Schneider Electric 6848 NA XW Pro Solar Hybrid Inverter Installation Guide

June 12, 2024
Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric Logo XW Pro Inverter/Chargers:
Self-supply and Export Limiting Solution Guide
990-91371
Revision B

 6848 NA XW Pro Solar Hybrid Inverter

DANGER
HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, ARC FLASH, AND FIRE
This document is in addition to, and incorporates by reference, the relevant product manuals for XW Pro inverter/charger. Before reviewing this document, you must read the relevant product manuals. Unless specified, information on safety, specifications, installation and operation is as shown in the primary documentation received with the product. Ensure you are familiar with that information before proceeding.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury.

Scope
This Solution Guide provides planning, installation, and configuration information for Schneider Electric’s XW Pro inverter/charger (XW Pro 6848 NA, XW Pro 8548 IEC,) to comply with self-supply requirements in certain regions or other requirements where
power being exported to the grid is limited.

Audience
This Solution Guide is intended for qualified installers. To design and install a system that will operate correctly, qualified installers must have training and experience in solar power systems to safely and correctly follow these instructions and the applicable electrical and building codes. Qualified installers must have an awareness of the hazards involved in performing electrical installation work and how to reduce those hazards.

DANGER
HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, ARC FLASH, AND FIRE
XW Pro Battery Inverters and Conext MPPT 80/100 600, MPPT 60 150 Charge Controllers contain no user serviceable parts. Attempting to service the inverters yourself may result in a risk of electrical shock or fire and will void your warranty. Internal capacitors remain charged and hazardous after all power is disconnected.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, authorized service personnel must disconnect both AC and DC power from XW Pro Battery Inverters and Conext MPPT Charge Controllers, following the lock-out and tag-out instructions in the documentation for those products, before attempting any maintenance or cleaning or working on any circuits connected to the products. Putting the inverters in Standby mode will not reduce this risk. To reduce the chance of short-circuits, authorized service personnel must use insulated tools when installing or working with equipment.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury.

Introduction

The high penetration of Distributed Energy Resources has led regulators in many markets to mandate or incentivize Self-supply (also called Customer Self- supply, etc.). Depending on the local regulations, systems may have a requirement to limit the net export (or selling) of power from the PV system onto the grid (“Export Limiting”). In some cases, all power that is produced by the system must be consumed on site, except under special conditions as may be required by the grid codes.
The XW Pro system can implement Export Limiting at the inverter AC1 (Grid) port, or by taking power measurements from a compatible meter at an external control point. From the metered control point, the XW Pro system ensures power is effectively routed within the system so that power flow out to the grid is kept below a configured limit, depending on the compliance region being satisfied. The primary benefit of using an external power meter for Export Limiting is to self-supply additional loads connected on the grid side of the inverter (AC1).
NOTE: Use of an external meter is not compatible with three-phase systems using XW Pro.

Definitions

Terminology Definition
Gateway Device Any reference to gateway device may mean Conext Gateway,

InsightHome, or I nsig htFacility.
Generating Facility| Customer or utility-owned electrical power generation that is interconnected to the utility.
Export Limiting| Limiting the net export (or selling) of power from the PV & storage system onto the grid.
Grid Support| When the utility grid is connected, the Grid Support feature reduces the power demand from the grid by utilizing excess DC power to support the backup loads.
Grid Support SOC| When using State of Charge control (with Conext Battery Monitor or a compatible external BMS), Grid Support SOC is the threshold to which batteries will be discharged when the inverter is supplying power to AC loads or selling power to the grid.
Grid Support Volts| When using voltage-based control, Grid Support Volts is the battery voltage to which batteries will be discharged when the inverter is supplying power to AC loads or selling power to the grid.
Inadvertent Export| Inadvertent Export is the un-permitted, unscheduled, and uncompensated export or real power generated from a Customer’s Generating Facility and delivered to the Company.
Nameplate Rating| For the purpose of calculating Inadvertent Export, Nameplate Rating is defined as the lesser of
■ (1) the Total Inverter Capacity (kW) or
■ (2) the sum of the Total Module Capacity and the Total Energy Storage System Capacity (kW) (i.e. the aggregate of the DC-power components), as those amounts are stated in Exhibit A (Description of Generating Facility) of the Customer’s Standard Interconnection Agreement for Self-Supply Systems, and as depicted on the single-line diagram and three-line diagram.
Net Export| Net Export is the cumulative amount of Inadvertent Export energy produced by the Customer’s Generating Facility and delivered to the Company.
Self Supply| Supply of energy generated from on-site solar array to on-site loads. When the installed PV capacity exceeds the daytime loads, battery storage is used to store excess solar energy to power evening loads.
Sell| If Grid Support is Enabled, the Sell feature determines whether the XW Pro exports power on AC1 (grid).
■ Grid Support Enabled, Sell Disabled: XW Pro supports loads only on AC Out (protected loads).
■ Grid Support Enabled, Sell Enabled: XW Pro supports loads on AC Out and exports any excess current back to the grid.
System Capacity| Combined sums of capacities per inverter.

