PVP1100, PVP1800, PVP2800 Installation and Operation Manual PV Powered Delivering Tomorrow’s Solar Technology . . .
StarInverter PVP1100, PVP1800 and PVP2800 Table of Contents IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 2 1.0 INTRODUCTION 3 2.0 INSTALLATION 5 2.1 SELECTING A LOCATION FOR THE STARINVERTER 2.2 MOUNTING THE STARINVERTER 5 6 6 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 2.2.A STEPS TO MOUNT THE STARINVERTER 2.2.B ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL AC DC DISCONNECT BOX 2.3 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION 2.3.A 2.3.B 2.3.C 2.3.D 2.3.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This product has been engineered and manufactured to ensure your personal safety. Improper use may result in potential electrical shock or burns. Please read and follow all instructions for installation, use and servicing of this product. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important instructions for the StarInverter model numbers PVP1100, PVP1800 and PVP2800 that must be followed during installation and maintenance of the StarInverter.
1.0 INTRODUCTION The PV Powered StarInverter is a utility interactive inverter for photovoltaic (PV) systems. The StarInverter is tied to an electrical source provided by the local utility company (i.e. on-grid), as well as to the photovoltaic system. The StarInverter contains everything needed to convert the DC voltage generated by the solar arrays into the AC voltage required to power a house.
PVP1100 Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Use the optional PV Powered AC DC Disconnect. Use the optional PV Powered AC DC Disconnect with a utility grade meter. Use a second party AC and DC Disconnect.
2.0 INSTALLATION 2.1 Selecting a Location for the StarInverter In choosing a location for the StarInverter, consideration should be given to the following criteria: ♦ The heat sink temperatures can exceed 158 degrees (70° C). The StarInverter must be installed so that the top of the unit is not expected to be contacted by persons. ♦ The StarInverter is suitable for installation both indoors and outdoors and the enclosure has been given a NEMA 3R rating.
2.2 Mounting the StarInverter The StarInverter should be mounted vertically to a flat, solid surface such as wallboard, concrete or wood siding. The inverter should be located in close proximity to the solar panels to minimize the DC wire length. The two mounting brackets provided make mounting the StarInverter quick and simple. There is one bracket for the top and one for the bottom. The two screw holes in each bracket are 16 inches apart.
3. Remove the front cover of the StarInverter by unscrewing the two cover screws located on the bottom of the inverter. (The PVP2800 will have four cover screws located on the front and bottom of the inverter.) 4. Attach the lower mounting bracket, being careful not to damage the heat sink cooling fins. See Figure 5. Figure 5: Underside of StarInverter and Lower Mounting Bracket 5. Carefully bring the inverter right side up and hang it on the upper bracket. 6. Verify inverter is level.
If installing the PVP1100 with the optional AC DC Disconnect Box, see step 2.2.b. If installing the PVP1100 without the AC DC Disconnect Box or if installing the PVP1800 or PVP2800, please proceed to section 2.3 Electrical Connection. PLEASE NOTE: Leave the inverter cover off to allow for electrical connection in section 2.3. 2.2.b Attaching the OPTIONAL AC DC Disconnect Box* *NOTE: Certain utility companies require this equipment per regulations.
2.3 Electrical Connection Do not proceed with the electrical connection of the StarInverter until it has been properly mounted. WARNING: Electrical connections must be done in accordance with local electrical codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70. Use 10 AWG, minimum 90° (194°F), copper wire for all PVP1800 and PVP2800 connections. Use 14 AWG, minimum 90° (194°F), copper wire for all PVP1100 connections.
2.3.a Grounding ♦ ♦ A single point ground connection is located in the lower right hand side of the StarInverter cabinet. The PV panel grounding wire is terminated there. The AC ground connection is terminated next to the Line and Line 2/Neutral connections on the circuit board. The PV ground is bolted to the cabinet with a ¼-20 bolt. (Refer to Figure 12.) Figure 11 includes schematic representations of the PVP1100, PVP1800, and PVP2800 single point grounding.
Figure 12: AC and PV Grounding 2.3.b Connecting the StarInverter to the Electrical Grid Inside the StarInverter are two circuit boards: ♦ ♦ The Control Board The Power Distribution Board with a D-sub socket or an optional terminal block for communications to a personal computer and: • The AC connection terminal • The DC connection terminal • The Internal AC grid fuse(s) WARNING: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with same type and ratings of fuse.
The total impedance of the grid plus the interconnecting AC wires should be less than 1.25 Ohm. WARNING: Make sure the main 120/208/240 V breaker at the circuit breaker panel is switched off before you connect the AC terminal block. To wire the StarInverter to the main utility grid, follow the steps outlined below (refer to Figure 13): 1.
2.3.c Connecting DC Wires/PV Panels WARNING: Before proceeding with the DC wiring, completely cover the surface of all PV-arrays with dark material to avoid the production of electrical current. WARNING: Make sure the polarity and the PV panel voltage between the + and the – cable connectors of the PV panels are correct. Then connect the panels to the DC terminal block on the power distribution board.
