Xantrex Technology GT5.0-NA manual

Grid Tie Solar Inverter Xantr ex Grid Tie Solar Inverter Owner’ s Manual GT5.0-NA[...]

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Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter Owner’s Manual[...]

About Xantrex Xantrex T echnology Inc. is a w orld-leadin g supplier of adva nced power electronics and controls with products from 50 watt mobile units to one MW utility-scale systems for wind, solar , batteries , fuel cells , microturbines, and backup power applications in both gri d-co nnected and stand-alon e systems. Xan trex products include [...]

975-0320-01-01 iii About This Manual The purpose of this Owner ’ s Manual is to provide explanations and proced ures for installing, operating, maintaining, and troubleshoo ting the Xantrex Grid T ie Solar Inverter™. Scope The manual provides safety guideline s, deta iled planning and setup information. It provides procedures for installing the[...]

About T his Manu al iv 975-0320-01-01 Conventions Used The following conventio ns are used in this guide. Abbreviations and Acronyms WA R N I N G W arnings identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life. CA UTION Cautions identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to th e unit or other equipment. Importan[...]

About T his Manual 975-0320-01-01 v Symbols Used Related Information Y ou can find more information about Xa ntrex T echnology Inc. as well as its products and services at www .xantr ex.com .  Ground  In this guide: Important inform at ion, warnings, or cautions. On the product: Important inform ati on, warnings or cautions wi th fu rth er ex[...]

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975-0320-01-01 vii Important Safety Instructions SA VE THESE INSTRUCTIONS—This manual contains im portant instructions th at shall be followed during the installation and maintenance of the Xantrex Grid T ie Solar Inverter. 1. Before installing and using the G T Inverter, read all instructions and cau tionary markings on the inverter , wiring box[...]

Safety viii 975-0320-01-01 Location of Safety and Data Labels The figure below shows the location of the safety label and the data la bel with model, serial and part number information. FCC Information to the User This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. T[...]

975-0320-01-01 ix Important Safety Instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii Location of Safety and Data Labels - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - viii FCC Information to the User - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [...]

Contents x 975-0320-01-01 4 Starting the Inverter Startup Procedure - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 –1 Checking the PV Array DC Voltage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2 Checking the AC Utility Voltage - - - - - - - - - [...]

Contents 975-0320-01-01 xi Mechanical Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–5 Regulatory Approvals - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–5 Warranty and Return Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [...]

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1 Intr oduction Chapter 1 contains information about the features and functions of the Xantrex Grid T ie Solar Inverter. About the Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter The Xantrex Grid T ie Solar Inverter (G T Inverter) is de signed to convert solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) power into ut ility-grade electricity that can be used by the home or sold [...]

Introduction 1–2 975-0320-01-01 PV compatibility The G T Invert er is designed to take advantage of solar modules configured as high voltage PV string arrays—single crystalline, poly crystalline, or thin film—with a 240 to 550 Vdc input voltage Maximum Power Point range. Maximum Power Point T racking (MPP T) The G T Inverter uses Xantrex prop[...]

About the Xantrex Grid T ie Solar Invert er 975-0320-01-01 1–3 Front P anel Features W iring/Disconnect Box The wiring/disconn ect box is standard for all North American models of the G T Inverter. The wiring/disconn ect box provides a location for making AC, DC and ground connections. It also contains the DC/AC (PV array/utility) disconnect swit[...]

1–4[...]

2 Installation Chapter 2 provides information about inst alling the G T Inverter. It contains information on determining a suitable location for installation, PV array requirements, and procedur es for mounting the unit. Installation Options The G T Inverter may be installed as a single inverter for a single PV array of one to three PV strings (an [...]

Installation 2–2 975-0320-01-01 Inverter failure due to improper insta llation will void the inverter warranty . Consider the following when determin ing where to install the inverter . Indoor/ Outdoor • The G T In vert er uses a T ype 3R-rated enclosure (vertical moun t onl y) that can be mounted indoors or outdoors. (T ype 3R enclosures are i[...]

