The installation instructions for authorized electricians begin after the operating instructions
For the operator
Operating Instructions
blueplanet 1502xi / 2502xi
General Notes ..........................................................4
1 About This Documentation ........................................4
1.1 Retention of documents .............................................4
1.2 Symbols used in this document ..................................4
1.3 Name plate ...............................................................4
2 Safety Instructions and Regulations ..........................4
3 Notes on Installation and Operation ...........................5
3.1 Intended use .............................................................5
3.2 Factory warranty and liability .....................................6
3.3 Service ......................................................................6
4 Operation ..................................................................6
4.1 Overview of controls and displays ..............................6
4.2 LED displays ..............................................................7
4.3 Keys “1” and “2” ......................................................7
4.4 Level 1 menu – Display mode ....................................8
4.5 Level 2 menu – Configuration mode ..........................9
4.6 DC switch ................................................................ 10
4.7 Night time start switch ............................................10
4.8 The RS485 interface ................................................10
4.9 Display .................................................................... 10
5 Accessories..............................................................13
6 Troubleshooting .......................................................14
7 Recycling and Disposal ............................................16
Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi Page 3
Page 4 Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi
Se cti on 1 · A b ou t Thi s Doc um ent ati on
General Notes
By purchasing an inverter from KACO new energy GmbH, you
have opted for a reliable, high-performance technology and
will profit from KACO new energy’s many years of experience in
the field of current inverter technology and power electronics.
The blueplanet 1502xi and 2502xi inverters are galvanically
isolated, fanless, robust, high-efficiency inverters.
N O T I C E
Failure to observe a warning indicated in this manner may
lead to damage to property.
N O T E
1 About This
Documentation
The following notes guide you through all of the documentation. Additional documents are applicable in conjunction with
these operating and installation instructions.
We assume no liability for any damage caused by failure to
observe these instructions.
N O T I C E
Read the manual!
We assume no liability for any damage caused by failure to
observe these instructions.
Other applicable documents
Please read any additional operation instructions which may
have been included with the inverter.
1.1 Retention of documents
Please pass these operating and installation instructions on
to the installation operator. These documents must be stored
near the installation and must be available at all times.
1.2 Symbols used in this document
When operating the inverter, observe the safety instructions
provided in these operating instructions.
!
DANGER
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
1.2
Useful information and notes.
A C T I O N
This symbol indicates that a certain action is required.
I M P O R T A N T
Failure to observe this information may result in reduced
convenience or impaired functionality.
1.3 Name plate
The name plate showing the exact designation of the unit is
located on the right side of the housing.
2 Safety Instructions and
Electrical voltage!
Risk of burns!
Read the manual!
Regulations
!
WARNING
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
!
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.
Danger due to lethal voltages.
–
Lethal voltages are present within the unit and
–
on the power supply lines. Therefore, only authorized electricians may install and open the unit.
Even when the unit is disconnected, high contact
–
voltages may still be present within the unit.
!
DANGER
Se cti on 2 · S a fe ty In str uc tio ns an d Re g ul ati ons
Se cti on 3 · N o te s on In sta ll ati on an d Op e ra tio n
Accident prevention regulations
The inverter must be installed by an authorized electrician
who is responsible for observing existing standards and regu
lations.
The proper and safe operation of this unit requires proper
transportation, storage, assembly and installation, as well as
careful operation and maintenance.
The inverter may only be operated by persons who have read
and understood the operating instructions.
Modifications
It is generally not permitted to make changes to the inverter.
Always consult an authorized electrician for modifications to
the installation of the inverter, as they are qualified to under
take such work.
!
CAUTION
Risk of damage due to improper modifications.
Never modify or manipulate the inverter or other
components of the installation.
-
-
N O T E
FCC Compliance
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Transportation
The inverter is subjected to extensive testing and inspections
in our test field. This is how we ensure the high quality of our
products. Our inverters leave our factory in proper electrical
and mechanical condition. Special packaging ensures safe and
careful transportation. However, transport damage may still
occur. The shipping company is responsible in such cases.
