MIL-Solar Eclipse 3000-II, Eclipse 4000-II, Eclipse 4600-II, Eclipse 4950-II, Eclipse 5000-II User Manual

MIL-Solar Eclipse series Installation manual V2_2 Page 1 of 24

Eclipse series Solar Inverter

User Manual

Applicable Models

This manual covers the following MIL-Solar inverter base models:

Eclipse 3000-II

Eclipse 4000-II

Eclipse 4600-II

Eclipse 4950-II

Eclipse 5000-II

Including optional MyPower and Export Limited models.

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INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on choosing to install a MIL-Solar, Eclipse series solar power Inverter.
This manual provides information on how to install and operate your product as well as tips
on how to maximise the performance you achieve from the unit.

Key features of the Eclipse inverter series include:

• Wide operating Solar range – maximum operating period from ‘first on’ to ‘last off’
time.

• Network ready. Built-in WiFi as standard for web based PV system monitoring &
reporting.

• High efficiency conversion of Solar input power.

• Maximum power point tracking for optimizing PV panel output. (Dual, independent

inputs on selected models)

• Built in Solar system safety and protection systems to isolate earth leakage and
wiring faults

• Integrated, lockable, mounting arrangement.

• Low solar voltage range starting at 120V, early ON time for maximum generation

period.

• 7 year warranty included as standard, upgradeable to 10 years.

• Front mounted heat sink. Allows more airflow, easy care and cleaning from nesting

insects such as wasps, and other such environmental build up.

Updates to this manual

MIL-Solar reserves the right to revise this document and to make changes to the content from time to time without obligation to
give prior notification of any such changes.
Please check with your Installation Company or the MIL-Solar website for the latest information.

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Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2

About this manual ........................................................................................................................... 4

Definitions ..........................................................................................................................................................4

Symbols .............................................................................................................................................................4

Inverter specifications .......................................................................................................................................4

Overview of Eclipse features .......................................................................................................... 5

Front view and connections ..............................................................................................................................5

Status indicators ................................................................................................................................................5

Serial Number ...................................................................................................................................................5

Web browser display .........................................................................................................................................6

Inverter display on Web browser ................................................................................................................... 6

Interpreting the Status indicators (LEDs) ..........................................................................................................7

Communications Status indicator - BLUE .........................................................................................................7

Installing the Eclipse Inverter ......................................................................................................... 8

Safety instructions .............................................................................................................................................8

Selecting the Mounting Location .......................................................................................................................8

Wifi access .................................................................................................................................................... 8

General Inverter Settings ..................................................................................................................................9

Date – Time ................................................................................................................................................... 9

Inverter Name ................................................................................................................................................ 9

Inverter Operation ......................................................................................................................... 10

Normal Power up and Grid connection .......................................................................................................... 10

Low or no solar power input ........................................................................................................................... 11

Transient supply events ................................................................................................................................. 11

Networking .................................................................................................................................... 12

Connecting with a local device ....................................................................................................................... 12

WiFi connection to a home/office network ..................................................................................................... 15

Connecting the Inverter to a Network.......................................................................................................... 15

Accessing the Inverter via your Network ..................................................................................................... 15

Status when Network is connected ............................................................................................................. 16

Changes to your Network or WiFi router ..................................................................................................... 16

Trouble shooting ........................................................................................................................... 17

Alerts .............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Low or no PV Solar input - NIGHT .............................................................................................................. 17

Grid Disturbance ......................................................................................................................................... 17

No AC mains - Solar Power available ......................................................................................................... 18

No AC mains and no Solar Panel power .................................................................................................... 18

Initialisation disruption - No AC mains ........................................................................................................ 19

PV system monitoring – “Array Isolation” .................................................................................................... 19

Alarms ............................................................................................................................................................ 20

AC - Wiring Fault ......................................................................................................................................... 20

RCD - “Earth Leakage” ............................................................................................................................... 20

PV Panel Wiring or Isolation Fault .............................................................................................................. 21

Maintenance ................................................................................................................................ .. 22

General routine ............................................................................................................................................... 22

Build up from nesting Insects ......................................................................................................................... 22

Warranty ........................................................................................................................................ 23

Warranty Terms - overview ............................................................................................................................ 23

Documentation ............................................................................................................................................... 23

Addendum ..................................................................................................................................... 24

Browser compatibility ..................................................................................................................................... 24

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ABOUT THIS MANUAL

Definitions

Inverter For the purposes of this manual, Inverter specifically means a Grid connected Solar

Inverter. The Inverter is a device used to convert DC power from photo voltaic solar
cells to AC power for injection into a power grid.

Mains or Grid The public mains network of electricity lines to which all categories of consumers are

connected and as operated by a supply or distribution company.
When Solar Inverters are installed on a domestic or commercial site, they are

connected to this mains grid for the purpose of supplying electrical energy back into the
grid.

Symbols

Special symbols used throughout this manual.

Inverter specifications

Detailed technical information and specifications for the Eclipse inverter models are detailed in the
datasheet: “ECLIPSE 3000 / 3600 / 4200 / 5000 Solar Inverter specification sheet”

NOTICE

Attention - notes and helpful hints on improving performance.

