SA-12K Install Guide and Owner Manual

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Table Of Contents

June 30

, 2022 1

UPON RECEIVING SHIPMENT ................................................................................................................................. 4

SPEC SHEET ............................................................................................................................................................ 5

WIRE GAUGE GUIDE (COPPER) ............................................................................................................................... 7

WIRING DIAGRAMS ............................................................................................................................................... 8

GUI SCREENS ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

PHYSICAL INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................................... 19

INVERTER COMPONENTS ................................................................................................................................................ 19

DECIDING BACKUP CIRCUITS ........................................................................................................................................... 19

SINGLE SYSTEM INSTALLS ............................................................................................................................................... 20

MOUNTING THE SOL-ARK .............................................................................................................................................. 20

INTEGRATING BATTERIES (SOL-ARK POWERED "OFF") ..................................................................................................... 20

E.M.P SYSTEMS ONLY .................................................................................................................................................. 21

CONNECTING SOLAR PANELS .......................................................................................................................................... 21

INTEGRATING A GENERATOR ........................................................................................................................................... 22

INTEGRATING SENSORS AND ACCESSORY PLACEMENT .......................................................................................................... 23

POWERING-UP AND TESTING THE SOL-ARK 12K ................................................................................................................ 25

CHECK THE VOLTAGE ON EACH PV INPUT CIRCUIT ............................................................................................................... 25

WI-FI / INTERNET CONNECTION ........................................................................................................................... 26

REMOTE MONITORING SETUP ........................................................................................................................................ 26

IP ADDRESS SETUP INSTRUCTIONS (PC OR SMART PHONE) .................................................................................................. 29

PROGRAMMING GUIDE ....................................................................................................................................... 31

MAIN SCREENS (TOUCHSCREEN) ..................................................................................................................................... 32

BASIC SETUP ............................................................................................................................................................... 33

SYSTEM ALARMS .......................................................................................................................................................... 33

BATTERY SETUP ........................................................................................................................................................... 34

GRID SETUP ................................................................................................................................................................ 36

LIMITER SENSORS (CT SENSORS) .......................................................................................................................... 39

LIMITER SENSOR AUTOMATIC SETUP ................................................................................................................................ 40

INSTALL TIPS ........................................................................................................................................................ 41

OFF-GRID INSTALL TIPS ................................................................................................................................................. 41

GRID-TIE / NO BATTERY INSTALL TIPS .............................................................................................................................. 41

BATTERIES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 42

BATTERY CHARGING INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................. 42

MODBUS/RJ45 APPLICATION NOTE .............................................................................................................................. 45

PARALLEL SYSTEMS .............................................................................................................................................. 46

BEFORE ENABLING PARALLEL OPERATION ......................................................................................................................... 46

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .................................................................................................................................. 49

TROUBLESHOOTING PHASING ISSUES................................................................................................................................ 51

SOL-ARK 12K ERROR CODES .......................................................................................................................................... 52

INSTALL VERIFICATION CHECKLIST ....................................................................................................................... 53

SOL-ARK 12K LIMITED WARRANTY ...................................................................................................................... 54

12K

OUTDOOR

OUTDOOR SOL-ARK 12K INSTALL GUIDE & OWNER’S MANUAL

Summary of content (54 pages)

