TURBO ENERGY 1.6 Micro Inverter Series Instruction Manual

TURBO ENERGY 1.6 Micro Inverter Series

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This manual contains important instructions to follow during the installation and maintenance of the grid-connected photovoltaic system (Microinverter). To reduce the risk of electrical shock and ensure the safe installation and operation of the Microinverter, the following symbols appear throughout this document to indicate dangerous conditions and important safe instructions.

Specifications subject to change without notice – please ensure you are using the most recent update found at the manufacturer’s website.

WARNING:
This indicates a situation where failure to follow instructions may cause a serious hardware failure or personnel danger if not applied appropriately. Use extreme caution when performing this task.

NOTE:
This indicates information that is important for optimized Microinverter operation. Follow these instructions closely.

• This chapter contains important safety and operating instructions. Read and keep this manual for future reference.
• Before using the Microinverter, please read the instructions and warning signs and corresponding sections in the instruction manual.
• Do not disassemble the inverter. If you need maintenance or repair, take it to a professional service center.
• Improper reassembly may result in electric shock or fire.
• To reduce risk of electric shock, disconnect all wires before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off the unit will not reduce this risk.
• Caution: Only qualified personnel can install this device with a battery.
• For optimum operation of this Microinverter, please follow the required specifications to select the appropriate cable size. It is very important to correctly operate this Microinverter.
• Do NOT disconnect the PV module from the Microinverter without first disconnecting the AC power.
• Please strictly follow the installation procedure when you want to disconnect AC or DC terminals. Please refer to the”Installation” section of this manual for the details.
• Grounding instructions: This Microinverter must be connected to a permanent grounded wiring system. Be sure to comply with local legislation in this area.
• In any circumstance, do not connect DC input when AC connector is unplugged.
• Be aware that the body of the Microinverter is the heat sink and can reach a temperature of 80°C. To reduce risk of burns, do not touch the body of the Microinverter.

PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS

The Microinverter is used in utility-interactive grid-tied applications, comprised of three key elements:

• Microinverter
• Energy Collect Device (MIC)
• Energy monitor and Analysis (EMA) web-based

Product Overview

MIS 1.6/2.0

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. When PV modules in the array are affected by shade, dust, orientation, or any situation in which one module underperforms compared with the other units, the Microinverter ensures top performance from the array by maximizing the performance of each module within the array.

More reliable than centralized or string inverters
The distributed Microinverter system ensures that no single point of system failure exists across the PV system. Microinverters are designed to operate at full power at ambient outdoor temperatures of up to 149°F (65°C). The inverter case is designed for outdoor installation and complies with the IP65 environmental enclosure rating.

Simple to install
You can install individual PV modules in any combination of Module quantity, orientation, different type and power rate. The ground wire (PE) of the AC cable is connected to the chassis inside of the Microinverter, potentially eliminating the installation of grounding wire (check local regulation).

The Energy Collect Device (MIC) is installed by simply plugging it into any wall outlet and providing an Ethernet connection to a broadband router or modem. After installing and setting the MIC (see MIC manual), the full network of Microinverters automatically reports to the Energy Monitor and analysis (EMA) web server. The EMA software displays performance trends, informs you of abnormal events, and controls system shutdown when it is needed. (See MIC manual for instructions).

Microinverter Features

The Microinverters connect with the single-phase grid and can also use multiple Microinverters in the form of a single-phase grid to achieve a three- phase grid and operate with most 60 and 72 cell PV modules. For more information, please see the Technical Data page of this manual.

INSTALLATION

A PV system using 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.

Special Statement!
An AC GFCI device should not be used to protect the dedicated circuit to the microinverter even though it is an outside circuit. None of the small GFCI devices (5 – 30 mA) are designed for back feeding and will be damaged if back feed. In a similar manner, AC AFCIs have not been evaluated for back feeding and may be damaged if back feed with the output of a PV inverter.

• WARNING: Be aware that only qualified professionals should install and/or replace Microinverters.
• WARNING: Before installing or using a Microinverter, please read all instructions and warnings in the technical documents and on the Microinverter system itself as well as on the PV array.
• WARNING: Be aware that installation of this equipment includes the risk of electric shock.
• WARNING: Do not touch any live parts in the system, including the PV array, when the system has been connected to the electrical grid.
• NOTE: Strongly recommend installing surge protection devices in the dedicated meter box.

