Solectria Renewables PVI 13KW User manual

PVI13KW Installation and Operation Manual
DOC-020028 rev 006 1
PVI13KW
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
Commercial, Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Inverter
© 2005, Solectria Renewables LLC
Subject to Change

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important instructions that shall be followed during installation and
maintenance of the PVI13KW Inverter.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, and to ensure the safe installation and operation of the
inverter, the following safety symbols are used to indicate dangerous conditions and important
safety instructions.
WARNING: This indicates a fact or feature very important for the safety of the
user and/or which can cause a serious hardware damage if not applied
appropriately.
Use extreme caution when performing this task.
NOTE: This indicates a feature that is important either for optimal and efficient
use or optimal system operation.
EXAMPLE: This indicates an example.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•All electrical installations shall be done in accordance with the local and national
electrical codes ANSI/NFPA 70.
•The PVI13KW contains no user serviceable parts. Please contact Solectria Renewables
or a Solectria Renewables authorized system installer for maintenance. (See page 37 for
Solectria Renewables contact information and authorized system installers.)
•Before installing or using the PVI13KW, please read all instructions and caution
markings in this manual and on the PVI13KW unit as well as the PV modules.
•Connection of the PVI13KW to the electric utility grid must be done after receiving prior
approval from the utility company and performed only by qualified personnel.
•Completely cover the surface of all PV-arrays with opaque (dark) material before wiring
them. PV arrays produce electrical energy when exposed to light and could create a
hazardous condition.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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Table of Contents
1 Introduction………………………………………………………………..………… 5
2 Installation…………………………………………………………………..……….. 6
2.1 Checking for Shipping Damage…………………………………...………. 6
2.2 Inverter Mounting.……………………………………………..………….. 6
2.3 Electrical Connection and Connection to Electrical Utility Grid. ………… 11
3 Commissioning the Inverter PV System …………………………………………….. 18
4 Power, GFDI and Error LED Indicators …..…………………………………..….…. 19
5 Troubleshooting & Opening the Main Enclosure………….………………...………. 22
6 Warranty Information and Liability………………………………..………………… 25
7 Technical Data…………………………………………………..…………….……… 29
8 Appendices…………………………………………………………………...……… 35
Appendix A:Product Datasheet……………………………………………...……… 35
Appendix B: Example String Sizing………………………………………...……….. 37
Appendix C: Contact Info and Authorized Distributors, Dealers and Installers……... 40
Appendix D: UL 1741 Listing Letter…………………………………….……………41

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1 Introduction
The PVI13KW is a commercial, 3-phase grid-tied PV inverter designed to be inter-connected to
the electric utility grid. With this manual the PVI13KW can be installed and operated safely.
This installation guide is used as reference for the commissioning and as a guideline on how to
use the inverter most effectively.
Feeding power into the grid involves conversion of the DC-voltage from the PV-array to grid
compatible AC-voltage by “inverting” DC to AC. This unit feeds power into a standard 208V
AC, 3-phase commercial, industrial or institutional facility’s electrical system which is
connected to the electrical grid. (A 480V AC version is also available.)
If the PV system and inverter are providing the same amount of electrical power that the facility
is using then no power is taken from or fed into the utility grid. If the facility is using more
power than the PV system is providing, then the utility grid provides the balance of power. If the
facility is using less power than the PV system is generating, then the excess is fed into the utility
grid.
Be sure to look into local regulations regarding Net Metering/inter-connection in your local area.
Note that some utilities need to change their revenue kWh meter for proper Net metering
measurement and billing.
Fig. 1 Grid tied inverter application
Photovoltaic
Array PVI 13KW
Inverter Electrical Grid

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2 Installation
WARNING: Before installing the PVI13KW, read all instructions and caution
markings in this manual and on the PVI13KW as well as on the photovoltaic
modules.
WARNING: Electrical installation shall be done in accordance with all local
electrical codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.
WARNING: Connecting the PVI13KW to the electric utility grid must only be
done after receiving prior approval from the utility company and installation
completed only by qualified personnel/licensed electrician(s).
2.1 Checking for Shipping Damage
The PVI13KW inverters are thoroughly checked and tested rigorously before they are shipped.
Even though they are delivered strapped onto a rugged, oversized pallet or in a crate, the
inverters can be damaged in shipping which typically is the shipping company’s fault in most
cases.
Please inspect the inverter thoroughly after it is delivered. If any damage is seen please
immediately notify the shipping company. If there is any question about potential shipping
damage, contact Solectria Renewables. A photo of the damage may be helpful.
Do not accept unit if visibly damaged or note visible damage when signing shipping company
receipt. Report damage immediately to shipping company. Do not remove the unit from
pallet/packaging. If it is determined that the unit must be returned, an RMA# must be obtained
from Solectria Renewables.
2.2 Inverter Mounting
PVI13KW inverter is made up of a NEMA 3R (rainproof) industrial enclosure containing
electrical and electronic components including transformer, filters, contactor, fusing, a sealed
IP65 power & control electronic inverter unit (DMGI245) and AC and DC disconnects mounted
on the sides of the main enclosure.
NOTE: If the PVI13KW is mounted outside, make sure the enclosure door remains
closed in case of rain during the installation process. Since the AC and DC
connections are done in the disconnects only, there is no need to open the main
enclosure during hook-up.

