Solectria Renewables SGI 500XT User manual

DOCR-070254-A
SGI 500XT
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
Revision A
© 2013 Solectria Renewables LLC

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION AND
WARRANTY INFORMATION
For warranty to become active, this inverter must
be registere . To activate warranty an register
inverter, please visit the link below.
www.solectria.com/registration

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
In this manual “inverter” or “inverters” refers to the SGI 500XT inverter mo el.
This manual contains important instructions that shall be followe uring installation an
operation of the inverter.
To re uce the risk of electrical shock an to ensure the safe installation an operation of the
inverter, the following safety symbols are use to in icate angerous con itions an important
safety instructions:
WARNING: This in icates a fact or feature very important for the safety of the
user an /or which can cause serious har ware amage if not applie
appropriately.
Use extreme aution when performing this task.
NOTE: This in icates a feature that is important either for optimal an efficient
use or optimal system operation.
EXAMPLE: This in icates an example.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•All electrical installations shall be performe in accor ance with the local, American an Cana ian electrical
co es as require .
•The inverter contains no user serviceable parts. Please contact Solectria Renewables or a Solectria Renewables
authorize system installer for maintenance. See Section 14.5, Appen ix E for Solectria Renewables contact
information.
•Before installing or using the inverter, please rea all instructions an cautionary markings in this manual an
on the inverter as well as the PV mo ules.
•Connection of the inverter to the electric utility gri must be complete after receiving approval from the
utility company an must only be performe by qualifie personnel.
•Completely cover the surface of all PV arrays with an opaque material before wiring them. PV arrays pro uce
electrical energy when expose to light an coul create a hazar ous con ition.
•The inverter enclosure an isconnects must be locke (requiring a tool or key for access) for protection
against risk of injury to persons. The enclosure inclu es lockable han les that are keye alike an comes with
4 keys total. Keep the key(s) in a safe location in case access is nee e . A replacement key can be purchase
from Solectria Renewables.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
PRESCRIPTIONS DE SECURITE IMPORTANTES
•Tous les travaux ’installation électrique oivent être exécutés en conformité aux normes électriques locales
ainsi qu’à la norme nationale américaine et cana ienne.
•Le SGI 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 coor onnées e
Solectria Renewables et es installateurs agrées sont in iquées sur le site web e Solectria Renewables:
www.solren.com.
•Avant ’installer ou ’utiliser le SGI, veuillez lire toutes instructions et toutes les mises en gar e présentes
ans ce manuel, sur le SGI et sur les mo ules PV.
•Le raccor ement u SGI au réseau électrique ne oit être effectuée qu’après avoir obtenu une entente
’interconnexion auprès e la compagnie locale e istribution électrique et uniquement par u personnel
autorisé et qualifié.
•La surface e tous les capteurs PV oivent être recouverte entièrement ’un matériel opaque
•(noir) avant e procé er au câblage. Les capteurs PV exposés a la lumière pro uisent u courant électrique
susceptible e créer une situation e risque.
CONSERVEZ CES INSTRUCTIONS

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A
Table of Contents
1 Intro uction .................................................................................................................... 1
2 Site Preparation and Inverter Pla ement ......................................................................... 3
2.1 Criteria for Inverter Mounting: ..................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Inverter Positioning ....................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 DC an AC Wire Entry Locations ................................................................................................... 5
3 Installation ..................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Checking for Shipping Damage ..................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Inverter Mounting ......................................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Removing Inverter From Pallet an Moving Inverter Into Place .................................................. 9
3.4 Leveling the Inverter ................................................................................................................... 11
3.5 Mounting Details ......................................................................................................................... 11
4 Grounding Conne tions ................................................................................................ 12
4.1 AC Groun ing .............................................................................................................................. 12
4.2 DC Groun ing .............................................................................................................................. 13
5 DC Conne tions from the PV Array ................................................................................ 14
5.1 DC Subcombiner Wiring .............................................................................................................. 14
5.2 Fuse DC Subcombiner ............................................................................................................... 15
5.3 Breaker DC Subcombiner ............................................................................................................ 17
5.4 DC Groun Fault Detection an Interruption ............................................................................. 19
6 AC Conne tions to the Inter onne ting Cir uit .............................................................. 21
6.2 AC Groun Fault Detection ......................................................................................................... 24
6.3 Lightning an Surge Protection ................................................................................................... 24
6.4 Remote Shut own ...................................................................................................................... 24
6.5 AC Breaker Shunt Trip (Optional) ................................................................................................ 25
6.6 Service Entrance Option ............................................................................................................. 26
7 Filter Intake Option ...................................................................................................... 26
7.1 Intake Filters................................................................................................................................ 26

