SMA ST6-US User Manual

Mounting Rack

SUNNY TOWER-US ST6US/ST36/ST42/ST48

Installation Guide

ST36-48US-IA-IUS112321 | IMUS-ST36-48 | Version 2.1

SMA America, LLC Legal Restrictions

or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photographic, magnetic or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SMA America,LLC.

Neither SMA America,LLC nor SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. makes representations, express or implied, with respect to this documentation or any of the equipment and/or software it may describe, including (with no limitation) any implied warranties of utility, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. All such warranties are expressly disclaimed. Neither SMA America,LLC nor its distributors or dealers nor SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. nor its distributors or dealers shall be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages under any circumstances.

(The exclusion of implied warranties may not apply in all cases under some statutes, and thus the above exclusion may not apply.)

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Every attempt has been made to make this document complete, accurate and up-to-date. Readers are cautioned, however, that SMAAmerica,LLC and SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. reserve the right to make changes without notice and shall not be responsible for any damages, including indirect, incidental or consequential damages, caused by reliance on the material presented, including, but not limited to, omissions, typographical errors, arithmetical errors or listing errors in the content material.

All trademarks are recognized even if these are not marked separately. Missing designations do not mean that a product or brand is not a registered trademark.

The Bluetooth

word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by SMA America,LLC and SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. is under license.

SMA America, LLC

3801 N. Havana Street

Denver, CO 80239 U.S.A.

SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc.

2425 Matheson Blvd. E, 8th Floor

Mississauga, ON L4W 5K5, Canada

Installation Guide ST36-48US-IA-IUS112321 3

Important Safety Instructions SMA America, LLC

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This manual contains important instructions for the following products:

•Sunny Tower-US

This manual must be followed during installation and maintenance.

The product is designed and tested according to international safety requirements, but as with all electrical and electronic equipment, certain precautions must be observed when installing and/or operating the product. To reduce the risk of personal injury and to ensure the safe installation and operation of the product, you must carefully read and follow all instructions, cautions and warnings in this manual.

Warnings in this document

A warning describes a hazard to equipment or personnel. It calls attention to a procedure or practice, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the SMA equipment and/or other equipment connected to the SMA equipment or personal injury.

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, could 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 is used to address practices not related to personal injury.

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SMA America, LLC Important Safety Instructions

Other symbols in this document

In addition to the safety and hazard symbols described on the previous pages, the following symbol is also used in this manual:

Information

This symbol accompanies notes that call attention to supplementary information that you must know and use to ensure optimal operation of the system.

Markings on this product

The following symbols are used as product markings with the following meanings.

Warning regarding dangerous voltage The product works with high voltages. All work on the product must only be performed

as described in the documentation of the product.

Electric arc hazards The product has large electrical potential differences between its conductors. Arc flashes

can occur through air when high-voltage current flows. Do not work on the product during operation.

Beware of hot surface The product can become hot during operation. Do not touch the product during

operation.

Observe the operating instructions Read the documentation of the product before working on it. Follow all safety

precautions and instructions as described in the documentation.

AC current

DC current

Earth Ground

UL1741 is the standard applied by Underwriters Laboratories to the product to certify that it meets the requirements of the NationalElectricalCode

, the Canadian Electrical

Code® CSA C22.1 and IEEE‑929‑2000. IEEE 929-2000 provides recommendations

regarding the proper equipment and functionality necessary to ensure compatible operation when power generation is connected to the utility grid.

Installation Guide ST36-48US-IA-IUS112321 5

General Warnings SMA America, LLC

General warnings

All electrical installations must be done in accordance with the local and

NationalElectrical Code

ANSI/NFPA 70 or the Canadian Electrical Code® CSAC22.1. This document does not and is not intended to replace any local, state, provincial, federal or national laws, regulation or codes applicable to the installation and use of the product, including without limitation applicable electrical safety codes. All installations must conform with the laws, regulations, codes and standards applicable in the jurisdiction of installation. SMA assumes no responsibility for the compliance or noncompliance with such laws or codes in connection with the installation of the product.

The product contains no user-serviceable parts except for the fans on the bottom of the enclosure and the filters behind the fans as well as the handle covers on the sides of the unit. For all repair and maintenance, always return the unit to an authorized SMA Service Center.

Before installing or using the product, read all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings in this manual.

Before connecting the product to the electrical utility grid, contact the local utility company. This connection must be made only by qualified personnel.

Wiring of the product must be made by qualified personnel only.

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SMA America, LLC Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1 Notes on this manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1.1 Validity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1.2 Target group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1.3 Nomenclature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2 The Sunny Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.1 Appropriate usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.2 Device overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.3 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.4 Type plate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.5 Sunny WebBox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.1 Required tools and materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.2 Installing the Sunny Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.2.1 Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.2.2 Minimum workspace/ventilation requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4.3 Installing at the site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

5 Attaching the conduits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

5.1 Insert cables from the rear into the Sunny Tower . . . . . . . . . . . 18

5.2 Insert cables from below into the Sunny Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

6 Opening and closing the Sunny Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

6.1 Opening the Sunny Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

6.2 Closing the Sunny Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

6.3 Opening and closing the Sunny Boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

7 Electrical connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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Table of Contents SMA America, LLC

