Solectria Renewables SGI 500 User manual

Installation and Operation Manual Rev B
SGI 225
SGI 250
SGI 266
SGI 300
SGI 500
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
Revision B
© 2010, Solectria Renewables LLC

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In this manual “Inverter” or “Inverters” refers to the inverter models: SGI 225, SGI 250, SGI 266,
SGI 300 and SGI 500 unless one of the specific models is noted.
This manual contains important instructions that shall be followed during installation and
maintenance of the SGI 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

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
All electrical installations shall be performed in accordance with the local, American and Canadian electrical
codes ANSI/NFPA 70.
The Inverter contains no user serviceable parts. Please contact Solectria Renewables or a Solectria
Renewables authorized system installer for maintenance. (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 and on
the Inverter unit as well as the PV modules.
Connection of the Inverter to the electric utility grid must be completed after receiving prior approval from
the utility company (unless connection agreement) and must only be performed 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.
The inverter enclosure and disconnects must be locked (requiring a tool or key for access) for protection
against risk of injury to persons. The enclosure includes a lockable handle and comes with a key. Keep the key
in a safe location in case access to the cabinet is needed. (A replacement for a lost key can be purchased from
Solectria Renewables.)
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 ANSI/NFPA 70.
Le SGI ne contient aucune pièce requérant un entretient effectué
par l‘utilisateur. Pour toute maintenance, veuillez consulter Solectria Renewables ou un installateur agréé par
Solectria Renewables (les coordonnées de Solectria Renewables et des installateurs agréés sont indiquées sur le
site web de Solectria Renewables: www.solren.com.
Avant d’installer ou d’utiliser le SGI, 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 SGI 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

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 4
Table of Contents
1Introduction………………………………………………………………..…………… 5
2Site Preparation and Inverter Placement..……………………..………… 7
2.1 Inverter Positioning……..…………………………………...……… 9
2.2 Mounting Details.……………………………………………..……… 10
2.3 DC and AC Wire Entry Points. …………………………………… 11
3Installation………………………………….……………………………………………. 12
3.1 Checking for Shipping Damage…………………………………. 12
3.2 Inverter Mounting……………………………………………………. 13
4Electrical Connections and Connecting to Grid.……………………..…. 16
4.1 Grounding Electrode Conductor……………………………….. 16
4.2 DC Wiring…..……………………………………………………………… 17
4.3 DC Ground Fault Detection and Interruption…………….. 21
4.4 AC Wiring………………………………………………………………….. 22
4.5 Connection to Electric Utility Grid……………………………… 22
4.6 AC Ground Fault Detection………………………………………... 24
4.7 Lightning and Surge Protection………………………………….. 24
4.8 SolrenView Monitoring………………………………………….…… 25
5Commissioning the Inverter…………………..………….………………....…… 26
5.1 Turning on the inverter………………………………………………. 26
5.2 Operation…………………………………………………………………… 26
6Display and LED……………………..………………………………..………………… 27
6.1 LCD Display………………………………………………………………… 27
6.2 LED Lights…………………………………………………………………… 30
7Troubleshooting and LCD messages…………………………………………… 31
8Warranty and RMA Policy.…………………………………..…………….…….… 33
8.1 Warranty Policy………………………………………………………….. 33
8.2 Return Material Policy………………………………………………… 37
9Technical Data.…………………………………………………………………...……… 38
9.1 DC Input……………………………………………………………………… 38
9.2 AC Output…………………..…………………………………….………… 40
9.3 Other Specifications……………………………………………………. 40
10 Appendix A Data sheet link …….……………………………..…………...……… 43
Appendix B String Sizing link C ……............................................…… 43
Appendix C Contact Information…..……………………….……………….…… 43
Appendix D UL1741/CSA22.2 Listing Letter ………………………………… 44

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 5
1 Introduction
The SGI Series inverters (Smart Grid) are commercial, 3-phase grid-tied PV inverters designed to
be inter-connected to the electric utility grid. By following this manual the Inverters 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, 3-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 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. 1.1 Grid tied inverter application
PV Array
SGI Series Inverter
Electrical
Grid