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A
8 Solrenview Options ...................................................................................................... 27
8.1 SolrenView AIR Monitoring (Optional) ....................................................................................... 27
8.2 SolrenView AIR Multiport (Optional) .......................................................................................... 27
8.3 SolrenView SolZone (Optional) ................................................................................................... 27
9 Inverter Control and Communi ations........................................................................... 28
9.2 LED In icators ............................................................................................................................. 30
9.3 Button Descriptions .................................................................................................................... 31
9.4 Navigating the Menu Structure .................................................................................................. 32
9.5 Displaying Inverter Measurements ............................................................................................. 33
9.6 Controlling the Inverter .............................................................................................................. 35
9.7 Stopping an Starting the Inverter ............................................................................................. 36
9.8 Accessing Passwor Protecte Functions ................................................................................... 38
9.9 Changing the Inverter Passwor ................................................................................................. 39
9.10 Changing Voltage an Frequency Trip Settings .......................................................................... 40
9.11 Establishing Ethernet Connectivity ............................................................................................. 43
9.12 Setting up TCP/IP Networking ..................................................................................................... 44
9.13 Viewing Current TCP/IP settings: ................................................................................................ 44
9.14 Manually Configuring Network Settings ..................................................................................... 46
9.15 Automatically Configuring Network Settings .............................................................................. 49
9.16 Setting Fallback IP A ress ......................................................................................................... 50
9.17 Enabling SolrenView Web-base Monitoring ............................................................................. 54
9.18 Viewing an Setting the Date/Time ............................................................................................ 55
9.19 Rebooting the SolrenView DAS ................................................................................................... 58
9.20 Resetting the SolrenView DAS to Factory Defaults ..................................................................... 59
9.21 Inverter Counts an Logs ............................................................................................................ 60
9.22 Displaying Error Counts ............................................................................................................... 61
9.23 Displaying Error Logs ................................................................................................................... 63
9.24 Clearing Error Counts or the Log ................................................................................................. 65
9.25 HMI Menu Structure ................................................................................................................... 67

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A
10 Commissioning the Inverter PV System ......................................................................... 68
10.1 Turning on the Inverter ............................................................................................................... 68
10.2 Operation .................................................................................................................................... 68
11 Troubleshooting and Maintenan e ............................................................................... 69
11.1 Inverter Messages ....................................................................................................................... 69
11.3 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 71
11.4 Preventative Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 72
11.5 Intake Louver Vent Cleaning ....................................................................................................... 73
11.6 Opening Main Enclosure, DC Disconnect Switch, an AC Disconnect Switch ............................ 73
12 Produ t Warranty & RMA Poli y ................................................................................... 75
12.1 Warranty Policy ........................................................................................................................... 75
12.2 Return Material Authorization Policy ......................................................................................... 80
13 Te hni al Data .............................................................................................................. 81
13.1 Input DC (PV) Specifications ........................................................................................................ 82
13.2 Output AC Specifications ............................................................................................................ 83
13.3 Response to Abnormal Gri Con itions ...................................................................................... 84
13.4 Other Specifications .................................................................................................................... 85
13.5 Internal Circuit Diagram .............................................................................................................. 87
14 Appendi es ................................................................................................................... 88
14.1 Appen ix A – SGI 500XT Data Sheet ........................................................................................... 88
14.2 Appen ix B – String Sizing Tool ................................................................................................... 88
14.3 Appen ix C – Customer Interface Drawings ............................................................................... 88
14.4 Appen ix D - Isolation Transformer Specification ...................................................................... 88
14.5 Appen ix E – Contact Information .............................................................................................. 88
14.6 Appen ix F – Authorize Distributors ......................................................................................... 88

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 1 of 88
1Introdu tion
Congratulations on your purchase of a Solectria Renewables PV
inverter. We thank you for having bought one of the finest
inverters available on the market. Every commercial gra e
Solectria inverter is manufacture in our Lawrence Massachusetts
factory by prou Americans. Your purchase is in many ways
keeping America strong with green jobs.
We want you to have the best customer experience from your
new inverter an to operate it safely. Therefore, please rea this
manual carefully as it contains all the necessary information.
As you rea this manual, you will fin many safety notices, please
rea them as they are very important. They will contain warnings
that will prevent amage to the inverter, property an person.
We suggest you rea the Limite Warranty to fully un erstan its
coverage an your responsibilities of ownership, inclusive of
sche ule maintenance. This installation gui e is use as a
reference for commissioning an as a gui eline on how to use the
inverter most effectively.
Be sure to follow local regulations regar ing net metering an
interconnection in your area.