Prerequisites
You must upgrade to the latest XW Pro and Conext Gateway firmware available for the following models at: https://se.com/.

  • XW Pro Product Number: 865-6848-21, 865-8548-55 Firmware: 1.11 BN 49 or later
  • Gateway Device:
    • Conext Gateway Product Number: 865-0329
    • InsightHome Product Number: 865-0330
    • Insight Facility Product Number: 865-0335
    • Firmware: V1.16 BN 4 or later
  • Backup Control Switch (BCS) Product Number: 865-BCS-2200

Required Equipment

  • XW Pro inverter/charger
  • Conext Gateway
  • Conext MPPT solar charge controller: MPPT 100 600, MPPT 80 600, or MPPT 60 150
  • Conext Battery Monitor: Model Number 865-1080-01
  • Compatible external power meter (for Export Limiting at the main panel or point of interconnection)

Compatible Equipment

Power Meters

  • Vendor: Continental Control Systems LLC
    roduct Name: WattNode Wide-Range Modbus Meter
    Product Part No(s): WND-WR-MB

Current Transformers

NOTICE
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
Refer to the technical documentation of the selected power meter for compatible current transformers. Ensure current rating is suitable for the application.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in equipment damage.

Installation

There are several possible configurations for self-supply. A compatible power meter is used for Export Limiting when loads on the grid side of the inverter (AC1 port) will be selfsupplied by Solar Energy. For CT installation, the orientation is shown on the applicable diagrams in the following sections.
NOTE:  Export limiting and zero sell only work in single-inverter systems.

Wiring Instructions

Power Meter Communications
InsightHome supports only one Modbus RTU 2-wire network. Conext Gateway/InsightFacility supports two independent Modbus RTU 2-wire networks. If the power meter is used, it can be connected to either port. Refer to the XW Pro Operation Guide (document number 990-91227 or 990-91402), the and the selected power meter’s technical manual for wiring details.

Power Meter Connections
The BCS comes with the WattNode® Modbus WND-WR-MB power meter.

Install Current Transformers
Install the two pre-connected current transformers (CT) inside the BCS to measure grid current. For installation instructions and guidelines, see:

  • WattNode Modbus Electric Power Meter Installation Manual
  • Accu-cT® ACTL-0750 Series Split-Core Current Transformer Installation Guide

NOTES:

  • Point the “SOURCE” arrow on each CT toward residential loads (see System Diagrams in the BCS (Backup Control Switch) Quick Start Guide (990-91525)). If the CT is mounted backwards, the measured power will be negative.
  • Avoid extending the CT wires beyond 100 ft (30 m). For more information, see the  WattNode Installation guide above.
  1. Locate the two pre-connected CTs inside the BCS, and install the CTs in one of the following ways:
    a. For Whole Home Backup (Service Entrance) installations, install the CTs over the AC Grid input cables (L1/ L2) from the grid (see “Wiring Harness Pinout” on page 16 #4).
    b. When the BCS is between the Main AC panel and a subpanel (Subpanel Backup), install the CTs over the AC Grid input cables (L1/ L2) between the grid and the Main AC panel.

