Installation/User Manual APS YC500A-MIW Photovoltaic Grid-connected Inverter Version 2.4 2/17/13 APS America 1015 Hostmark St. Ste 104; Poulsbo, WA 98370 TEL: 206-855-5100 EMAIL: info@apsamerica.com WEB: www.apsamerica.
Table of Contents IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1 APS Microinverter System Introduction 2 APS Microinverter 500 series Introduction 4 APS Microinverter System Installation 5 Additional Installation components from APS 5 Required Parts and Tools from installer 5 Installation Procedures 6 Step 1 - Installing the AC Branch Circuit Junction Box 6 Step 2 – Attaching the APS Microinverters to the Racking or the PV Module Frame 7 Step 3 - Connecting the APS Microinverter to the PV Module 8 S
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! This manual contains important instructions to follow during installation and maintenance of the APS Photovoltaic Grid-connected Inverter (Microinverter). To reduce the risk of electrical shock and ensure the safe installation and operation of the APS Microinverter, the following symbols appear throughout this document to indicate dangerous conditions and important safety instructions.
APS YC500A-MIW Introduction Congratulations on your decision to purchase APS YC-series microinverters! When purchased with the APS ECU, this system will improve safety, maximize solar energy harvest, increase system reliability and simplify your PV system maintenance and management.
APS Microinverters maximize PV energy production Each PV module has individual Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) controls, which ensures that the maximum power is exported to the utility grid regardless of the performance of the other PV modules in the array.
APS Microinverter 500 Series The APS 500 series Microinverters connect with the Split-phase grid, and operate with most 60 and 72 cell PV modules. For more information, please see the Technical Data page (p.18) of this manual. MODEL NUMBER YC500 AC GRID PV MODULE MODULE CONNECTOR 60Hz/240V 60,72 Cell MC-4 Type or Customize Maximum units per branch of YC500 Max. parallel combination of APS modules = 10/branch for 25 A breaker (20 PV modules) Max.
APS Microinverter System Installation A PV system using APS Microinverters is simple to install. Each Microinverter easily mounts on the PV racking, directly beneath the PV module(s). Low voltage DC wires connect from the PV module directly to the Microinverter, eliminating the risk of high DC voltage. Installation MUST comply with local regulations and technical rules. WARNING: Perform all electrical installations in accordance with local electrical codes.
Installation Proceduress APS Microinverters are designed to only operate when they can sense power coming from the grid. Even if they are plugged into the PV array, they will not turn themselves on until they can read power from the grid. WARNING: Do NOT connect APS Microinverters to the utility grid or energize the AC circuit until you have completed all of the installation procedures as described in the following sections.
YC500 Number per Branch 2 3 4 5 6 7 8* 9 10** EXTERNAL WIRE SIZE (AWG) MAXIMUM EXTERNAL CABLE LENGTH (ft) 12 370.7 237.1 167.9 124.3 93.6 70.2 51.4 35.7 22.1 10 593.1 379.4 268.6 198.9 149.7 112.3 82.3 57.1 35.4 8 926.8 592.9 419.6 310.7 233.9 175.5 128.6 89.3 55.4 6 1482.8 948.6 671.4 497.1 374.3 280.8 205.7 142.9 88.
WARNING: Do not mount the Microinverter in a location that allows exposure to direct sunlight. Allow a minimum of 3/4” (1.5 cm.) between the roof and the bottom of the Microinverter to allow proper air flow. NOTE: Connecting cables (steps 3-5) can be done in any order but DO NOT connect to the utility power grid until all the steps are completed.
WARNING: Insure that all AC and DC wiring is correct. Check that none of the AC and DC wires are pinched or damaged. Be sure that all junction boxes are properly closed. Step 4 - Ground the System NOTE: If you already use grounding washers (WEEB) to ground the Microinverter chassis to the PV module racking as described in Step 2C, skip this step. Figure 7 Each APS Microinverter comes with a ground clamp that can accommodate a single #6 awg strand and #4 awg solid conductor.
Step 5 - Connecting the APS Microinverter to the PV Module Figure 8 A. Check the Microinverter datasheet for the maximum allowable number of Microinverters on one AC branch circuit. B. Install a protective end cap on the open AC connector of the last Microinverter in the AC branch circuit. C. Plug the AC female connector of the last Microinverter into the male connector of the next Microinverter, and so on, to form a continuous AC branch circuit.
