Operator’s Manual.

for the solar system owner

P V I N V E R T E R S

For the Operator

Operator’s Instructions

Blueplanet xi-series 1501xi/2901xi/3601xi

1 About this document 2

1.1

Attachment and Maintenance of documents 2

1.2

Symbols used in this document

1.3

UL Certification

1.4

Data Label

2

2

2

2 Important safety information and instructions

Save these instructions 2

3 Notes concerning installation and operation 3

3.1

Intended (normal) use

3.2

Factory warranty and liability

3

4

3.3

Service 3

4 Operation 4

4.1

Overview of operating elements and displays 5

4.2

Overview of blueplanet access plate

4.3

LED displays

4.4

“Display” and “Adjustment” buttons

5

5

5

4.5

Set Mode

4.6

Start key

4.7

Ground fault indication

4.8

The Serial RS232-Interface

4.9

The RS485 Interface 9

4.10

Display 9

6

6

6

7

5 Accessories 12

6 Troubleshooting 13

7 Recycling and disposal 14

General Remarks

Congratulations! You have purchased the KACO blueplanet xi-series inverter, a reliable and powerful device. This machine is the result of our long-standing experience in the field of inverter technology and power electronics.

Blueplanet xi-series inverters are electrically isolated, robust inverters, which are operated without any fans and offer a high degree of efficiency. An illuminated display and intuitive menu guidance enables you to display the most important grid feeding data of the inverter. The inverter data can be transmitted to a PC for visualization.

Our inverter housings are rated to NEMA 3-R, which makes our inverters suitable for use in any kind of environment – our inverters are even suitable for use in agricultural and industrial applications.

1 About this document

The following information will guide you through the entire operator’s manual. Further documents will be valid in conjunction with these operating and installation instructions.

We shall not be liable for any damage caused by nonadherence to the instructions given in this manual.

Pertinent documents

During the inverter installation please observe all assembly and installation instructions for components and other parts of the system. These instructions are shipped together with the respective installation components or supplementary equipment.

1.1 Attachment and Maintenance of documents

Please keep these operating and installation instructions in a safe place to ensure that they are available if needed.

1.2 Symbols used in this document

Please observe the safety information provided in this manual when operating your inverter!

Warning!

Lethal Hazard!

Warning

Danger

Caution

Danger!

Lethal Hazard by Electric

Shock!

Caution!

Potential hazard for the product and environment!

Caution!

Potential risk of injury from contact with heat sink on rear of inverter.

Note!

Useful information and remarks!

Important!

Non-adherence to these instructions may adversely affect the operating convenience or functionality of the device.

This symbol designates a required action

UL labeling is used to document that the blueplanet xiseries inverter indicated on the model label meets the fundamental requirements according to the following UL

1741 directives:

Directive concerning Electromagnetic Compatibility with

Class B (Council Directive 89/336/EWG)

Low Voltage Directive (Council Directive 73/23/EWG)

For more information about UL certification see section 10 of the installation manual.

The data label indicating the exact device specifications is located on the support plate at the underside of the enclosure.

2 Important safety information and instructions

Save these instructions

This data label must remain intact.

Tampering the label can void the warranty of the inverter.

Danger

Danger!

Danger due to lethal voltages!

Hazardous live voltages are present inside the device/instrument and power lines. Therefore, the device/instrument must only be installed and opened by a qualified electrician.

Even when the device/instrument is switched off, dangerous live voltages may still be present inside the instrument.

Regulations concerning the prevention of accidents

The inverter must be installed by a licensed electrician who is responsible to adhere to all relevant national and local standards and regulations.

The proper and safe operation of the device/instrument requires careful transportation, storage, erection and assembly, as well as proper operation and maintenance.

Only personnel who have read and fully understood these operating instructions shall be authorized to operate the inverter.

Modifications/Manipulation

Manipulating the inverter is generally prohibited. Do not alter any portion of this product; otherwise the warranty will become invalid. KACO Solar, Inc. does not assume responsibility for loss, damage or expense resulting from improper installation, handling, or use of this product.

The term “intended use” shall also include the adherence to the operating and installation instructions.

Your skilled and authorized electrician will obtain the necessary applications and acceptance for your photovoltaic installation from your utility company. Some of the documents which are needed for these applications and acceptance are attached to these installation instructions.