  2. Fasten a CT to each conductor with a cable tie.

Figure 1 Power meter installed

Schneider Electric 6848 NA XW Pro Solar Hybrid Inverter - Power meter
installed

Power Meter| Conext Gateway
(Modbus 1)| Conext Gateway
(Modbus 2)| Insight Home| Insight Facility
(Modbus 1)| Insight Facility
(Modbus 2)
---|---|---|---|---|---
Common: C| Pin 16: IS02 RS-485 GND| Pin 22: IS02 RS-485 GND| Pin 7: GND ISO| Pin 16: IS02 RS-485 GND| Pin 22: IS02 RS-485 GND
Inverting pin: A-| Pin 20: IS02 RS-485 1B| Pin 26: IS02 RS-485 2B| Pin 11: RS-485 B ISO| Pin 20: IS02 RS-485 1B| Pin 26: IS02 RS-485 2B
Non-inverting pin: B+| Pin 18: IS02 RS-485 1A| Pin 24: IS02 RS-485 2A| Pin 9:
RS-485 A ISO| Pin 18: IS02 RS-485 1A| Pin 24: IS02 RS-485 2A

DC Coupled PV System – Self-Supply Backup Loads connected to AC Out

  • Self-supply solar energy to the backup load panel only
  • Backup load panel is connected to AC Out
  • External power meter not required for Export Limiting
  • Consider this configuration if exporting to the grid is either prohibited or not beneficial.

Figure 2 DC Coupled PV System – Self-Supply Backup Loads connected to AC OutSchneider Electric 6848 NA XW Pro Solar Hybrid Inverter - PV
System

DC Coupled PV System – Self Supply Entire Home (backup loads sub-panel and main panel)

  • Self-supply solar energy to the backup loads sub-panel and the main panel
  • Backup loads for backup power are connected to AC Out, and the main panel is connected to AC1 (Grid)
  • External power meter required for Export Limiting
  • Consider this configuration if sell is prohibited and the main panel is upstream

Figure 3 DC Coupled PV System – Self Supply Entire Home (backup loads sub- panel and main panel)![Schneider Electric 6848 NA XW Pro Solar Hybrid Inverter

DC Coupled PV System – Self Supply Entire Home (with Backup Control Switch)

  • Self-supply solar energy to the main panel
  • The main panel is connected to AC1 (Grid) at 120/240 V.
  • Backup Control Switch is used for larger systems where backup loads exceed 60A, or for whole home backup.
  • External power meter is included with the backup control switch.

Figure 4 DC Coupled PV System – Self supply entire home (with backup control switch)

Schneider Electric 6848 NA XW Pro Solar Hybrid Inverter - Self supply entire
home

Configuration

Once the system is physically installed, it will need to be configured to operate correctly as well as to enable the Export Limiting features.
Conext Gateway Configuration Parameters for Export Limiting with External Meter

Warning-icon.pngWARNING
ADVANCED CONFIGURATION HAZARD

  • Advanced menu settings should be used by qualified personnel only.
  • Three phase operation should be configured by qualified personnel only.
  • Consult with the local utility before enabling XW Pro sell mode or grid support functions.
  • Do not change these settings unless you are under the supervision and direction of qualified personnel.
  • Connect the Conext Gateway device and the network router to an assured power source during configuration.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.
The following configuration settings are relevant to enabling Export Limiting with an external meter. Settings are applied to the Conext Gateway device, under the Setup menu of Insight Local, as described in XW Pro Operation Guide (document number 990-91227 or 990-91402).

Menu Location Parameter Units Description
setup > Smart Energy Manager > Export ._imiting l Enable nla Enable or

disable Export Limiting. Must be set to Enabled.
Trip Power| W| If the power to the grid at the power meter point of measurement exceeds this threshold for longer than Trip Time, XW Pro unit(s) will cease to energize. IMPORTANT: This value must be greater than or equal to Sell Setpoint.
Trip Time| sec| Time delay in seconds such that if power to the grid exceeds Trip Power for longer than the defined duration, the XW Pro unit(s) will cease to energize.
Clear Time| sec| Time delay in seconds such that if power to the grid falls below Trip Power for longer than the defined duration after first tripping it, the XW Pro unit(s) will reconnect as per applied grid code settings and resume normal operation.
Sell Setpoint| W| The target to which Conext Gateway will limit the networked XW Pro units sell power. Setting this parameter to a value slightly below the limit enforced by the applicable grid codes is recommended in order to minimize inadvertent power sell. See examples below.
IMPORTANT: This value must be less than or equal to Trip Power.

