This installation manual describes the assembly, installation, commissioning, maintenance and
troubleshooting of the following SMA inverters:
• Sunny Mini Central 4600A (SMC 4600A, SMC 4600A-11)
• Sunny Mini Central 5000A (SMC 5000A, SMC 5000A-11)
• Sunny Mini Central 6000A (SMC 6000A, SMC 6000A-11)
Store this manual where it will be accessible at all times.
1.2 Target Group
This manual is for the use of electrically skilled persons. The tasks described in this manual must be
performed by electrically skilled persons only.
1.3 Additional Information
You will find further information on special topics, such as the design of a miniature circuit-breaker or
the description of the operating parameters, in the download area at www.SMA-Solar.com.
Refer to the user manual provided for detailed information on how to operate the inverter.
Installation ManualSMC46-60A11-IA-en-817
Information on this ManualSMA Solar Technology AG
1.4 Symbols Used
The following types of safety precautions and general information are used in this manual:
DANGER!
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING!
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION!
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE!
NOTICE indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in property damage.
Information
An Information block provides valuable hints for the efficient installation and operation of
your product.
☑This symbol indicates the result of an action.
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SMA Solar Technology AGSafety
2 Safety
2.1 Intended Use
The Sunny Mini Central is a PV inverter which converts the direct current of the PV array to alternating
current and feeds it into the power distribution grid.
Principle of a PV plant with Sunny Mini Central
The Sunny Mini Central may only be operated with PV arrays (PV modules and cabling) of protection
class II. Do not connect any energy sources other than PV modules to the Sunny Mini Central.
When designing the PV plant, ensure that the permitted operating range of all components is
complied with at all times. The free design software "Sunny Design" (www.SMA-Solar.com) will assist
you. The manufacturer of the PV modules must have approved the modules for use with this
Sunny Mini Central. You must also ensure that all measures recommended by the module
manufacturer for the long-term maintenance of the module properties are taken (see also Technical
Information "Module Technology" at www.SMA-Solar.com).
For safety reasons, it is not permitted to modify the product or install components that are not explicitly
recommended or distributed by SMA Solar Technology AG.
Installation ManualSMC46-60A11-IA-en-819
SafetySMA Solar Technology AG
2.2 Safety Precautions
DANGER!
Danger to life due to high voltages in the inverter
• All work on the inverter must be carried out by skilled persons only.
CAUTION!
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
• Do not touch the enclosure body during operation.
• Only touch the enclosure lid during operation.
NOTICE!
Water- and dust intrusion can damage the inverter.
Once the Electronic Solar Switch has been pulled out, the inverter only provides protection
rating IP21. The inverter is thus no longer protected against water- and dust intrusion. In
order that the degree of protection IP65 is also maintained during temporary
decommissioning, proceed as follows:
• Release and disconnect all DC connectors.
• Open all DC connectors and remove the cables.
• Close all DC inputs using the corresponding DC connectors and the supplied sealing
plugs.
• Firmly re-connect the Electronic Solar Switch.
NOTICE!
Damage to the inverter due to moisture and dust intrusion
If the Electronic Solar Switch is not plugged in or incorrectly plugged in during operation,
moisture and dust can penetrate the inverter.
If the Electronic Solar Switch is not correctly plugged in, this can cause contacts to wear in
the Electronic Solar Switch or the Electronic Solar Switch might fall out. This can result in
yield loss and damage to the Electronic Solar Switch.
Always plug in the Electronic Solar Switch as described in the following:
• Do not tighten the screw in the Electronic Solar Switch.
• Firmly plug in the Electronic Solar Switch until it is flush with the enclosure.
• Ensure that the maximum distance between the Electronic Solar Switch and the
enclosure is 1 mm.
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SMA Solar Technology AGSafety
Earthing of the PV array
Comply with the local regulations for earthing the modules and the PV array.
In order to maintain the best possible protection for both the PV plant and human life,
SM A Solar T ech nology A G re commend s co nnecti ng t oge the r the PV a rray frame and other
electrically conductive surfaces and earthing them.
2.3 Explanation of Symbols
This section gives an explanation of all the symbols found on the inverter and on the type label.
2.3.1 Symbols on the Inverter
SymbolExplanation
Operation display
Indicates the operating state of the inverter
Earth fault or varistor defective
Read Section 9.3 "Red LED is Permanently Glowing" (page63).
Error or fault
Read Section 9 "Troubleshooting" (page58).
You can operate the display by tapping the enclosure lid.
• Tapping once: the backlight switches on or the display scrolls to the
next display message.