Thoroughly inspect the inverter upon delivery. Immediately
notify the responsible shipping company if you discover any
damage to the packaging which indicates that the inverter
may have been damaged or if you discover any visible damage
to the inverter.
If necessary, your solar installer or KACO new energy GmbH will
assist you. Damage reports must be received by the shipping
company in writing within six days of receipt of the goods.
When transporting the inverter, the original or equivalent pack
aging is to be used, as this ensures safe transport.
3 Notes on Installation and
Operation
3.1 Intended use
The unit converts the DC voltage generated by the photovoltaic
(PV) modules into AC voltage and feeds this into the utility
grid.
blueplanet inverters are built according to all required safety
rules. Nevertheless, improper use may cause lethal hazards for
the operator or third parties, or may result in damage to the
units and other property.
The inverter may only be operated with a permanent connec
tion to the public power grid.
The inverter is not intended for mobile use.
Any other or additional use is not considered the intended use.
The manufacturer/supplier is not liable for damage caused by
such unintended use. Damage caused by such unintended use
is at the sole risk of the operator.
Intended use also includes adherence to the operating and
installation instructions. Your authorized electrician undertakes
the registration with your power supply company and obtains
approval for your photovoltaic installation from the supply
grid operator on your behalf. Some of the documents that you
require in order to register your photovoltaic installation and
have it approved are included in the installation instructions.
-
Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi Page 5
Page 6 Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi
Se cti on 3 · N o te s on In sta ll ati on an d Op e ra tio n
Se cti on 4 · O p er ati on
3.2 Factory warranty and liability
KACO new energy GmbH issues a warranty of ten years or 120
months on the blueplanet inverter starting from the date of
installation, but at most 130 months after shipment by KACO
new energy GmbH.
During this time, KACO new energy GmbH guarantees the
proper function of the units and to undertake repairs at the
factory free of charge in the event of a defect for which we
are responsible.
Contact your specialty dealer or installer if your unit exhibits a
defect or fault during the warranty period.
Warranty claims are excluded in the following cases:
–
Use of the units in ways not intended
–
Improper installation and installation that does not comply
with standards
–
Improper operation
–
Operation of units with defective protective equipment
–
Unauthorized modifications to the units or repair attempts
–
Influence of foreign objects and force majeure (lightning,
overvoltage, severe weather, fire)
–
Insufficient ventilation of the unit
–
Failure to observe the relevant safety regulations
–
Transport damage
!
CAUTION
Incorrect use is prohibited.
4 Operation
The grid-feed process begins in the morning if sufficient insolation
is available, and, therefore, if a certain minimum voltage is present
in the inverter.
If, as nightfall approaches, the voltage drops below the minimum
voltage value, grid-feed mode ends and the inverter switches off.
4.1 Overview of controls and displays
All warranty claims must be handled at the premises of KACO
new energy GmbH. The unit must, where possible, be returned
in its original or equivalent packaging. The costs for these ser
vices cannot be borne by K ACO new energy GmbH.
KACO new energy GmbH will perform warranty services only
if the defective unit is returned to KACO new energy GmbH
together with a copy of the invoice which was issued to the
user by the dealer and the completed warranty card. The name
plate on the unit must be fully legible. If these requirements
are not fulfilled, KACO new energy GmbH reserves the right to
deny warranty services.
The warranty period for repairs or replacement deliveries is six
months after delivery. However, it continues at least until the
end of the original warranty period for the delivery item.
3.3 Service
We place special emphasis on the quality and longevity of our
inverters, starting with the product development phase. More
than 60 years of experience in the field of power conversion
device manufacturing support our philosophy.
However, despite all quality assurance measures, faults may
occur in exceptional cases. In such cases, KACO new energy
GmbH will provide you with the maximum possible support.