XW Pro Inverter/Charger Configuration Parameters
WARNING
ADVANCED CONFIGURATION HAZARD

  • Advanced menu settings should be used by qualified personnel only.
  • Three phase operation should be configured by qualified personnel only.
  • Consult with the local utility before enabling XW Pro sell mode or grid support functions.
  • Do not change these settings unless you are under the supervision and direction of qualified personnel.
  • Connect the Conext Gateway device and the network router to an assured power source during configuration.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.

WARNING
UNEXPECTED OPERATION HAZARD

  • Some battery technologies will experience accelerated degradation if not fully charged periodically.
  • If the Grid Support settings and available solar energy capacity don’t provide a full battery charge, consider adjusting the Grid Support settings or periodically forcing a full charge.
  • Refer to the Owner’s manual for information on forcing a full charge cycle.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.

The following configuration settings are relevant to enabling Self-supply and Export  Limiting and need to be reviewed for all networked XW Pro unit(s). They are accessible under each XW Pro instance in the Devices menu of InsightLocal. The Grid Support
settings for Self-supply applications will depend on the system design, the amount of power permitted to be sold to the grid, and the battery type. For more information on all configuration settings, refer to XW Pro Operation Guide (document number 990-91227 or 990-91402).

Menu Location Parameter Units Description
Configuration > Controls Grid Support Sell Enable/Disable n/a Enable or

disable the selling of power to the grid or loads connected at the AC1 port. For systems with loads connected to AC1 that should be self-supplied with solar energy, this parameter must be set to Enabled. Grid :tipport must also be Enabled for Sell to function.
Configuration > Grid Support| Grid Support Voltage or Grid Support SOC (if enabled)| V| Sets the limit to which the batteries will be discharged when the inverter is supplying power to AC loads or selling power to the grid. Refer to the following section for information on configuring Self-Supply using Grid Support.
Configuration > Grid Support| Grid Support| ri a| Enable or disable grid support features. Must be set to Enabled.
Configuration > Grid Support| Maximum Sell Amps| A| Controls the maximum amount of sell power permitted to the AC1 (Grid) port. In systems where Self- Supply is limited to backup loads on AC Out and Export Limiting is required, this parameter can limit the sell current to AC1.

Schneider Electric 6848 NA XW Pro Solar Hybrid Inverter - Export Limiting
Solution Guide

System Design Considerations
Solar power capacity is lower than the daytime Self-supplied loads
When all the solar energy produced during the day can be immediately consumed by Selfsupplied loads, it is recommended to configure grid support to maintain the batteries at 100% State of Charge.
Solar power capacity is larger than the daytime Self-supplied loads When daytime solar energy generation exceeds the daytime Self-supplied loads, the recommended settings depend on whether Export Limiting is required.

Export Limiting is not required
In this scenario, it may not be necessary to cycle the batteries daily, if exporting the excess power to the grid is permitted on a Net Metering or Feed in Tariff basis. For this use case, it is recommended to configure grid support to maintain the batteries at 100%
State of Charge. This use case also applies to multi-unit configurations.

Export Limiting is required
In this scenario, full utilization of solar energy may require charging batteries during the day and supplying that energy to AC loads in the evening by discharging the batteries. For this use case, ensure a battery technology is chosen with lifespan that accounts for daily cycling. The Grid Support voltage or SOC set point will determine the depth of discharge for powering AC loads. Select the Grid Support limit according to the battery capacity required to store excess daytime solar energy generation. Configure Maximum Sell Amps to ensure that solar energy generation exceeds the power supplied for grid support, allowing the batteries to charge during the day. This use case also applies to multi-unit configurations.

