SX-series grid tied inverters
Installation and user manual
1
1. Notes
1.1. Scope of this manual
The main purpose of this user manual is to provide instructions and detailed procedures for installing, operating,
maintaining, and troubleshooting the SX-series of Autarco inverters which includes the following models:
SX700(S)
SX1000(S)
SX1500(S)
SX2000(S)
Please keep this user manual available at all times in case of emergency.
1.2. Symbols used
1.3. Target audience
This manual is intended for anyone who uses Autarco SX-series inverter. Before any further action, the operators
must first read all safety regulations and be aware of the potential danger to operate high-voltage devices.
Operators must also have a complete understanding of this device’s features and functions.
WARNING
Indicates safety instruction, which if not correctly followed, can result in injury or property
damages.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
Indicates safety instructions, which if not correctly followed, could result in electric shock.
HOT SURFACE
Indicates safety instructions, which if not correctly followed, could result in burns.
WARNING
Do not use this product unless it has been successfully installed by qualified personnel in
accordance with the instructions in chapter 5, “Installation”.
NOTICE
Qualified personnel means a person with valid license from the local authority in:
Installing electrical equipment and PV power systems (up to 1000 V).
Applying all applicable installation codes and using Personal Protective Equipment.
Analyzing and reducing the hazards involved in performing electrical work.
2
2. Preparation
2.1. Safety instructions
2.2. Package contents
Autarco SX-series
inverter
AC plug
MC4 connector
pairs
Mounting bracket
Instruction manual
DANGER
DO NOT touch any internal components whilst the inverter is in operation.
DO NOT stand close to the inverter during severe weather conditions such as lighting etc.
When exposed to light, photovoltaic (PV) arrays create electrical energy tha could cause a
hazardous condition. To avoid this, completely cover the surface of all PV arrays with
opaque (dark) material before wiring them or make sure the DC circuit breaker or
equivalent DC isolator is disconnected.
The SX series inverter must only be operated with PV arrays of protection class II, in
accordance with IEC 61730, class A.
WARNING
The installation, service, recycling and disposal of the inverters must be performed by qualified
personnel in compliance with national and local standards and regulations. Please contact your
dealer to get the information of authorized repair facility for any maintenance or repairmen.
Any unauthorized actions including modification of product functionality of any form will affect
the validation of warranty service; Autarco may deny the obligation of warranty service
accordingly.
WARNING
The PV inverter will become hot during operation; please don’t touch the heat sink or
peripheral surface during or shortly after operation.
NOTICE
The PV inverter designed to feed AC power directly into the public utility power grid.
DO NOT directly connect AC output of the inverter to any private AC equipment.
3
2.3. Internal DC switch
Please verify whether your Autarco SX-series inverter is equipped with an internal DC switch. This switch can be
found on the bottom of the inverter (see 3.4). If there isn’t an internal DC switch it is important to apply an
external DC disconnector in order to completely disconnect the solar PV module strings from the inverter.
2.4. Explanations of symbols on inverter
DANGER - HIGH ELECTRIC VOLTAGE
This device is directly connector to public grid. All work to the inverter shall be
carried out by qualified personnel only. There might be residual currents in
inverter for up to 10 minutes because of large capacitors.
ATTENTION
This device directly connected to electricity DC generators and the public AC grid.
DANGER – HOT SURFACES
The components inside the inverter will get hot during operation, DO NOT touch
aluminum housing during operating.
ATTENTION
In case of any work to the inverter, always refer to this manual for detailed
product information.
ATTENTION
This device SHALL NOT be disposed of in residential waste. Please go to Chapter 9
“Recycling and Disposal” for proper treatments.
CE MARK
This equipment conforms to the basic requirements of the EU guideline governing
low voltage and electromagnetic compatibility.
4
3. Product information
3.1. Overview
Autarco SX-series grid tied inverters are state of the art, high efficiency, robust and reliable grid tied inverters at
the best price quality ratio available. They are easy to install and carry a standard 10 year product warranty. Our
rigorous quality control and testing facilities guarantee Autarco inverters meet the highest quality standards
possible. These inverters are the key to our international track record of delivering extremely reliable solar power
solutions.