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 2 of 88
Figure 1.1.1 – The SGI 500XT Inverter (Front)
Figure 1.1.2 – The SGI 500XT Inverter (Rear)
DC isconnect
Switch
Nameplate
Cooling Air Intakes
Optional AC
Disconnect Switch
(not shown)
LCD Display
& Keypa
Exhaust Air Vents
Center of Gravity

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 3 of 88
2Site Preparation and Inverter Pla ement
The inverter is comprise of a rainproof in ustrial enclosure containing electrical an electronic
components, integrate DC isconnecting means an optional AC isconnecting means an /or
overcurrent protection.
NOTE: If the inverter is mounte outsi e, ensure that the enclosure an isconnect
switch oors remain close uring the installation process in case of rain or snow.
Leaving these oors open uring installation will voi the warranty.
NOTE: It is recommen e to store the inverter in oors before installation. If the
inverter is to be store out oors for more than one month before being installe an
commissione , care must be taken to avoi con ensation insi e the unit. Removing
the protective shipping wrap an placing a small space heater insi e the unit
minimizes the amount of con ensation that can occur uring onsite out oor storage.
Once operational, the inverter will generate its own heat to prevent con ensation.
2.1 Criteria for Inverter Mounting:
•Because the power electronics are insi e a rainproof main enclosure, the inverter can be
mounte out oors.
•The maximum life for the inverter can be achieve by mounting the unit in a clean, ry an
cool location.
•For optimal electrical system efficiency, use the shortest possible AC an DC con uctors an
use the maximum allowable con uctor size.
•Avoi installation in close proximity to people or animals, as there is an au ible high-
frequency switching noise. Refer to Section 13.4, Other Specifications for soun pressure
levels.
•Install the inverter in an accessible location following NEC co es for enclosure oor
clearances an proximity to other equipment.
•Although the inverter is esigne to function at full power continuously in ambient
temperatures up to 50oC, for optimal inverter life an performance, o not mount the
inverter in irect sunlight, especially in hot climates. If the unit must be mounte in irect
sunlight a metal sun-shiel is recommen e . It is recommen e that the inverter is
mounte on the north si e of buil ings or on the north si e of a groun mount PV array.

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 4 of 88
Warning: Be sure to verify loa capacity of floor, roof or pa , an ensure that lifting
equipment has a equate lifting capacity to lift the unit.
Table 2.1.1 – Inverter Weight
•The ambient temperature must be between –40oC an 50oC for full power, continuous
operation. The inverter will automatically re uce power or may shut own to protect itself
if the ambient air temperature at the intake rises above 50oC.
•Installations in most US juris ictions are subject to NFPA 70, known commonly by
electricians as the National Electric Co e (NEC). The NEC requires that the inverter be
connecte to a e icate circuit an no other outlets or evices may be connecte to this
circuit. The NEC also imposes limitations on the size of the inverter an the manner in
which it is connecte to the utility gri . See applicable revision of the NEC for more
information. It is the installer’s responsibility to follow all applicable electric co es.
•A minimum istance of 18 inches must be clear behind the inverter for cooling air exhaust
an service access. A clearance istance of 36 inches behin the inverter is highly
recommen e to ai in preventative maintenance.
•A minimum istance of 12 inches must be clear above the inverter for ventilation.
•A minimum istance of 6 inches must be clear to the sides of the inverter. Ensure that it is
possible for personnel to access the rear of the inverter.
•If you are installing the inverter in a utility vault or electrical closet, the air circulation must
be sufficient for heat issipation. Provi e external ventilation to maintain an ambient
con ition of less than 50oC. The ambient temperature shoul be kept as low as possible at
all times for optimal inverter operation an life.
Mo el Max. heat loss
SGI 500XT 35000 Btu/hr
Table 2.1.1 – Inverter Heat Rate
Inverter Mo el Installe Weight Shipping weight
SGI 500XT 3200 lbs 3410 lbs