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Notes regarding mounting and placement of the inverter.
Criteria for device mounting:
•Because the power electronics is in an IP65 sealed enclosure within the NEMA 3R main
enclosure, the inverter can be mounted outdoors.
•The very longest life for the inverter can be achieved by mounting it in a clean, dry and cool
location even given the unit’s robust construction and powerful cooling system.
•For optimal electrical efficiency, use the shortest possible AC and DC cables and use the
maximum allowable cable size.
•Avoid installation in close proximity to people or animals, as there is a small amount of high-
frequency switching noise.
•Install the inverter in an accessible location following NEC codes for enclosure and
disconnect door clearances and proximity to other equipment. (See mounting diagram, Fig.
2.2a & 2.2b)
•Although not required, installation at eye-height allows easy reading of the indicator LEDs
on the right side of the inverter above the DC (PV) disconnect.
•For optimal inverter life and performance, do not mount the inverter in direct sunlight,
especially in hot climates, although the inverter is designed to function at full power
continuously in up to 45oC ambient temperatures. In hot climates if the unit must be
mounted in direct sunlight a metal sun-shield is recommended. It is recommended that the
inverter is mounted on the north side of buildings or on the north side of a PV array (which
can provide some shade).
CAUTION: Please follow these guidelines:
•The inverter weight is 380 lbs. Be sure to verify load capacity of floor, roof or wall
mounting area.
•The ambient temperature must be between –20oC and +45 oC for full power, continuous
operation. (The inverter will automatically reduce power or shut down to protect itself if
ambient air temperature rises above 45 oC.)
•The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that the inverter be connected to a dedicated
circuit and no other outlets or device may be connected to this circuit. See NEC Section 690-
64(b)(1). The NEC also imposes limitations on the size of the inverter and the manner in
with it is connected to the utility grid. See NEC Section 690-64(b)(2).

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•The cooling air exhausts at the bottom of the unit. Nothing should block the 2” clear space
under the enclosure defined by the 2” tall mounting feet.
•A minimum distance of 10 inch (250mm) must be clear above the inverter for ventilation.
•The inverter must be mounted with at least a 2” open space behind it. (If wall-mounted,
vertical, 2” x 2” uni-strut or channel can be used.) Air should be able to flow up behind the
unit from below it to above it.
•If you are installing the inverter in a utility vault or electrical closet, the air circulation must
be sufficient for heat dissipation –provide external ventilation, to maintain an ambient
condition of less than 45 oC. The ambient temperature should be kept as low as possible.
•Correct mounting positions for the inverter: (side views)
Fig. 2.1 How to mount the inverter

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Fig. 2.2a PVI13KW Mounting Diagram

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Fig. 2.2b PVI13KW Mounting Diagram
Mounting Details
Using the mounting diagram Fig. 2.2 (a & b), choose whether floor/roof, wall or stand
mounting will be used. The inverter includes mounting feet for attachment to floors, roofs/roof
plates/roof pans or stands. It also includes mounting tabs for wall mounting. You can also use
a combination of both mounting provisions. For example, 2 bolts in floor mount feet and 2
bolts in the wall mount tabs.
It is recommended to use galvanized grade 5 or better bolts or stainless steel bolts. The correct
bolt size is 3/8” (10mm) diameter. If wall mounting is used, be sure to verify sheer and pullout
strength of anchors or other wall attachments.
WARNING: Severe injury or death could occur if the inverter mounting fails and
the unit falls on a person.