KACO new energy GmbH will make every effort to remedy
such faults in an expeditious manner and without a great deal
of bureaucracy. Contact our service department directly by
telephone at + 1 866 522 6765.
-
Figure 4.1: Overview blueplanet
Legend
1 Display
See measured values and configuration parameters
2 LED displays
Display of the operating state
3 Control keys
Switch between displays and configuration of parameters
4 AC/DC switch
Disconnects AC and DC power from the inverter
5 Night time start switch
For activating the display after nightfall
6 GFDI fuse
Ground Fault Detector Interruptor Fuse.
1
2
3
!
ok
Se cti on 4 · O p er ati on
4.2 LED displays
The inverter is equipped with three LEDs that give information
about the various operating statuses as follows:
Figure 4.2: LED displays
LED (1) (green):
The LED begins to light up when the minimum voltage from a
photovoltaic array is present and goes out again if the array
voltage is lower than the minimum operating voltage.
The LED signals that the inverter is in stand-by mode if it is the
only illuminated LED. The inverter is ready for operation or is
currently operating.
LED (2) (green):
The LED is lit when the inverter is feeding into the grid.
LED (3) (red):
The LED indicates that the grid-feed was stopped due to a
fault.
4.3 Keys “1” and “2”
Figure 4.3: blueplanet control keys
Key “1” is used to switch between the various displays for measured values and data. You use key “2” to configure settings.
Here, menu navigation is divided into two levels. In level 1
(display mode), measured values such as the solar generator
voltage can be read. Here, only key “1” is activated. In level 2
(configuration mode), key “1” is used to navigate through the
individual displays and settings.
A C T I O N
By pressing key “1” you can choose which measured value
is to be displayed.
The menus are continuous, which means that when you arrive
at the last entry in a menu, the first entry is displayed again
the next time key “1” is pressed (see Figure 4.4).
Wait approx. 10 minutes to see if the fault is only temporary
in nature. If this is not the case, notify your authorized electri
cian.
I M P O R T A N T
If there is a power failure on the public grid, LED (3) does
not light up. If this happens, all LEDs and the display go out.
The inverter is shut down completely.
The inverter can only resume its normal operation when the
public utility grid is available again.
Check whether the fault in question relates to a general power
failure or whether the circuit breaker between the utility service
and the inverter has tripped. If the circuit breaker has tripped,
notify your authorized technician. If there was a power failure,
simply wait until the fault has been cleared. The system auto
matically re-starts.
-
-
Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi Page 7
Page 8 Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi
Se cti on 4 · O p er ati on
4.4 Level 1 menu – Display mode
The display menu is shown once the blueplanet inverter starts
up. Measured values and all of the counters are displayed
here. Key “1” is used to navigate through the individual menu
items.
Display of inverter type
Generator voltage and current
Grid voltage, current and power
Daily peak capacity
Temperature inside unit
Counter yield
Yield today
Total yield
Explanation of the individual menu items:
Inverter type display
Inverter type blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi display
Generator voltage and current
The current voltage and current of the PV solar generator that
is connected to the inverter.
Grid voltage, current and power
The current line voltage, line current, and the power that is
currently being fed into the power grid.
Daily peak capacity
The respective day’s peak power that was fed into the grid for
a short time.
Temperature inside unit
Displays the current heat sink temperature. If the unit becomes
too hot, the unit will reduct power output or switch off.
Counter yield
This counter totals all yields until it is reset. The customer can
configure the time periods for this counter, e.g. as a monthly
counter. The counter can be cleared in configuration mode
“Clear yield”.
Yield today
The power that has been fed into the grid during the current
day. This value resets to zero each morning.
(Total) economy of CO
2
Counter oper. hours
Operating hours today
Total operating hours
Figure 4.4: Display mode menu
Total yield
The power that has been fed into the grid since installation
of the inverter. The initial value can be set in configuration
mode.