Caution

Caution!

Hazard of damage due to unauthorized modifications/manipulation! By no means manipulate the inverter or modify or change the inverter or any other parts of the installation!

Transportation

The blueplanet xi-series inverter is subjected to extensive testing and inspection at our testing facilities in Germany to ensure the highest quality product possible. Our inverters leave our factory in proper electrical and mechanical condition. Special packaging is used to minimize risks of damage during shipping.

Nevertheless, transport damage may not be guaranteed by

KACO Solar, Inc. In case of damage during shipping, the forwarding agent/carrier will be responsible.

Please check the inverter carefully on arrival. Should you discover any visible signs of damage on the packaging indicating that the inverter may be damaged, or should you find any visible signs of damage on the inverter please notify your responsible forwarding agent/carrier immediately.

If necessary, your solar installation provider or KACO Solar,

Inc. will assist you. However, written damage reports must be received by the forwarding agent within six days after receipt of the goods at the latest.

Use exclusively the original packaging for returning the inverter – only this material will ensure safe transportation.

3 Notes concerning installation and operation

3.1 Intended (normal) use

Blueplanet xi-series inverters are built according to state-ofthe-art and approved safety requirements. However, improper use may cause lethal hazards for operators or third parties and/or damage of instruments/devices or other property.

The device is intended to convert the direct voltage generated in the photovoltaic (PV) modules into alternating voltage (AC) and feed this voltage into the grid.

The inverter must only be operated in connection with a fixed/stationary connection to the public grid. KACO blueplanet xi series inverters are not intended for mobile use.

Any use other than the specified intended use shall not be deemed intended or normal use, and the manufacturer/supplier shall not be liable for any damage caused by such unintended use. Damage caused by unintended use is at the sole risk of the operator.

Caution

Caution!

Using the device for any purposes other than intended/normal use is prohibited!

3.2 Factory warranty and liability

Terms and conditions

Customers shall contact KACO Solar, Inc. to obtain a

Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before returning products. KACO Solar, Inc. accepts no responsibility or liability for products returned without prior authorization. KACO Solar, Inc., at its sole determination, will repair or replace inverters returned by customers.

Inverters must be returned with a copy of the original dealer invoice or written proof of installation if the inverter has not been already registered by fax or mail. Inverters must include a legible data label showing the serial number and the type of inverter. The warranty belongs to the unique serial number of the inverter and not any particular person; therefore, KACO inverters are sold with a 10 year transferable warranty.

The inverter must be returned to KACO Solar, Inc. in the original packaging materials or packaging providing equal protection during shipment. KACO Solar, Inc. is not responsible for damage occurring during shipment.

To satisfy the claims of our easy swap warranty; KACO

Solar, Inc. will ship any replacement inverter within 24 hours after a claim has been issued and approved. If the inverter fails out of the box or within a 6 month period of operation a new inverter shall be issued. After 6 months of installation, a factory reconditioned unit of newer or similar age shall be issued.

Exclusion of Liability

KACO Solar, Inc. disclaims any liability for direct or indirect damages due to:

1. improper installation or commissioning,

2. modifications, alterations or repair attempts,

3. inappropriate use or operation,

4. insufficient ventilation of the device, regulations,

6. flood, lightning, overvoltage, storm, fire (acts of nature).

We do not guarantee that the software is completely free of faults. In most cases technical alerts will be posted on the

KACO Solar website describing how to avoid the effects of the fault. If the concern is greater, written explanation will be mailed to registered installers. The solar system installer is responsible for the correct selection, proper use, supervision and consequences of the use of software.

We reserve the right to make alterations that will improve the functioning of the device.

KACO Solar, Inc. will not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential damages, losses, costs or expenses however arising in contract or tort, including without restriction any economic losses of any kind, any loss or damage to property, any personal injury, any damage or injury arising from or as a result of misuse or abuse, or the incorrect installation, integration or operation of the product.

3.3 Factory warranty and liability

Terms and conditions

Customers shall contact KACO Solar, Inc. to obtain a

Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before returning products. KACO Solar, Inc. accepts no responsibility or liability for products returned without prior authorization. KACO Solar, Inc., at its sole determination, will repair or replace inverters returned by customers.