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NOTE: Always use all 4 mounting tabs if wall mounted.
NOTE: The nearly 380 lb. weight of the inverter will exert as much as 100 lbs.
per bolt on the 4 wall mounts. Tension on the top bolts could also be 100 lbs.
Make sure an appropriate safety margin is used for both shear and tension of wall
mounting bolts, anchors or other attachments.
NOTE: If the roof/floor mounting only uses the inverter’s mounting feet, be sure
you use all 4 available foot mount bolt positions. If a stand is used, be sure
inverter is securely mounted to stand, the stand is adequately designed for the
unit’s weight and the stand is adequately attached to the floor/wall or roof.
NOTE: In the case of roof/floor mounting, temporary removal of disconnect
doors may facilitate easy wiring of the unit (only while wiring) however, only do
so if necessary and acceptable by local codes and applicable NEC requirements
related to your particular mounting configuration. (Do not ever leave disconnect
or main enclosure doors open when you are not actually working on the unit.)
2.3 DC Electrical Connection and AC Connection To
Building and Electrical Utility Grid
Fig. 3 Simplified electrical connection diagram

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Fig. 4 “Integrated Inverter Package”
WARNING: All electrical installations shall be done in accordance with all local
electrical codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.
The negative DC, Photovoltaic connection is grounded within the inverter through
the ground fault detection and interrupt circuit (GFDI). The PV negative should not
be grounded at any other point in the system. The PV positive must never be
grounded at any time.
When conduit hubs are used on the AC and DC disconnect boxes in an outdoor or
wet location, rain-tight or wet location hubs that comply with the requirements in
the Standard For Fittings For Conduit and Outlet Boxes, UL514B, are to be used.
For AC, 3-phase wiring, use 6 AWG, (recommended for the 208VAC version)
minimum 90oC (194oF), copper wire for connection with the inverter’s 3-phase AC
disconnect. (8 AWG recommended for the 480VAC version.) Torque terminal
screws to 45-50 in-lb. Voltage drop and other considerations may dictate that larger
wire sizes be used. (A maximum of 2 AWG copper conductor wire, and 4 AWG
copper ground wire can be used, but verify that any wire size choices meet NEC
requirements)
For DC/PV wiring with the integrated, fused PV combiner (with 10-15 Amp fuses),
use 12 AWG minimum 90oC (194oF) copper wire (10AWG recommended for most
DC
disconnect
with fused
PV combiner
(if equipped)
Fused AC
Disconnect
Main enclosure
with integrated
inverter,
transformer
filters and
contactor
Cooling Air
In take
LED
indicators
Warning
Label
Nameplate,
specs. and ETL,
UL1741
Certification
label

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installations) for each positive lead of each PV string. Connect to each fuse and
torque screws to 12 in–1b (1.3Nm). This fuse and wire rating must be compatible
with PV module fuse and short-circuit current rating per NEC 690. (A maximum of
8 AWG copper wire can be used.) The negative PV string connections are made to
negative terminal block. Torque screws to 35 in–1b (13.5Nm). 4 AWG
(recommended) DC equipment ground should be connected to the ground bar or if
multiple 12-8 AWG DC equipment grounds meet NEC requirements for the
installation, these can be terminated on the ground bar.
If the inverter is not equipped with an integrated fused PV combiner, a minimum
wire size of 6 AWG, 90oC (194oF) copper wire must be used. (A maximum of 2
AWG copper wire can be used for positive & negative conductors and 4 AWG DC
equipment ground. It is also possible to use larger than 2 AWG + & -conductors if
NEC and local code allows it for your installation and configuration. The + & -
terminal block is rated to fit up to 1/0 AWG.) Torque screws to 120 in-lb.
The installation of a Delta lightning surge arrester or other UL listed arrester of the
correct specificationis recommended. This can be installed on the outside of the
DC disconnect and wired using the manufacturer's directions. This device gives
important added protection from indirect lightning strikes and resulting surges that
provide protection beyond the inverter's UL1741 requirements. An additional
arrestor can also be placed on the AC disconnect.
As with all PV systems, a Grounding Electrode Conductor must be installed per
UL690.47 (and 250.166). This conductor should be sized according to these NEC
requirements. This conductor should be terminated on the ground bar in the DC
disconnect.
WARNING: The wiring connections of the inverter to the DC-voltage from the PV
strings and the AC-voltage of the utility must be done with the AC and DC
disconnects off, building AC source circuit panel/breaker off and the PV module
strings disconnected (or covered up).
•Connect the building, 3-phase conductors and AC equipment ground at AC
disconnect “LINE” terminals and ground bar.
•Connect the PV strings to the DC disconnect enclosure fuses (+) and
negative terminal (-) if the inverter is equipped with fused PV combiner or
connect the (+) and (–) PV array feeds to (+) and (–) terminals in the
inverter DC disconnect if the inverter is not equipped with a fused PV
combiner. Connect the DC equipment ground to the ground bar.
•Connect PV modules and strings or uncover them.
•Verify proper AC and DC voltages and polarity. Turn on the inverter by
switching building/utility 3-phase breakers ON then turning on inverter’s
AC disconnect, then DC disconnect.