CAUTION

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury and/or damage or failure of the Inverter.

DANGER

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury or potential fire risk.

HOT SURFACES

The top plate and upper surfaces of the Inverter can become hot when operating
at full power on days of high ambient temperature.

ELECTRICAL HAZARD

Do not attempt to open or access internal Inverter components. DO NOT
interfere with the electrical wiring or connections to the Inverter.

CLASS I

Regulatory statement. The Inverter is classified as protective class I.

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OVERVIEW OF ECLIPSE FEATURES

Front view and connections

Status indicators

The Eclipse inverter has a discrete set of three LED indicators for displaying information about the current
state of operation. These indicators have different colours associated with their function.

For further details, refer to relevant sections on normal Eclipse operation and communications, and alerts and
alarms later in this manual.

Serial Number

Your MIL-Solar Eclipse Inverter has been given a unique serial number at time of manufacture. This serial
number is required for registering your equipment for electrical installation and for any warranty or service
claims.

The serial number is displayed on a label located on the lower face of the inverter near the mains connection.

GREEN – AC Operation

RED – PV & Status

BLUE- Communications

Mains connection to Isolator

WiFi aerial

PV connection

MPPT 1

PV connection

MPPT 2

Serial Number

Status Indicators

ALARM

MyPower Meter

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Web browser display

If you have a portable device such as an iPhone or tablet, you can use the standard web browser that
is installed on your device to access and present the Eclipse Inverter display via a WiFi connection.

Equally, the Eclipse Inverter can be connected with a home/office network via WiFi enabling any
computer or device connected to the network to access the Inverter display again utilising a standard
web browser.

For details on how to set up the Inverter display on a web browser refer to the section titled

Networking on page 12.

Inverter display on Web browser

Example Inverter web browser display on a WiFi connected device.

The Inverter display will operate with the latest versions of most common browsers. Refer the
Addendum at the end of this manual for summary list of compatible browsers and devices.

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Interpreting the Status indicators (LEDs)

Description used

in this Manual

Symbol

Meaning

OFF

Not illuminated, Not flashing

SLOW

Flashing – once every few seconds

MEDIUM

Flashing – once every second

FAST

Flashing – multiple times per second

Constant

Constantly illuminated, Not flashing

Communications Status indicator - BLUE

The lower blue Status indicator is reserved for WiFi communications information.
It continually reports the status of the communications independently of the other Status indicators.

BLUE

Communications Status

OFF

No communications

SLOW

WiFi connected to network

MEDIUM

FAST

Data currently being transferred

Constant

‘Local’ WiFi mode

BLUE - Communications
Networked WiFi status

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INSTALLING THE ECLIPSE INVERTER

Safety instructions

Selecting the Mounting Location

When selecting where to install your Eclipse inverter, you must consider and address all of the following points:

 Air circulation

Solar Inverters generate heat when operating. They must only be installed in areas
with adequate, natural, free flowing ventilation.

 Vertical orientation

The Inverter must be mounted in a vertical orientation to ensure proper cooling.
The end of the housing with the connection points must always point downwards.
Do not mount tilted at an angle to the vertical. Do not mount horizontally.

 Direct Sunlight

Do not expose the inverter to direct sunlight to avoid power reduction due to excessive
heating. Optimal operating performance is achieved when the ambient is below 40o C

 Shielded location

The Inverter can be located on a building in an outdoor location but should be
mounted in a position that is sheltered from direct weather such as rain and hail.

 Wall mounting

requirements

The mounting method and location must be suitable for the inverter's weight and
dimensions and it must be mounted on a solid surface.

(Refer “ Error! Reference source not found.” section on page Error! Bookmark not
defined. for mounting instructions)

 Access

Access to the Inverter, and especially any associated isolating switches, must me in
accordance with the specific requirements of the relevant AUS/NZ standards.
The mounting location must at all times be clear and have safe access without the use
of additional aids such as ladders or lifting platforms.

 User Visibility

Mount the Inverter at a height, and in such a position that visibility can not be blocked
to allow the operating status LEDs to be seen at all times.

 Noise

The inverter can make high pitch noises when in use, which may be perceived as a
nuisance in a living or sleeping area.
Do not mount the unit on plasterboard walls or similar to avoid audible vibrations.

 Location regards

other equipment

The minimum horizontal clearance distances to walls and other objects to ensure
sufficient air circulation is achieved for heat dissipation is 100 mm.

Special consideration must be given where multiple Inverters are installed in the same
area. As a minimum, all clearance distances are additive.

DO NOT mount Inverters above each other or other heat generating equipment.

Wifi access

If the Eclipse inverter’s WiFi connection is to be used continually for network access then consideration
must be given to any metal structures near or around the inverter which can affect the WiFi signal.

DANGER

Danger to life and property.

Breach of Government legislation.
Voiding of Warranty.

All electrical installation and commissioning work undertaken on the inverter, and the related connections to isolators,
photovoltaic panels and house wiring systems must only be carried out by suitably qualified and licensed personnel.

CAUTION - Overheating

NEVER store or place objects or boxes on top of the Inverter.
DO NOT install in a position where debris such as leaves can accumulate on it.