Solectria Renewables PVI 20TL User manual

1
PVI 14TL
PVI 20TL
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
Revision B
©2014, Solectria Renewables LLC
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SOLIGENT
800-967-6917
www.soligent.net

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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IMPORTANT REGISTRATION AND
WARRANTY INFORMATION
For warranty to become active, this inverter
must be registered. To activate warranty and
register inverter, please visit the link below.
www.solectria.com/registration

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In this manual “inverter” or “inverters” refers to the inverter models: PVI 14TL and PVI 20TL,
unless one of the specific models is noted.
This manual contains important instructions that shall be followed during installation and
maintenance of the 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 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

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
All electrical installations shall be performed in accordance with the local, American or Canadian electrical
codes.
The inverter contains no user serviceable parts. Please contact Solectria Renewables or a Solectria Renewables
authorized system installer for maintenance. See Appendix C for Solectria Renewables contact information
and authorized system installers.
Before installing or using the inverter, please read all instructions and caution markings in this manual, on the
inverter, as well as on the PV modules.
Connection of the inverter to the electric utility grid must be completed after receiving prior approval from the
utility company and must only be performed by qualified personnel.
Completely cover the surface of all PV modules with an opaque material before wiring them. PV arrays
produce electrical energy when exposed to light and could create a hazardous condition.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
PRESCRIPTIONS DE SECURITE IMPORTANTES
Tous les travaux d’installation électrique doivent être exécutés en conformité aux normes électriques locales
ainsi qu’à la norme nationale américaine et canadienne.
Le PVI ne contient aucune pièce requérant un entretient effectué par l‘utilisateur. Pour toute maintenance,
veuillez consulter Solectria Renewables ou un installateur agrée par Solectria Renewables (les coordonnées de
Solectria Renewables et des installateurs agrées sont indiquées sur le site web de Solectria Renewables:
www.solren.com.
Avant d’installer ou d’utiliser le PVI veuillez lire toutes instructions et toutes les mises en garde présentes dans
ce manuel, sur le SGI et sur les modules PV.
Le raccordement du PVI au réseau électrique ne doit être effectuée qu’après avoir obtenu une entente
d’interconnexion auprès de la compagnie locale de distribution électrique et uniquement par du personnel
autorisé et qualifié.
La surface de tous les capteurs PV doivent être recouverte entièrement d’un matériel opaque
(noir) avant de procéder au câblage. Les capteurs PV exposés a la lumière produisent du courant électrique
susceptible de créer une situation de risque.
CONSERVEZ CES INSTRUCTIONS

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 7
2. Site Preparation and Inverter Placement ............................................................................................... 11
2.1 Criteria for device mounting: ............................................................................................................ 11
3. Inverter Mounting ................................................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Checking for Shipping Damage ......................................................................................................... 12
3.2 Removing the Inverter from the Crate/Pallet and Moving the Inverter into Place .......................... 13
3.3 Inverter Positioning and Mounting ................................................................................................... 13
4. Grounding Connections .......................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 DC and AC Grounds ........................................................................................................................... 17
5. DC Connections from the PV Array ......................................................................................................... 18
6. AC Connections at the Inverter ............................................................................................................... 22
6.1 AC Interconnections to Grid .............................................................................................................. 23
7. SolrenView External Monitoring ............................................................................................................. 24
7.1 SolrenView Logger Installation (If not pre-ordered from the factory) .............................................. 25
7.2 One Gateway (Several Inverters) ...................................................................................................... 27
7.3 Communication Connection ............................................................................................................. 27
7.6 Establishing Ethernet Connectivity ................................................................................................... 29
7.7 Setting up TCP/IP Networking .......................................................................................................... 30
Manually Configuring Network Settings .............................................................................................. 31
Automatically Configuring Network Settings ....................................................................................... 32
Setting Fallback IP Address ................................................................................................................... 32
7.8 Enabling SolrenView Web-based Monitoring ................................................................................... 34
7.9 Viewing and setting the Date/Time .................................................................................................. 34
7.10 Rebooting the SolrenView Gateway ............................................................................................... 35
7.11 Resetting the SolrenView Gateway to Factory Defaults ................................................................. 35
7.12 HMI Menu Structure ....................................................................................................................... 36
8. Commissioning the Inverter PV System .................................................................................................. 37
Turning on the Inverter .......................................................................................................................... 37
Operation ............................................................................................................................................... 37
Turning off the Inverter .......................................................................................................................... 37
9. LCD and LED Indicators ........................................................................................................................... 38
9.1 LCD .................................................................................................................................................... 38