(Total) economy of CO
2
Shows the CO2 savings of this PV installation compared to the
German electricity mix. The CO
total yield counter and can also be cleared with this counter.
savings are calculated from the
2
Counter oper. hours
This counter totals all yields until it is reset again. The cus
tomer can configure the time periods for this counter, e.g. as
a monthly counter. It can be cleared in configuration mode
“Clear yield”.
Operating hours today
Today’s hours of operation. As soon as the inverter is in standby mode (i.e. when LED (1) lights up), the running time is added
up.
Total operating hours
The hours of operation since installation of the inverter. As
soon as the inverter is in stand-by mode (i.e. when LED (1)
lights up), the running time is added up.
-
Se cti on 4 · O p er ati on
4.5 Level 2 menu – Configuration mode
A C T I O N
To access configuration mode, press both keys at the same
time. The software version display appears. Pressing key
“1” now switches to the next menu item and changes can
be made in the respective menu item by pressing key “2”.
The setting value increases each time key “2” is pressed.
If the maximum value has been reached, the value returns
to the minimum setting choice.
Software version
Serial number
Current country
Language selection
Clear the grid-feed counter
Define the initial value of the total yield
Clear the grid-feed counter
When you clear the grid-feed counter, all counters (Counter
yield and Counter oper. hours) are reset to zero.
To clear the counters, select “Yes” with key “2”, and confirm
your selection by pressing the “1” key. The required code is
“2” and is entered using key “2”. By means of an additional
confirmation with key “1”, all counter are cleared. The display
“Grid-feed counter cleared!” confirms that the counters have
been cleared.
“Counter yield” and “Counter oper. hours” can be cleared sepa
rately from the other counters. These counters are cleared in the
configuration menu using key 2 and the code 2. ”Counter yield”
and “Counter oper. hours” are always cleared together.
Choosing your communication interface and
address setting
With the menu item “Select interface”, you can use key “2” to
switch between the RS232 and RS485 interfaces.
If the RS485 interface is activated, you can reach the address
setting by pressing key “1”. By pressing key “2”, the address
can be set in a consecutive manner from 1 to 32.
The address then jumps back to 1. The RS485 interface is used
to communicate with the KACO
other monitor. If several inverters are connected to a KACO
proLOG, watchDOG or other monitor each address may
only be used once. It is possible to monitor 32 blueplanet
inverters with one KACO
interface, please contact your installer.
proLOG, watchDOG or
proLOG. To connect the RS485
-
Select the interface and
settings of the RS485 address
S0 interface
Quick start
Figure 4.5: Configuration mode menu
Explanation of the individual menu items:
Software version
The current software version is displayed here.
Serial number
Display of the serial number specific to the unit.
Current country
Display of the current country settings.
Language selection
The language of the configuration interface can be selected
here.
S0 interface pulse rate
The S0 interface is designed as a galvanically isolated transistor
output. This interface is designed according to “DIN 43864
– Current interface for transmitting pulses from a pulsing meter
to a tariff metering device”.
The S0 interface pulse rate can be chosen in three unit inter
vals: 500, 1,000 and 2,000 pulses/kWh.
To connect the S0 interface, please contact your installer.
A C T I O N
Settings are saved only upon exiting configuration mode. If
2 minutes elapse without a key being pressed, the configura
tion mode is automatically exited. The configuration mode
can also be immediately exited by pressing both keys. As
a confirmation, “Settings saved” appears on the display.
The settings are now permanently saved in the blueplanet
inverter.
Quick start
The inverter can also be started up without any waiting period
for the purpose of testing or for the purpose of acceptance by
your power supply company.
If the inverter is already feeding into the grid, this menu item
is not available.
If there is insufficient solar generator power, the inverter stops
feeding into the grid after a short period of time.
-
-
Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi Page 9
Page 10 Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi
Se cti on 4 · O p er ati on
4.6 DC/AC switch
The inverters include a connection box with an internal DC/AC
disconnect switch, which allows for the inverter to be discon
nected from the photovoltaic generator and the AC power grid
for service.