Additional Components

• AC Male and Female Interconnection Connectors (sold separately)
• Sealing end caps (sold separately)

Required parts and tools
In addition to your PV array and its associated hardware, you will need the following items:

• An AC connection junction box
• Mounting hardware suitable for module racking
• Sockets and wrenches for mounting hardware
• Continuous grounding conductor and grounding washers
• A Phillips screwdriver
• A torque wrench

Installation procedure

Step 1 – Install the AC branch circuit junction box

• Install an appropriate junction box at a suitable location on the PV racking system (typically at the end of a branch of modules).
• Connect the open wire end of the AC cable to the junction box using an appropriate gland or strain relief fitting.
• Wire the conductors of the AC (230): L – red; N – black; PE – yellow-green.
• Connect the AC branch circuit junction box to the point of utility interconnection.

WARNING:
The wiring color code can be different according to local regulations, check all the wires of the installation before connecting to the AC cable to be sure they match. Wrong cabling can damage irreparably the microinverters, such an issue is not covered by the warranty.

Step 2 – Attach the Microinverters to the racking or the PV module frame

• Mark the location of the Microinverter on the rack, with respect to the PV module junction box or any other obstructions.
• Mount one Microinverter at each of these locations using hardware recommended by your module racking vendor.
• WARNING: Prior to installing any of the microinverters, verify that the utility voltage at the point of common connection matches the voltage rating on microinverter label.
• WARNING: Do not place the inverters (including DC and AC connectors) where exposed to the sun, rain or snow, even gap between modules. Allow a minimum of 3/4’’(1.5cm.) between the roof and the bottom of the Microinverter to allow proper air flow.

Step 3 – Conect the microinverters in parallel

• Check the Microinverter technical data page (p.5) for the maximum allowable number of Microinverters on each AC branch circuit.
• Plug the male AC connector of the Microinverter into the female connector to connect the AC connector interface as follows:

WARNING:
Do NOT exceed maximum number of microinverters in an AC branch circuit, as displayed on the page 7 of this manual.

Step 4 – Install an AC cable protective end cap at the end of AC cable

Step 5 – Connect Microinverters to the PV Modules

NOTE:
When plugging in the DC cables, the Microinverter should immediately blink one quick red and three short green. This will happen as soon as the cables are plugged in and will show that the Microinverter is functioning correctly. This entire check function will start and end within 5 seconds of plugging in the unit, so pay careful attention to these lights when connecting the DC cables.

OPERATION

To operate the microinverter PV system, follow the steps bellow:

1. Turn ON the AC circuit breaker on each microinverter AC branch circuit.
2. Turn ON the main utility-grid AC circuit breaker. Your system will start producing power after a one-minute waiting time.
3. The units should start blinking red one minutes after turning on the AC circuit breaker. Then blue led blinking. This means they are producing power normally, the faster blinking of the blue led means more power generated.
4. Plug in the MIC and follow the instructions according to the manual for the MIC.
5. The Microinverters will start to send performance data over power line to the MIC. The time required for all the Microinverters in the system to report to the MIC will vary with the number of Microinverters in the system. You can verify proper operation of the Microinverters via the MIC. See the MIC Installation and Operation Manual for more information.

NOTE:
Once AC power is applied, about 0.1A current and 25VA(W) power for each microinverter may be measured with a meter. This Current and Power are Reactive. The inverters ARE NOT operating. After an over 60s waiting time, the inverters will start operation.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Qualified personnel can use the following troubleshooting steps if the PV system does not operate correctly:

Status indicators and error reporting

Startup LED
One minute after DC power is first applied to the microinverter, one short red blink indicates a successful microinverter startup sequence. Equal or greater than two short red blinks after DC power is first applied to the microinverter indicate a failure during microinverter setup.

Operation LED

• Flashing slow blue – Producing small power
• Flashing fast blue – Producing big power
• Flashing red – Not producing power
• Red blinking twice – AC low-voltage or high-voltage
• Red blinking three times – Grid malfunction

GFDI Error
A four-times red LED indicates the microinverter has detected a ground fault detector interrupter (GFDI) error in the PV system. Unless the GFDI error has been cleared, the LED will remain four times blinking.