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 6
Figure 1.2 The SGI Inverter

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 7
2.0 Site Preparation and Inverter Placement
The Inverter is comprised of a rainproof industrial enclosure containing electrical and electronic
components and AC and DC integrated disconnects.
NOTE: If the Inverter is mounted outside, please make sure the enclosure doors
remain closed during the installation process in case of rain or snow. (Leaving these
doors open voids the warranty.)
Criteria for device mounting:
Because the power electronics are within the rainproof main 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.
Avoid installation in close proximity to people or animals, as there is audible 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.
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 50oC 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 ground mount
PV array . It is also recommended to face to door north or east if possible.

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 8
CAUTION: Please follow these guidelines:
Be sure to verify load capacity of floor, roof or concrete pad mounting area.
Table 2.1 Weight and Required fork lift capacity
The ambient temperature must be between –25oC and +50oC for full power, continuous
operation. (The inverter will automatically reduce power or may shut down to protect itself
if ambient air temperature at the intake rises above 50oC).
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).
The cooling air exhausts at the back of the unit. Nothing should block 6” clear space behind
the enclosure. Air should be able to flow from bottom to top along the back of the inverter.
It is also recommended to have 6” clearance on the left and right sides although this is not
required.
A minimum distance of 12 inches (300mm) 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 less than 50oC. The ambient temperature should be kept as low as possible at
all times.
Table 2.2 indoor cooling requirements
Inverter Model Weight Fork Lift
SGI 500 6980 lbs. 8000 lbs
SGI 300 5650 lbs. 6000 lbs
SGI 225 255 266 5170 lbs 6000 lbs
Model Max. heat loss
SGI 500 55000 Btu/hr
SGI 300 32000 Btu/hr
SGI 266 28000 Btu/hr
SGI 250 26000 Btu/hr
SGI 225 24000 Btu/hr

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 9
2.1 Inverter Positioning
Correct mounting position for the inverter is vertical with the mounting feet on the floor. This
diagram shows the basic inverter dimensions:
2.2 Mounting Details
Using the mounting diagram Fig. 2.2, concrete pad mounting will be used. The inverter
includes mounting feet with 8 holes (1/2”, 12mm diameter) on a 105” x 34” rectangular
pattern for attaching the inverter. Note that these 4 mounting holes are 2” inside each
corner of the main inverter enclosure dimensions which are 37” x 109” (41” x 109” with
blower shrouds).
Figure 2.1 SGI 225 –SGI 500 dimensions
41” with blower shrouds.
41” with blower shrouds.

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 10
Figure 2.2 SGI Series mounting pattern (top view)
It is recommended to use eight hot dip galvanized grade 5 or 8 steel bolts or stainless steel
bolts. The correct bolt size is 3/8” (10mm) diameter. Use a heavy lock washer and flat
washer with each bolt. Alternatively, a “toe-plate” can be used at the end of each 4x4” tube
foot. After mounting is completed, remove shipping aids from front shrouds and inside unit.
WARNING: Severe injury or death could occur if the inverter mounting fails and
the unit tips over or falls on a person.
NOTE: The weight of the inverter will exert this added load to floor, roof or pad
where mounted. Be sure to verify proper load capacity of mounting surface.
NOTE: If the roof/floor mounting only uses the inverter’s mounting feet, be sure
you use all 8 available foot mount bolt positions.

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 11
2.3 DC and AC wire Entry Points
AC and DC wiring must enter through the provided conduit cutout in the bottom of the inverter
enclosure. Alternative locations are the left side for DC and back panel for AC.
Figure 2.3 AC and DC conduit cut-outs
AC and DC
Conduit Plate
Alternate AC
Conduit Entry
Alternate DC
Conduit Entry

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 12
3.0 Installation
WARNING: Before installing the Inverter, read all instructions and caution markings in
this manual and on the Inverter as well as on the photovoltaic modules.
WARNING: Electrical installation shall be performed in accordance with all local
electrical codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC), Canadian Electrical Code for
Canada (CEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.
WARNING: Connecting the Inverter to the electric utility grid must only be completed
after receiving prior approval from the utility company and installation performed only
by qualified personnel/licensed electrician(s).
3.1 Checking for Shipping Damage
The inverter is thoroughly checked and tested rigorously before it is shipped. Even though it is
bolted onto a rugged, oversized pallet or in a crate 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 please
immediately notify the shipping company to make a claim. If there is any question about
potential shipping damage, contact Solectria Renewables. A photo of the damage may be
helpful.
Do not accept the unit if it 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 it is determined that the unit must be returned an RMA# must be obtained from
Solectria Renewables.