To disconnect the inverter from the photovoltaic generator,
turn the internal DC/AC disconnect switch on the right side
of the connection box from the ON (1) position to the OFF (0)
position (see Fig. 4.1).
The inverter is delivered with the internal DC/AC disconnect
switch in the OFF (0) position. The ON (1) position is pointing
up and the OFF (0) position is pointing toward the front.
4.7 Night time start switch
The unit switches off in the evening as nightfall approaches.
The display is no longer shown. In order to retrieve the values
from the current day (daily yield, daily hours of operation and
max. grid-feed power) after the display switches off, the unit
can be activated during the night by pressing the start switch
on the right side of the connection box.
A C T I O N
To do this, press the “5” switch (see Figure 4.1 – (5)) on
the right side of the connection box for approx. 5 seconds
until a display appears.
You can now scroll through the menu and retrieve the saved
values. If over one minute elapses without a key being pressed,
the unit switches off automatically once again.
The “Counter oper. hours “, “Total operating hours”, “Counter
yield”, and “Total yield” data are permanently saved and
totaled. This data remains in memory even if the inverter is
switched off for a long time. The daily yield, daily hours of
operation and the max. daily grid-feed power are available
until the following morning and are cleared when PV generator
voltage is present again.
4.8 The RS485 interface
Blueplanet inverters are also equipped with an RS485 interface
-
in order to enable remote monitoring of your photovoltaic instal
lation. Several inverters can be monitored over this interface
at the same time. Using the KACO
or other monitoring device you can receive yield and operat
ing data as well as error messages by SMS (text message) or
e-mail. These monitoring options are especially recommended
for situations where you are unable to check the functionality
of the installation on-site at regular intervals, e.g. if you live
far away from the installation site. Contact your installer if you
wish to integrate remote monitoring into your system.
proLOG, watchDOG
-
-
4.9 Display
Inverters in the blueplanet series are equipped with a back-lit
LCD (see figure 4.1 – (1)) which displays measured values and
data.
In normal mode, the backlighting is switched off. As soon
as you press one of the keys, the backlighting is activated.
If approx. 1 minute elapses without a key being pressed,
it switches off once again.
N O T E
Calculating efficiency by measuring the current and voltage
values leads to unusable results due to the tolerances of the
measuring devices.
The sole purpose of these values is to monitor the basic
operation of the system.
I M P O R T A N T
Due to measuring tolerances, the measured values may
not always correspond to the actual values. The inverter’s
measuring elements have been selected to ensure maximum
solar yields.
Due to these tolerances, the daily yields displayed on the
inverter may deviate from the values on your supply grid
operator’s grid-feed counter by up to 15%. At low power
operation the sensors within the unit are not as accurate as
when at higher power therefore long term operation may
cause this high deviation. Under normal operating conditions
this deviation is minimal.
Se cti on 4 · O p er ati on
Operating states
Status Explanation Comment
0 Inverter has just switched on Only for a brief period after being first switched on in the morning.
1 Waiting to start Grid parameters and generator voltage are checked.
2 Waiting to switch off Insufficient generator voltage and generator power. The status before it switches
over to night shutdown mode.
3 Constant voltage regulator The inverter continues to operate with minimum MPP voltage when the grid-feed
power is low.
5 Grid-feed mode The inverter is feeding into the grid.
8 Self test The line relay and the shutdown of the power electronics are tested prior to the
commencement of grid-feed mode.
11 Power limitation If the generator is producing too much power, the inverter limits to the max. power.
This can occur in the midday hours if the generator has been too largely dimensioned.
This is not a malfunction.
57 Waiting time after a fault After a fault, the inverter waits a defined country-specific amount of time before it
switches on (Installation Instructions, section 4, Technical Data).
Table 4.1: Explanation of the operating states
Fault signals
When these error messages are displayed, the grid-feed is interrupted, the red LED (3) lights up, and the fault signal relay has switched.