NOTE: Lowering the Grid Support SOC allows more capacity to store excess solar energy generation but also lowers the battery reserve capacity in the event of a grid outage.

Battery Type
Li-ion batteries are typically used for applications that require daily cycling of the batteries.
For Li-ion batteries, SOC control mode should be used. SOC can be provided by the Conext Battery Monitor or by a closed-loop compatible battery. With State of Charge Control enabled and the Conext Battery Monitor connected, the Grid Support limit should
be set with Grid Support SOC rather than Grid Support Voltage.

Establishing Communication
If a third-party meter is used, it must first be configured to match the communication protocol and settings at the Conext Gateway (2-wire Modbus RTU over RS-485). Ensure the address chosen is unique if other devices are on the same network. The Modbus
configuration details of the Conext Gateway can be found and adjusted in the web application under Setup > Configuration > Modbus settings.
The Conext Gateway must then run a device discovery routine in order to see and connect to the power meter:

  1. Navigate to Setup > Device Detection > D detect  d e v i c e s menu.
  2. In the port where the power meter is connected to on the Conext Gateway connector header, enter any range of addresses, as long as the power meter lies within them.
    The range feature allows the user to detect multiple devices on the network in one action. The larger the range, the more time it takes to complete the search.

Third-Party Meter Configuration
Once the power meter is detected and online, it will appear in the web application as a configurable device. Ensure Rated current of the attached CTs is correct and Device Association reflects the location of the CT in the system. For the applications covered by this document, the Device Association is to be set to G r i d. Some parameters as displayed in the figure below may not be present for some power meter makes/models.Schneider Electric 6848 NA
XW Pro Solar Hybrid Inverter - Configuration

Continental WattNode® Modbus – Additional Details
The following are verified and recommended configuration values for the Continental WattNode Modbus power meter.

Communication Settings
Baud Rate: 19200
Additional Modbus Parameters: 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit

Meter Settings
Averaging: Fast

Setting the Modbus Address
Use the DIP switches 1-6 to select the Modbus address (1 to 63) in a base-2 numerical  representation. The following table instructs how to toggle the switches for a few variousaddress examples.

DIP Switch 1 2 3 4 5 6
Up (1) Value 1 2 4 8 16 32
Address Examples
1 1, Up 0, Down 0, Down 0, Down 0, Down 0, Down
1+2+4 = 7 1, Up 1, Up 1, Up 0, Down 0, Down 0, Down
4+16 = 20 0, Down 0, Down 1, Up 0, Down 1, Up 0, Down
1+2+16+32 = 51 1, Up 1, Up 0, Down 0, Down 1, Up 1, Up

Modbus Termination Resistor
If required, toggle DIP switch #7 to its ON position to apply an internal 120 ohm resistor to
the network.

Wiring Harness Pinout

Gateway Modbus 1 Gateway Modbus 2 WattNode Terminal
16 – ISO2 RS485 GND 22 – ISO2 RS485 GND C
18 – ISO2 RS485 1A 24 – ISO2 RS485 2A B+
20 – ISO2 RS485 1B 26 – ISO2 RS485 2B A-

Example Configuration Sets

Hawaii Customer Self-supply (CSS) Program – Single Unit Split Phase, whole home
The following is an example of how a system can be configured to comply with the CSS program enacted by the Hawaiian Electric Industries under the Net Energy Metering
program, when paired with a Continental WattNode® power meter and a 200A CT. Trip Time and Trip Power have been configured to comply with HECO Rule 14H and 22 inadvertent export rules so the system will activate a fault if they are violated.

Menu Location Parameter Value
Setup > Smart Energy Manager > Export Limiting Enable Enabled
Trip Power 0 W
Trip Time 30 sec
Clear Time 60 sec
Sell Setpoint -20 W
XW Pro > Configuration > Controls Grid Support Sell Enable/Disable Enabled
XW Pro > Configuration > Grid Support Grid Support Enabled
XW Pro > Configuration > Grid Support Maximum Sell Amps 27 A
Devices > Meters > Configuration Rated current of the attached CTs 200 A
Devices > Meters > Configuration Averaging Fast
Devices > Meters > Configuration Device Association Grid

Hawaii Customer Self-supply (CSS) Program – Single Unit Split Phase, backup only
The following is another example of how a system can be configured to comply with the Hawaiian CSS program, where Self-supply is limited to the backup loads of the system.
That is, residential loads on the main panel are to be powered by the grid only. In this instance, the XW Pro sits at the point of connection where sell power flow is to be limited and can thus act as the power meter in the system, and so Export Limiting configurations in the Conext Gateway no longer apply. This is reflected in the Maximum Sell A m p s parameter below where export current is limited to 0 A. Consequently, the power control response is faster during sudden load and available PV power changes.