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 13
3.2 Inverter Mounting
WARNING: The SGI may tip over if improperly moved potentially causing damage to
equipment, personnel injury or death.
-Note the center of gravity to guide lifting methods.
-Do not tilt the pallet or inverter while moving it.
-Please follow the following guidelines.
-Safety chains and straps must be used to prevent any possible tilting or shifting
of the inverter in any direction while being lifted.
WARNING: Do not install the inverter on or over combustible surfaces or materials.
3.2 Removing inverter from pallet and moving inverter:
It is recommended to keep the inverter secured to the pallet and moved as close as possible to
the final location prior to removing the pallet.
To remove the securing bolts use a 9/16“ socket and/or wrench. Completely remove each nut
and bolt from the pallet.
The center-of-gravity of the inverter is well to the right of center, 36” from right side of the
inverter directly under the left door of the transformer enclosure (right side enclosure).
Use an 8,000lb For the SGI500 and 6,000lb for SGI 225-SGI300 capable forklift or fork
attachment on other equipment if lifting from the bottom. The forks should be set at a 50"
inside spacing so they fit just to the left of the inverter's 4”x 4" aluminum tube feet.
Before lifting, make sure forks are against the left edges of both the right most foot and center
feet and install safety chains (with failsafe hooks) to prevent inverter from sliding right on fork
lift and from sliding off forklift (see diagrams).

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 14
Figure 3.1 forklift lifting positions
Use positions A when lifting or moving the inverter while attached to the pallet
Use positions B when lifting or moving the inverter removed from the pallet.
Note that the lifting diagrams show the inverter being lifted while mounted on the shipping
pallet. If the inverter is lifted without the shipping pallet, a properly rated safety strap must be
placed over the top of the inverter firmly holding it down on the lifting devices forks. It is
recommended to use two lifting straps, one holding the inverter to the left fork and another to
the right fork.
Alternatively, the inverter can be lifted using the lifting eyes on the top. If using this lifting
method, lift with vertical chains and hooks connected to a proper lifting device. Do not lift with
an “A”chain between the two eyes left-to-right as this could bend the inverter’s roof, however
3-4 “A”chain sets can be used with each “A”chain on front and rear pairs of eyebolts with a
each side of “A”having a chain length of 4 feet minimum Each “A”chain must be tensioned.
The recommended method is a 3 or 4 beam hoist with 6-8 equal-length tensioned chains
hanging down, one over each eye bolt. An A-frame can be used above the 3-4 beams. At a
minimum, lift by the left two eyes, the right two eyes and 1-2 of the center eyes at the front
and 1-2 of the center eyes at the back. Never lift only by the outer 4 eyebolts as this will
damage the enclosure and doors.
B
B
A
A

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 15
Figure 3.2 Eyebolt lifting
NOTE: Failure to follow the instructions may cause structural damage to the inverter
and void the warranty.

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 16
4.0 DC Electrical Connections and Connection to the
Electrical Utility Grid
WARNING: All electrical installations shall be performed in accordance with all local
electrical codes and the National Electrical Code, Canadian Electrical Code for Canada
and ANSI/NFPA 70. Only make AC connections directly to the AC breaker and DC
connections to the DC sub combiner panel.
4.1 Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC)
As with all PV systems, a Grounding Electrode Conductor must be installed per NEC690. This
conductor should be sized according to NEC requirements. You should use an appropriate lug
for the conductor and corrosion-prevention grease between lug and aluminum bracket.
A lug position is provided on the ground bond plate (use double wire rated lug) for AC output
grounded conductor and grounding electrode conductor:
Figure 4.1 AC grounding lug positions
WARNING: Make sure to establish a solid connection from the inverter enclosure to
the AC system ground before proceeding to connect any DC or AC wires.
WARNING: The wiring connections of the inverter to the DC voltage from the PV
strings and the AC voltage of the utility must be performed with the AC and DC