• Tapping twice in quick succession: The inverter shows the display
messages from the start-up phase again (see Section 6.3 "Display
Messages During the Start-up Phase" (page47)).
DC load disconnection unit Electronic Solar Switch (ESS)
• When the Electronic Solar Switch is plugged in, the DC electric
circuit is closed.
• To interrupt the DC electric circuit and safely disconnect the
inverter when under load, you must first remove the
Electronic Solar Switch and then all DC connectors .
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Installation ManualSMC46-60A11-IA-en-8111
SafetySMA Solar Technology AG
2.3.2 Symbols on the Type Label
SymbolExplanation
Beware of hazardous voltage
The inverter operates at high voltages. All work on the inverter must be
carried out by skilled persons only.
Beware of hot surface.
The inverter can get hot during operation. Avoid contact during operation.
Observe all documentation that accompanies the inverter.
The inverter must not be disposed of together with the household waste.
For more information on disposal, see Section 10.4 "Disposing of the
Inverter" (page69).
CE marking
The inverter complies with the requirements of the applicable EC directives.
The inverter has a transformer.
Direct current (DC)
Alternating current (AC)
Outdoor
The product is suitable for outdoor installation.
Degree of protection: IP65
The inverter is protected against dust intrusion and water jets from any
angle.
RAL quality mark for solar products
The inverter complies with the requirements of the German Institute for
Quality Assurance and Labelling.
12SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AGUnpacking
3 Unpacking
3.1 Scope of Delivery
Check the delivery for completeness and any visible external damage. Contact your specialist dealer
if anything is damaged or missing.
ObjectQuantity Description
A1Sunny Mini Central
B1Ventilation grid (right/left)
C1Wall mounting bracket
D1DC load disconnection unit Electronic Solar Switch (ESS)
E8DC connectors (4 x positive, 4 x negative)
F8Sealing plug for the DC connectors
G1Cable gland for AC connection
H1Counter nut for cable gland at AC connection
I1Clamping bracket for additional earthing
K2Conical spring washers:
1 x for enclosure lid screws (replacement), 1 x for earth terminal
L2Cheese-head screws (M6x16):
1 x for enclosure lid (replacement), 1 x for earth terminal
M2Jumpers (1 x for fan test, 1 x for the SMA Power Balancer wiring)
N2Cylinder head screws (M6x8) for securing the inverter to the wall mounting
bracket
O1Silicone tube for insulating the SMA Power Balancer connection cable
P1Installation manual
Q1User manual
Installation ManualSMC46-60A11-IA-en-8113
UnpackingSMA Solar Technology AG
ObjectQuantity Description
R1Set of documents with explanations and certificates
S1Supplementary sheet with inverter default settings
3.2 Identifying the Inverter
You can identify the inverter by the type label. The type label is located on the right-hand side of the
enclosure.
The inverter serial number (Serial No.), the type (Type/Model) and other device-specific
characteristics are specified on the type label.
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4 Assembly
4.1 Safety
DANGER!
Danger to life due to fire or explosions
Despite careful construction, electrical devices can cause fires.
• Do not mount the inverter on flammable construction materials.
• Do not mount the inverter in areas where highly flammable materials are stored.
• Do not mount the inverter in a potentially explosive atmosphere.
CAUTION!
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
• Mount the inverter in such a way that it cannot be touched inadvertently.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to the heavy weight of the inverter
• Take the inverter's weight of approx. 63 kg into account when mounting.
4.2 Selecting the Mounting Location
Take the following requirements into consideration when selecting the mounting location:
• The mounting method and location must be suitable for the inverter's weight and dimensions
(see Section 11 "Technical Data" (page70)).
• Mount on a solid surface.
• The mounting location must be clear and safely accessible at all times without the use of
additional aids such as scaffolding or lifting platforms. If this is not the case, service work may
be restricted.
• Mount vertically or tilted backwards by max. 45°.
• The connection area must face downwards.
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AssemblySMA Solar Technology AG
500 mm
300 mm
300 mm
50 mm
300 mm
• Never mount the device with a forward tilt.
• Never mount the device with a sideways tilt.
• Do not mount horizontally.
• Mount at eye level in order that operating states can be read at all times.
• The ambient temperature should be below 40°C to ensure optimum operation.
• Do not expose the inverter to direct solar irradiation as this could cause power derating due to
overheating.
• In order to avoid audible vibrations in living areas, do not mount the unit on plasterboard walls
or similar. When in operation, the inverter emits noise which may be perceived as annoying in
living areas.
• Observe the minimum clearances to walls, other
inverters and objects as shown in the diagram in
order to ensure sufficient heat dissipation and to
have sufficient space for removing the
Electronic Solar Switch.