Key features:
Maximum efficiency of 97.6%
Wide MPPT voltage range
Low turn off voltage
High enclosure protection class IP65
Silent design using convection cooling principle
Standard ten year product warranty
Standard integrated Wi-Fi module for remote monitoring
Optional integrated DC switch
Full product specifications are found at the back of this manual.
3.1. Product identification
You can identify the inverter by the serial number (S/N) sticker on the side of the inverter. Important electrical
specification can also be found on the label which can be found on the right side of the inverter housing. Do not
remove the label or the serial number as this voids the product warranty.
5
3.2. Product overview
A: Inverter cover
B: LED light – POWER
C: LED light – OPERATION
D: LED light – ALARM
E: LCD display 2x16 characters
F: Escape key
G: Up key
H: Down key
I: Enter key
J: DC K: DC +
L: DC switch (optional)
M: Communication port
N: AC output
A B C
D
E F G H I
J K L
M
N
6
4. Installation
4.1. Safety
4.2. Mounting instructions
The inverter is suitable for outdoor and indoor installation
Vertical installation is recommended, with a maximum inclination of 15⁰ backwards
Make sure the mounting wall is strong enough to hold the weight of the inverter
The ambient temperature of installation site should be between -20 ⁰C and +60 ⁰C
It is not recommended that the inverter is exposed to the direct sunshine
Make sure of ample ventilation at installation site, insufficient ventilation may reduce the performance of
the electronic components inside the inverter and shorten the life span of the inverter
DANGER
DO NOT install the inverter near flammable or explosive items.
This inverter will be connected to a high voltage DC power generator and AC grid. The
installation must be performed by qualified personnel and in compliance with national and
local standards and regulations.
NOTICE
Inappropriate installation may jeopardize the life span of the inverter.
Directly exposure to intense sunshine is not recommended.
The installation site MUST have good ventilation conditions.
Max. 15⁰
7
4.3. Safety clearance
Observe the following minimum clearances to walls:
CAUTION
Heat sink should be out of reach from children.
Min. 100mm
Min. 100mm
Min. 300mm
Min. 300mm
8
4.4. Mounting procedure
Mount the wall bracket onto the mounting wall with appropriate screws plugs
Lower the inverter onto the bracket
9
5. Electrical installation
5.1. AC connection
The Autarco inverter is equipped with an integrated Residual Current Protective Device (RCPD) and Residual
Current Operated Monitor (RCOM). The RCOM will detect the volume of the leakage current and compare it with
the expected value, if the leakage current exceeds the permitted range, the RCPD will disconnect the inverter
from the AC load.
If regulations in the country of installation stipulate an external residual current device, you must use a device
with a tripping threshold of 100 mA or more.
The AC cable used must be dimensioned in accordance with any local and national directives on cable dimensions
which specify requirements for the minimum conductor cross-section. Cable dimensioning factors are e.g.: nominal
AC current, type of cable, type of routing, cable bundling, ambient temperature and maximum specified line losses.
We recommend 4mm 105 ℃ cable with resistance lower than 1.5 ohm.
Step 1: Slide the cable glad cap, cable gland body and adapter to the cable’
DANGER
This inverter will be connected to a high voltage DC power generator and AC grid. The
installation must be performed by qualified personnel and in compliance with national and local
standards and regulations.
DANGER
Never connect or disconnect the connectors under load
NOTICE
The AC connection to the electrical distribution grid must be performed only after receiving
authorization from the utility that operates the grid.
Cable gland cap
Cable gland body
Connector
10
Step 2: Strip outer jacket 60mm and strip each cable insolation about 12±1mm
Step 3: Insert cable strands into connector socket, and lock the screws.
Make sure to fit the ground wire into the PE hole.
Step 4: Fit the adapter, cable gland body and cable glad cap to the connector as per below
11
Always use separate fuses for consumer load. Use dedicated circuit breakers with load switch functionality for
load switching.
