Solark 8K User manual

August 3, 2019 1
Sol-Ark 8K Install Guide & Owner’s Manual
INSTALL GUIDE 1-24
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
LARGE GENERATOR EXAMPLE DIAGRAM 12
BACKUP GAS GENERATOR SETUP 13
SENSOR PLACEMENT &TESTING 13
BATTERY SETTINGS AND WIFI SETUP 14-20
EMP SUPPRESSOR INSTALLATION 20
RAPID SHUTDOWN DIAGRAMS 21
SPECIFICATIONS 22
OFF GRID TIPS &GRID TIE /NO BATT TIPS 23
POWERING ON THE SYSTEM /INDICATOR LEDS24
SELECTING POWER MODES /SENSORS 24-25
BATTERY SETTING &LIMITER SENSOR AUTO-SETUP 26
SCREENS 27-31
BATTERY CHARGE/DISCHARGE REFERENCE 32
WARRANTY 33
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE /ERROR CODES 34-36
COMMON BATTERY APPLICATION NOTE 37
WIRE GAUGE GUIDE 38
INSTALL TESTING CHECKLIST 39-40
CONTACT US
PHONE [phone]
EMAIL [e-mail]
WEBSITE WWW.SOL-ARK.COM

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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 8K 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. Battery Resistor: To connect batteries for the first time
c. WIFI Plug: For software updates and remote monitoring (You will receive ONLY ONE of two
types of WIFI plug, not both, picture indicates what the plugs look like)
d. Limiter Sensors: for “Limited-to-Home Mode”
e. French Cleat: For wall mounting the Sol-Ark 8K
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

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3. Component Distance Guide
WIRE RUN LENGTH: SEE DIAGRAM FOR WIRE GAUGE (AWG) RECOMMENDATIONS, PAGE 11 FOR COMPLETE DETAIL
4. Decide Critical Backup Circuits
a. 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:
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
IF PROGRAMMED TO SMART LOAD
DO NOT CONNECT GENERATOR TO GEN PORT

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5. Mount Transfer Switch
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 8K 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 8K user area
Ground and Neutral must be wired as shown above, or damage will 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 (10 AWG) to Neutral Bar
Step 3. Connect Green/Ground wire (12 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

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6. 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. Mount Sol-Ark 8K
a. Find a suitable location for the system, 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 75lbs (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
6” minimum clearance

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8. Connect Batteries (Sol-Ark should be POWERED “OFF”)
a. Connect the batteries to the Sol-Ark 8K 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).
i. The toroid usually fits inside the user area of the Sol-Ark.
c. When connecting for 1st time, use included 100ohm resistor (part b. on pg. 3) to
pre-charge the inverter for 30s before connecting 6ft cable to Sol-Ark (see Fig. D).
i. Hold the resistor so that it contacts the free battery cable and the battery terminal,
completing the circuit (see below). This can be done with small clamps or by hand.
Note: PCC batteries are stackable
WARNING! Do not stack more than 2 banks high!
Do NOT reverse
polarity of batteries!
Damage will occur!
Use included resistor to charge
capacitors when connecting batteries for
the first time. Hold for 30 seconds.
Best Practice
Spacer
Recommended
Sol-Ark 8K 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 41V-Max 59V
Fig. A
Fig. B
Fig. C
Fig. D

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4
8
12
16
20

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9. Solar Panel Install
1. Sol-Ark 8K has 2 separate pairs of solar panel inputs.
(Dual MPPT)
2. Use the chart to the right to determine how many strings of
panels and how many panels per string can be installed. This chart
is only a guide, other panel types and configurations can be
compatible if within system specifications.
3. Max PV input:
11,000W(+/- 5%) per system (6,000W per MPPT) PV = 500Voc Max
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. Each pair of strings, PV1A/B and PV2A/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: Max Panels in Series:
60 Cell: 10 72 Cell: 9 96 Cell: 5
Fig. E: Suggested Solar Panel String Guide
(60 or 72 cell Panels, 305W/Panel or less)
60-72 Cell 280W-315W panels assumed for
this guide. Please check your panel datasheet
to confirm Voc rating!!