Commissioning Checklist

The following checklist summarizes the main steps for commissioning a Self- supply system and Export Limiting, if applicable.

Checklist

Standard configuration appropriate for the system layout has been applied.
If the system layout calls for an external power measurement device:

•Current measurement device is oriented correctly and installed in the correct location.
•Power measurement device is communicating with Insight Local.
•Power measurement device is tracking power flow accurately.
❑| Configurations applied to the Conext Gateway device as required.
❑| Configurations applied to XW Pro as required.
❑| If Export Limiting is required:
•In conditions of excess power generation, sell power does not exceed the limits defined in the applicable grid codes.
•Inadvertent export does not exceed the limits defined in the applicable grid codes.

Troubleshooting

Symptoms Troubleshooting Actions
Unable to detect the power meter on Modbus. Ensure or verify the following:

• Baud rate and other Modbus communication parameters of all devices on each network are identical.
•  Power meter is powered.
• Wiring is correct. If using a Continental WattNode Modbus meter, refer to “Wiring Harness Pinout” on page 16
• Conext Gateway device detection is performed on the correct Modbus port.
• Power meter address is unique on the Modbus network.
• Power meter address is within the device detection search range.
• If needed, a 120 Ω termination resistor can be enabled on the Wattnode meter by switching DIP switch #7 to its ON position. If issue persists, contact Schneider Electric customer service.
Power is exceeding the  desired setpoint.| If loads are removed from the system or available PV power increases, it is normal for power to flow  into the grid briefly while the system reacts. However, if the Trip Level is set appropriately, and the system repeatedly activates the fault, ensure or verify the following:
• Power meter is reading correctly from its CT.
• Power meter is detected on the Conext Gateway.
• All necessary configuration has been applied and are correct.
If issue persists, contact Schneider Electric customer service.

Legal Information

The Schneider Electric brand and any trademarks of Schneider Electric SE and its subsidiaries referred to in this guide are the property of Schneider Electric SE or its subsidiaries. All other brands may be trademarks of their respective owners.
This guide and its content are protected under applicable copyright laws and furnished for informational use only. No part of this guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), for any purpose, without the prior written permission of Schneider Electric.
Schneider Electric does not grant any right or license for commercial use of the guide or its content, except for a non-exclusive and personal license to consult it on an “as is” basis.
Schneider Electric products and equipment should be installed, operated, serviced, and maintained only by qualified personnel.
As standards, specifications, and designs change from time to time, information contained in this guide may be subject to change without notice.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, no responsibility or liability is assumed by Schneider Electric and its subsidiaries for any errors or omissions in the informational content of this material or consequences arising out of or resulting from the use of the
information contained herein.
If this manual is in any language other than English, although steps have been taken to maintain the accuracy of the translation, the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Approved content is contained with the English language version which is posted at https://se.com/.

Contact Information
For country-specific details, please contact your local Schneider Electric Sales Representative or visit the Schneider Electric website at: https://se.com/

Information About Your System
As soon as you open your product, record the following information and be sure to keep your proof of purchase.
Serial Number  ____
Product Number ____
Purchased From ____
Purchase Date ____
Document Number: 990-91371 Revision B
Date: February 2023

Schneider Electric Logo 990-91371 Revision B

Documents / Resources

| Schneider Electric 6848 NA XW Pro Solar Hybrid Inverter [pdf] Installation Guide
6848 NA XW Pro Solar Hybrid Inverter, 6848 NA XW Pro, Solar Hybrid Inverter, Hybrid Inverter, Inverter
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