The selection of the mains circuit breaker rating depends on the wiring design (wire cross- section area), cable
type, wiring method, ambient temperature, inverter current rating etc. Derating of the circuit breaker rating
may be necessary due to self-heating or if exposed to heat.
SX700(S)
SX1000(S)
SX1500(S)
SX2000(S)
Max. AC current (A)
4.4
6.1
9.2
12.2
Recommended fuse type gL/gG or
comparable automatic circuit breaker
rating (A)
10
10
15
15
5.2. DC connections
SX-series inverters have a single MPP tracker, and the DC characteristics of each model are as per the following
table:
Inverter
MPP tracker
Max DC power
Max DC voltage
Max. DC current per
MPPT
SX700(S)
1
900W
450V
10A
SX1000(S)
1200W
SX1500(S)
1800W
SX2000(S)
2300W
500V
10A
NOTICE
It is important that the AC wires are connected to the right terminals as indicated by the “L”,
“N” and “Earth” symbols on each AC connector.
In some countries a second protective conductor is required as a matter of principle. In each
case, observe the applicable regulations for the site.
NOTICE
The AC connection to the electrical distribution grid must be performed only after receiving
authorization from the utility that operates the grid.
DANGER
No consumer load should be applied between the mains circuit breaker and the inverter.
DANGER
Never connect or disconnect the connectors under load
12
To connect the PV generator to the inverters we use 4mm² or 6mm² PV cable and MC4 connectors. For details on
how to assemble MC4 connector please refer our MC4 connector manual.
5.3. Inverter commissioning sequence
Turn ON
Turn OFF
1. Connect AC side (if not connected yet)
2. Connect DC side (if not connected yet)
3. Switch ON the DC switch
4. Switch ON the AC switch
1. Switch OFF the AC switch
2. Switch OFF the DC switch
DANGER
Do not connect the strings with an open circuit voltage greater than the Max DC voltage of the
inverter.
DANGER
For protection against electric shock, MC4 connectors must be isolated from the PV array while
being assembled or disassembled.
DC connections must not be unplugged while under load. They can be placed in a no-load state
by switching off the DC/AC converter or breaking the DC circuit interrupter. Plugging and
unplugging while under voltage is permitted.
CAUTION
MC4 connectors are watertight IP67 but cannot be used permanently under water. Do not lay
the MC4 connectors on the roof surface.
NOTICE
If any tools or parts are used in the MC4 connector assembly other than those listed in the
Autarco MC4 connector manual, neither safety nor compliance with the technical data can be
guaranteed.
13
6. Operation
6.1. LED indicator lights
There are three LED status indicator lights in the front panel of SX series inverters. The left POWER light (red)
indicates power status of the inverter. The middle OPERATION light (green) indicates the operation status. The
right ALARM light (yellow) indicates the alarm status. Table 3.1 explains their meanings.
Light
Status
Description
POWER
ON
The PV array provides power to the inverter
OFF
The PV array does not provide power to the inverter
OPERATION
ON
The inverter is feeding AC power to the grid
OFF
The inverter is not feeding AC power to the grid
FLASHING
The inverter is initializing
ALARM
ON
There is an fault, refer to the inverter display and chapter
11 of this manual for details
OFF
The inverter is operation normally
When inverter DC switch and AC switch have been turned on the inverter will start initializing. After approx. 3
minutes the inverter will start normal operation with the inverter display showing GENERATING.
6.2. Inverter display
The display content consists of 2 lines. During regular operation the display shows the current power and operation
status alternatively for 10 seconds. Pressing the UP or DOWN buttons will manually cycle through these two displays.
Pressing the ENTER button gives access to the main menu which has four sub menus:
Information, described in detail in chapter 6.3.
Settings, described in detail in chapter 6.4.
Advanced information, described in detail in chapter 6.5.
Advanced settings, described in details in chapter 6.6.
By pressing UP or DOWN keys you can cycle through these sub menus and click ENTER to go into the submenu.