PAGE 1
2K OUTDOOR OUTDOOR SOL-ARK 12K INSTALL GUIDE & OWNER’S MANUAL UPON RECEIVING SHIPMENT ................................................................................................................................. 4 SPEC SHEET ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 WIRE GAUGE GUIDE (COPPER) ...............................................................................................
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Disclaimer UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, SOL-ARK: (a) MAKES NO WARRANTY REGARDING THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY, OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION. (b) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER'S RISK.
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Warning Symbols This symbol indicates information that, if ignored, could result in minor injury or damage to the equipment. This symbol indicates information that, if ignored, could result in serious injury, damage to the equipment, or death. This symbol indicates information that is important but not hazard-related. Warnings Read this entire document before installing or using the Sol-Ark 15K inverter.
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Upon Receiving Shipment Inspect Shipment A. Compare the package condition to the condition of the package in the photo we sent you before it left our facility. You must note any damage due to shipping with delivery driver before accepting the package otherwise the shipping company will deny any claim. B. If damaged, contact us immediately at 972-575-8875 Ext. 3 Component Guide A. Limiter Sensors included: 5/8" CT sensors x2 (Inlcuded) B.
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Spec Sheetf Spec Sheet June 30th, 2022 5
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” 6” minimum clearance (12” IF NEXT TO ANOTHER SYSTEM) 6” Temperature Derating DC: 90C-100C Shutdown @ 100C AC: 75C-82C Shutdown @ 82C Sol-Ark 12K Torque Values Application Note Load Breaker Grid Breaker Gen Breaker Neutral / Ground Busbars Cover Screws Battery Connection 26.5 IN Lbs 26.5 IN Lbs 26.5 IN Lbs 26.5 IN Lbs 26.5 IN Lbs 90.0 IN Lbs 3 NM 3 NM 3 NM 3 NM 3 NM 10 NM Do Not Use Impact Drivers to Tighten Any Fasteners on the Sol-Ark.
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Wire Gauge Guide (copper) 15.875mm (5/8in) PV input: 10AWG 23.813mm (15/16in) 4/0 AWG Max 2/0 AWG Max All AC Inputs/Outputs: 6-4AWG All Sensors: 20-24AWG CT Sensors: 10' Wire Included Small Limiter Sensor Batt Temp Sensor: 6' Wire Included 100A: 50mA RJ45 Cable: 7' Included (Extendable up to 20') Large Limiter Sensor Battery input: 2/0-4/0AWG (3/8" Lugs) - 15.875mm (5/8in) + 200A: 0.1A 25.4mm (1.
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Wiring Diagrams These Single Line Diagrams (SLDs) are examples of common use-cases for Sol-Ark inverters. Sol-Ark does not provide custom diagrams; however, you may contact support@sol-ark.com for any questions about an existing SLD. Diagram 1 CT Sensors are optional but necessary to enable Peak Shaving. See pg. 21 and pg.39 for additional info.
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Diagram 2 Diagram 3 June 30th, 2022 9
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Diagram 4 June 30th, 2022 10
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Note: PV fuses are only required for >2 strings per MPPT Diagram 5 11 June 30th, 2022
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Diagram 6 June 30th, 2022 12
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Note: Before powering up Parallel System installs, Aplease see Parallel System app note Diagram 7 13 June 30th, 2022
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Diagram 8 June 30th, 2022 14
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Note: Before powering up Parallel System installs, please see Parallel System app note Diagram 9 15 June 30th, 2022
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Note: Before powering up Parallel System installs, please see Parallel System note Diagram 10 16 June 30th, 2022
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GUI Screens Main Menus Basic Setup June 30th, 2022 17
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Battery Setup c Grid Setup June 30th, 2022 18
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Physical Installation Inverter Components A. B. C. D. E. LCD Touch Screen Power Button PV DC Disconnect Switch 250A Battery Breaker Battery Terminals (+/-) F. Sensor Pin-Out Board G. Comms/Paralleling Ports H. AC Breakers (Grid 63A/Gen 50A/Load 63A) I. Neutral/Ground Bus Bar J. MPPT Charge Controllers Deciding Backup Circuits A. We recommend subpanels and require them if you have Arc-Fault / GFI breakers B.