Inverters must be returned with a copy of the original dealer invoice or written proof of installation if the inverter has not been already registered by fax or mail. Inverters must include a legible data label showing the serial number and the type of inverter. The warranty belongs to the unique serial number of the inverter and not any particular person; therefore, KACO inverters are sold with a 10 year transferable warranty.

The inverter must be returned to KACO Solar, Inc. in the original packaging materials or packaging providing equal protection during shipment. KACO Solar, Inc. is not responsible for damage occurring during shipment.

To satisfy the claims of our easy swap warranty; KACO

Solar, Inc. will ship any replacement inverter within 24 hours after a claim has been issued and approved. If the inverter fails out of the box or within a 6 month period of operation a new inverter shall be issued. After 6 months of installation, a factory reconditioned unit of newer or similar age shall be issued.

Exclusion of Liability

KACO Solar, Inc. disclaims any liability for direct or indirect damages due to:

7. improper installation or commissioning,

8. modifications, alterations or repair attempts,

9. inappropriate use or operation,

10. insufficient ventilation of the device,

11. non-compliance with relevant safety standards or regulations,

12. flood, lightning, overvoltage, storm, fire (acts of nature).

We do not guarantee that the software is completely free of faults. In most cases technical alerts will be posted on the

KACO Solar website describing how to avoid the effects of the fault. If the concern is greater, written explanation will be mailed to registered installers. The solar system installer is responsible for the correct selection, proper use, supervision and consequences of the use of software.

We reserve the right to make alterations that will improve the functioning of the device.

KACO Solar, Inc. will not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential damages, losses, costs or expenses however arising in contract or tort, including without restriction any economic losses of any kind, any loss or damage to property, any personal injury, any damage or injury arising from or as a result of misuse or abuse, or the incorrect installation, integration or operation of the product.

3.4 Service

From the initial stages of product development, high quality and longevity for our inverters is of central importance to us.

This philosophy is the result of our experience of over 60 years in the field of power conditioning and current inverters.

Despite these quality-assuring measures, in some rare cases errors may occur. KACO Solar, Inc. will offer a maximum of assistance if one of these cases should arise.

KACO Solar, Inc. will take every effort to remedy any defects fast and without unnecessary bureaucracy. Please contact our service department directly for fast and efficient support.

Service Reimbursement

KACO Solar will pay $100.00 for each inverter replacement and $25 per additional inverter at the site when there is a true inverter failure within the first one year of commissioning. Thereafter, KACO customers will still enjoy the protection of the standard 10 years replacement guarantee and compensation for service performed to repair an inverter will be awarded on a case by case basis.

Technical support is available by telephone at 1-866-522-

6765 Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5PM PST.

4 Operation

The grid-feeding process starts in the morning when there is enough daylight and, a certain minimum voltage is applied to the inverter. After a startup period of 3 minutes the inverter starts feeding into the grid. When feed-in voltage falls below this minimum at the end of day, the grid feeding process will be terminated and the inverter will be switched off.

4.1 Overview of operating elements and display

Figure 4.1: Overview of operating elements and display

Captions

1 Display

Display of measured values and parameter settings

2 LED displays

Display of operating mode

3 Operating keys

Toggle function between measured values and parameter settings

4.2 Overview of blueplanet bottom plate

Figure 4.2: Overview of blueplanet bottom plate

Captions

4 Knock outs for AC connection

5 Start key

This key is used to activate the display messages at the end of the day when the inverter has shut down.

6 RS232 serial interface

7 Knock out for RS485 interface cable

8 Knock out for DC connection

Under normal operating conditions the photovoltaic modules will start to generate voltage as soon as enough daylight or sunlight is available. If a certain amount of voltage is applied to the inverter for a certain period of time, the inverter will start the grid-feeding process. The inverter is equipped with three LEDs, which provide information about the different modes of operation as follows:

Figure 4.3: LED displays

Captions

1 LED DC Power In (1) (green)

2 LED AC Power out (2) (green)

3 LED Error (3) (red)

LED DC Power In (1) (green):

This LED is illuminated from a generator voltage of approx.