Multiple inverters installed in areas with high ambient temperatures
There must be sufficient clearance between the individual inverters to ensure that the
cooling air of the adjacent inverter is not drawn in.
If necessary, increase the clearances and make sure there is enough fresh-air supply to
ensure sufficient cooling of the inverters.
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SMA Solar Technology AGAssembly
4.3 Mounting the Inverter using the Wall Mounting Bracket
1. Mark the position of the drill holes using the wall mounting bracket and drill the holes. Use at
least 2 of the 6 holes, 1 hole on the left- and right-hand sides respectively.
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AssemblySMA Solar Technology AG
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to the heavy weight of the inverter
The inverter weighs approx. 63 kg.
• Attach the wall mounting bracket using the corresponding mounting material
(dependent on the surface).
• Use the side handles above and below
or a steel rod (maximum diameter of
30 mm) for transport and mounting. The
rod must be pushed through the
enclosure openings.
2. Secure the wall mounting bracket to the wall using
appropriate screws and washers.
3. Hang the inverter onto the wall mounting bracket
using the mounting recess in the rear of the
enclosure.
18SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AGAssembly
4. Screw the inverter onto the wall mounting bracket
on both sides using the screws (M6x8) provided.
Only tighten the screws hand-tight.
5. Check to ensure that the inverter is securely in
place.
6. Close the recessed grips using the ventilation grids
supplied. To help you identify the sides, the
ventilation grids are marked on the inside with
"rechts/right" and "links/left".
The ventilation grids prevent intrusion of dust
and insects, and can be reordered from
SMA Solar Technology AG as required
(see Section 13 "Contact" (page80)).
Optional Anti-Theft Protection
To protect the inverter against theft, the back
panel can be secured to the wall at the bottom
using two "safety screws".
The other two holes are spares.
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Electrical ConnectionSMA Solar Technology AG
5 Electrical Connection
NOTICE!
Electrostatic discharge can damage the inverter
Internal components of the inverter can be irreparably damaged by electrostatic
discharge.
• Earth yourself before touching a component part.
5.1 Overview of the Connection Area
5.1.1 Exterior View
The following figure shows the assignment of the individual connection areas on the underside of the
inverter.
ObjectDescription
ADC connectors for connecting the PV strings
BSocket for connecting the Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) DC switch disconnector
CCable glands for optional communication via RS485 (PG16)
DCable gland for connection to the electricity grid (AC) (12 mm ... 25 mm)
ECable glands for the SMA Power Balancer
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SMA Solar Technology AGElectrical Connection
5.1.2 Interior View
The following figure shows the various components and connection areas of the open inverter.
ObjectDescription
AConnection area and slots for communication
BDisplay
CJumper slot for fan test
DLEDs for displaying the operating states
EJumper slot for SMA Power Balancer
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ObjectDescription
FTerminals for the SMA Power Balancer
GFlat male tab for earthing the cable shield when connecting the SMA Power Balancer
HAdditional terminal for earthing
ITerminals for AC cables
KCable glands for the SMA Power Balancer
LCable gland for the AC cable
MCable glands for communication
NScrew fixture of shield connection terminal for data cable
ODC connector
PConnection socket for the Electronic Solar Switch (ESS)
QVaristors
5.2 Connection to the Electricity Grid (AC)
5.2.1 Conditions for the AC Connection
Connection requirements of the network operator
Always observe the connection requirements of your network operator.
Cable Dimensioning
Use Sunny Design Version 2.0 or higher for sizing the conductor cross-sections (see design software
"Sunny Design" at www.SMA-Solar.com).
Halving the cable losses
If three inverters with symmetrical feed-in are combined to form a three-phase system, the
neutral conductor is not subject to any load and the cable losses are halved. Thus, the
maximum possible cable length is doubled.
Cable Requirements
ItemDescriptionValue
AExternal diameter12 mm … 25 mm
BConductor cross-section6 mm² … 16 mm²
CStripping lengthapprox. 16 mm
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SMA Solar Technology AGElectrical Connection
Load Disconnection Unit
You must install a separate miniature circuit-breaker for each inverter in order to ensure that the
inverter can be securely disconnected under load. The maximum permissible fuse protection can be
found in Section 11 "Technical Data" (page70).
Detailed information and examples on the design of miniature circuit-breakers are available in the
Technical Information "Miniature Circuit-Breaker" to be found in the download area of
SMA Solar Technology AG at www.SMA-Solar.com.
DANGER!
Danger to life due to fire
When more than one inverter is connected in parallel to the same miniature circuit-breaker,
the protective function of the miniature circuit-breaker is no longer guaranteed. This could
result in a cable fire or destruction of the inverter.