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Single System Installs A. Install Double Pole 60A breaker in Main Panel for Grid In/Out B. Best practice to install at the opposite end of the bus bar from the main breaker, which is usually at the bottom of the breaker panel (see figure above) Mounting the Sol-Ark A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Keeping in mind Sol-Ark's dimensions, find a suitable location for the system (s) NEMA 3R rating for Outdoor installations PROTECT the LCD screen from excessive UV exposure System weight = 78lbs (35kg).
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E.M.P Systems Only Suppressor installation • If your system was purchased with Lightning / EMP Hardening, the vast majority of protection is in the Sol-Ark. However, you also have EMP suppressors that get installed on the power cords of appliances that are connected to the transfer switch. Although not critical, it is recommended they be installed as close as possible to the appliance. • You also have EMP suppressors that get installed on both solar panel wires with a zip tie. Closer to the panel is better.
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Integrating a Generator Generators < 10kW (GEN Breaker)— See Diagram 1-2 A. ONLY supports 240V / 208V generators | 50A breaker B. Connect the generator output to the "GEN" input breaker in the SolArk 12K user area. GEN input doesn’t support 3-Phase Generators. C. THD of less than 15% preferred but not required Standby Generators > 10kW (GRID Breaker)— See Diagram 1 (OFF-GRID) A. Supports 220V / 240V / 208V generators | Depends on “Grid Type” selection | 63A breaker B.
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Integrating Sensors and Accessory Placement Sensor Pin Out (Located in Sol-Ark user (1,2) Batt Temp: Battery Temperature Sensor has no polarity and is needed for voltage correction when using lead acid batteries. (+3, -4) CT1 & (+5,-6) CT2: Current transformers used for limited to home mode and peak shaving (7,8) Gen Start Relay: Two wire start for generators, simple open or closed relay (9,10) Gen On Relay: Not currently used (B 11, B 12) Emergency Stop: Short these pins to initiate emergency stop.
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Emergency Stop Signal & PV Rapid Shutdown Signal Pins 11 and 12 use a normally open & latching switch to connect the two emergency stop pins that cut off the RSD power supply when triggered, thus stopping the inverter AC output. Pins 15 and 16 provide the 12V / 100mA signal power lost when the Sol-Ark shuts down using the front button.
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Powering-Up and Testing the Sol-Ark 12K Check the voltage on each PV input circuit A. Should be no higher than 500Voc Temp. corrected B. DO NOT connect PV+ OR PV- to GND C. Verify polarity (backward polarity shows 0V) Check Grid Input Voltage A. B. C. D. Measure L1 to Neutral and L2 to Neutral.
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Wi-Fi / Internet Connection Remote Monitoring Setup Ethernet Dongle A. Open the dongle enclosure and thread the ethernet cable through the hole and plug into the RJ45 port B. Reassemble the dongle housing and plug dongle into Sol-Ark and secure with screws If all is well, you will see solid red and green lights C. Register the dongle via the app or www.mysol-ark.com Wi-Fi (Via Cell Phone or computer) A. B. C. D.
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Create an Account and Sign In After filling the form click “Create Account” Add a Plant Scan the QR code on the dongle while plugged in On Plant Type, ALWAYS select Energy Storage (DC coupling). June 30th, 2022 Make sure to pick a unique plant name. (I.E.
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Connect the System to the Internet If Wi-Fi paired with 10.10.10.
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Start Monitoring The Data This screen is the real time view Attention If you are installing parallel systems, DO NOT create a plant for each inverter. Create one plant for the Master unit and then use the browser version of PowerView (mysol-ark.com). Select your plant Alarms Click on the “…” for the MASTER’s plant and hit “Add Gateway” then put the S/N and Key of the SLAVE’s dongle.
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Login to Web Portal using ANY Search Browser A. Open Google or Safari → type in the search bar: 10.10.10.1 B. Scroll Down to "Wi-Fi Connection" C. Press "Scan" to search local networks Select Your HOME Network A. B. C. D.
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Programming Guide Sol-Ark Menus June 30th, 2022 31
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Main Screens (Touchscreen) Detailed Volts View • • • • • • • Top row = Total power for column Middle Row = Line 1/PV1 voltage, Amps, and Watts (note: PV Voltage not to exceed 500V) Bottom Row = Line 2/PV2 voltage, Amps, and Watts (note: PV Voltage not to exceed 500V) Batt Temperature will show -20°C if the temperature sensor is not connected.