This error correction takes a country-specific length of time (see Installation Instructions, section 3, Technical Data). Afterwards the red
Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi Page 11
Page 12 Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi
Se cti on 4 · O p er ati on
fault LED (3) goes out, the fault signal relay drops out again, and the display signals that it is ready to feed into the grid once again. Once
the fault is gone, the blueplanet inverter feeds in again.
Many of these fault signals point to a fault in the grid, and are, therefore, not an operational fault on the part of the blueplanet inverter.
The minimum triggering levels are determined by applicable standards (e.g. VDE0126-1-1 or UL 1741), and the inverter must switch off
if the permitted values are exceeded.
Status Display Explanation
10 Temperature too high inside The temperature in the unit has become too high (> 176°F). When the internal
temperature reaches 158°F, the inverter limits the power. An internal temperature
of 176°F is only reached if convection cooling is impeded by external factors, e.g. by
covering or something blocking the airflow through the cooling fins.
29 Error GFDI
Check Fuse!
30 Error
Measurement
32 ErrorSelftest The internal grid separation relay test has failed. If this internal error occurs several times,
33 Error
DC-gridfeeding
34 Error Communication A communication error has occurred in the internal data transmission. If this error occurs several
35 Protection
shutdown
36 Protection
shutdown HW
38 Failure
PV-Overvoltage
41 Line failure
Undervoltage
42 Line failure
Overvoltage
48 Line failure
Underfrequency
49 Line failure
Overfrequency
55 Failure
DC Link
56 Failure
algorithm
58 Overtemperature
controlling unit
A ground fault was detected on the DC side. Notify your authorized electrician so
that the solar generator can be checked.
The current and voltage measurements in the inverter are not plausible. This can be
caused by very dynamic weather conditions if there are quick changes between low
grid-feed power (e.g. 200 W) and high grid-feed power (e.g. the maximum grid-feed
power).
notify your authorized electrician.
The DC feed into the grid has exceeded the permitted limit value. This can be caused by
the grid in which case no inverter fault exists. If this error occurs several times, notify your
authorized electrician.
times, notify the service department.
Protection shutdown of the software (AC overvoltage, AC overcurrent, DC link overvolt
age). This is not an error, but instead a grid-related shutdown.
Protection shutdown of the hardware (AC overvoltage, AC overcurrent, DC link overvoltage). This is not an error, but instead a grid-related shutdown.
The voltage of the PV generator is too high. The solar generator is incorrectly
dimensioned. Shutdown your PV generator and notify your authorized electrician.
Continued operation can cause damage to the inverter and will void the manufactur
ers warranty.
The voltage of the grid-feed phase is too low. The grid cannot be fed into. This error
can be grid-related.
The voltage of the grid-feed phase is too high. The grid cannot be fed into. This error
can be grid-related.
The line frequency is too low. This error can be grid-related.
The line frequency is too high. This error can be grid-related.
An error occurred during charging of the DC link. Notify your authorized electrician.
An internal error occurred during the calculation algorithm. Try to restart or notify your
authorized electrician.
The temperature is too high. To avoid damage, the grid-feed was stopped. Provide for
sufficient ventilation.
-
-
Table 4.2: Fault signals
Se cti on 5 · A c ce sso rie s
5 Accessories
KACO offers its customers a comprehensive range of helpful
accessories. The array of products includes monitoring, display,
visualisation and data transmission equipment of the highest
quality.
KACO-proLOG
Are you looking for professional monitoring and data logging
equipment? The KACOyour PV installation. Error messages by SMS (text message),
fax or e-mail, remote access to the installation, the presenta
tion of the PV installation on the Internet and much more are
no problem whatsoever for the KACOinverters can be connected to the KACORS485 interface.
proLOG is the high-end solution for
proLOG. Up to 32
proLOG via the
The KACOinverter in a few easy steps. For more about the functions and
installation of the KACOplease visit www.kacosolar.com where you may download the
installation manuals for all KACO products.