Other Faults
All other faults are reported to the MIC. Refer to the MIC Installation and Operation Manual for a list of additional faults and troubleshooting procedures.

WARNING:
Never disconnect the DC wire connectors under load. Ensure that no current is flowing in the DC wires prior to disconnecting. An opaque covering may be used to cover the module prior to disconnecting the module.

Troubleshooting a non-operating Microinverter
There are two possible overall areas of trouble:

• The Microinverter itself may be having problems.
• The Microinverter itself is working fine but it is having trouble communicating with the MIC. The items below refer to Microinverter issues, not communication issues (addressed in the MIC manual).

A quick way to tell whether the issue is the Microinverter or a communication problem with the MIC:

1. Diagnosing from the Microinverter:
   A red light – either blinking or solid on the Microinverter, or no light at all. No light, or a red light, means it is definitely a Microinverter problem.

2. Diagnosing from the MIC:

   • No data on display: This is probably a communication issue- not a Microinverter problem.
   • Problems with erratic display: Data is displayed for some period and then no data is displayed: most likely a communication issue.
   • 0 watts, or 2 watts: Possibly a Microinverter problem
   • Erratic data display that is not coordinating with data displays from other units: most likely a Microinverter problem.

To troubleshoot a non-operating Microinverter, follow the steps below in order:

1. Verify the utility voltage and frequency are within ranges shown in the Technical Data section of this manual.
2. Check the connection to the utility grid. Verify utility power is present at the inverter in question by removing AC, then DC power. Never disconnect the DC wires while the microinverter is producing power. Re-connect the DC module connectors and watch for three short LED flashes.
3. Check the AC branch circuit interconnection between all the microinverters. Verify each inverter is energized by the utility grid as described in the previous step.
4. Make sure that any AC breaker are functioning properly and are closed.
5. Check the DC connections between the microinverter and the PV module.
6. Verify the PV module DC voltage is within the allowable range shown in the Technical Data of this manual.
7. If the problem persists, please call Customer Support.

WARNING:
Do not attempt to repair the microinverter. If troubleshooting methods fail, please call for Technical Support.

REPLACE A FAILED MICROINVERTER

Follow the procedure to replace a failed Microinverter:

• A. Disconnect the Microinverter from the PV Module, in the order shown below:

1. Disconnect the AC by turning off the branch circuit breaker.
2. Disconnect the AC connector of the microinverter.
3. Cover the module with an opaque cover.
4. Disconnect the PV module DC wire connectors from the Microinverter.
5. Remove the Microinverter from the PV array racking.

• B. Remove the opaque cover, Install a replacement Microinverter to the rack. Remember to observe the flashing LED light as soon as the new Microinverter is plugged into the DC cables.
• C. Connect the AC cable of the replacement Microinverter.
• D. Close the branch circuit breaker and verify operation of the replacement Microinverter.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The manufacturer is not responsible for the possible loss of profit or economic losses incurred by product failures covered by the scope of the product warranty.

DATASHEET

• WARNING: Be sure to verify the voltage and current specifications of your PV module match with those of the Microinverter. Please refer to the datasheet or user manual.
• WARNING: You must match the DC operating voltage range of the PV module with the allowable input voltage range of the Microinverter.
• WARNING: The maximum open circuit voltage of the PV module must not exceed the specified maximum input voltage of the inverter.

MIS 1.6/2.0 (three phase)

MIS 1.6/2.0 (single phase)

MONITORING SYSTEM

This microinverter needs to connect MIC, a built-in WIFI module, for remote monitoring. For the MIC setup, see the “MIC User Manual”.

• Dealer account: https://pro.solarmanpv.com
• Main user account: https://home.solarmanpv.com/login
• Find it by searching “Solarman business” in App Store or Google Play, this app is for the dealer.
• Find it by searching “Solarman” in App Store or Google Play and choosing “solar man smart”, this application is for the plant owner.

It is necessary to connect the logger to a 2.4 GHz network

Documents / Resources

| TURBO ENERGY 1.6 Micro Inverter Series [pdf] Instruction Manual
1.6 Micro Inverter Series, 1.6, Micro Inverter Series, Inverter Series
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References

• home.solarmanpv.com/login
• pro.solarmanpv.com
• Turbo Energy | Solar innovation | Home

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