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Grid Graphical View A. Displays power drawn from and sold to the grid over time B. Bars above the line indicate power bought from the grid C. Bars below the line indicate power sold back to the grid This view can help determine when the peak power is used in the Home and for Time of Use programing System Setup Menu A. ID = LCD serial #. Support uses the Wi-Fi serial #. B. COMM = LCD software version C. MCU = Inverter software version Basic Setup Display A. Brightness adjustment B.
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Battery Setup Batt Batt Capacity: enter the size of the battery bank connected to the system.
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Gen Exercise Cycle (Day & Time) : Set a weekly Gen exercise schedule. (Day of the week/Time/Duration Length) Gen must have two-wire start connected to Sol-Ark. To disable the exercise, set the duration length to 0 min.
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When On-Grid, the AC-coupled inverter will always be on, and the will sell any extra power back to the grid. AC Coupled PV Arrays will not work WITHOUT grid sell enabled (while grid is available). To use the LOAD breaker for AC coupling grid tied inverter(s) i. ii. iii.
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Grid Input Grid Frequency: Select the Grid Frequency connection Grid Type: 220V Single Phase (Call us before using) 120/240V Split Phase (North America) 120/208V 3 Phase Protect Parameters: (when Settings when the system will connect/disconnect from the grid. UL 1741 & IEEE1547 do not use these parameters. • • • We recommend widening the frequency range when connecting a generator to the grid breaker (55-65Hz) If 120/208V, the L1 and L2 are phase specific.
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FreqVolt (UL 1741SA must be enabled in "Sell Control" tab) Puerto Rico Grid Compliance Settings: Kauai Grid Compliance Settings: HECO Grid Compliance Settings for O'ahu, Maui, Hawai'i: HECO Grid Compliance Settings for Lana'I and Moloka'i: PowFac Power Factor is programmable from 0.8 – 1.
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Limiter Sensors (CT Sensors) CT Sensors enable Limited to Home mode (meter zero) and Peak Shaving mode. CT sensors also allow the system to calculate loads powered upstream of the Grid Breaker in the home.
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Limiter Sensor Automatic Setup Requires Batteries, AC coupled panels must be off while detecting, and does NOT work for 208V installs. If you do not have batteries or are in 208V mode: verify CT sensor placement manually. A. Install limiter sensors as previously described (shown in all diagrams as well). Battery and grid connections also required before starting auto-setup. B. Navigate to the "Advanced" Tab of the Basic Setup screen (follow the directions below to get there) A.
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Install Tips Off-Grid Install Tips Sol-Ark 12K will automatically operate in Off-Grid Mode without the grid (under the same power priority as TOU). A. Limiter Sensors are not required for completely Off-Grid installs unless using Grid Peak Shaving with a Gen connected to Grid input breaker. B. The Grid input breaker on the Sol-Ark should be used as the Generator input (4-30kW generators) so that you may maintain Smart Load output capability when off-grid.
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Batteries Battery Charging Information 4-Stage Charging The MPPT has a 4-stage battery charging algorithm for rapid, efficient, and safe battery charging. The figure below shows the stage sequence. MPPT Charging Algorithm Bulk Charge Stage In the Bulk Charge stage, the battery is not at a 100% state of charge and has not yet reached the Absorption voltage setpoint. The controller will deliver 100% of available solar power to recharge the battery.
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Sol-Ark PCC-230 Battery Batt Capacity: 230Ah x #Parallel_Batteries (1 parallel = 4 Batt in series, 2 = 8 Batt, 3 = 12 Batt, 4 =16 Batt) Max A Charge: 100A x #Parallel_Batteries Max A Discharge: 100A x #Parallel_Batteries Max A Grid Charge: 50A x #Parallel_Batteries TEMPCO: -5mV/C/Cell Float V: 53.6V Absorption V: 57.6V Equalization V: 57.6V Equalization Days: 30 Equalization Duration: 3 Hours Recommended Shutdown V / Percentage: 47.0V & 20% Recommended Low Batt V / Percentage: 47.
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HomeGrid: Stack’d Series Batt Capacity: 100Ah x # Batt Modules Max A Charge: If # Batt Modules ≤ 3 – 100A x # Batt Modules If # Batt Modules > 3 – 300A Max A Discharge: If # Batt Modules ≤ 3 – 100A x # Batt Modules If # Batt Modules > 3 – 300A Max A Grid Charge: If # Batt Modules ≤ 3 – 100A x # Batt Modules If # Batt Modules > 3 – 300A TEMPCO: 0mV/C/Cell BMS Lithium Batt: 00 Float V: 52.2V Absorption V: 52.2V Equalization V: 52.