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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9.2 Screen Descriptions ........................................................................................................................... 39
9.3 LED Indicators.................................................................................................................................... 43
10. Troubleshooting and Inverter Messages ………………………………………………………………………………………….44
11. Product Warranty and RMA Policy ....................................................................................................... 48
11.1 Warranty ......................................................................................................................................... 48
11.2 Return Material Authorization Policy ............................................................................................. 53
12. Technical Data ....................................................................................................................................... 55
12.1 Output AC Specifications ................................................................................................................ 55
12.2 Other Specifications ........................................................................................................................ 55
12.3 Input DC (PV) Specifications ............................................................................................................ 56
12.4 Temperature Derating Curve .......................................................................................................... 56
12.5 Internal Circuit Diagram .................................................................................................................. 56
13. Appendices ............................................................................................................................................ 57
Appendix A – PVI 14TL-20TL datasheet .................................................................................................. 57
Appendix B – String Sizing Tool ............................................................................................................... 57
Appendix C – Contact Information .......................................................................................................... 57
Appendix D – Authorized Distributors .................................................................................................... 57
Appendix E – UL1741 / IEEE 1547 / CSA22.2#107.1 Authorization to Mark ........................................... 57

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1. Introduction
The PVI 14TL and PVI 20TL are commercial, dual MPPT, three-phase grid-tied transformerless PV
inverters designed to be interconnected to the electric utility grid. The inverter is listed for use
with ungrounded (floating) PV arrays only. By following this manual the inverter can be installed
and operated safely. This installation guide is used as a reference for commissioning and as a
guideline on how to use the inverter most effectively.
Feeding power back to 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, three-phase
commercial, industrial, institutional or electrical utility facility’s electrical system which is
connected to the electrical grid.
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 follow local regulations regarding net metering and interconnection in your local area.
Note that some utilities need to change their revenue kWh meter for proper net metering
measurement and billing.
Figure 1.1 –Grid-Tied Inverter Application
Photovoltaic
Array
PVI 14TL
PVI 20TL
Inverter
Electrical
Grid

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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PVI 14TL Inverter Enclosure
1
4
8
6
5
7
2
3
Figure 1.2 –PVI 14TL Inverter Interface
① Control Keys
There are 6 control keys to switch
between display menus and to
configure the settings on the LCD.
② LCD
LCD screen displays all measured values
and parameters.
③LED indicators
There are four LED indicators used to
signal the operating status of the
inverter.
④ Conduit Knockouts
From left to right:
DC inputs and equipment ground (4),
AC output & ground terminals (1)
Signal port (1)
A Spare to be used as needed (1)
⑤DC disconnect Switch
Built-in, lockable disconnect switch
used to disconnect the DC input to the
inverter
⑥AC disconnect Switch
Built-in, lockable disconnect switch
used to disconnect the AC output from
the PV inverter.
⑦ Main housing (does not contain
any serviceable parts, opening this
section voids Inverters warranty)
⑧ Wiring Box

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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PVI 20TL Inverter Enclosure
Figure 1.3 –PVI 20TL Inverter Interface
① Control Keys
There are 6 control keys to switch between
display menus and to configure the settings
on the LCD.
② LCD
LCD screen displays all measured values
and parameters.
③LED indicators
There are four LED indicators used to signal
the operating status of the inverter.
④ Conduit Knockouts
From left to right:
DC inputs and equipment ground (4),
AC output & ground terminals (1)
Signal port (1)
A Spare to be used as needed (1)
⑤Combined AC and DC disconnect
Switch Built-in, lockable disconnect switch
used to disconnect the DC input from the
array and the AC output from the grid
⑥Main housing (does not contain any
serviceable parts, opening this section
voids Inverters warranty)
⑦Wiring Box
⑧ Wiring Box

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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21.42in
41.6in
8.46in
544mm
1058mm
215mm
Figure 1.4 –PVI 14TL & PVI 20TL Inverter Dimensions

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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2. Site Preparation and Inverter Placement
The inverter is comprised of a NEMA 3R enclosure containing electrical and electronic
components and AC and DC integrated disconnects.
NOTE: If the inverter is mounted outside, ensure that the enclosure remains closed during
the installation process in case of rain or snow. Leaving the cover off during installation will
void the warranty. Only the wiring box cover should be removed during wiring. The inverter
section cover remains on at all times.
NOTE: It is recommended to store the inverter indoors before installation. If the inverter is
to be stored outdoors before being installed and commissioned, care must be taken to
avoid condensation inside the unit.
2.1 Criteria for device mounting:
Because the power electronics are within the rainproof enclosure, the inverter can be
mounted outdoors.
The maximum life for the inverter can be achieved by mounting the unit in a clean, dry and
cool location.
For optimal electrical system efficiency, use the shortest possible AC and DC cables and use
the maximum allowable cable size.
Install the inverter in an accessible location following local electric codes for enclosure
proximity to other equipment.
Although the inverter is designed to function at full power continuously up to 50oC ambient
temperature, for optimal inverter life and performance, do not mount the inverter in direct
sunlight, especially in hot climates. If the unit must be mounted in direct sunlight a sun-shield
is recommended but not reqiured. It is recommended that the inverter is mounted on the
north side of buildings or on the north side of a ground mount PV array.
CAUTION:
Please follow these guidelines:
Be sure to verify load capacity of wall or mounting area where the inverter would be
mounted.
Table 2.1 –Inverter Weight
Inverter Model
Weight
PVI 14TL
141 lbs.
PVI 20TL
132 lbs.