6.3. Information
The SX series inverters main menu provides access to operational data and information. The information is
displayed by selecting "Information" from the main menu. By default the inverter display will scroll through the
information states below. You can also press UP or DOWN keys to manually scroll through.
State
Description
V_DC1
I_DC1
Shows the PV input voltage (V)
Shows the PV input current (A)
V_AC
I_AC
Shows the voltage (V) of the grid
Shows the current (A) of the grid
Status:
Power:
Shows the status of the inverter
Shows current output power of the inverter
NOTICE
During normal operation, make sure the optional integrated DC switch is switched “on”.
14
For any status other than “Generating” and “Initializing” please refer to
chapter 11 for trouble shooting
Grid frequency
F_Grid
Shows current frequency (Hz) of the grid
Total Energy
Shows total energy output (kWh)
This Month:
Last Month:
Total energy output in this month (kWh)
Total energy output of last month (kWh)
This day:
Last day:
Total energy output in this day (kWh)
Total energy output of yesterday (kWh)
By pressing the ESC key returns to the main menu. Pressing the ENTER key will lock or unlock the current display.
6.4. Settings
The following options are available under the Settings submenu:
Set Time
Set the time and date of the inverter
Press UP/DOWN keys to set change element
Press ENTER key to move to next element
Press ESC key to save date and return
Set Address
Assign a number (##) to the inverter to distinguish between multiple
inverters on a single Wi-Fi device. Not necessary for installations with single
inverter.
Press UP/DOWN keys to set change number
Press ENTER key to save the setting
Press ESC key to return
Restore Settings
Delete alarm messages that have been generated
6.5. Advanced info
Screen can be scrolled through with UP/DOWN keys to see the information as per the table below. Press ENTER
key to enter a submenu. Press ESC key to go back to the main menu.
Alarm Messages
Scroll through the last ten alarm messages for trouble shooting purposes.
Press UP/DOWN keys to cycle through alarm messages
Press ESC key to return
Temperature
The screen shows the temperature of the inverter in degrees Celcius.
Standard NO.
The screen shows the current grid standard
Version
The screen shows the operating software version of the inverter
WARNING
Access to this section of the menu is for Autarco qualified and accredited technicians only.
Unauthorized access will void the product and system warranty.
15
Communication date
The screen shows information interpretable to qualified technicians only
6.6. Advanced Settings
Screen can be scrolled through with UP/DOWN keys to see the information as per the table below. Press ENTER
key to enter a submenu. Press ESC key to go back to the main menu.
Select grid standard
Press UP/DOWN keys to cycle through available standards
AS4777
VDE4105
UL1741
G83/2
User defined
Press ENTER key to save the setting
Press ESC key to cancel and return
When selecting User defined the following upper and lower values have to be
set for voltage and frequency:
OV-V: 240-270V
UV-V: 180-210V
OV-G-F: 50.3-52.0Hz (60.3-62.0Hz)
UV-G-F: 47.0-49.5Hz (57.0-59.5Hz)
Press UP/DOWN keys to scroll through these values
Presss ENTER key to edit the selected value
Press UP/DOWN keys to change the selected value
Presss ENTER key to save and return
Press ESC key to cancel and return
Grid ON/OFF
Press UP/DOWN keys to cycle through grid ON/OFF options
WARNING
Please note that the User-Def standard is not to be used
without the agreement of the local grid authority.
WARNING
Set GRID ON (see below) before new standard is activated.
WARNING
Set GRID OFF (see below) before changing this setting.
WARNING
Access to this section of the menu is for Autarco qualified and accredited technicians only.
Unauthorized access will void the product and system warranty.
16
Press ENTER key to save
Press ESC key to return
Clear Energy
Reset the inverters total kWh output to zero.
New Password
Change the password to enter Advanced Info and Advanced Settings.
Calibrate Energy
Adjust Inverters total kwh output
7. Wi-Fi setup and system registration
The instructions about Wi-Fi setup and system registration can be found in separate manuals enclosed in the
documentation that came with this Autarco system. For more information manual please contact your Autarco
installer or refer to our website www.autarco.com.