100V onward and extinguishes as soon as the generator voltage falls below 80V. The DC Power In LED signals that the inverter is in its active state and the inverter controls are enabled. If this LED is not lit up the inverter will not be able to start grid feeding. Under normal operating conditions the

LED is illuminated in the morning when there is enough daylight, and extinguishes again when it gets dark.

LED AC Power out (2) (green):

This LED is illuminated during the grid feeding process. To this effect, the generator voltage must first exceed a value of 125V (factory setting) for 3 minutes, ensuring that the PV generator provides enough power. This means that the “AC

Power out“ LED is not lit up unless the DC Power In LED is illuminated.

Under normal operating conditions the inverter starts grid becomes dark. On cloudy days or during the winter months the grid feeding process can be interrupted at certain times, depending on the PV generator and the actual grid feeding capacity, and can be resumed later on. This process might be repeated several times throughout the day, especially in the morning and evening. This is not a sign of faulty operation but is normal operating behavior.

Error LED (3) (red):

This LED indicates that the grid-feeding process has been terminated as a result of a malfunction/error.

The “Error” LED is activated in the following cases:

Grid overvoltage or low voltage

Excessive generator voltage

Excessive generator power

High-temperature shutdown

Please wait for approx. 10 minutes to verify if the malfunction is only temporarily. If not, please contact your authorized electrician. On elimination of the error the gridfeeding process is re-started after approx. 5 minutes.

Important!

During Utility Company power failure

(power failure in the public grid) the

“Error” LED is not lit up. In this case all LEDs and the display are deactivated and the inverter is completely shut down.

Only after the Utility Company power has returned can the inverter resume its normal operation.

Please check whether the cause of your error is a general power failure or if the fuse between the power meter and inverter has blown. In the event of a fuse failure please contact your authorized electrician. In case of a general power grid failure please wait until the problem has been resolved. The inverter will restart automatically.

4.4 The “Display” and “Adjustment” buttons

Figure 4.4: Operating keys of the blueplanet xi-series

Captions

1 Display key

2 Adjustment key

The “Display” key (1) is used to toggle between the various read values and data. Using the “Adjustment” key (2) you may change the setting parameters, such as date and hour.

The menu guidance is subdivided into two levels. Level 1

(display mode) is used to display the measured values, e.g.

solar generator voltage. Only the “Display” key (1) is active at this level.

Keep this key pressed for approx. 2 seconds to select which measured value should be displayed.

The menus are continuous, i.e. after reaching the last entry of the menu and pressing the “Display” key (1) the first entry is displayed again (see Figure 4.).

Display of inverter type

Generator voltage and current

Grid voltage, current and power

Daily peak capacity

Temperature inside the device

Status display

Date and time

Daily yield

Annual yield

Total yield

Operating hours today

Operating hours per year

Total operating hours

Figure 4.4.1: Display Mode Menu

If the “Display” key on the inverter is not operated for a longer period of time, the display will automatically show the currently fed-in power.

To go to level 2 (Adjustment Mode), keep the “Display” key (1) pressed and simultaneously press the “Adjustment”

(2) key for approx. 2 seconds.

Using the “Adjustment” key (2) you may now change the selected parameter.

Depending on the parameter the value will change after pressing the

“Adjustment” key (2). To return to level

1 (Display Mode), keep the “Display” key (1) pressed and simultaneously press the “Adjustment” (2) key.

Set time - hour

Set time - minutes

Set date - year

Set date - month

Set date – day

Display of software version

Clear internal power meter

Select and set RS485 interface address

Figure 4.5: Set Mode Menu

Set hour and date

The set values are consecutive, i.e. as soon as you have reached the max. value the display will be reset to the min. value after pressing the “Display” (1) button once again. The display for setting the date covers a range up to 2050. After that, the value will be reset

Clear internal power meter

When clearing the grid-feeding meter, the values for “annual yield”, “total yield” and “operating hours per year” will be reset. The required parameter is “2” – please enter it by means of the “Adjustment” key (2).

The internal power meter can only be cleared – it is not possible to make any other adjustments!

Selection of interface and address

Using the menu item “Select interface”, you may change between the RS232 and RS485 interface by means of the

“adjustment” key (2). If the RS485 interface is enabled, you can set the address by means of the “Display” key (1).

Using the “Adjustment” key (2) you may set addresses consecutively from 1 to 32.

