Installation Guide Solar Connect-11 Version 1.1
Contents Important Product Information 3 System Registration Form 4 Solar Connect-11 Overview 5 Internet & Power Connections 6 Single Phase CT Connections 8 Inverter Connection 9 SMA Sunny Boy Inverters 10 Power One Aurora Inverters 12 Verifying Installation 15 Solar Connect FAQ 16 2 Version 1.1
Important Product Information DANGER ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD! All installation and servicing on the Solar Connect and accompanying products should only be performed by qualified personnel and only within the scope of these installation instructions.! Disconnect the Solar Connect from the power source when servicing the product.! The Solar Connect is not intended for use in life-support applications. Important Warranty Information The Solar Connect-11 is backed by the Solar Analytics Product Limited Warranty. The following actions will void the warranty: Creating openings in any part of the enclosure other than at the provided knock-out panels. Removing or disassembling the meter face plate, the power socket or any other internal component. Using the Solar Connect enclosure as a junction box for power conductors. Installing or operating the Solar Connect hardware in any way not specified by this installation guide. To obtain a copy of the Solar Analytics Product Limited Warranty, please contact your Solar Analytics at support@solaranalytics.com.au. Recommended Installation Tool-kit Laptop 16mm 2 or 20mm 2 Conduit and Connectors Small Flathead Screwdrivers Single pole 20A circuit breaker Power Drill Network Cable Crimper Phillips Head Screwdriver RJ45 Heads Wire Strippers CAT5 Tester 4mm 2 Solid Wire for Voltage Reference Additional CAT5 Cable Mounting Screws Grommets for 2 x knockout panels Voltmeter 3 Version 1.1
System Registration Form Fill out this form then scan and email to support@solaranalytics.com.au. Client Information Email Address: Full Name: Phone Number: ( ) Solar Connect-11 Information MAC ID: : : : : : Serial Number: - 1 2 PV Generation to Date: kwh Installation Date: / / 2 1 Solar System Information Address: Postcode: State: Inverter brand: Model: Solar module brand: Model: Total System Size: kw Is a Solar Analytics weather station installed onsite? (Y/N) Is the system installed flush on the roof? (Y/N) Note: Call Solar Analytics on (02) 8188 2449 from on site if you answered NO to this question Sub Array 1 Sub Array 2 Sub Array 3 Sub Array 4 Tilt (degrees) Orientation (degrees) Strings Solar modules/string Note: Check FAQ for more information on how to fill this section out correctly Note: Call Solar Analytics on (02) 8188 2449 from on site if you are unsure about any of these inputs 4 Version 1.1
Solar Connect-11 Overview Quick Reference Guide Components in blue are connection terminals Components in orange are indicators and buttons Ethernet Port Indicator Lights Power Terminal Block Ground Post CT Terminal Block CT LEDs Reset Button RS485 Terminal Block 5 Version 1.1
Internet & Power Connection This section covers the installation of the Solar Connect revenue-grade core monitoring system. This type of monitoring is CT-based and works with single-phase inverters and power sources up to 200A. Note: Confirm that the installation has been performed correctly and to code before leaving the site. 1. Siting the Solar Connect When installing CT monitoring, site the Solar Connect within 1.8m of the point being measured. If monitoring PV CT only, it is possible to mount the Solar Connect within 1.8m of the main panel or within 1.8m of a dedicated solar subpanel. If monitoring PV & AC Load CTs, mount the Solar Connect within 1.8m of the main panel only. When installing Inverter Direct connections, site the Solar Connect adjacent to the Inverter #1. Where possible, install the Solar Connect indoors or in protected outdoor locations i.e. under an eave. Note: If using a solar-dedicated subpanel, label the panel with PV Loads Only signage 1.8m or less 2. Connecting to the Internet The Solar Connect requires a broadband internet connection to communicate. Make sure the internet connection is continuous (i.e. the router is not regularly turned off). Connect the Solar Connect to a DHCP router with a CAT5 Ethernet cord. Note: See the FAQ on page 10 for minimum requirements for internet access and basic networking information. Note: Solar Analytics does not support the use of wireless bridges. DHCP Network Router Recommended max. patch cable length: 90m Do not use the lower left-hand knockout CAT5 Ethernet Cable 6 Version 1.1
3. Powering the Solar Connect The Solar Connect should be connected to a 20A breaker or less using 4mm 2 solid wire. Connect the Active wire to a 20A dedicated breaker on the Main Panel. Connect the Neutral wire to the L2/N connection on the Power Terminal Block inside the Solar Connect. Connect the Ground wire to the Ground Post on the interior left wall of the Solar Connect. Note: Power source for the Solar Connect must come from the same source as the CT measurement. Note: See the FAQ on page 10 for alternate power connection information. L1 L2/N N 4mm 2 Solid Wires 230V Source Use the ground post on the enclosure Ground Post 7 Version 1.1