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(If using Panel Stands)
If using Y-Connectors: (Running two strings in parallel, totaling 18A (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

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Standard Install Diagram

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10. Connecting a Portable Backup Generator (240V only)
a. Generators smaller than 10kW - See page 11
i. Connect the generator output to the “Gen”input breaker in the Sol-Ark 8K user panel.
ii. Only 240V 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 8K. The Sol-Ark 8K 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 without the need for current limiting
sensors.
iii. Under “Grid Setup” do the following:
1. Select “Limited to Load”
2. Select “General Standard”
3. Increase Grid frequency range: 53-65Hz
iv. “Limited To Home”mode works well with generators.
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
i. Install on incoming electrical service wires on L1 and
L2 (see diagram pg. 11). Required if selling power to
whole home.
b. Battery Temp Sensor
i. Place between batteries (See Fig. F). Note: Temp
sensor is not required for lithium batteries.
c. CanBus & RS485
i. In order to connect batteries to the Sol-Ark 8K via RJ45, you will need to splice the end
that connects to the Sol-Ark 8K. Use the middle two conductors.
d. Gen Start Signal
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 or software updates.
Fig. F

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12. Testing and Powering up Sol-Ark 8K
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.
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. Voltage should be 45Vdc-57Vdc.
d. If all checks out, Turn on Breakers for Grid and Load, Turn PV Disconnect knob to “On”
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 and direction. (if MCU SW = 1654 or higher, an auto learn function avoids all
this).
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
14. Programming Battery Settings
a. Battery Size
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.
c. Battery Charge & Discharge Current
i. For AGM and Flooded, we recommend Ah battery size x 20% = Charge/Discharge amps
ii. For Lithium, we recommend Ah battery size x 50% = Charge/Discharge amps
iii. For Gel, follow manufacturer’s instructions.

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iv. When Off Grid, discharge current is not limited. The inverter will always remain powered on.
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
Battery
Type
Absorption
Stage
Float Stage
Equalize Stage
(every 90 days 3hr)
AGM (or
PCC)
14.2v (56.8v)
13.4v (53.6v)
14.2v (56.8v)
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 (58.0v)
13.2v (56.0v)
e. 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 first 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
16. Remote Monitoring Setup (WIFI Setup Video: https://youtu.be/0H0OZfZz_kQ )
a. WIFI (Via Cell Phone or computer)
i. Plug WIFI dongle into Sol-Ark
ii. If using a cell phone, turn off cellular
iii. Using your device look for WIFI networks and select the one that matches the PN number on
your dongle
▪Password: 12345678 (Once Dongle is set up in this can be changed)
iv. Once connected, use a web browser to navigate to 192.168.8.66 (type it into the address bar)
and log in
▪Username: admin (Once Dongle is set up in this can be changed)
▪Password: admin (Once Dongle is set up in this can be changed)
v. Once Connected to the Dongle
Green LED(s)
Once Connected, Dongle will have a solid green LED (Right) or all green LEDs (Left)
Default
Reset Button Located Under Rubber Flap

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When step 3 is compete
all 4 of the lights on the
dongle should be green
(as seen here)

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PN Number

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Manual Wi-Fi Setup without phone app (Skip if you used the phone app setup)
Username: admin Password: admin
Select “English”
Select: “STA Interface Setting”
Select: “Search”
If Network Password: Enter it here and Apply
Select Your Network Then Apply
Select: “Device Management”
Then Restart Dongle
Note: If you setup a new password for your WIFI, the first character of the password must be either 0-9 or A-Z and
“=” is not supported.

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Manual Wi-Fi Setup without Phone App (Skip if you used the phone app setup)
b. Phone App
i. iOS Download Link: https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id1334656760?mt=8
ii. Android Download Link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eybond.smartclient&hl=en_US
a. Registering WIFI (Via Cell Phone or computer)
i. Using the browser on your device that is connected to the internet, navigate to:
▪http://www.dessmonitor.com/
ii. In the upper right-hand corner use the dropdown menu to select English
iii. Then select “Register immediately”
▪Fill in the credentials and make sure to remember or write down your login credentials
Note 1: The PN number is the number on the WIFI dongle that is connected to the Sol-Ark
Note 2: Registration of your system can also be done via the Smart ESS App
iOS Download Link
Android Download Link

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WIFI Troubleshooting:
•Light on the dongle won’t turn green when connecting to WIFI:
oIf using a cell phone, make sure the cellular function is turned off.
oTry turning off your local wireless router until you finish setup above.
oYou may need to reset your dongle (see below).
•Light on dongle is green but system cannot be seen by the application on PC or App.
oMake sure your local wireless router that the Sol-Ark is connected to is connected to the
internet.
•General troubleshooting techniques:
oMake sure that the dongle is plugged in all the way.
oUnplug the dongle and plug it back in.
oReset the dongle.
oUninstall phone app and reinstall.
•How to Reset the WIFI Dongle
oWhile the dongle is plugged into the Sol-Ark and has power, press and hold the reset button for
10 seconds. The LED should turn red.
oIf Your dongle does not have a reset button, log into it and click “reset” under the device
management tab.
•Which barcode should I scan when setting up the phone app?
oThe barcode on the WIFI dongle, not the QR code above
•I have tried everything, but it still won’t connect.
oSometimes firewall settings on home routers will block traffic to the dongle, you may need to
relax your firewall settings.
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.
If using panels not
from Sol-Ark