Sun Bandit YC500-S User manual

Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid
Inverter Installation and Operation
Instruction Manual
Solar Hybrid Energy Systems • Patent(s) Pending
Solar Hybrid Energy Systems • Patent(s) Pending
Solar Hybrid Energy Systems • Patent(s) Pending
IMPORTANT!
Record all product serial numbers BEFORE installing
your Sun Bandit® Solar Hybrid Energy System
Sun Bandit® Micro-Grid Inverter
Installation, Operation and
Maintenance Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS . . .A33
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . .A33
Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter System
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A34
Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter System
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A35
Required Parts and Tools from you . . . . . .A35
Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . .A36
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . A38
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A39
Status Indications and Error Reporting . . . . .A39
Replacing an AC Micro-Grid Inverter. . . . . A40
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A41
YC500-S Technical Specications . . . . . . .A41
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A42
Sample Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . .A42
WARRANTY REGISTRATION . . . . . . . . .A42
IMPORTANT!
Record all product serial numbers BEFORE installing your
Sun Bandit®Solar Hybrid Energy System.
Each Sun Bandit® AC Micro-Grid Inverter has removable serial number labels on the front face.
Peel a label off of each AC Micro-Grid Inverter and afx it to this page or you may nd it helpful to record the
system information and create a layout or installation map.
You will need this information to complete the online Warranty Registration of your Sun Bandit® Solar Hybrid
Energy System and for the warranty to be valid.
Visit sunbandit.us/warranty.aspx for warranty information and to complete the online Warranty Registration
of your Sun Bandit® Solar Hybrid Energy System.
Sun Bandit®is a product of Next Generation Energy®, 75 Waneka Parkway, Lafayette, CO 80026
Local: 303.665.2000, International: +1 877 NGE4SUN, Fax: [phone]
www.sunbandit.us

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important instructions to follow during installation and maintenance of the
Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter. To reduce the risk of electrical shock and ensure the safe
installation and operation of the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter, the following symbols appear
throughout this document to indicate dangerous conditions and important safety instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS– This manual contains important instructions for Models YC500-S that shall be
followed during installation and maintenance of the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter.
WARNING:
Indicates a situation where failure to follow instructions may cause a serious hardware failure or
personnel danger if not applied appropriately. Use extreme caution when performing this task.
HIGH VOLTAGE:
Indicates high voltage and calls your attention to areas that could be dangerous to you and others
operating this equipment. DO NOT be in or around these areas when the machine is operating. If you
need to access these areas, make sure to disconnect device from any power sources before hand.
Caution:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in minor to moderate injury,
or serious damage to the equipment.
NOTE: Indicates information that is important for optimized Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter
operation. Follow these instructions closely.
Safety Instructions
• Only qualied professionals should install and/or replace Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverters.
• Perform all electrical installations in accordance with local electrical codes.
• Before installing or using the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter, please read all instructions and cautionary
markings in the technical documents and on the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter system and the PV-
array.
• Be aware that the body of the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter is the heat sink and can reach a
temperature of 176°F. To reduce risk of burns, do not touch the body of the AC Micro-Grid Inverter.
• Do NOT disconnect the PV module from the Sun Bandit® AC Micro-Grid Inverter without rst disconnecting
the load resistance.
• Do NOT attempt to repair the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter. If it fails, contact Sun Bandit®Customer
Support to obtain an RMA number and start the replacement process. Damaging or opening the Sun
Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter will void the warranty.

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SUN BANDIT®AC MICRO-GRID INVERTER SYSTEM INTRODUCTION
The Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter is an inverter system for use in applications, comprised of two key
elements:
• Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter
• Load resistance
This integrated system improves safety; maximizes solar energy harvest; increases system reliability; simplies
photovoltaic (PV) system design, installation, maintenance, and management.
Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverters maximize energy production from photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Each
PV module has individual Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) controls, which ensures the maximum power
is exported to the load resistance regardless of the performance of the other PV modules in the array. When
PV modules in the array are affected by shading, soiling, orientation, or mismatch, the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-
Grid Inverter ensures top performance from the array by maximizing the performance of each module within the
array.
The Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter system is more reliable than centralized or string inverters. The
distributed AC Micro-Grid Inverter system ensures that no single point of system failure exists across the PV
system. Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverters are designed to operate at full power at ambient temperatures of
up to 149°F. The inverter housing is designed for outdoor installation and complies with the IP65 environmental
enclosure rating.
PV systems using Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverters are very simple to install. You can install individual
PV modules in any combination of orientation, type, and power rate.
The Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverters operate with most 60 and 72 cell PV modules. For more
information, please see the “Technical Data” on page A41.
Model Number PV Module Module Connector
YC500-S 60,72 Cell MC-4 Type or Customize
Sun Bandit®YC500-S has two independent DC inputs, with independent MPPT controls and data monitoring.
The following gure shows a sample Sun Bandit®YC500-S AC Micro-Grid Inverter wiring diagram:

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Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter System Installation
A PV system using Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverters is simple to install. Each AC Micro-Grid Inverter easily
mounts on the PV racking. Low voltage DC wires connect from the PV module directly to the AC Micro-Grid
Inverter, eliminating the risk of high DC voltage.
Installation shall comply with local regulations and technical rules.
WARNING:
Perform all electrical installations in accordance with local electrical codes.
WARNING:
Installation of this equipment includes the risk of electric shock.
WARNING:
Do not touch any live parts in the system, including the PV array, when the system has been connected
to the load resistance.
Caution:
Before installing or using an Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter, please read all instructions and
warnings in the technical documents and on the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter system itself as well
as on the PV array.
NOTE: Only qualied professionals should install and/or replace Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverters.
Required Parts and Tools from you
In addition to your PV array and its associated hardware, you need to provide the following:
• Sockets and wrenches for mounting hardware
• Appropriate grounding equipment
• A Phillips screwdriver
• A torque wrench