2

4.8 The Serial RS232-Interface (3)

The operating data can be transmitted to a computer (e.g. notebook) via an electrically isolated serial interface (3) and processed individually with any commercial spreadsheet program. To connect the inverter to the PC you only need a commercially available interface cable. The cable length should not exceed 60’.

The inverter data is transmitted via the serial interface as text only; there is no error check.

Blueplanet xifemale 9-pole male 9-pole PC

3

Figure 4.6: Underside of blueplanet xi-series

Captions

1 Start key

2 GFDI fuse

3 RS232 interface

The device will switch off in the evening after the sun has set

,

and the display messages will be deactivated. If you wish to retrieve the values of the current day, press the start key (see Figure 4.6) to enable the device at nighttime.

Press the start key (1) at the underside of the device for approx.

20 seconds, until a message appears on the display and the

LEDS “DC Power In“ and “Error“ are no longer lit up.

You may now scroll through the menu and retrieve the values of the current day. If no key is pressed for longer than one minute the device will be switched off again automatically.

The inverter will only store the latest values of any given day.

The values of “operating hours per year”, “Total operating hours”, “Annual yield” and “Total yield” will be stored and added up. These values will not be lost even if the device is not operated for a long period of time. The date and hour may have to be reset if the device has not been used for several days.

4.7 Ground fault detector/interrupter fuse (2)

The Inverter is equipped with a ground-fault detection and interruption device (GFDI) as required by UL 1741. If a ground fault occurs on the DC side the inverter disconnects from the grid and a message is displayed. In this case the inverter will not operate until the following actions are done:

- Switch off the AC and DC disconnect.

- Remove the ground fault on the DC side

- Replace the GFDI fuse with a “Littlefuse KLKD 1 AMP

600V” fuse.

- Switch on the AC and DC disconnect.

Table 4-1: Pin allocation of the RS232 Interface

The RS232 interface has the following parameters:

1 Baud rate: 9600 Baud

2 Data bits:

3 Parity:

4 Stop bits:

5 Protocol:

8

None

1

None

Figure 4.7 (see next page) shows an example of a transmission via RS232 interface.

Data can be transmitted by means of any terminal emulation supplied together with all commercially available operating systems, or by means of the KACOViso visualization tool.

The KACOViso visualization software is available for download under http://www.kacosolar.com

In connection with the blueplanet xi-series inverter,

KACOViso assumes the function of a data logger. It stores the inverter data and renders it in daily, monthly and other helpful formats.

To use this feature the PC connected to the blueplanet inverter(s) will need to remain permanently powered on. To conserve energy, this type of monitoring should be limited to brief periods of time. For continuous system monitoring we recommend the optional KACO Display or KACO proLOG accessories (see page 12).

Column 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

04.06.2005 16:55:30 0 363.8 0.37 134 226.1 0.53 103 23

04.06.2005 16:55:40 0 366.0 0.39 142 226.1 0.53 112 23

04.06.2005 16:55:50 0 359.5 0.41 147 226.1 0.53 116 23

04.06.2005 16:56:00 0 369.8 0.42 155 226.1 0.58 118 23

04.06.2005 16:56:10 0 377.0 0.43 162 226.1 0.63 131 23

04.06.2005 16:56:20 0 373.6 0.45 168 226.1 0.63 133 23

04.06.2005 16:56:30 0 364.0 0.48 174 226.1 0.68 146 23

04.06.2005 16:56:40 0 364.3 0.49 178 226.1 0.68 146 23

Figure 4.7: Extract from a communication protocol via RS232 interface

Column Explanation

1

2

3

4

Date

Hour

Operating mode/status (see below)

Generator voltage in V

5 Generator current in A

DC

Table 4-1: Explanation of column headings in figure 4.7

Status Explanation

0

1

Inverter has just switched on

Waiting for start

6

7

8

9

Column Explanation

10

Generator power in W

Grid voltage in V

AC

Grid current, delivered current in A

AC

Grid-Utility Company power in W

Device temperature in °C

2

5

15

16

24

25

26

28

Waiting for shut-down

Grid feeding operation

Transition to night cut-off

Inhibited operation

DSP error

Self test of power electronics

Self test of grid isolation relay

Hardware error

Comment

Only after the first start-up in the morning.