3. Single Phase CT Connections 1. PV-Monitoring CT Revenue grade monitoring requires installation of the provided solid core CT to monitor PV output. Install the PV CT around L of the combined AC output ensuring the flat side is facing the inverter NOT the Main Panel. Run the CT wiring in a 12mm conduit no longer than 150mm in length through one of the provided knock-out panels. Connect the CT white wire to the ICT X1 connection and the CT black wire to the ICT X2 connection on the CT Terminal Block inside the Solar Connect. Note: Run CT wiring at least 25mm from all power conductors. CT Terminal Block Wiring Green dot (flat side) facing the power source (inverters) White wire to X1 Black wire to X2 2. AC Load-Monitoring CT (Optional) Install the AC Load CT around L of the main utility interconnection ensuring the white label is facing the utility side NOT the Main Panels. Run the CT wiring using 12mm conduit no longer than 150mm in length. Connect the CT white wire to the HCT1 X1 connection and the CT black wire to the HCT1 X2 connection on the CT Terminal Block inside the Solar Connect. Note: Run CT wiring at least 25mm from all power conductors. White labels facing the utility CT around L of Combined Inverter Output CT around Power Lines HCT1 to L Demand Monitoring Connection at SC 8 Version 1.1
Inverter Direct Monitoring Inverter direct monitoring transmits data recorded by the inverter. This may be used with or without CT monitoring. Best Practices for All Inverter Direct Installations Use shielded twisted pair cable for all communication lines; using unshielded cable can cause communication issues. Use one pair of twisted pair wires for communication lines in daisy chains to the RS485 or Modbus terminal block. Limit unshielded portions of shielded cable to 25mm at each terminal. Shielded cable should not extend greater than 90m between the Solar Connect and the first inverter, or between inverters Run communication lines in separate conduit from AC & DC power lines. Ensure that there is good contact at all terminals (secure all wires at the terminal blocks and ensure that there is metal-to-metal contact). Ensure that the inverter(s) contain all required components. 9 Version 1.1
SMA Sunny Boy! Each SMA inverter will require an RS485 Piggyback card in order to support inverter direct communication. Please contact SMA or your inverter vendor about purchasing this card (if necessary). Supported Models of SMA Inverters Sunny Boy 3000 Sunny Boy 3800 Sunny Boy 4000 Sunny Boy 5000 Sunny Boy 6000 Sunny Boy 7000 Sunny Boy 8000 1. Connecting the Solar Connect to Inverters Install the Solar Connect according to the number of inverters in the communication chain. Only One Inverter Using shielded twisted pair cable, wire the inverter to the RS485 terminal block. If connecting to more than one inverter, see the next page for details. RS485 Piggyback card installed Inverter #1 Termination Jumper: Port A only Solar Connect Terminate the shield & ground wires together at the SC GND 2 5 7 Rx+ Rx- Tx+ Tx- Gnd SMA Inverter TX+ to Port 2 Gnd to Port 5 TX- to Port 7 Shield wire secured but not terminated inside the inverter housing RX+ jumpered to Tx+ RX- jumpered to Tx- RS485 Terminal Block 10 Version 1.1
Multiple Inverters Using shielded twisted pair cable, wire the first inverter to the RS485 terminal block on the Solar Connect. RS485 Piggyback card installed Inverter #3 (Last Inverter) Termination Jumper: Port A only 2 5 7 Inverter #2 Inverter #1 Termination Jumper: not installed 2 5 7 Termination Jumper: not installed 2 5 7 Solar Connect SMA Inverter Rx+ Rx- Tx+ Tx- Gnd TX+ to port 2 Gnd to port 5 TX- to port 7 Shield wire secured but not terminated inside inverter housing Shield wire chained but not terminated inside inverter housing RX+ jumpered to Tx+ RX- jumpered to Tx- 2. Addressing the Inverters Note: SMA inverters will automatically be assigned communication addresses by the Solar Connect. No additional manual configuration is required. 3. Terminating the Daisy Chain For the last inverter in the chain, install a termination jumper on Port A only For all other inverters, do not install any termination jumpers. Termination jumper on Port A SMA Inverter 11 Version 1.1
