PVP2500, PVP3500 and PVP4800 Installation and Operation Manual PV Powered Delivering Tomorrow’s Solar Technology . . .
StarInverter PVP2500, PVP3500 and PVP4800 Table of Contents IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 2 1.0 INTRODUCTION 3 2.0 INSTALLATION 3 2.1 SELECTING A LOCATION FOR THE STARINVERTER 2.2 MOUNTING THE STARINVERTER 3 4 2.2. A STEPS TO MOUNT THE STARINVERTER 5 2.3 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION 7 2.3. A GROUNDING 2.3. B CONNECTING THE STAR INVERTER TO THE ELECTRICAL GRID 2.3. C CONNECTING DC WIRES/PV PANELS 8 9 10 3.0 OPERATION 12 3.1 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. Note: A locking tab has been designed into the PVP2500, PVP3500 and PVP4800. It is the sole responsibility of the end user to provide a locking mechanism that utilizes the tab, and permanently secures the cover on the inverter.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS 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.
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 will not be contacted by persons. ♦ The StarInverter is suitable for installation both indoors and outdoors and the enclosure has been given a NEMA 3R rating. ♦ When the StarInverter is installed outdoors, it should be shielded from rain and direct sunlight, if possible.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire, connect the PVP3500 and PVP2500 to a circuit with 20 amps maximum branch-circuit overcurrent protection, while the PVP4800 requires a circuit with 30 amps branch circuit overcurrent protection. Maximum branch-circuit overcurrent protection calculated in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70. 2.2.a Steps to Mount the StarInverter 1. Locate the wall studs in the desired location and align the mounting bracket over the studs.
Figure 3: Inside screws, located below the power board Figure 4: Mounted StarInverter with Mounting Bracket in Place PLEASE NOTE: Leave the inverter cover off to allow for electrical connection in section 2.3.
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 the PVP2500, PVP3500 and PVP4800 connections. Voltage drop as well as other considerations may dictate that larger wire sizes be used.
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 7.) Figure 6 includes schematic representations of the PVP2500, PVP3500 and PVP4800 single point 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) • The Internal Ground Fault Interrupt fuse WARNING: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with same type and ratings of fuse.
4. Connect the LINE 2/NEUTRAL wire to the terminal marked ‘line 2/neutral’ inside the StarInverter. 5. Connect the LINE wire to the terminal marked ‘line’ inside the StarInverter. 6. Ensure all connections are wired correctly and properly torqued. Tighten the terminal block screws to 0.5 Nm. Line AC Ground Line 2/ Neutral Figure 8: AC wiring for the line, line 2/neutral and ground wires. 2.3.
To wire the DC inputs from the PV panels to the StarInverter (refer to Figure 10): Note: Each DC input connection must carry the same input voltage. The StarInverter allows up to three connections for both the + and the – pole. 1. Calculate the maximum open circuit (no load) for each series panel connection.
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.
If at any moment the operating environment moves outside the safe operating limits, governed by UL 1741, IEEE 519, and NEC 690, the “STAND BY” (Red) LED indicator will be illuminated. The StarInverter is continuously monitoring: 1. The AC grid connection to ensure the AC voltage and frequency levels are within safe operating limits (per UL and NEC specifications). 2. The DC PV panel input(s) to ensure safe operating conditions (per UL and NEC specifications). 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.
5.
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.
Notes: PV Powered LLC 20 32-29-28-20-306
PV Powered LLC 21 32-29-28-20-306
PV Powered Delivering Tomorrow’s Solar Technology . . . Today PV Powered, LLC 150 SW Scalehouse Loop, #101 Bend, OR 97702 Phone 541-312-3832 • Fax 541-383-2348 www.pvpowered.
