF”)
a. Connect the batteries to the Sol-Ark 5K as shown in the diagrams Fig. B below:
b. Fig. A: Install included ferrites (part e. 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!
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 4
batteries in series. When using other
battery chemistries, stay within the voltage
range: Min 43V-Max 63V
Fig. A
Fig. B
Fig. C
Sol-Ark PCC-230 16 Rack
Positive to
Sol-Ark
Negative
to Sol-Ark
Positive to
Sol-Ark
Negative
to Sol-Ark

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9. Solar Panel Install
1. Sol-Ark 5K has 2 separate pairs of solar panel inputs. (Dual MPPT)
3. Max PV input:
6,500W(+/- 5%) per system (3,250W per MPPT) PV = 500Voc Max
Max Isc input per MPPT: 25A (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). It is OK if panels for panels on the same MPPT to face different directions.
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: Max Panels in Series (Rule of Thumb, always verify the string characteristics are within spec):
60 Cell: 10 72 Cell: 9 96 Cell: 6

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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 usually 5 panels or 175V)

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10. Connecting a Generator (240V/208V only)
a. Generators smaller than 10kW - See diagram 1
i. Connect the generator output to the “Gen” input breaker in the Sol-Ark 5K user panel.
ii. Only 240V/208V generators are supported.
iii. THD of less than 15% preferred but not required.
iv. If you have AC coupled solar panels and a generator then you must use the TOU setting to
prevent the generator from being called for during the daytime or else damage will occur.
Simply uncheck the “charge” checkbox for time slots that may have PV production.
v. 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
vi. Gen peak shaving mode is used to prevent the Sol-Ark
from overloading small generators. The CT sensors must
be placed so that they measure L1 and L2 of the
generators output and the arrows on the CTs will point
toward the generator. The “Power” value is the threshold
at which the Sol-Ark will contribute and prevent the
generator from being overloaded. This mode will auto
adjust the gen charge amperage to prevent overload.
b. Standby Generators >10kW - See diagram 3
i. If Off-Grid, you may connect the generator output directly to the “Grid” input on the Sol-Ark 5K.
The Sol-Ark 5K 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. If you have AC coupled solar panels and a generator then you must use the TOU setting to
prevent the generator from being called for during the daytime or else damage will occur.
Simply uncheck the “charge” checkbox for time slots that may have PV production.
iii. Being Off-Grid, you will have “Grid Sell” off and will only need CT sensors if you plan to use Gen
peak shaving mode. See description above.
iv. To make your generator work better with the Sol-Ark: Under “Grid Setup” do the following:
1. Select “Limited to Load”
2. Select “General Standard”
3. Increase Grid frequency range: 55-65Hz
v. 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).
11. Sensor and Accessory Placement
a. Limiter Sensors (CT Sensors)
i. Install on incoming electrical service wires on L1 and L2 (see
diagram pg. 44). Required if in Limited To Home Mode
(meter zero) and Peak Shaving. Please check your wire size
before ordering to ensure the sensors will fit.
b. Battery Temp Sensor
i. Place between batteries, tape is a common mounting
method. (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
Fig. F

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i. To connect batteries to the Sol-Ark 5K via RJ45, you will need to splice the end that connects to
the Sol-Ark 5K. 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. Emergency Stop Signal
i. Use a normally open switch to connect the two emergency stop pins, when triggered, the RSD
power supply will be cut and the inverter AC output will be stopped.
g. WI-FI Antenna
i. Needed for remote monitoring and/or software updates.
12. Testing and Powering up Sol-Ark 5K
a. Check Voltage of each PV input circuit
i. Should be no higher than 500Vdc open circuit temperature corrected.
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.
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-60Vdc.
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 if not 208V or a no battery install,
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%).
13. 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

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14. 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
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
15. 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
AGM Default

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16. Remote Monitoring Setup
a. Ethernet Dongle
i. Open Dongle housing
ii. Thread ethernet cable through provided opening and plug into the RJ45 port
iii. Reassemble the dongle housing
iv. Plug dongle into Sol-Ark and secure with screws
v. If all is well, you will see solid red and green lights
vi. Register your dongle via the app or www.mysol-ark.com
b. 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 S/N number on your
dongle or the one that starts with “EAP” or “E470-####-####”
▪Password: 12345678
iii. Once Connected to the Dongle
▪Follow this instruction on the following pages
Once Setup is complete, Dongle will have a solid green LED and a solid Red light

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WiFi Setup (Video: https://youtu.be/99qoz8jHswA) w/Phone App
1. Download the App:
2. Open App
3. Create an Account (Installers Please See Note)
iPhone:
https://apps.apple.com/lk/app/powerview-pro/id1247121391
Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/
details?id=com.elinter.app.powervie
w&hl=en_US&gl=US
After filling the form
click “Create Account”
Attention Installers
If you plan to add an
install to your installer
account for monitoring
multiple installs, you
must first make a plant in
the customer account.
Once created the
customer can share the
plant with the installer
via the app (long press
the plant name) or
webpage (press the “…”
next to the plant name in
Power View). Installer
accounts are only made
by calling our support
line 972-575-8875 Ext.2

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4. Sign in 5. Add a Plant
Select the “+” icon
Scan the QR code
on the dongle
while plugged in
Make sure to pick a unique
plant name. (I.E.“Last Name,
First four of Address”)
On Plant Type, ALWAYS
select Energy Storage (DC
coupling).

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6. Connect your system to the internet
Select Distribution
Network to pair
Dongle with WIFI
Read and
confirm
conditions
Once you see this screen go
to your DEVICE’S WIFI
setting and connect to the
WIFI network that starts
with:
EAP-#####
Password: “12345678”
Once connected return to
the app
Select the local
WIFI network that
will be providing
the internet
connection to the
system.
Do not select the
dongle’s WIFI
network
If Location Services
are not enabled, it
will be requested
If WIFI paired
with
10.10.10.1,
select Done
The app will buffer for a
few seconds.

April 21, 2021 18
7. Start Monitoring
IP Address Setup Instructions (PC or Smart Phone)
You will get confirmation
once connection is
established.
It takes about 60sec for the
lights to turn on after setup.
Red LED: Connected to
Sol-Ark and has power.
Green LED: Connected to
Internet and Server
Flashing Green LED:
Connected to router but
not server (usually a VPN
or firewall issue)
Select your plant
This
screen is
the real
time
view
Graphed data
System info and
programming
Alarms
Attention
If you are installing
parallel systems, DO
NOT create a plant for
each inverter.
Create one plant for the
Master unit and then use
the browser version of
PowerView (mysol-
ark.com).
Click on the “…” for the
MASTER’s plant and hit
“Add Gateway” then put
the S/N and Key of the
SLAVE’sdongle.

April 21, 2021 19
Please Note that this method only achieves internet connectivity, for
registration and account management please use the app and/or
www.mysol-ark.com
6. Connect to the Dongle:
a. Settings → Wi-Fi → Select the Network with E##### (The last 5 digits of
your SN number)
Password: 12345678
*Disclaimer: The wi-fi dongle does
not have internet, you still need to be
connected to the dongle for this
process.
2. Login to Web Portal using any search browser:
a. Open Google or Safari → type in the
search bar 10.10.10.1

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*Disclaimer: Connecting the dongle via the IP address only connects
the dongle to the internet.
*YOU MUST STILL CREATE AN ACCOUNT VIA THE POWER VIEW APP.
3. Scroll Down until you see Wi-Fi Connection:
b. Once you see the Wi-Fi connection settings,
select the Scan button to search local area
networks.
4. You will see several networks; choose the home
network (Not the dongle’s network).