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 5 of 88
2.2 Inverter Positioning
The correct mounting position for the inverter is vertical with the mounting feet on the floor.
Figure 2.2.1 shows the basic inverter footprint imensions:
Figure 2.2.1 – SGI 500XT Dimensions (Top View)
For more etaile rawings an imensions, please refer to Customer Interface Drawing, SGI
500XT (DOC -070160). Drawings are available in .p f an . wg formats.
2.3 DC and AC Wire Entry Lo ations
AC an DC wiring must enter through the provi e con uit cutouts in the bottom of the
inverter enclosure or through the alternate con uit entries as etaile in Figure 2.3.1. All DC
termination locations are locate in the left si e of the inverter enclosure. All AC termination
locations are locate in the right si e of the inverter enclosure

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 6 of 88
Figure 2.3.1 – Conduit Entry Lo ations, Inverter Bottom View
Every inverter inclu es two chase entry collars. These collars seal the 4” gap between the
bottom of the inverter cabinet an inverter mounting surface. Please maintain 1” clearance
spacing within the insi e e ges of the chase cutouts to allow for installation of the chase collar.
Although it is recommen e to install the chase entry collars before wire has been pulle into
the inverter enclosure, it is possible to install or remove the collar aroun con uctors after they
have been terminate .
Figure 2.3.2 – Chase Entry Collars Installed
DC
entry
AC
entry

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 7 of 88
Figure 2.3.3 – Alternate DC Side Entry Lo ations
Figure 2.3.4 – Alternate AC Side Entry Lo ation

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 8 of 88
3Installation
WARNING: Before installing the inverter, rea all instructions an caution markings in
this manual an on the inverter as well as on the photovoltaic mo ules.
WARNING: The electrical installation shall be performe in accor ance with all local
electrical co es an the National Electrical Co e (NEC), Cana ian Electrical Co e for
Cana a (CEC), NFPA 70 as require .
WARNING: Connecting the inverter to the electric utility gri must only be complete
after receiving prior approval from the utility company an installation must be
performe only by qualifie personnel.
3.1 Che king for Shipping Damage
The inverter is thoroughly checke an rigorously teste before it is shippe . Even though it is
bolte onto a rugge , oversize pallet for elivery, the inverter can be amage uring shipping
by poor han ling, trucking or transfer station activity.
Please inspect the inverter carefully after it is elivere . If any amage is seen please
imme iately notify the shipping company to make a claim. If there is any question about
potential shipping amage, contact Solectria Renewables. Photos of the amage may be helpful
in ocumenting potential shipping amage.
•Do not accept the unit if it is visibly amage or if you note visible amage when signing
shipping company receipt.
•Note any amage to the inverters on the shipping papers with the truck river. Report
amage imme iately to the shipping company.
•Do not remove the unit from pallet/packaging if amage is evi ent.
•If it is etermine that the unit must be returne , a RMA number must be obtaine
from Solectria Renewables prior to returning the unit.
3.2 Inverter Mounting
WARNING: The inverter may tip over if improperly move , potentially causing
amage to equipment, personal injury or eath.
-Note the center of gravity to gui e lifting metho s.
-Do not tilt the pallet or inverter while moving it.

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 9 of 88
-Safety chains an straps must be use to prevent any possible tilting or shifting
of the inverter in any irection while being lifte .
WARNING: Do not install the inverter on or over combustible surfaces or materials.
3.3 Removing Inverter From Pallet and Moving Inverter Into Pla e
It is recommen e to keep the inverter secure to the pallet an move as close as possible to
its final location prior to removing the pallet. To remove the securing bolts use a 9/16” socket
an /or wrench. Completely remove each bolt from the pallet.
The center of gravity of the inverter is marke with a label on the back of the enclosure.
Before lifting from the bottom, make sure lifting forks are locate at the appropriate markers. If
the chase entry collars are installe , be sure to keep lifting forks clear of the collars or remove
collars to prevent amage. Install safety chains (with failsafe hooks) to prevent the inverter
from sli ing off the lifting forks. If the inverter is lifte without the shipping pallet, a properly
rate safety strap must be place over the top of the inverter firmly hol ing it own on the
lifting evices forks.
Figure 3.3.1 – 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.