You can access your PV data at:
www.kaco-newenergy.com/blueplanetweblogin.php
-
Figure 5.2: KACO-watchDOG installation
Information about additional accessories can be found in our
general catalogue.
watchDOG can be installed inside the blueplanet
watchDOG and KACO-proLOG
Figure 5.1: KACO-proLOG
KACO-watchDOG
The KACO-watchDOG card is the integrated communication
option from KACO for monitoring your PV installation. Up to
three inverters can be monitored with one affordable card.
Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi Page 13
Page 14 Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi
Se cti on 6 · T r ou ble sho ot ing
6 Troubleshooting
In line with our continuously expanding quality assurance system, we endeavor to eliminate all errors and faults. You have purchased a
product which left our factory in proper condition. Each individual unit has successfully passed an endurance test as well as extensive
tests for the purpose of assessing the operating behavior and the protective equipment.
If your photovoltaic installation does not function properly despite these measures, we suggest the following troubleshooting proce
dures:
The first step is to monitor the inverter closely and, where applicable, make a note of the displays and LEDs. The next step is to contact
your installer and explain the problem encountered.
The following faults may occur and should be remedied as described.
Error Cause of error Troubleshooting/Explanation
Inverter displays an
impossible daily peak
value.
Daily energy yields do
not correspond with
the yields on the energy
supply company’s gridfeed counter.
The display is blank and
the LEDs are not lighting
up.
The inverter is active but
does not feed into the
grid.
The inverter is active but
does not feed into the
grid. The insolation is
sufficient.
Faults in the line voltage. The inverter continues to operate as normal without losses to
the yield, even when an erroneous daily peak value is displayed.
The value is reset overnight. To immediately reset the value, the
inverter must be switched off and switched on again by using
the DC/AC switch in the connection box.
Tolerances of the measuring elements in the
inverter.
The unit is in night
–
shutdown mode.
There is no AC line
–
voltage.
The solar generator
–
voltage is too low.
DC/AC switch is OFF (0).
–
Insufficient generator
–
voltage available.
The line voltage or the
–
solar generator voltage
is not stable.
The inverter has interrupted the grid-feed due
to a fault.
The measuring sensors of the inverter have been selected to
ensure maximum solar yields.
Due to these tolerances,
the daily yields displayed on the inverter may deviate from the
values on your supply grid operator’s grid-feed counter by
up to 15% , especially if operating at very low power for
extended periods of time.
The inverter switches to night shutdown mode as soon as the
solar generator voltage is below the minimum grid-feed voltage for a longer period of time. In this case, the display will
also switch off. In order to still be able to view the currently
measured values, you can switch on the inverter via the night
start-up key.
A grid failure will also cause the display to go blank and the gridfeed to stop. Wait until the public utility grid is available again.
Also check to see if the DC/AC switch is OFF (0) and if so, switch
it to ON (1).
If the display does not light up during normal daytime hours,
please contact your solar installer.
After sunrise, at sunset and when there is not enough solar
insolation due to bad weather conditions or due to the solar
modules being covered with snow, the generator voltage or
the generator power that comes from the roof may be too low
to be able to feed in.
Before the grid-feed process begins, the inverter has to check
the line parameters for a certain period of time. The length of
the switch-on time differs by country according to applicable
standards and regulations and can take several minutes.
After an interruption of the grid-feed due to a fault (line failure,
overtemperature, overload, etc.), the inverter checks the line
parameters for certain period of time. The length of time it takes
to switch back on again differs by country according to applicable standards and regulations and can take several minutes.
With faulty grids, interruptions can occur during the day. Notify
your solar installer if the inverter shuts down regularly over a
period of several weeks (more than 10 times per day).
For an explanation of the individual display error texts, please
see the fault signals.