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To disconnect the inverter from the building/utility grid, turn off the DC disconnect, then the AC
disconnect. Turn off the AC 3-phase building/utility breaker if needed.
Connection to dedicated 208V
AC, 45A 3-phase circuit. 8-2
AWG copper wire. Torque to
45-50 in-lb. (Shown without
plastic safety cover). If 480V
AC version, circuit should be
40A.
45A Fuses (for 208V AC
version), 600V, 45A AJT45
Solectria Renewables P/N ELC-
110110. (If 480V AC version,
use 40A fuses, AJT40, Solectria
Renewables P/N ELC-110102.)
AC Equipment Ground
connection 8-4 AWG copper
wire
Example customer/installer
knockout, connector & wires.
(3 –phases & ground).
Fig. 5 AC disconnect
(open showing connection)

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PV ground/frame
connections 14-
4
AWG copper
wire
PV positive (+) up to 7
connections (12 in-lb) 12-8
AWG copper wire only
PV ground/frame
connections 6-4
AWG copper wire
PV negative (
-
),
up
to 7 connections
12-8 AWG copper
wire torque to 35
in
-
lb.
PV negative (
-
)
connections 4-2
AWG copper wire
torque to 120 in-lb.
PV positive (+ )
connections 4-2
AWG copper wire
torque to 120 in-lb.
Example
customer/installer
knockout, connector &
wires. (7 PV (+), one
PV (-) feed, & ground).
It is best to run
individual PV(-) feeds
for each PV string to
avoid combining
negatives at the array.
Custome
r/installer
wires not shown.
Fig. 7 DC disconnect without Fused PV
Combiner (open showing connection)
Fig. 6 DC disconnect with Fused PV Combiner
(open showing connection)

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WARNING: Fuses in the inverter’s AC disconnect must only be replaced with
Solectria Renewables Part Number ELC-110110, or 45A, 600V, Type J, Feraz,
GOAJT40 fuse. (Or 40A fuse of the same type for 480V AC version, Solectria
Renewables Part Number ELC-110102)
WARNING: If inverter is equipped with the fused PV combiner, fuses in DC
disconnect must only be replaced with 500-600V DC rated fast-acting fuses, such as
Solectria Renewables Part Number ELC-110013-001, or 10A midget, Bussman,
KLM-10. Always refer to PV module fuse ratings and specification before
selecting or replacing fuses.
Connection Wiring To Electrical Utility Grid
The PVI13KW must be connected to the grid with 3 conductors and an AC equipment grounding
conductor. A 50A breaker is recommended for the dedicated PV system circuit breaker for the
208VAC version. (a 30A circuit breaker is recommended for the 480VAC version.)
The grid impedance value at the connection point should be as low as possible to avoid an
increase of the AC-voltage to non-permissible values while the inverter feeds to the grid.
Minimizing wiring impedance also results in higher system efficiency.
EXAMPLE: The impedance is the sum of the electricity grid impedance at building
distribution and all impedance values of conductors and connections.
Single conductor impedance values are:
•approximately 0.16 ? for a 250 feet (76.2 m) 8 AWG conductors
•approximately 0.10 ? for a 250 feet ( 76.2 m) 6 AWG conductors
•approximately 0.06 ? for a 250 feet (76.2 m) 4 AWG conductors
•Conductor impedance of < 0.10 ? is recommended
The total impedance phase to phase of the grid plus the interconnecting AC conductors should be
less than 0.2 ?.