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 10 of 88
NOTE: Failure to follow these lifting gui elines may cause structural amage to the
inverter an voi the warranty.
Alternatively, the inverter can be lifte using the lifting tabs on the top. If using this lifting
metho , lift with vertical chains an hooks connecte to a proper lifting evice. Vertical rigging
must have a central rigging point at least 15 feet above the enclosure roof. Do not lift with “A”
rigging between the two tabs left-to-right as this will result in permanent damage to the
inverter. Never lift only by the outer four lifting tabs as this will damage the inverter.
Figure 3.3.2 – Suggested Rigging Diagram

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 11 of 88
3.4 Leveling the Inverter
The inverter must be mounte on a flat an level surface in or er for proper operation of the
oors an integral isconnecting means. The inverter may be levele by placing aluminum
shims un er the appropriate mounting foot prior to securing the inverter.
NOTE: Failure to properly level the inverter may cause amage to the enclosure,
to the operating mechanisms of the DC isconnect an optional AC isconnect or
breaker, result in water infiltration, an cause egra ation of the enclosure.
3.5 Mounting Details
The inverter inclu es mounting feet with 6 holes (9/16”, 14mm iameter) on a rectangular
pattern for attaching the inverter.
It is recommen e to use six hot ip galvanize gra e 5 or 8 steel bolts or stainless steel bolts
for securing the feet. The correct bolt size is 1/2” (13mm) iameter. Use a lock washer an flat
washer or other locking har ware with each bolt.
WARNING: Severe injury or eath coul occur if the inverter mounting fails an
the unit tips over or falls on a person.
NOTE: The weight of the inverter will exert an a e loa to floor, roof or pa
where mounte . Be sure to verify proper loa capacity of mounting surface.
NOTE: Be sure all 6 available foot mount bolt positions are use to secure the
inverter.

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 12 of 88
4 Grounding Conne tions
WARNING: All electrical installations shall be performe in accor ance with all local
electrical co es an the National Electrical Co e or Cana ian Electrical Co e for Cana a
as require .
When seen in the inverter, this symbol denotes grounding electrode conductor
connection points.
The inverter comes equippe with two groun bus plates equippe with factory installe
mechanical lugs. There is one locate in the right si e of the inverter enclosure near the AC
connection points, an another locate in the left si e of the inverter enclosure near the DC
connections. Use the AC an DC groun plates for terminating groun ing electro e con uctors
an equipment groun ing con uctors. The AC an DC groun plates are bon e to each other
internally within the inverter.
4.1 AC Grounding
Figure 4.1.1 – AC Ground Condu tor Conne tion Lo ations
x9
Cu or Al Con uctors
Max. 1 x 1/0AWG-750kcmil
75C connections, 550 in-lbs
1 wire per lug
or
Cu or Al Con uctors
Max. 2 x 1/0AWG-300kcmil
75C connections, 550 in-lbs
2 wires per lug
Table 4.1.1 – AC Grounding Ele trode Condu tor (GEC) AC Equipment Grounding Condu tor
(EGC)

Installation an Operation Manual (Rev A) SGI 500XT
DOCR- 070254-A Page 13 of 88
4.2 DC Grounding
Figure 4.2.1 – DC Ground Condu tor Conne tion Lo ations
x1
x14
Cu or Al Con uctors
Max. 1 x 1/0AWG-750kcmil
75C connections, 550 in-lbs
1 wire per lug
or
Max. 2 x 1/0AWG-300kcmil
75C connections, 550 in-lbs
2 wires per lug
Cu or Al Con uctors
Max. 28 x 14AWG-1/0AWG
75C connections, 50 in-lbs
1 wire per lug position
DC Grounding Ele trode Condu tor (GEC)
Depen ing on the installation, a DC Groun ing
Electro e Con uctor may be require . This
con uctor shoul be size accor ing to co e
requirements. Note that both a DC an AC
GEC may be require at the inverter in some
instances. One large lug is provi e on the DC
groun plate for the DC Groun ing Electro e
Con uctor.
DC Equipment Grounding Condu tors (EGC)
The DC groun plate is also equippe with 28
total positions for Equipment Groun ing
Con uctors. These are inten e to be use for
the equipment groun s originating at the
combiner boxes use to fee the subcombiner
positions within the inverter.
Table 4.2.1 – DC Grounding Ele trode Condu tor (GEC) and AC Equipment Grounding
Condu tor (EGC)
WARNING: Make sure to establish a soli connection from the inverter to the AC
system groun s before procee ing to connect any DC or AC power wires.