Grid parameters and generator voltage are checked.

Insufficient generator voltage and generator power.

Condition that precedes the night shutdown.

The inverter starts feeding into the grid.

Inverter “goes to sleep”

3 errors during self test – operation will be resumed after complete shutdown error

Communication error

Grid shutdown frequency

Offset (grid feeding is to high)

High-temperature cut-off

Transducer (Plausibility error – measuring technique)

Impedance cut off

Overload cut off

The shutdown behavior of the power electronics is checked before the start of the grid-feeding process

The grid isolation relay is checked before the start of the grid-feeding process.

Self test was unsuccessful, a defect has occurred.

Table 4-2: Explanation of RS232 operating code column 3

The interface of the connected PC or laptop must comply with the standard for RS232 interfaces. Some computer manufacturers are not 100% compliant with this standard. In these cases there may be problems during the data transfer.

4.9 The RS485 Interface

To enable remote monitoring of your photovoltaic installation, blueplanet xi-series inverters are additionally equipped with an RS485 interface (Figure 4.).

This interface enables monitoring of several inverters at the same time. The KACO proLOG accessory allows you to receive your yield and operating data or error messages by text message or e-mail. This monitoring option is especially recommended in cases where you are unable to check the functionality of your installation on-site at regular intervals, i.e. if your home or office is too far away from the installation site. Please contact your installer if you wish to integrate remote monitoring in your system.

Table 4-3: Possible display messages

1

The read data for current and voltage are subject to the indicated tolerances

(+- 3% to 5%) and are not suitable to measure degrees of efficiency or yield data.

These readings are merely used to check the installation for its general function and proper operation.

Start at 125 V

Meas. xxx.xV

4.10 Display

The inverters of the blueplanet xi-series are equipped with an illuminated LCD display (Figure 4.). This display shows all measured values and data. In normal operation the background illumination is de-activated. As soon as you press one of the keys the background illumination will be activated. If 10 seconds elapse without a key being pressed, the background illumination will be switched off again.

During normal operation the current grid-feeding power is shown on the display, if no key is pressed for a longer period of time.

Important!

Due to measuring tolerances the measured values may not always correspond to the actual values. The measuring sensors of the inverter have been selected in a way to ensure maximum solar yields.

Due to tolerances the yields displayed on the inverter may deviate from the values of your Utility Company’s gridfeeding meter by up to 5% (at nominal power – in addition to the utility meter tolerance of



2%).

Using the operating keys (see section 4.4 ) the values and data listed in Table 4-3 can be shown.

Explanation

Display shown during the starting-up period (in the morning), after a malfunction or prior to night shutdown. No grid feeding in this mode of operation. The inverter waits until the voltage has exceeded a value of 125 V. If this value is exceeded for longer than 5 minutes the grid feeding will be started. An audible sound is generated when the grid isolation relay is enabled

2

Solar generator xxx.x V xx.xx A

Existing voltage and current of the solar generator connected to the inverter. Shown in volts and amps; voltage tolerance current tolerance



5% at rated power. Greater tolerances are possible when smaller generator currents are displayed.



3 %;

3

Line xxxx W xxx.x V xx.xx A

Actual grid voltage, grid current and power (measurement of the phase into which power is delivered); displayed in volts, amps and watts; voltage tolerance:



3%; current tolerance:



3 %.

4

Daily peak

Capacity xxxx W

Short-term peak grid feeding capacity of the day, displayed in W. According to the regulations stipulated by the

Power companies, this peak capacity must not exceed 10 % of the rated power of the inverter. However, the generator may be dimensioned for higher capacities.

5

Temperature inside xx °

6

Status:

Delivering power

7

Status: Waiting for start-up

Status: Waiting

For shut-down

Line frequency failure

Line failure

Protection shut-down

Temperature too high inside

Line impedance failure

ERROR GFDI

CHECK PANEL

Internal failure xxx xxx xxx xxx

8

Date xx.xx.200x

Hour xx:xx:xx

Explanation

Display of the actual heat sink temperature, in °C. The inverter will limit grid feeding if the temperature exceeds 65°C. If the device temperature exceeds 80°C it will switch off automatically.

Display of the various operating phases:

Normal grid-feeding operation. Power is fed into the grid.