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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The ambient temperature must be between –25oC and +50oC for full power and continuous
operation. The inverter will automatically reduce power or may shut down to protect itself if
ambient air temperature is outside the normal operating range of –25oC to 50oC.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the inverter to be connected to a dedicated circuit
and no other outlets or device may be connected to this circuit. See NEC Articles 690 and 705.
The NEC also imposes limitations on the size of the inverter and the manner in which it is
connected to the utility grid. See NEC Articles 690 and 705 for guidance within the US.
The cooling air exhausts are at the left, right and back of the inverter. As the air intake is
below the inverter section of the unit, there should be at least 24 inches of clear space at the
bottom of the enclosure. Air should be able to flow all around the unit for proper ventilation.
It is also recommended to have at least 12 inches of clearance on the left and right sides. Air
should be able to flow behind the unit from below it to above it. See figure 3.3 for details.
A minimum distance of 12 inches must be clear above the inverter for ventilation.
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 50oC or less for full power. The ambient temperature should be kept as low as possible at
all times for optimal inverter operation and life.
3. Inverter Mounting
WARNING: Any lifting or moving of the inverter requires at least two people.
Moving of the crate/pallet requires at least three people.
3.1 Checking for Shipping Damage
The inverter is thoroughly checked and tested rigorously before it is shipped. Even though it is
packed in a crate and pallet for delivery, the inverter can be damaged during shipping by poor
handling, trucking or transfer station activity.
Please inspect the inverter thoroughly after it is delivered. If any damage is seen, immediately
notify the shipping company to make a claim. If there is any question about potential shipping
damage, contact Solectria Renewables. Photos of the damage will be helpful in documenting
potential shipping damage.
Do not accept the unit if box or pallet is visibly damaged or if you note visible damage when
signing shipping company receipt.
Note damage on shipping papers with the truck driver. Report damage immediately to the
shipping company.
Do not remove the unit from pallet/packaging if damage is evident.
If it is determined that the unit must be returned, a RMA number must be obtained from
Solectria Renewables prior to shipping the unit back.

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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3.2 Removing the Inverter from the Crate/Pallet and Moving the
Inverter into Place
It is recommended to keep the inverter secured in the crate/pallet and move it as close as
possible to the final location prior to removing the inverter from the crate/pallet. To remove the
crate from pallet, unscrew the #2 Phillips screws from bottom of the crate while holding it on
pallet. Then lift the crate in order to remove the inverter.
NOTE: Failure to follow these lifting guidelines may cause structural damage to the
inverter and void the warranty.
WARNING: Do not install the inverter on or over combustible surfaces or materials.
WARNING: Severe injury or death could occur if the inverter mounting fails and falls on a
person.
NOTE: The weight of the inverter will exert an added load to the wall or area where
mounted. Be sure to verify proper load capacity of mounting area.
NOTE: Always use all the (6) mounting plate fasteners.
3.3 Inverter Positioning and Mounting
Correct mounting position for the inverter is vertical. A maximum tilt of 15⁰ in backward direction
is allowed (as shown in figure 3.1).
Figure 3.1 Mounting of Inverter - Allowed

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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Do not install the inverter forward tilted, upside down or laying on its back (figure 3.2).
Figure 3.2 Mounting of inverter –Not Allowed
The minimum distances that must be met are shown in Figure 3.3
There should be a minimum of ≥12 inches of space available on both sides. In the case of two
or more inverters are installed side by side then there should be minimum of 24 inches
available between inverters for adequate access and cooling.
There should be a minimum of ≥24 inches of space available from the bottom of the inverter.

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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Figure 3.3 Clearance Requirements
Remove the side covers between the wiring box and the inverter section to get access to the
handles in order to lift the inverter safely. At least two people are required to lift the inverter.
Return side covers when mounting is complete.
Figure 3.4 Inverter Wall Bracket Mounting
Drill 6 holes with a 13/32 inch drill bit and
install expansion bolts (available in accessory
box). Secure the bracket to the wall using six
5/16“ X 25 screws as shown in Figure 3.4.