8. Maintenance
The SX-series inverters do not require regular maintenance. However, impurities such as dust and dirt accumulation
on the heat sink may negatively affect the inverter’s ability to dissipate heat. Any dirt or dust can be removed
with a cloth or soft brunch.
9. Disposal
To comply with European Directive 2002/96/EC on waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its
implementation as national law, electrical equipment that has reached the end of its life must be collected
separately and returned to an approved recycling facility. Ignoring this EU Directive may have severe effects on
the environment and your health.
10. Contact
For more information please contact your Autarco installer or refer to our website www.autarco.com.
CAUTION
Do not touch the heat sink when the inverter is in operation. Turn OFF the inverter (see section
5.3) and allow for cooling down before cleaning.
CAUTION
Never use any solvents, abrasives or corrosive materials to clean the inverter.
19
11. Troubleshooting
11.1. General
Display
message
Action
Blank screen
Check that all switches are in the ON position (including internal DC switch if present)
Check AC and DC power supply. If DC power is greater than 10W and string voltage greater
than 100V the inverter should start.
If switches are on and AC and DC power supplies is available please contact installer.
11.2. Grid errors
Error type
Display
message
Error
code
Error
description
Action
Over voltage
OV-G-V
1010
Grid voltage
exceeds the
standard set
in the
inverter
1. Wait to see if the grid voltage returns within limits.
2. If problem persists, check whether the grid standard is set
correctly in Advanced Settings (see 6.6).
3. Check V_AC, grid voltage, in Information display of inverter
(see 0) and perform independent measurement of grid
voltage to confirm that the inverter reading is correct. If the
measured voltage is outside the local grid standard limits,
please contact your local utility as it may require monitoring
and adjustment
4. With agreement from utility it is possible to set a user
defined voltage range (see 6.6).
Under voltage
UN-G-V
1011
Grid voltage
is below the
standard set
in the
inverter
Over
frequency
OV-G-F
1012
Grid
frequency
exceeds the
standard set
in the
inverter.
1. Wait to see if the grid frequency returns within limits.
2. If a problem persists, check whether the grid standard is set
correct in Advanced Settings (see 6.6).
3. Check grid frequency, in Information display of inverter (see
0) and perform independent measurement of grid frequency
to confirm that the inverter reading is correct. If the
measured frequency is outside the local grid standard limits,
please contact your local utility as it may require monitoring
and adjustment.
4. With agreement from utility it is possible to set a user
defined frequency range (see 6.6).
Under
frequency
UN-G-V
1013
Grid
frequency is
below the
standard set
in the
inverter.
Grid
impedance
G-IMP
1014
High grid
impedance
5. Wait to see if the grid returns within limits.
6. If problem persists please contact your local utility as it may
require monitoring and adjustment.
No Grid
NO Grid
1015
The inverter
cannot
detect a
grid.
1. Check your AC power connections and switches.
2. Restart the inverter.
3. Call your local grid to resolve the black out.
20
11.3. Internal component fault
Error type
Display
message
Error
code
Error
description
Action
Over BUS DC voltage
OV-BUS
1021
Internal fault
1. Restart inverter (up to three times).
2. If error persists contact installer for
replacement inverter.
Under BUS DC voltage
UN_BUS
1012
Internal fault
BUS pressure fault
UNB2_BUS
1024
Internal fault
System initial fault
INI-PRO
1031
Internal fault
Relay fault
Relay_PRO
1035
Internal fault
DSP_B fault
DSP_B_PRO
1036
Internal fault
DC injection
DCInj_PRO
1037
Internal fault
12V under voltage fault
12Power_PRO
1038
Internal fault
11.4. System and design fault
Error type
Display
message
Error
code
Error description
Action
Over DC voltage
OV-DC
1020
The DC input of the
solar strings
exceeds the
inverters limits.
1. Restart inverter (up to three times).
2. Contact installer to:
a. Perform independent measurement of string
voltage to confirm that the inverter reading is
correct.
3. Rewire strings so that string voltage is within
accepted range.
Over
temperature
TEM-PRO
1032
The internal
temperature of
inverter exceeds
limits.