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Connection of the PV-panels to the DC disconnect enclosure with or without
integrated fused PV combiner
WARNING: Follow PV module manufacturer’s directions. PV-arrays produce
electrical energy when exposed to light and could create a hazardous condition.
(One method used to assure safety from shock is to completely cover the surface of
all PV-arrays with opaque (dark) material before wiring them.)
Depending on the type of PV-modules used it is possible to use several parallel strings.
(Appendix B shows some example PV string sizing tables.)
WARNING: Before connecting the connectors of the PV-panel to the DC
disconnect enclosure fused PV combiner (if equipped) or + and –terminal block if
not equipped with combiner check the correct polarity and admissible PV-panel
voltage between the + and the -cable connectors of the PV panel.
The PV-panel open circuit voltage must be below 450V DC (Vpv < 450 V DC)
under all conditions as per NEC 690-7. Please read the Technical Info section and
see PV string sizing table in Appendix B.
Inverter with fused PV combiner in DC disconnect enclosure:
There are 7 fuse blocks for up to 7 PV strings of 10-15A fuse rated PV module strings. The
positive (+) wire from each string is connected to each fuse block bottom screw terminal. There
are also 7 negative positions to be used for negative (-) connections on the negative (-) terminal
blocks.
Inverter without fused PV combiner in the DC disconnect enclosure:
There is a positive and negative terminal block for connection of a combined PV power feed
from a customer-provided external fused PV combiner.
WARNING: A fused, correctly rated PV combiner must be used with this version
of the inverter.
WARNING: Even when in the off position, the DC disconnect will remain live on
the PV side (“line”) when the PV modules are in daylight. The inverter (“load”)
side of the disconnect will also remain live after the disconnect has been shut off
until 60 seconds after the LEDs turn off, as electrolytic DC bus capacitors in the
inverter discharge.

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3 Commissioning the Inverter PV System
The inverter is mounted, all connections are made and you are ready to power it up.
NOTE: Make sure all tools; parts, etc. are removed from the vicinity of the
inverter before turning on.
WARNING: Make a final check for correctness of all AC and DC wiring to the
inverter and in the system.
NOTE: With the PV modules connected and inverter disconnects still off, it is a
good final precaution to check PV polarity once more simply by carefully using a
600V, DC rated digital volt meter and probing the positive (+) and negative (-)
PV connections in the disconnect enclosure.
Turning on the inverter:
•Turn on the dedicated 3-phase circuit breaker on the building electrical panel
•Turn on the PVI13KW inverter’s 3-phase AC disconnect
•Turn on the PVI13KW inverter’s DC disconnect
•Watch the LED indicators for initialization (all three LEDs on)
•Listen for contactor clunk (inverter on-line)
•Listen for slight 60 Hz hum (transformer on-line)
•Watch for blinking green LED and high frequency switching sound (inverter on-line and
beginning to feed power into 3-phase circuit) inverter is operating normally

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Operation:
The control electronics and DSP will be active as soon as DC (PV) voltage reaches 200V DC.
The inverter will go on-line with the utility/building 3-phase grid when the DC voltage first
exceeds 250V DC. Next, the inverter will load the array, bringing the DC voltage down from
250V DC to not less than 225V DC.
Once there is enough PV power at 225V DC to back feed 3-phase AC power switching will
automatically feed power to the grid.
Because the inverter goes completely off line at night or in dark conditions when no power can
be produced, there are no idling losses, adding 1-2% additional energy production annually over
an inverter design that remains on all the time.
Operating states, GFDI status and error indications shown by the LED indicators, which are
described in chapter 4, “Power, GFDI and Error LED Indicators”.
4 Power, GFDI and Error LED Indicators
The inverter operates automatically without the need for user interaction or maintenance.
The PVI13KW automatically starts back feeding 3-phase AC power into the grid every morning
as the sun rises, as soon as sufficient DC voltage and PV power is available. The inverter DSP
runs through various checks before going online with the grid and feeding power into the grid.
The LED indicators mounted on the right-hand side of the enclosure just above the DC
disconnect give the installer and user a good, quick look at what state the inverter is in and if it is
operating normally.
GREEN –indicates “power”, the unit is powered up and/or feeding power to the grid
RED –“ERROR” or “FAULT”, the inverter is not providing power due to an error or fault
RED & YELLOW –together indicate that a ground fault has been detected and it must be
located before the inverter will function. Check GFDI fuse if RED LED remains as solid.
If the GFDI fuse is blown, see “Opening the Main Enclosure” section and Fig. 9, “Description
and Location of Components”. Follow these instructions carefully (disconnecting AC & DC
power) and locate, check and replace the GFDI fuse with a 3A midget fuse 500V DC or 600V
DC rated such as Solectria Renewables P/N ELC-110037-001, or Bussman, KLM-3.

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Fig. 8 View from right-hand side of inverter above DC (PV) disconnect
Description of LED symbols used to indicate LED status in this manual
LED Off
LED flashing (25% on, 75% off)
LED on once per second
LED on two times per second
LED on with short interruptions (75% on, 25% off)
LED on