Planning the Installation 975-0320-01-01 2–3 PV Array V oltage and MPPT Requirements MPP T operational window The MPP T software maximizes the output energy of solar arrays as long as the operating voltage is within the MPP T operational window . Ensure that the PV array used in the system operates wi thin the MPP T operational window . Effects o[...]

Installation 2–4 975-0320-01-01 Guidelines for Matching PV Array Size to Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter Input • Consider th e expected V oc of the string under all possible conditions. The panel manufac turer provides a V oc rating per panel, but it is usually rated at 25 ° C (77 ° F). Ensure that the V oc rating at the coldest ambient tempe[...]

Mounting the Inverter 975-0320-01-01 2–5 Mounting the Inverter Dimensions and Knockout Locations The dimensions of the inverter and the mounting bracket and some of the knockout locations on the wiring/disconnect box are shown in Figu re 2-1 and Figure 2-2. Four 27 or 35 mm (1 or 1-3/8 inch) dual knockouts are provided on th e back and bottom of [...]

Installation 2–6 975-0320-01-01 Installing the Mounting Bracket The mounting bracket is designed to be affi xed to the vertical structure or surface to which the G T Inverter will be mounted. The G T Inverter mounting hooks attach to the flanges on the mounting bracket. If mounting more than one inverter , insta ll each mounting bracket at least [...]

Mounting the Inverter 975-0320-01-01 2–7 Clearance Requir ements For optimal and safe operatio n, ensure th ere is adequate clearance around the inverter . If the minimum clearances in T able 2-2 are are not met, rated power may not be achieved. Surfaces for Mounting The G T Inverter can be mounted to a ve rtic al surface such as wallboard, wood [...]

Installation 2–8 975-0320-01-01 Mounting the Inverter on the Brack et Place the inverter ’ s mounting hooks over th e flanges on the bracket. Ensure the inverter is seated properly , then secure th e bottom of the inverter with appropriate screws or anchors thro ugh the mount ing slots. Figure 2-3 Placing the Inverter on the Mounting Brack et F[...]

3 W iring the Inverter Chapter 3 provides information a bout DC and AC wiring, and grounding the G T Inverter and the PV array . This chapter does not provide suff icient information for anyone but a qualified installer to install this produc t. Installers should be electricians or technicians fully educated on the haza rds of installing electrical[...]

Wiring the Inverter 3–2 975-0320-01-01 The ground bar accepts wires up to #4 A W G . T orque ground wires as specified in Ta b l e 3 - 1 . Figure 3-1 Ground Conductor Knock outs Knockouts for ground conductors Ground bar T able 3-1 T orque V a lues for Ground Wiring Wire Si ze T o rqu e V al ue AW G m m 2 in-lb Nm 14–10 2.5–6.0 25–35 3.0–[...]

Grounding Requirements 975-0320-01-01 3–3 Ground F a ult Fuse The G T Inverter is equipped with a 600 volt, 1 amp grou nd fault protection fuse (replace with Littelfuse KLKD 1 or equivalent). Figure 3-2 Grounding Diagram L1 L2 N G L1 L2 Neutral Ground L1 L2 PV1 String #1 PV1 String #2 PV1 String #3 Grounding electrode W ARNING: Shock hazard Do no[...]

Wiring the Inverter 3–4 975-0320-01-01 W iring Requirements The AC and DC terminal blocks in the G T Inverter accept wire sizes from #14 A WG to #6 A WG . Undersized wiring can result in significant power losses and reduction in system efficiency . Strip all wires 9 mm (3/8 inch) and torque to a maximum 16 in-lb (1.8 Nm). Use co pp er conductors [...]

Accessing the Wiring T e rminals 975-0320-01-01 3–5 Accessing the W iring T erminals Y ou must remove the G T Inverter wiring box cover to access the terminal blocks, ground bar and co mmunications ports. T o remove the wiring box cover: • Using a Phillips screwdriver , remove the two screws on the bottom side of the wiring box and lift th e co[...]