Waiting for sufficient solar generator power. The generator voltage is not sufficient for grid feeding, or the grid feeding process was stopped and the system re-started after a failure.

Waiting for night shutdown. The generator capacity is no longer sufficient for grid feeding, and the device waits for the night shutdown.

Error-messages:

The grid frequency is over or under the allowable range.

This is a utility fault. It will clear itself when the frequency is within the specified range.

The AC voltage is over or under the allowable range.

This is a utility fault. It will clear itself when the grid voltage comes within the specified range.

The unit detected a critical operating point and shut down to secure itself. This error can be caused by a utility fault DC or AC power surges. It will clear itself after a few seconds.

The internal temperature of the unit is greater than 176°F (80°C).

This fault is caused by too high ambient temperature. It will clear itself when the temperature has dropped below 176°F (80°C).

The unit detected a grid impedance step greater than the allowable limit. This is a utility fault. It will clear itself after a few seconds.

The inverter detected a current leakage to ground exceeding 1

Amp. Inspect the solar array for ground faults and repair any damaged cables. Once the repair is made and the GFDI fuse is changed, the fault will clear and the inverter will begin normal operation.

An internal failure occurred. It will clear itself and the unit starts again.

Indicates date and hour

9

Yield today

xxxxx Wh

10

Annual yield

xxxxx kWh

10

Total yield

xxxxx kWh

11

Operating hours

Today xxxxx:xx

12

Annual operating hours xxxxx:xx

13

Total operating

Hours xxxxx:xx

Table 4-3: Possible display messages

Energy delivered since sunrise. Displayed in watt hours (Wh - not kWh)

Power delivered during the current calendar year (January 1 todate)

Energy delivered since the time of inverter startup.

Today’s operating hours since sunrise. Displayed in hours and minutes.

Operating hours during the current calendar year (January 1 todate)

Operating hours since the time of inverter startup.

Caution

Caution!

If the values for date and hour are set incorrectly, this will also affect the display of operating hours and yields!

5 Accessories

KACO Solar, Inc. offers its customers a wide range of useful accessories. The product range includes devices of superb quality for monitoring, display, data transfer and visualization.

KACO Display

The KACO Display is the best choice for remote monitoring of your photovoltaic installation using the KACO blueplanet xi-series inverter.

Via a wireless module, the inverter transmits its data to the display, where you can observe the daily curve or read the current output or daily yield. You will be able to recognize any problems in your installation very quickly. The attractive display is suitable for use in home or office surroundings.

Figure 5.1: KACO Display

KACO proLOG

Do you wish to have professional monitoring and data recording of your installation? KACO proLOG is the highend solution to provide error messages by text message, fax or e-mail, remote access to installation data, display of your PV installation on the web or many other things – it’s no problem for KACO proLOG. Up to 32 devices can be connected to KACO proLOG by means of the RS485 interface.

Figure 5.2: KACO proLOG

6 Troubleshooting

Within the scope of our continuously expanding Quality

Assurance System, our goal is to rule out and eliminate any faults and defects. You have purchased a product that has left our factory in proper condition. Each individual inverter has successfully passed extensive inspection tests for proper operation and functioning of protective devices, as well as a lengthy endurance test at our factory.

Should your PV installation not work properly despite all these measures, we recommend the following procedure for remediation:

Check the solar generator and grid connections leading to the inverter, observing all the safety instructions given in this

Table 6-1: Troubleshooting Guide manual. Please observe the inverter carefully and take note of the display messages and LED displays.

Below is a summary of possible errors and recommended remedies:

Warning

Warning!

These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that specified in the operation instructions.

Inverter shows an unrealistic daily peak value

Inverter does not start

Inverter is active but does not deliver power – the display reads: Start from 125V

Measurement: xxx V

Inverter is active but does not deliver power – the display reads:

Start from 125V

Measurement: xxx V (measured voltage is higher than 125V)

- Grid voltage failure

Daily yield values do not correspond to the values shown on the power meter of the Utility company.

No display shown

- Tolerances of the inverter’s internal measuring elements

- Device is in the night shut-down mode

- No grid voltage is present

- Solar generator voltage is less than 110V

- Device is in its night shut-down mode

- No grid voltage is present

- The solar generator voltage is less than

125V

- Insufficient generator voltage. Voltage measured < 125V

- The inverter has interrupted grid feeding due to a malfunction/Error.