-
Se cti on 6 · T r ou ble sho ot ing
Error Cause of error Troubleshooting/Explanation
The inverter stops
supplying power to
the grid shortly after
being switched on, even
though there is sufficient
sunlight.
Faulty grid separation relay
in the inverter.
Although there is sufficient sunlight, the inverter feeds into the
grid only for a few seconds before switching off again. During
the short grid-feed period, the inverter shows that the power
being fed into the grid is between 0 and 5 W. If the inverter is
definitely receiving sufficient generator power, the grid separation relay is presumably faulty, thus preventing the inverter from
connecting. Please contact your solar installer.
The line fuse trips. The line fuse capacity is
Noise emission from the
inverter.
In spite of high insolation, the inverter
does not feed in the
maximum power into
low-voltage grid.
–
too low.
Damage to the inverter’s
–
hardware.
Particular ambient
conditions.
Unit is too hot and
the power is reduced.
Table 6.1: Troubleshooting
In cases of high insolation, the inverter can – depending on the
solar generator – exceed its rated current for a short period. For
this reason, the capacity of the inverter’s pre-fuse should be
somewhat higher than the maximum grid-feed current.
If the line fuse immediately trips when the inverter switches
to grid-feed mode (after the start-up period is complete), the
inverter’s hardware is probably damaged. Contact your solar
installer.
When there are certain ambient conditions, the units may emit
audible noises. The following causes may be determining factors
in this regard:
Line interference or line failure caused by particular loads
–
(motors, machines, etc.) which are either connected to the same
point on the grid or located in the vicinity of the inverter.
In cases of dynamic weather conditions (frequent switching
–
between sunny and cloudy conditions) or strong solar insolation, a light hum may be audible due to the high output.
With particular grid conditions, resonances may form between the
–
unit’s input filter and the grid, which may be audible even when
the inverter is switched off.
People with very sensitive hearing (particularly children) may be
–
able to hear the high-frequency hum caused by the inverter’s
operating frequency of approx. 17 kHz.
Such noise emissions do not affect the operation of the inverter.
Nor can they lead to loss of efficiency, failure, damage or to a
shortening of the unit’s service life.
The temperature inside the unit became too high. The inverter
reduced the power to prevent damage to the unit. Above an
internal temperature of 158°F, the inverter limits the power and
levels off at a temperature between 158°C and 176°C. An internal temperature of 185°C is only reached if convection cooling
is impeded by external factors, e.g. by covering the cooling fins.
Provide for sufficient cooling of the unit.
If the measures described in this guide do not assist in clearing
the fault, please notify your installer.
In order for our factory customer service department to respond
in an appropriate and expeditious manner, some details are
imperative:
Details pertaining to the inverter
The unit’s serial number
–
Model
–
–
A short description of the error
–
Is the error reproducible? If yes, how?
–
Does the error occur sporadically?
–
Describe the prevailing insolation conditions when the
Details pertaining to the photovoltaic module
Module type, manufacturer (if available, also send the
–
data sheet)
–
The number of modules in series
–
The number of strings
–
Generator power
error occurred?
–
Time of day
Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi Page 15
Se cti on 7 · R e cy cli ng an d Di spo sal
7 Recycling and Disposal
For the most part, both the inverter and the corresponding
transport packaging are made from recyclable materials.
KACO does it’s best to ensure our vendors follow a low carbon
manufacturing process as we do ourselves. It is not always
possible but if you have questions about our products or the
components in our products don’t hesitate to call +1 (866)
522-6765.and ask.
Device
Do not dispose of faulty inverters or accessories together with
household waste. Ensure that the old unit and, where applica
ble, any accessories are disposed of in a proper manner. Most
areas have public electronic waste disposal and/or recycling
plants. Feel free to contact KACO at +1 (866) 522-6765 to
request information about e-waste recycling in your area.
Packaging
Ensure that the transport packaging is recycled.
-
Page 16 Operating Instructions blueplanet 1502xi/2502xi
Loading...