• Never connect several inverters to the same miniature circuit-breaker.
• Observe the maximum permissible fuse protection of the inverter when selecting the
miniature circuit-breaker.
DANGER!
Danger to life due to fire
When a generator (inverter) and a load are connected to the same miniature circuitbreaker, the protective function of the miniature circuit-breaker is no longer guaranteed.
The currents from the inverter and the electricity grid can accumulate to form overcurrents
which are not detected by the miniature circuit-breaker.
• Never connect loads between the
inverter and the miniature circuit-breaker
without fuse protection.
• Always fuse loads separately.
NOTICE!
Damage to the inverter by use of screw-type fuses as switch-disconnectors
A s cre w-t ype fus e, e .g. DIA ZED fus e or NEO ZED fus e, i s no t a s witch-disconnector and thus
may not be used as a load disconnection unit. A screw-type fuse only acts as cable
protection.
If the inverter is disconnected under load using a screw-type fuse, the inverter may be
damaged.
• Use o nly a switc h-disconnecto r or a mi niatu re circuit-bre aker as a load discon necti on
unit.
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5.2.2 Connecting the Inverter to the Electricity Grid (AC)
1. Check the mains voltage and compare with "V
The exact operating range of the inverter is specified in the operating parameters. The
corresponding document is available in the download area at www.SMA-Solar.com.
2. Disconnect the miniature circuit-breaker and secure against reconnection.
3. Loosen all screws of the enclosure lid and remove
the lid.
4. Remove the adhesive tape from the AC enclosure opening (see "D" on Page 20).
5. Insert the AC cable gland from the outside into the enclosure opening and tighten it from the
inside using the counter nut.
6. Unscrew the cable gland's swivel nut and lead it over the cable.
7. Lead the cable through the cable gland to the AC terminal.
8. Connect L, N and the protective conductor (PE) in
ac cor dan ce with t he l abe lling to the ter minal bl ock s
using a screwdriver.
The PE wire must be 5 mm longer than the L and N
conductors.
L and N must not be swapped.
" on the type label.
AC, nom
24SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AGElectrical Connection
9. Screw the swivel nut firmly onto the cable gland.
10. Secure the enclosure lid using all of the screws and
the corresponding conical spring washers.
Tighten the screws with 6 Nm torque in the order
shown in the figure on the right. The toothing of the
conical spring washers must be facing the
enclosure lid.
The scope of delivery of the inverter includes a
spare screw and conical spring washer.
DANGER!
Danger to life due to enclosure lid carrying voltage
The earthing of the enclosure lid is ensured by the conical spring washers.
• Attach the conical spring washers for all 6 screws with the toothing facing towards
the enclosure lid.
DANGER!
Danger to life due to high voltages in the inverter
• Do not switch on the miniature circuit-breaker until the PV array has also been
connected and the inverter is securely closed.
☑ The inverter is connected to the electricity grid (AC).
5.2.3 Additional Earthing of the Enclosure
If the installation so requires, you can use the earth terminal to connect a second protective conductor
or as equipotential bonding.
Procedure
1. Plug the stripped earthing cable (D) under the
clamping bracket (C) (max. cross-section 16 mm²
or with bootlace ferrule max. 10 mm²).
2. Screw the clamping bracket tight using the screw
(A) and conical spring washer (B).
The to othing of t he conical spri ng washer m ust face
toward the clamping bracket.
☑ The inverter enclosure is additionally earthed.
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5.3 Setting the Display Language
You can set the language of the display using the switches at the bott om of the dis pla y as sembly i nsi de
the inverter.
When selecting the display language, different switching settings apply to inverters that are set to the
Italian national standard CEI 0-21. You can see the standard to which the inverter was set upon
delivery on the type label and on the included supplementary sheet with the default settings. For more
information, see the Technical Description "Operating Parameters" at www.SMA-Solar.com.
Procedure
1. Open the inverter as described in Section 7.2 "Opening the Inverter" (page48).
2. Set the switches to the required language.
The following switch settings, except for CEI 0-21,
apply to all national standards:
LanguageRotary switch S2Rotary switch
S1
GermanBB
EnglishBA
FrenchAB
SpanishAA
The following switch settings apply to inverters
which are set to the national standard CEI 0-21:
LanguageRotary switch S2Rotary switch
S1
ItalianBA
EnglishAA
GermanBB
FrenchAB
3. Close the inverter as described in Section 7.3 "Closing the Inverter" (page51).
☑ The display language is set.
26SMC46-60A11-IA-en-81Installation Manual
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