1. Check location of inverter. Ensure it has adequate
ventilation and is not exposed to direct sunlight.
2. Contact installer to replace inverter in case problem
persists.
Short circuit
fault
SHORTPRO
1030
A short circuit has
been detected in
the system.
1. Restart inverter (up to three times).
2. Call installer to:
a. Check for pinched, crimped or otherwise
damaged cables and connections.
b. Check all switches for short circuit.
3. If error persists contact Autarco for replacement
inverter.
Ground fault
GROUNDPRO
1033
Current flow
detected through
ground conductor.
1. Restart inverter (up to three times).
2. Call installer to:
a. Check if there is any current on the ground
conductor using a clamp meter.
b. Check for pinched, crimped or otherwise
damaged cables and connections.
3. If error persists contact Autarco for replacement
inverter.
Current leakage
ILeak_PRO
1034
A current leak has
been detected.
1. Restart inverter (up to three times).
2. Call installer to:
a. Check if there is any current on the ground
conductor using a clamp meter.
b. Check for pinched, crimped or otherwise
damaged cables and connections.
3. If error persists contact Autarco for replacement
inverter.
21
11.1. Product specifications:
SX700(S)
SX1000(S)
SX1500(S)
SX2000(S)
Input
Max. DC voltage (V)
450
500
MPPT voltage range (V)
70-400
100-400
Turn off voltage (V)
120
Number of MPP trackers
2
Max. DC current per MPPT (A)
10
15
DC connection type
MC4
Number of DC connections per MPPT
1
Turn on power (W)
10
Output
Nominal AC power (W)
2500
3000
3600
4600
Max. AC power (W)
2800
3300
400
5000
Nominal AC current (A)
10.9
13
15.7
20
Max. AC current (A)
13.3
15.7
16
23.8
Power connection
Single phase
Grid voltage range
According to VDE 0126-1-1, UL1741, G83/2, AS4777
Grid frequency range
According to VDE 0126-1-1, UL1741, G83/2, AS4777
Power factor
>0.99
Harmonic distortion at nominal output
<4%
AC connector
Plug in connector
Overvoltage category
OVC III (MAINS), OVC II (PV)
Power consumption
Nighttime power consumption (W)
< 1
Standby power consumption (W)
6
Efficiencies
Max. efficiency
>97%
Euro efficiency
>96.4%
MPPT efficiency
99.9%
22
SX700(S)
SX1000(S)
SX1500(S)
SX2000(S)
Safety protection
Internal overvoltage protection
Yes
DC Insulation monitoring
Yes
Earth fault protection
Yes
Grid monitoring
According to VDE 0126-1-1, UL1741, G83/2, AS4777
Earth fault current monitoring
According to VDE 0126-1-1, UL1741, G83/2, AS4777
DC current monitoring
According to VDE 0126-1-1, UL1741, G83/2, AS4777
Islanding protection
According to VDE 0126-1-1, UL1741, G83/2, AS4777
CE- compliant
According to EN 62109, EN 61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-3, EN 61000-6-2, EN
61000-6-4, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, EN61000-3-12, EN61000-3-11
General data
Dimensions (W x H x D) (mm)
339 x 565 x 164
Weight
5.2kg
5.6
Installation environment
Indoor or outdoor
Mounting
Wall bracket
Operating temperature range (°C)
-20 to 60
Max. relative humidity
95% (without condensation)
Maximum altitude
2000m
IP protection rating
IP65 according to EN60529
Isolation type
Transformerless
Cooling concept
Convection
Noise level (dB)
< 30
LED indicators
3
LCD display
16 x 2 character
Communication interfaces
RS485
Optional interfaces
Wi-Fi 802.11, RS232, RJ45, GPRS
Standard warranty
10 years
Integrated DC switch
Optional
11.2. Product identification
You can identify the inverter by the serial number (S/N) sticker on the side of the inverter. Important electrical
specification can also be found on the label which can be found on the right side of the inverter housing. Do not
remove the label or the serial number as this voids the product warranty.
Loading...