Even if an incorrect daily peak value is displayed the inverter continues to work properly and without any yield losses. Values are reset overnight. If you wish to reset the display immediately, disconnect the inverter from the DC grid voltage supply and switch on the inverter again.

Measuring errors are caused by tolerances of the measuring elements. The tolerances of the individual measuring values are shown in Table 4-3, Display Operation and Settings. The daily yield value may deviate from the value shown on the power meter by up to 15%.

The inverter shuts down over night.

If the display should not be illuminated during a normal time of the day you should check on the power meter whether or not the device delivers power. If power is delivered the display module is defective, and the inverter has to be returned to KACO for repair.

If no power is delivered you should check that grid voltage is present and that the solar generator voltage is higher than 125V.

If this is the case but the inverter still fails to deliver power the device has to be returned to KACO for repair.

The inverter shuts down over night.

If the display should not be illuminated during a normal time of the day you should check on the power meter whether or not the device delivers power. If power is delivered the display module is defective and the inverter has to be returned to KACO for repair.

If no power is delivered you should check that grid voltage is present and that the solar generator voltage is higher than

125 V.

If this is the case but the inverter still fails to deliver power the device has to be returned to KACO for repair.

After sunrise, at sunset, and during times of low solar irradiation due to bad weather conditions the generator voltage or, respectively, generator power fed from the roof may be insufficient for grid feeding

After an interruption of grid feeding due to a malfunction (grid power failure, overtemperature, overload, etc.) the inverter always waits for approx. 5 minutes before resuming its grid feeding operation. Grid failures may cause interruptions during the day. If more than 10 interruptions should occur over several weeks you should contact your solar installation provider.

The inverter terminates grid feeding shortly after starting-up although there is enough solar irradiation

- Defective grid isolation relay in the inverter.

Although there is enough solar irradiation, the inverter delivers power for a few seconds only and switches off again. During this short time a grid feeding value between 0 – 5 W is displayed. If insufficient generator power can be ruled out in this case the grid isolation relay is presumably defective and prevents the inverter from being activated.

Grid fuse triggers

Inverter emits noise

- Insufficient grid fuse rating

- Inverter hardware is damaged

- Special environmental conditions

At times of high solar irradiation the inverter may exceed its rated current for a short time, depending on the type of solar generator. Therefore, the grid fuse should have a higher rating than the max. grid feeding current.

The grid fuse acts immediately if the inverter changes over to grid feeding (i.e. on termination of the start-up period). In this case, the inverter hardware is damaged and the device has to be returned to KACO for repair.

Under special environmental conditions the devices may cause audible noise. This may be due to the following causes:

6 Grid effects and/or grid Errors caused by special consumers

(motors, machines, etc.), which are connected to the same grid point or which may be installed in the vicinity of the inverter.

7 Dynamic weather conditions (frequent changes between sun and clouds) may cause a slight um due to high energy

8 Certain grid conditions may result in grid resonance between the input filter of the device and the grid, which may continue to be audible even after the inverter is switched off.

9 People with very sensitive ears (children, in particular) may perceive high-frequency hum of the inverter, caused by the operating frequency of 18 kHz.

10 This noise does not affect the operation of the inverter or inverter performance and will not result in failure, damage or shorter useful life of the devices.

If any defect found should not be able to be remedied by means of the measures described above please contact your solar installation provider or our Service Department.

7 Recycling and disposal

Both the inverter and associated transport packaging mainly consist of recyclable raw materials.

Please have the following information ready to enable our

Service Department to respond quickly and properly:

Inverter Data:

Serial number of the device

Inverter type

Short description of error

Is the fault or error reproducible? If so, please provide a short description.

Does the fault or error occur sporadically?

Describe the solar irradiation conditions prevailing when the error occurred.

Hour of the day

Solar generator data:

Module type, manufacturer (please send data sheet, if available).

Number of modules connected in series

Number of strings

Generator power

Device

Defective inverters and accessories do not belong in your household garbage. Please ensure that the old device and any accessories are disposed of according to the applicable regulations.

Packaging

Please ensure that the transport packaging is disposed of properly.