Wiring the Inverter 3–6 975-0320-01-01 Figure 3-4 Insulating Barrier Location Figure 3-5 AC and DC T erminal Block Location Lift bottom edge of barrie r to access wiring terminals. (GND) (NEUT) (AC L1) (AC L2) (PV+) (PV-)[...]

Connecting the DC Wiring 975-0320-01-01 3–7 Connecting the DC W iring The following procedure is illustrated in Fi gure 3-7. If there is more than one PV string, label the positive and negative wire pairs appropriately (for example: PV1-String #1 POS, PV1-String #1 NEG , PV1-String #1 GND, PV1-String #2 POS, etc.). T o wire the PV array to the G [...]

Wiring the Inverter 3–8 975-0320-01-01 Figure 3-7 DC Connections for Multiple PV Strings Important: Depending upon instal lati on and local codes, fusing and/or a combiner box may be required. This fusing and combi ner bo x are to be provided by the installer . Important: A DC grounding electrod e conductor may be required by the AH J. Check loca[...]

Connecting the DC Wiring 975-0320-01-01 3–9 DC W iring for Multiple Inverters For installations with multiple G T Inverters, separate sola r arrays are required for each unit. The output of each G T Invert er feeds a separa te dual-pole 30-amp circuit breaker (L1 and L2) in the main utility service panel. For such installations, co mplete the wir[...]

Wiring the Inverter 3–10 975-0320-01-01 Connecting the A C W iring The G T Inve rter can be connected to a si ngle bi-directional meter , or to dual meters, where one meter indicates power used and the second meter indicate s power sold (power supplied back to the utility). Consult the l ocal utility to determine the proper componen ts to install[...]

DC and AC Wiring for Multiple Inverters 975-0320-01-01 3–11 DC and A C Wiring for Multiple Inverter s DC and AC wiring for multiple inve rters is illustrated in Figure 3-10. If there will be more than one PV array , label the positive and negative wire pairs appropriately (for example: PV1 POS, PV1 NEG , PV1 GND, PV2 POS, etc.). If required by th[...]

Wiring the Inverter 3–12 975-0320-01-01 Communications W iring for Multiple Inverters Communications wiring between multiple G T Inverters allows information about each inverter and its associated PV array to be communicated between all of the inverters in the system. In formation about the entire sy stem can be displayed on any inverter LCD in t[...]

Communications Wiring for Multiple Inverters 975-0320-01-01 3–13 T erminators The male network terminator supplie d with each G T Inverter (Figure 3-12) is required at each end of the network to en sure the communication signal quality on the network. G T Inverter Xanbus Ports T wo RJ45 ports are provided in the G T Inverter, accessible from the [...]

Wiring the Inverter 3–14 975-0320-01-01 Purchasing Network Components Consult your system designer to determine what network components will be needed for your specific installation. T abl e 3-3 prov ides a partial list of network components and part numbers. Pre-made ca bles are available in standa rd lengths from 3 feet to 75 feet. Call your de[...]

Communications Wiring for Multiple Inverters 975-0320-01-01 3–15 Guidelines for Routing the Network Cables Connecting Network Cable Between Mult iple Inverters The following procedure is illustrated in Figure 3-1 1. The procedure assumes only two inverters are connected. However , ther e can be up to ten inverters wired in this configuration. T o[...]

Wiring the Inverter 3–16 975-0320-01-01 RS-232 cable requirements T o connect your computer to the G T Inve rter, you must use a serial DB9 “straight through” cable. The RS-232 connector on the G T is configured as follows: • P in 2: transmit • P in 3: received • Pin 5: ground. All other pins are unused. T o connect a single G T Inve rt[...]

4 Starting the Inverter Chapter 4 contains information on st arting up the Xantrex Grid T ie Solar Inverter and performi ng a functional test. The topics in this chapte r are or ganized as follows: • “S t artup Procedure” on page 4–1 • “Commissioning Multiple Inverters” on page 4–3 • “Disconnect T est” on page 4–5 Startup Pr[...]