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Installation Procedures
WARNING:
Do NOT connect Sun Bandit® AC Micro-Grid Inverters to the load resistance or energize the AC circuit
until you have completed all of the installation procedures as described in the following sections.
Installing the AC Branch Circuit Junction Box
1. Install the junction box and Zilla®Electrical Flashing (“Zilla® Electrical Flashing Assembly” on page A50).
2. Wire the conductors: RED&BLACK-AC output, YELLOW/GREEN-PE
3. Connect the AC branch circuit junction box to the point of load interconnection.
Attach the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverters to the Racking
WARNING:
Do NOT mount the AC Micro-Grid Inverter in a location that allows exposure to direct sunlight. Allow a
minimum of 1.5 centimeters between the top of the roof and the bottom of the AC Micro-Grid Inverter.
1. Mark the location of the AC Micro-Grid Inverter on the rack, with respect to the PV module junction box or any
other obstructions.
2. Mount one AC Micro-Grid Inverter at each of these locations. Use the supplied Zilla®Turn-In nuts, set bolts
and serrated ange lock nuts to secure the AC Micro-Grid Inverter to the Zilla®Quad Combo as shown.

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Connecting the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter AC Cables
1. Plug the AC female connector of the rst AC Micro-Grid Inverter into the male connector of the next AC Micro-
Grid Inverter, to form a continuous AC branch circuit.
2. Install a protective end cap on the open AC connector of the last AC Micro-Grid Inverter in the AC branch
circuit.
Ground the System
NOTE: If you already use grounding washers to ground the AC Micro-Grid Inverter chassis to the PV
module racking as described in step 4, skip this step.

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Connecting Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverters to the PV Module
Photovoltaic modules and AC Micro-Grid Inverter DC input cable connection according to demand.
WARNING:
Ensure that all AC and DC wiring is correct. Ensure that none of the AC and DC wires are pinched or
damaged. Ensure that all junction boxes are properly closed.
NOTE: Step 1~5 can change sequence for convenience of installation.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To operate the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter PV system:
Turn on the load disconnect. Your system will start producing power after a waiting time of up to ve
minutes.
Caution:
DO NOT apply power to any resistive element unless the Sun Bandit®Hybrid Water Heater is properly
installed and fully lled with water.
NOTE: Once DC power is applied, the Status LED of each AC Micro-Grid Inverter will blink green three
times to indicate normal start-up operation.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
Qualied personnel can use the following troubleshooting steps if the PV system does not operate correctly.
Status Indications and Error Reporting
Startup LED
When DC power is rst applied to the AC Micro-Grid Inverter:
• Three short green blinks when DC power is rst applied to the AC Micro-Grid Inverter indicate a successful
AC Micro-Grid Inverter startup
Operation LED
• Flashing Green - Producing power
• Flashing Red – Not producing power
GFDI Error
A solid red LED indicates the AC Micro-Grid Inverter has detected a ground fault (GFDI) error in the PV system.
Unless the GFDI error has been cleared, the LED will remain red.
WARNING:
Never disconnect the DC wire connectors under load. Ensure that no current is owing in the DC wires
prior to disconnecting. An opaque covering may be used to cover the module prior to disconnecting the
module.
WARNING:
Always disconnect load resistance before disconnecting the PV module wires from the Sun Bandit® AC
Micro-Grid Inverter. The AC connector of the rst AC Micro-Grid Inverter in a branch circuit is suitable as
a disconnecting means once the load disconnect has been opened.
WARNING:
The Sun Bandit® AC Micro-Grid Inverter is powered by PV module DC power. Make sure you
disconnect and reconnect the DC connections to watch for the three short LED ashes.
Caution:
Be aware that only qualied personnel should troubleshoot the Sun Bandit® AC Micro-Grid Inverter.

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Troubleshooting a non-operating Sun Bandit® AC Micro-Grid Inverter
To troubleshoot a non-operating Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter, follow the steps below in order:
1. Check the connection to the load resistance. Never disconnect the DC wires while the AC Micro-Grid
Inverter is producing power. Re-connect the DC module connectors and watch for three short LED ashes.
2. Check the AC branch circuit interconnection between the AC Micro-Grid Inverters.
3. Make sure the AC Disconnect is functioning properly.
4. Check the DC connections between the AC Micro-Grid Inverter and the PV module.
5. Verify the PV module DC voltage is within the allowable range shown in the “Technical Data” on page A41.
6. If the problem persists, please contact Sun Bandit®.
Caution:
Do not attempt to repair the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter. If troubleshooting methods fail, please
return the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter to your distributor for replacement.
REPLACING AN AC MICRO-GRID INVERTER
Follow the procedure to replace a failed Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter.
1. Disconnecting the Sun Bandit®AC Micro-Grid Inverter from the PV Module, in the order shown below:
a. Disconnect the AC by opening the AC Disconnect.
b. Cover the module with an opaque cover.
c. Disconnect the rst AC connector in the branch circuit.
d. Disconnect the PV module DC wire connectors from the micro-inverter.
e. Remove the AC Micro-Grid Inverter from the PV array racking.
2. Install a replacement AC Micro-Grid Inverter to the rack.
3. Connect the AC cable of the replacement AC Micro-Grid Inverter.
4. Close the AC Disconnect and verify operation of the replacement AC Micro-Grid Inverter.