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MODBUS/RJ45 Application Note BMS Lithium Batt Modes (Subject to Change): 00: CANBus Battery mode – Inverter also acts a ModBus slave with slave ID set by “ModBus SN Setting” (Pg. 32) 01: Storz ModBus Protocol 02: Pylontech ModBus Protocol 03: Old Blue Ion + eGauge / Polarium ModBus Protocol 04: Fortress Power ModBus Protocol 05: Kilovault HAB ModBus Protocol 06: Battery or Battery Controller is ModBus master and writes battery data to inverter’s BMS registers (not currently in use).
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Parallel Systems Before Enabling Parallel Operation A. Make sure all units in parallel have the same software version. Hardware version may also affect compatibility; Call or email Tech Support if you parallel indoor and outdoor units to verify. a. Check the following screen to verify your firmware versions b. Go to https://www.sol-ark.com/software-update/ to schedule an update or call Tech Support for assistance B. Parallel systems REQUIRE a joint battery bank.
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Stacking Sol-Ark 12K @ 120V/240V Outputs Parallel 12Ks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Continuous On & Off Grid (kW) 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 Pass Through (kW) Peak 10sec (VA) 15 30 45 60 76 91 106 121 16 32 48 64 80 96 112 128 Stacking Sol-Ark 12K @ 120V/208V Outputs (3-phase) Parallel 12Ks 1* 2** 3 4 5 6 7 8 Continuous On & Off Grid (kW) 9 18 27 NA NA 54 NA NA Pass Through (kW) Peak 10sec (VA) 15 30 45 NA NA 91 NA NA 16 32 48 NA NA 84 NA NA 9 81 136 144 *Two phases only **Three phases but unbalanced (4.8kW, 6.
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Note: If an error or fault occurs on any unit, all units will shut down. They will automatically attempt to restart up to 5 times before requiring a manual restart. If a manual restart is necessary, first resolve the issue that caused the shutdown. A manual restart requires powering down the system (See Pg. 24). • Systems = 1 @ 208V o Master Ph A Modbus=1: Inv_L2 = Grid_L2|| Inv_L1 = Grid_L1 o Power to Grid: 4.
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Troubleshooting Guide LCD is not powering on • • Check all connections- at least one of the following power sources is required: PV/Grid/Battery Try pressing the power button, touchscreen, or navigation buttons Panels are connected, but DC Light is not on • PV voltage must be 150V-425V | It’s night Panels are not producing • • • • Check for proper wiring on all solar panel connections Turn PV disconnect "ON" Check that the PV input voltage is not greater than 425V If the system says PV = 0V, check PV p
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Battery cable sparks when connected • Put the built-in battery breaker in the off position before connecting or disconnecting batteries.
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Troubleshooting Phasing Issues If the Sol-Ark screen shows Grid Phase Wrong there is a phasing issue with your wiring and it may cause overload faults (F18, F26, F34) even with the Load breaker off and WILL CAUSE DAMAGE if left unchecked. Single Sol-Ark: To locate the improperly wired phases, measure L1 to L1 (Top Screws) between the Grid and Load breaker; you should see 0V AC. Repeat for L2 to L2 between the Grid and Load breaker.
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Sol-Ark 12K Error Codes Fault Instruction Common Cause/Remedy F1 DC Inversed Failure If you have parallel systems and turn one system off, you with get this notification. NOT a fault. F8 GFDI_Relay_Failure Current Leakage from inverter AC output to Ground, check Ground and neutral are connected at the main panel F13 Grid_Mode_change F15 AC_OverCurr_Failure It can happen when not using batteries or if Grid Input settings are changed. This is a notification, NOT a fault.
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Install Verification Checklist For installer to complete AFTER the system is operational. The purpose is to protect the installer, homeowner, and inverter. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
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Sol-Ark 12K Limited Warranty 10-Year Limited Warranty for SOL-ARK (Portable Solar LLC) Products. Sol-Ark provides a Ten-year (10) limited Warranty ("Warranty") against defects in materials and workmanship for its Sol-Ark products ("Product"). The term of this warranty begins on the Product(s) initial purchase date, or the date of receipt of the Product(s) by the end user, whichever is later. This must be indicated on the invoice, bill of sale from your installer.