Starting the Inverter 4–2 975-0320-01-01 Checking the PV Array DC V oltage T o check the PV array DC voltage: 1. Uncover the PV arrays and expose them to full sunlight. The sunlight must be intense enough to produce th e required output voltage. 2. Measure the PV array open circuit DC voltage across the DC positive (+) and negative (–) terminal[...]

Commissioning Multiple Inverters 975-0320-01-01 4–3 Starting up the GT Inverter T o start up the inverter: 1. Switch the DC/AC disconnect switch to the ON position (see F igure 4-1). 2. Check the G T Inverter LCD. The star tup screens (see T able 5-1 on page 5–2) should appear for five seconds each , and then the “Reconnecting in sss seconds?[...]

Starting the Inverter 4–4 975-0320-01-01 If the inverter stops operating after the input current has risen above 1 A, turn the unit of f, remove DC power , and have a certified electrician or technician inspect the groun d fault protection fuse. If the fuse has blown, a DC wiring problem may exist. Check all DC wiring to ensure that the unit is c[...]

Disconnect T est 975-0320-01-01 4–5 Disconnect T est The disconnect test is d esigned to verify correc t operation of the G T Inverter bo th on initial operation and peri odically through its life as required by the utilities. This test ensures that the Xantrex Grid T ie Solar Inverter does not send electricity to the utility grid when the local [...]

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5 Monitoring the Inverter Chapter 5 contains information for understanding the LCD screens and the LED indicators. Monitoring the Front P anel Display During startup During startup, the in verter ’ s front panel LCD (see Figure 5-1) sh ows the screens described in T able 5-1, “Startup Screens on G T Inverter Front Panel Displ ay” on page 5–[...]

Monitoring the Inverter 5–2 975-0320-01-01 Vi e w i n g m o r e information Additional screens of information about the performance of the G T Inverter can be displayed by tapp ing the Xant rex logo on the inverter front panel. This causes the LCD to cycle through a series of inform ation screens in Normal Operation, Offline or Fault modes. These[...]

F ront P anel Display Screens and What They Mean 975-0320-01-01 5–3 The protection timer begins counting down the reconnect delay du ring startup and the “Reconnecting in sss seconds” screen appears until the timer countdown is complete. Vph= 130V Clr t < 1.00s 3 seconds Vph: phase-to-neutral (rms) high threshold voltage setting, the thres[...]

Monitoring the Inverter 5–4 975-0320-01-01 Normal Operation Mode The LCD on the G T Inverter is refreshed every two sec onds , so all readings are current to within two seconds. There is a default display available at all times, and a series of additional screen s that can be displayed by tapping the Xantrex logo near the LCD to ch ange the displ[...]

F ront P anel Display Screens and What They Mean 975-0320-01-01 5–5 Additional screens for multiple units In addition to the normal system message screens, additional screens specific to each G T Inverter unit can be d isplayed wh en the unit is networked to other G T Inverters. These screens are only available on multiple unit systems. T o view [...]

Monitoring the Inverter 5–6 975-0320-01-01 Offline Mode Offline default display At night and when no power is being produced by the PV array (of fline mode), the G T Inverter displays the screen shown in T a ble 5-5. Offline messages for all systems Additional message screens can be viewed when the syst em is offline by tapping the Xantrex logo n[...]

F ront P anel Display Screens and What They Mean 975-0320-01-01 5–7 T able 5-7 Additional Offline Mode Screens fo r Each GT Inverter Unit in a Multiple Unit System T ap Display Description 5th time Unit 0W Today 1.25kWh Power being produced by this unit now . Cumulative energy produced by this unit today . 6th time Unit Lifetime 150kWh Lifetime e[...]

Monitoring the Inverter 5–8 975-0320-01-01 F ault Mode When a fault state is detected, the approp riate fault message appears on the front panel display at the next screen refre sh (w ithin 2 seconds). The G T Inverter fault message screens are shown in T able 5-8. Fault Mode causes These message screens only app ear when there is a fault, and th[...]