Power-One Aurora! Power-One inverters often ship without terminal blocks included. Please contact Power-One or your inverter vendor about purchasing these (if necessary). Supported Models of Power-One Inverters Aurora Uno 3.0 Aurora Uno 3.6 Aurora Uno 3.8 Aurora Uno 4.2 Aurora Uno 4.6 Aurora Uno 5000 Aurora Uno 6000 Aurora Trio 10.0 Aurora Trio 12.0 1. Connecting the Solar Connect to Inverters Install the Solar Connect according to the number of inverters in the communication chain. Only One Inverter Using shielded twisted pair cable, wire the inverter to the RS485 terminal block. If connecting more than one inverter, see the next page for details. Inverter #1 Termination Switch: Turned to ON Address 02 +T/R -T/R RTN Solar Connect Terminate the shield & ground wires together at SC Gnd Rx+ Rx- Tx+ Tx- Gnd TX+ to +T/R TX- to -T/R Gnd to RTN Shield wire secured but not terminated inside inverter housing Power-One Inverter RX+ jumpered to Tx+ RX- jumpered to Tx- RS485 Terminal Block 12 Version 1.1
Multiple Inverters Using shielded twisted pair cable, wire the first inverter to the RS485 terminal block. Inverter #3 (Last Inverter) Termination Switch: Turned to ON Inverter #2 Inverter #1 Termination Switch: Turned to OFF Termination Switch: Turned to OFF Solar Connect Address 04 Address 03 Address 02 +T/R -T/R RTN +T/R -T/R RTN +T/R -T/R RTN Rx+ Rx- Tx+ Tx- Gnd Middle Inverter Shield wire secured but not terminated inside the inverter housing Shield wire twisted but not terminated inside the inverter housing RX+ jumpered to Tx+ RX- jumpered to Tx- RS485 Terminal Block 2. Setting the Inverter Addresses Use the keys on the inverter menu to configure the addresses: 1. In the Main Menu, press Enter to select Settings ; the Password screen will appear. 2. Enter the password 0000: press Up to find each value, then Enter to select the number and move on to the next value. 3. When finished entering the password, press Enter. 4. Press Enter in the next screen to select Address. 5. Set the inverter address: press Up to choose the value and Enter to move on to the next value. 6. Press Enter to save changes. 3. Terminating the Daisy Chain For the last inverter in the chain, turn the termination switch to ON. For all other inverters, turn the termination switch to OFF. Up & Down keys: scroll Enter key: select Esc key: previous screen Power-One Inverter Menu Note: Each inverter address must be set individually. Termination switch Power-One Inverter 13 Version 1.1
Types of Communication Terminals Power-One inverters have several types of terminals for inverter direct communication: terminal blocks and comm jacks. Either option works for inverter direct communication. Power-One 3000, 3600, 4200 Inverters Green terminal blocks (in instructions) RJ12 cords (below) 6 RTN 5 4 TR- 3 2 TR+ 1 RJ12 Connector Pin-out Power-One 5000, 6000 Inverters Gray terminal blocks (at right) RJ45 Ethernet cords (below) R45 Connector Pin-out 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 TR+ TR- RTN Power-One with RJ45 Plug-ins 14 Version 1.1
Verifying Installation On power-up, indicator lights will take 1-2 minutes to initialise. After this is complete, verify proper installation using the steps below; the correct light configuration is marked with a symbol. 1. Power Connection Step 1: Activity Light (front right light) The SC-11 has initialised correctly. The SC-11 does not have power: check the voltage and power lines and the dedicated breaker. Step 2: Error Light (back right light) The SC-11 is operating normally. If red for over 2 minutes continuously, there may be an issue; power-cycle the SC-11, then contact Solar Analytics for support. Key Solid light Flashing light Light off Indicator Lights Kt Light (front left light) is only used for factory testing purposes. Please ignore it. 2. Internet Connection Step 1: Ethernet Port Lights Verify that the green & orange lights are on or flashing. Step 2: Local Light (middle left light) The SC-11 has been assigned an IP address by the local router. An IP address has not been assigned; to troubleshoot, check the physical connection and verify the local network settings. Step 3: Host Light (back left light) The SC-11 is connected and sending data to the web server. CAT5 Ethernet Cable The SC-11 is uploading backlogged data; the light will be solid when backlog finishes uploading. There is no host connection; check the customer s network security settings (check page FAQ for minimum network requirements). 3. CT LED Activity Step 1: ICT LED The SC-11 is reading positive values from the PV CT. The SC-11 is reading negative values from the CT; verify that the CT is correctly wired and facing the correct direction on L. Step 2: HCT LED More power is being consumed by the building than produced by the PV system. The PV system is producing more power than is being consumed on site or CTs are backward; turn the inverter(s) off while testing the HCT LED to verify correct installation. CT LEDs 4. Installation Confirmation Contact support@solaranalytics.com.au to confirm the system is connected. 15 Version 1.1