Step 6 - Completing the APS Installation Map Fill in the APS Registration Cards, which provide system information and the installation map. Feel free to provide your own layout if a larger or more intricate installation map is required. The layout map provided is designed to accomodate labels in vertical or horizontal orientation to meet all the field PV connections. 1. Each APS Microinverter has removable serial number labels.
APS Microinverter System Operating Instructions To operate the APS Microinverter PV system: 1. Turn ON the AC circuit breaker on each Microinverter branch circuit. 2. Turn ON the main utility-grid AC circuit breaker. Your system will start producing power after a two-minute wait time. 3. Within 2 to 5 minutes of turning on the AC circuit breaker, the units should start blinking green every 2 seconds. This means they are producing power normally, but have not yet connected to the ECU.
Troubleshooting Qualified personnel can use the following troubleshooting steps if the PV system does not operate correctly: Status Indications and Error Reporting START UP LED One quick red light followed by three short green blinks when DC power is first applied to the Microinverter indicate a successful Microinverter startup Operation LED Flashing Slow Green (10 sec. gap) - Producing power and communicating with ECU Flashing Fast Green (2 sec.
WARNING: The APS Microinverter is powered by PV module DC power. AFTER disconnecting the DC power, when reconnecting the PV modules to the Microinverter, be sure to watch for the three short LED flashes. A non-operating APS Microinverter There are two possible overall areas of trouble: A. The Microinverter itself may be having problems, or B. The Microinverter itself is working fine but it is having trouble communicating with the ECU.
TROUBLESHOOT A NON-OPERATING APS MICROINVERTER. . . 3. Check the AC branch circuit interconnection between all the Microinverters. In rare cases, the wire in the AC plug may have worked loose. This will need to be reviewed by a qualified electrician. Verify each inverter is energized by the utility grid as described in the previous step. 4. Make sure that all AC breakers are functioning properly and are closed. 5. Check the DC connections between the Microinverter and the PV module. 6.
Replace a Microinverter Follow this procedure to replace a failed APS Microinverter A. Disconnect the APS Microinverter from the PV Module, in the order shown below: 1. Disconnect the AC by turning off the branch circuit breaker. 2. Disconnect the first AC connector in the branch circuit. 3. Disconnect the PV module DC wire connectors from the Micro- inverter. 4. Remove the Microinverter from the PV array racking. B. Install a replacement Microinverter to the rack.
YC500A-MIW Technical Data WARNING: Be sure to verify the voltage and current specifications of your PV module match with those of the Microinverter. Refer to the APS website http://www.altenergy-power.com for a list of approved PV modules. WARNING: You must match the DC operating voltage range of the PV module with the allowable input voltage range of the APS Microinverter.
YC500-MIW Technical Data OUTPUT DATA (AC) Recommended PV Module Power Range (STC) 180-280W MPPT Voltage Range 22-45V Maximum Input Voltage 55V Maximum Input Current 10.5A x 2 OUTPUT DATA (AC) Rated Output Power 450W Maximum Output Current 1.87A Nominal Output Voltage/Range 240V / 211-264V* Nominal Output Frequency/Range 60Hz / 59.3-60.5Hz* Power Factor >0.99 Total Harmonic Distortion <3% Maximum Units Per Branch 8 per 20A / 10 per 25A breaker EFFICIENCY Peak Efficiency 95.
APS YC500A-MIW Microinverter Warranty The APS YC500A Microinverter (the “Product”) is designed to withstand normal operating conditions when used for its originally intended purpose in compliance with the APS User Manual supplied with the system when shipped.
Sample Wiring Diagrams Sample Wiring Diagram – 120V/ 240V Three Phase Figure 11 APS YC500A-MIW Installation/User Manual 20
Sample Wiring Diagram – 120V/ 208V Three Phase Figure 12 NOTE: The ECU should function properly when connected to L1, L2 or L3.
Sample Wiring Diagram – 227V/ 480V Three Phase Figure 13 NOTE: The ECU should function properly when connected to L1, L2 or L3.