F ront P anel Display Screens and What They Mean 975-0320-01-01 5–9 Additional Fault messages for all systems Additional message screens can be viewed in fault mode by tapping the Xantrex logo near the LCD. Each additional tap displays the next screen in the order shown in T able 5-9. * It is normal to receive th is fault during low light condi t[...]

Monitoring the Inverter 5–10 975-0320-01-01 Special Screens Special message screens are displayed in specific situations that are not considered fault situations. They can appear in any mode of operation. These screens are described in T able 5-10. Custom Screens T wo custom screens are available. The inve rter does not display them unless they a[...]

Status Indicator Lights 975-0320-01-01 5–11 Status Indicator Lights The G T Inverter has two status indicator lights (LED s) locate d below the front panel LCD (Figure 5-2). These LEDs indicate the inverter ’ s status (T able 5-1 1) and assist in troubleshoo ting th e performance of the unit. Only one indicator light will be lit at any time. T [...]

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6 Maintenance and T r oubleshooting Chapter 6 contains information about how to provide general maintenance for the Xantrex Grid T ie Solar Inverter . It also provides information about troubleshooting the unit. The topics in this chapte r are or ganized as follows: • “Factors Af fecting G T Inverter Performance” on page 6–1 • “Performi[...]

Maintenance and T ro ubleshooting 6–2 975-0320-01-01 Angle of the sun The angle of the sun in relation to the PV array surface—the array orientation—can dramatically affect the PV array outpu t. The array ener g y output will vary depending on the time of day an d time of year as the sun’ s angle in relation to the array changes. Sunlight o[...]

P erforming General Maintena nce 975-0320-01-01 6–3 P erforming General Maintenance Follow these simple routines to ensu re many years of service and optimal performance of your solar energy system. 1. Keep the heat sink clear of dust and debris. 2. Clean the PV array , during the cool pa rt of the day , whenever it is visibly dirty . 3. Periodic[...]

Maintenance and T ro ubleshooting 6–4 975-0320-01-01 Replacing the Ground F ault Protection Fuse The ground fault protection fuse will bl ow when severe leakage occurs between the PV array and earth ground, or whe n th e system has been installed with faulty wiring. Before replacing the fuse, it is important to have qualified service personnel, s[...]

Replacing P arts 975-0320-01-01 6–5 Figure 6-1 Location of Fuse , F ront P anel Cover Removed Figure 6-2 Display F ront P anel Assembly Ground Fault Protection Fuse LCD Ground Fault Protection Fuse (“-POS” models)[...]

Maintenance and T ro ubleshooting 6–6 975-0320-01-01 Replacing the Inverter If your G T Inverte r requ ires servicing, you can replac e it with another inverter, leaving the existing wiring box in place. This means that you do not have to disturb wiring conn ections in the wiring/di sconnect box. However , you do have to disconnect wiring betw ee[...]

Replacing P arts 975-0320-01-01 6–7 3. Using an insulated scre wdriver , disconnect the PV NEGA TIVE (– ) wire from the terminal block inside the inverter . Cap the wire immediately with a wire nut. 4. Disconnect the remain in g AC, DC and network cab les between the inverte r and the wiring box, inside the inv erter . Cap all disconnected AC a[...]

Maintenance and T ro ubleshooting 6–8 975-0320-01-01 T o replace the inverter on the wiring box: 1. If it has not already been removed, remove the di splay front panel cover on the inverter . 2. Mount the inverter on the upper mounting bracket above the wiring/disconnect box, ensuring that the inverter ’ s lower flange goes behind the wiring/di[...]

Identifying Error/F ault Condit ions and Solutions 975-0320-01-01 6–9 Identifying Error/F ault Conditions and Solutions Most error or fault conditions will be identified by fault message screens on the G T Inverter front panel LCD. The se are described in the “Fault Mode” section on page 5–8 of this manual. Most of these fault conditions ar[...]

6–10[...]