Solar Connect FAQ 1. What is revenue-grade accuracy? 2. What is shielded twisted pair cable? 3. Is it necessary to use a 20A breaker for the Solar Connect-11? 4. Are there ways of powering the Solar Connect-11 without using a dedicated breaker? 5. What is the CT placement for utility-side interconnection? 6. How should the Solar Connect-11 be connected to the internet? 7. What are the minimum requirements for internet access? 8. How do I set up a non-dhcp network connection? 9. How do I complete the Solar System Information in the System Registration Form on Page 4? 1. What is revenue-grade accuracy? Inverters measure values at an accuracy ranging from 2% to 5%. This accuracy is not revenue grade measurement. The Solar Connect-11 has been certified to a 0.5% degree of accuracy only when installed as specified below: Only one wire runs through the CT. The Solar Connect draws from a 230V voltage reference, coming from a 20A breaker in the same electrical panel as the CTs. Only the included solid core CT is used for PV production monitoring. Only PV loads are being measured. 2. What is shielded twisted pair cable? Solar Analytics requires using shielded twisted pair cable for all RS485 and Modbus communication lines. Using non-shielded wires will cause potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues. Shield (drain) wire 4 Twisted pairs Shielding Shielded Twisted Pair Cable 16 Version 1.1
3. Is it necessary to use a 20A breaker for the Solar Connect? No, it is also possible to use a 10A or 15A two-pole breaker. You must not use a breaker of over 20A. 4. Are there ways of powering the Solar Connect without using a dedicated breaker? Solar Analytics strongly recommends installing the Solar Connect with a dedicated breaker. It is also possible to power the Solar Connect through a GPO by wiring a 3-pin AC plug to the power terminals. As standard GPO s have 10A over-current protection, this provides the required protection. 5. What is the CT placement for utility-side interconnection? Use these instructions if the site requires that the AC output of the PV system taps into the main service lines on the utility side of the main panel instead of off the main panel directly. SC-11 PV System PV generation Utility Utility Meter AC-Load Main Panel AC Load CT on utility side of interconnection point AC Load - Split Core CT with white label facing utility (see image) PV generation - Solid core CT with white label facing utility (see image) AC Load CT around Power Lines PV CT around inverter output 17 Version 1.1
6. How should the Solar Connect be connected to the internet? Most Local Area Network (LAN) connections are set up in one of two ways: Internet Modem Router SC-11 Connects the home network to the internet. It connects directly into the wall jack & has only one Ethernet port. Assigns an IP address & directs data to each device on the network. It is usually next to or on top of the modem. Provides extra Ethernet ports to additional devices. It only provides an extra physical connection point. CAT5 Internet Modem Router Switch SC-11 7. What are the minimum requirements for internet access? Continuous high-speed internet access (ex: DSL, cable) - dial-up will not work Dynamic IP (DHCP) network (see Non-DHCP Network Connections section below for alternatives) TCP port 80 open outbound with access to the primary DNS server, or port 443 for secure networks RJ-45 Ethernet connection 8. How do I set up a non-dhcp network connection? If the local network does not support open dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), either: A. Assign the Solar Connect a DHCP reservation on the local network Contact the local network provider or network administrator and ask for a DHCP reservation, or dynamic reservation, for the MAC ID of the Solar Connect; also confirm that Port 80 is open outbound. B. Configure the Solar Connect with a static IP address If no other option is possible, Solar Analytics can configure the Solar Connect with a static IP address for an additional fee. Contact support@solaranalytics.com.au for this option. 18 Version 1.1
9. How do I complete the Solar System Information section in the System Registration Form on page 4? The Solar System Information section in the System Registration Form on Page 4 is the system information used by Solar Analytics algorithms to model the installed solar systems energy output. The required inputs are described below. E.g. SMA, Sunny Boy 4000TL-21 Street address where the Solar Connect is being installed E.g. Suntech, STP290-24/Vd Installed solar power on site Purchased with Solar Connect Indicate whether the modules are mounted flat on the roof or tilted up relative to the roof angle Enter the tilt angle in degrees Enter the orientation in degrees where North facing is 0 0, East facing 90 0 and West facing is 90 0 Number of strings per defined sub array The number of solar modules connected in series Only define multiple sub-arrays if they are tilted or orientated differently or have a different number of solar modules per string. Note: Record the Solar System Information for every inverter at the specified Address. Contact Solar Analytics if you have any further questions regarding the installation of the Solar Connect-11. Phone: (02) 8188 2449 Email: support@solaranalytics.com.au 19 Version 1.1