5. Connect negative DC leads directly to the negative terminal on the power distribution board. 6. Connect the ground wire(s) to the ground lug. 7. Confirm that the DC disconnect is turned off and remove the material from the array. With a voltmeter, check the PV array positive leads and confirm that the voltage is positive when referenced to the negative leads. The reading should match your series Voc total.
2.3.d Connecting Through the Optional AC DC Disconnect Box (PVP1100 Model Only) Refer to Figure 16 for a diagram of the AC and DC wiring when using the optional PV Powered AC DC Disconnect Box. Ensure all connections are wired correctly and properly torqued. The nominal value of tightening torque to be applied to the clamping screws for the breakers is 2.0 – 2.5 Nm (18-22 LB-IN).
2.3.e Connecting Communications (Optional Step) To connect the communications and load the software follow the steps outlined below (Refer to Figures 18 and 19): 1. Hardwire the communications cable to the communication terminal, or plug in the D-sub cable to the serial port.
3.0 OPERATION 3.1 Start Up Procedures for the StarInverter WARNING: Before turning on the StarInverter ensure that the front panel is closed properly. WARNING: The heat sink can reach temperatures in excess of 158º (70ºC). Care must be taken to not touch the heat sink when in use. Nothing should be placed on top of the heat sink. Starting up the StarInverter requires the following steps in the order indicated below: 1. Turn the AC breaker ON. 2. Verify that a red LED light is illuminated. 3.
3.2 LED Indicator Lights/Vacuum Fluorescent Display 3.2.a LED Indicator Lights (Model PVP1100) The StarInverter PVP1100 displays 7 LED indicator lights visible through the upper left corner of the front panel. Refer to Figure 20. These lights will indicate the PVP1100’s status and real-time output power into the AC Grid. If the PVP1100’s operating environment is safe to produce power into the AC grid, the “OK” (Green) LED is illuminated.
• • • • • • • t ul Fa K 0w 0w O 90 70 0w 0w 0w 50 30 10 PVP1100 Utility Interactive Photovoltaic Inverter Listed 20RP PV Powered LLC patent pending www.pvpowered.com Figure 20: LED Indicator Lights 3.2.b LED Indicator Lights/Vacuum Fluorescent Display (Models PVP1800 and PVP2800) LED INDICATOR LIGHTS The StarInverter PVP1800 and PVP2800 displays 2 LED indicator lights visible through the upper left corner of the front panel. These lights will indicate the StarInverter’s status.
If any one of the operating conditions is not met there is a fault and the StarInverter will illuminate the “STAND BY” (Red) LED. The “STAND BY” (Red) LED will illuminate when the PV panel voltage is not within safe operating limits. This will occur at sunset, when the inverter will turn off for the night. It may also occur when clouds reduce the amount of sunlight, or when the panels are covered with snow.
3.3 PVP Command Center PV Powered has designed a revolutionary software program, the PVP Command Center. The Command Center will track the status and efficiency of energy generated by the PV panels and process real-time data generated by the StarInverter. With the PVP Command Center, multiple inverters can be monitored both locally and remotely with each inverter being identified by model and serial number.
If you are monitoring your inverter from a remote location (see figure 23): 1) Select Client under Remote Mode. 2) Select an available Com port (this may be selected automatically for you). 3) Under Remote Server (Client Mode) enter the IP Address and Port of the host Server (noted above). 4) Click on Apply. Figure 21: Communication Setup Dialog screen in Local mode. Figure 22: Communication Setup Dialog screen in Server mode. .
3.3.
4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING If the StarInverter’s “STAND BY” LED remains red for a prolonged period (longer than the 5 minute timer required by code), and all of the operating parameters are within specification (see system specifications), the AC breaker or AC disconnect should be turned to the OFF position for 1 minute and then returned to the ON position. If the DC and AC voltage levels are within specification, the red “STAND BY” LED will not be illuminated.
For example: EX 1: Fault Code 1000 0000 0480 The first code indicates this is a voltage fault of some kind. The 4 in code three indicates a PLL fault. The 8 in code three indicates the AC frequency was out of bounds. EX 2: Fault Code 8004 0000 0000 The 8 in the first code indicates a power module fault. The 4 in the first code indicates a heatsink over temperature fault. WARNING: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only.
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6.0 LIMITED WARRANTY PV Powered, LLC provides a limited warranty that covers defects of your StarInverter caused by material or manufacturing faults. The warranty period is for 10 years and begins on the date of purchase by the original end user. This limited warranty is made only to the original purchaser of the StarInverter, and is not transferable to any subsequent owner.
ALL CAUSES OF ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, WILL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID TO PV POWERED FOR THE STARINVERTER. PV POWERED WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU UNDER ANY CAUSE OF ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EVEN IF PV POWERED HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
On the packaging please include the following: 1. The Return Authorization Number supplied by PV Powered clearly marked on the outside of the box. 2. A return address where the product can be shipped. 3. A telephone number where you can be reached during business hours. 4. A brief description of the problem. Ship the product prepaid to the address provided by your PV Powered representative.
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