A Specifications Appendix A contains information about the specifications of the Xantrex Grid T ie Solar Inverter. The topics in this appendix are organized as follows: • “Electrical Specif ications” on page A–2 • “Output Power V ersus Ambient T emperature” on page A–3 • “Ef ficiency” on page A–4 • “Environmental Specif [...]

Specifications A–2 975-0320-01-01 Electrical Specifications Input Output Input voltage, Maximum Power Point ran ge 240 to 550 Vdc Absolute maximum array open circui t volt age 600 Vdc Maximum input current 22.0 Adc Maximum array short ci rcuit current 24 Adc Reverse polarity protection Short circuit diode Ground fault protection GF detection, I D[...]

Output P ower Versus Ambient T emperature 975-0320-01-01 A–3 Adjustable V oltage , Freque ncy and Reconnection Settings Utility disconnect settings can be adjusted using the G TConfigLite software tool. Permission of the utility must be grante d before adjusting any of t hese settings. For more information about installing and using G TConfigLite[...]

Specifications A–4 975-0320-01-01 Efficiency Environmental Specifications User Display Maximum efficiency 96.2% CEC efficiency 95.5% Night-time tar e loss 1 W Figure A-2 T ypical Efficiency Operating temperature range -25° to +65° C (-13° to +149° F) Storage temperature range -40° to +85° C (-40° to +185° F) Power derating See Figure A-1 [...]

Mechanical Specifications 975-0320-01-01 A–5 Display Accuracy Mechanical Specifications Regulatory Approvals The G T Inverter has complete on-board over-current, over -temperature and anti-islanding protection, and meets U.S. , Canadian and international safety operating standard s an d code requirements: • UL 1741 1st Edition 2005 Revision –[...]

A–6[...]

975-0320-01-01 WA–1 W arranty and Return Information Wa r r a n t y What does this warranty cover? This Limited W arranty is provid ed by Xantrex T echn olo gy Inc. ("Xantrex") and covers defects in w orkmanship and ma terials in your Xa ntrex G rid T ie Solar Inverter. This warranty period lasts for five years from th e date of purchas[...]

W arranty and Return WA–2 975-0320-01-01 What does this warranty not cover? This Li mi ted W arranty does not c over normal wear and tear of the product or costs related to the removal, installat ion , or tr oubleshooting of the custom er's electri cal sy stems. This warranty does not apply to and Xant rex will no t be respon sible for an y [...]

W arranty and Return 975-0320-01-01 WA–3 Return Material Authorization P olicy Before returning a product direct ly to Xantrex y ou must obtai n a Return Material Authorization (RMA) numb er and the correct factory "Ship T o" address. Products must also be shippe d prep aid. Product shipments will be refused and returned at your expense[...]

W arranty and Return WA–4 975-0320-01-01 Information About Y our System As soon as you open your Xantrex G rid T ie Solar Inverter p ackage, record the following informatio n an d be sure to keep your proof of purchase. If you need to contact Custo mer Servi ce, please record the following details be fore calling. This information will help our r[...]

975-0320-01-01 IX-1 A abbreviations and acronyms iv AC circuit breaker requirements 3–4 AC grounding requirements 3–1 AC output voltag e ratings A–2 AC wiring instructions 3–10 acceptable wire sizes A–5 accessing AC and DC terminals 3–5 adjusting util ity disconnect sett ings A–3 C checking AC utility voltage 4–2 checking PV array D[...]

Index IX–2 975-0320-01-01 configuration 2–1 messages in normal operation 5–5 messages in offline mode 5–6 O operation factors affecting performance 6–1 inverter startup 4–3 messages at startup 5–2 reassembling the uni t 4–2 startup procedure 4–1 P parallel configuration communication between inverters 3–12 communications wiring [...]

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Xantrex Technology Inc. 1 800 670 0707 Tel toll free NA 1 360 925 5097 Tel direct 1 360 925 5143 Fax direct customerservice@xantrex.c om www.xantrex.com 975-0320-01-01 Printed in China[...]