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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Figure 3.5 Inverter Side Panels
Remove the two side covers prior to inverter
installation as shown in Figure 3.5.
Figure 3.6 Mounting Inverter on Wall Bracket
Install the inverter on the wall bracket and
make sure that the top and bottom hooks of
the inverter are engaged with the bracket as
shown in Figure 3.6.
Reinstall side cover on the inverter using four
M4 x 12 screws (Torque: 10 in-lb).

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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4. Grounding Connections
WARNING: All electrical installations shall be performed in accordance with all local
electrical codes by electrically qualified personal. Only make AC and DC connections
directly to the terminals within the wiring box.
4.1 DC and AC Grounds
The inverter must be properly grounded in accordance with local code. The inverter wire
terminals for PVI 14TL and PVI 20TL are shown below:
Position
Connection entry
A
Knockout holes for DC input wires and equipment ground
B
Knockout hole for AC output and ground wires
C
Knockout hole for communication wires
D
Spare knockout hole that can be used according to the
customer’s needs
Figure 4.1 DC input & equipment ground
PVI 14TL and PVI 20TL inverters have a ground bar with four terminals used to terminate the equipment
ground (Torque 25 in-lb) and one stud that fits M5 nut to terminate the AC ground (Torque for M5 nut is
10 in-lb). Note: lug for stud is located in the accessory box
Warning: Ground per local codes and standard.
Figure 4.2 Wiring Connection
M5 nut
Ground Bar

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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5. DC Connections from the PV Array
WARNING: All wiring connections at the inverter must be performed with the building
AC source circuit panel/breaker off and the PV module strings disconnected. AC and DC
disconnect switches at the inverter must also remain of during termination.
WARNING: All electrical wiring must be done by electrically qualified personal in
accordance to local and national electrical code.
WARNING: Before connecting the DC conductors of the PV array to the inverter, verify
the polarity of the conductors.
WARNING: Open all fuse holders and remove fuses before wiring. Verify correct polarity
and voltage before installing fuses.
WARNING: Before connecting the DC conductors of the PV array to the inverter fuse
terminal or bypass them, verify that the DC voltage is less than 600Vdc in all conditions.
DC voltages over 600V will damage the inverter. Configure the array such that the open
circuit voltage will never exceeds 600 Vdc. Warranty is voided if more than 600Vdc is
applied to the DC section of the inverter
WARNING: Fuses in the inverter’s fused combiner must only be replaced with the same
type and rating fuses as originally installed.
A maximum of 16 total DC conductors (8 positive & 8 negative) can be connected and fused at
15A as shown in Figure 5.1 below:
DC input
2 MPPTs working independently
1 MPPT working alone
Wires
8 strings
10AWG
Figure 5.1 String Configurations

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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Figure 5.2 Diagram of Wire Connections For Use With Dual MPPT Zone
The two MPPT zones can be combined by using the following configuration as shown in Figure
5.3. Jumper wire between J1 & J3 for positive terminals, jumper second wire between J2 & J4 for
negative terminals.
Figure 5.3 Diagram of Wire Connections For Use With One Combined MPPT Zone
-1 MPPT
working
alone.

Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B)
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90°C copper conductors must be used for wiring. The inverter terminals are listed for 75oC wire;
see NEC 310.10 or the Canadian Electrical Code regarding temperature ratings of wire and
terminals. Temperature derating factors, voltage drop and other considerations may dictate that
larger than minimum wire sizes be used. Verify that any wire size choices meet local codes.
Table 5.1 Wire Sizes Associated with Integrated Fused PV Combiner
Using only one or two inputs are not recommended for best current sharing results. If needed,
DC input wires can be connected to the inverter as showed in table 5.2 below.
Warning: DC fuses must be removed before any of the configurations in table 5.2 are
allowed.
Warning: Fusing at the combiner box prior of the connecting to the inverter is required
for all of the connections in table 5.2
DC wiring
connection point
Configuration
Max DC Wire Size
Conductors
Torque
(ALL)
DC terminal block
4-8 inputs
Standard use of integrated
string combiner box and
input fusing
10 AWG, 90°C Cu
10 in-lb
String combiner
box bypass
terminals, 2 inputs
Two standard inputs that
bypass integrated string
combiner box and use
separate MPPT channels
8 AWG, 90°C Cu
(Not recommended,
see details below)
10 in-lb
String combiner
box bypass
terminals, 1 input
Single input that bypasses
string combiner using a
single MPPT channel
4 AWG, 90°C Cu
(Not recommended,
see details below)
10 in-lb