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 17
disconnects off, building AC source circuit panel/breaker off and the PV module strings
disconnected (or modules covered up).
4.2 DC Wiring
Copper wire must be used for the DC (PV) positive and negative conductors. Your SGI comes
with one of the following DC subcombiner options installed:
SGI 500 : 8 positions,
225 –400 A fuses
SGI 225 -300: 6 positions,
225 –350A 600VDC fuses
or
8 positions,
225 –250A 600VDC fuses
SGI 500 : 16 positions
110 –200A 600VDC fuses
SGI 225 -300: 12 positions
110 –175A 600VDC fuses
or
SGI 225 -300: 16 positions
110 –125A 600VDC fuses
SGI 500 : 32 positions
70 –100A 600VDC fuses
or
SGI 500 : 24 positions
70 –100A 600VDC fuses
SGI 225 -300: 24 positions
70 –100A 600VDC fuses
Max. 16 (12) x 2AWG-
350kcmil, 75 C connections,
275 in-lbs
1-2 wires per fuse position
Max. 16 (12) x 2AWG-
350kcmil 75 C connections,
375 in-lbs
1 wire per fuse position
Max. 32 (24) x 6AWG-1/0 75 C
connections,
100 in-lbs
1 wire per fuse position
Table 4.1 DC sub-combiner options

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 18
The negative subcombiner plate will accept up to thirty-two 75oC (167oF) rated aluminum set
screw terminals and 75oC (167oF) rated aluminum or (tin plated) copper listed compression
lugs. The following is a table of aluminum set screw lugs available from the factory specified
with an inverter order.
SGI 500 : 8 positions
SGI 225 -300: 6 or 8 positions
6-8 lugs
SGI 500 : 16 positions
SGI 225 -300: 12 or 16
positions
6-8 lugs (dual wire)
SGI 500 : 24 or 32 positions
SGI 225 -300: 24 positions
12-16 lugs (dual wire)
Max. 16 (12) x 2AWG-
350kcmil, 75 C connections,
550 in-lbs
1-2 wires per lug
Max. 16 (12) x 2AWG-350kcmil
75 C connections, 550 in-lbs
2 wire per lug
Max. 32 (24) x 6AWG-1/0 75 C
connections,
50 in-lbs
1 wire per lug terminal
Table 4.2 DC subcombiner grounded terminals
The negative DC 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. (Unless the inverter is configured
for Positive Ground, check the labels prior to connecting cables)
WARNING: Fuses in the inverter’s DC disconnect must only be replaced with the
same type (600VDC rated) fuses as originally installed.

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 19
Up to 16 individual DC equipment ground connections can be made directly to the ground bond
plate:
Figure 4.2 DC equipment ground combiner lug positions (16 x 14AWG-2/0 lugs)
Figure 4.3 DC equipment ground combiner lug position (1 x 0AWG-750MCM lug)

SGI Series Inverters
Installation and Operation Manual (Rev B) 20
Figure 4.4 AC and DC conduit cut-outs
Connect the PV combined strings to the DC subcombiner fuse holders (ungrounded DC
conductor) and negative subcombiner plate (grounded DC conductor). Connect the DC
equipment ground to the ground bond plate.
WARNING: Before connecting the connectors of the PV-panel to the DC disconnect
enclosure fused PV sub-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 600V DC (Vpv < 600V DC) under all conditions
as per NEC 690-7. Please read the Technical Info section for details. Any DC voltage over 625
will damage the inverter and void the warranty.
Connect PV modules, strings, combiners or uncover them. Verify correct DC voltage polarity
again and make sure the GFDI breaker stays in the lever-up position.
AC and DC
Conduit Plate
Alternate AC
Conduit Entry
Alternate DC
Conduit Entry