7.1 Connecting ground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

7.2 Grid configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

7.3 Connecting the AC output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

7.4 Connecting the DC Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

7.5 Installing the inverters on the Sunny Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

7.6 Wiring Connections to the Sunny Boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

7.6.1 AC Wiring of the SB 6000US/SB 7000US/SB 8000US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

7.6.2 DC wiring of the SB 6000US/SB 7000US/SB 8000US. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

8 Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.1 External communication device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.2 Communication interface 485USPB-NR or 485USPB-SMC-NR 42

8.3 External communication device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

8.4 Connecting another Sunny Tower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

8.5 Installing the Sunny WebBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

9 Commissioning the Sunny Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

10 Cleaning and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

11 Technical data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

11.1 Sunny Tower ST36 equipped with Sunny Boy SB 6000US . . . 53

11.2 Sunny Tower ST42 equipped with Sunny Boy SB 7000US . . . 55

11.3 Sunny Tower ST48 equipped with Sunny Boy SB 8000US . . . 57

12 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

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SMA America, LLC Notes on this manual

1 Notes on this manual

This manual describes the mounting, installation and commissionig of the Sunny Tower-US ST6US, ST36, ST42 and ST48. This manual does not cover any details concerning equipment connected to th e Su nny Tow er. In for mat ion con cer ning t he c onn ect ed e qui pme nt i s av ailab le f rom the manuf act ure r of the equipment.

1.1 Validity

This manual is valid for the Sunny Tower types listed below:

ST6US ST36 ST42 ST48

In this manual the listed types above are referred to as Sunny Tower.

1.2 Target group

This manual is for qualified personnel. Qualified personnel have received training and have demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of the device. Qualified personnel is trained to deal with the dangers and hazards involved in installing electric devices.

1.3 Nomenclature

In this document SMA America Production, LLC is referred to in the following as SMA.

Installation Guide ST36-48US-IA-IUS112321 9

The Sunny Tower SMA America, LLC

2 The Sunny Tower

2.1 Appropriate usage

The Sunny Tower is a mounting frame which enables you to easily install six inverters of type SB6000US, SB 7000US or SB 8000US. The AC and DC cabling is pre-wired, as is the communication via RS485, and the AC/DC Disconnect.

An optional Sunny WebBox allows remote monitoring of the PV plant via an internet connection. The Sunny Tower is delivered with a base plate for easy installation.

It is prohibited:

• to use the Sunny Tower for purposes other than those described here.

• to connect voltage sources to the inverter other than those consisting of PV-modules.

• to modify the Sunny Tower or to install components that are not explicitly recommended by SMA or sold by SMA for this purpose.

2.2 Device overview

The following figures provide you with an overview of the Sunny Tower.

Front view

Position Description

A AC/DC disconnect BSunny Boy

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SMA America, LLC The Sunny Tower

Rear view

Position Description

A Type plate B Service access cover C Conduit access/mounting plate DAir vents

Installation Guide ST36-48US-IA-IUS112321 11

The Sunny Tower SMA America, LLC

40.55 in.

57.24 in.

25.75 in.

27.4 in.

19.69 in.

35.07 in.

19.84 in.

71.3 in.

20.59 in.

35.07 in.

40.55 in.

2.3 Dimensions

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SMA America, LLC The Sunny Tower

2.4 Type plate

You can identify the Sunny Tower with the type plate. The type plate is found on the back side of the Sunny Tower.

2.5 Sunny WebBox

The Sunny WebBox is a communication option available from SMA. It enables remote communication with the Sunny Tower.

The Sunny WebBox power supply is available in 2 voltage ranges, one version for voltages between 120 V AC and 240 V AC, the second version for 480 V AC. Verify that you have the correct version for the utility voltage prior to commissioning the Sunny Tower.

Communication via RS485 is pre-wired as a standard feature.

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Safety SMA America, LLC

3 Safety

DANGER

Risk of electric shock due to high voltages inside the Sunny Tower. Death or serious injuries will result.

• All work on the Sunny Tower must only be carried out by qualified personnel.

• All work on the Sunny Tower shall only be done as described in this manual.

• Pay attention to all safety instructions.

WARNING

Risk of electric shock during operation of a damaged Sunny Tower. Death or serious injuries will result.

• The Sunny Tower may only be used when it is technically faultless and safe to operate!

• Operate the Sunny Tower only if no damage is visibly evident!

• Visually check the Sunny Tower for damage on a regular basis!

• Ensure that all external safety features are freely accessible at all times, and that they are regularly tested for correct functionality!

NOTICE

Electrostatic discharges possible when components are touched. Damage to components will result.

• Follow ESD protective provisions.

• Remove existing electrostatic charges by touching a grounded metal surface (e.g. housing).

Avoid using wire nuts to join any wires together or to make any connections anywhere in the PV-system. Wire nuts are a frequent cause of unreliable, resistive connections, and ground faults.

Storage of the documentation

The documentation must be kept in the immediate vicinity of the Sunny Tower. They must be available to operators and maintenance staff at all times. Read this manual carefully.

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SMA America, LLC Installation

4 Installation

4.1 Required tools and materials

Quantity Tool/Material Purpose

1 Hammer drill with a suitable drill bit Drilling the holes for the base plate

anchors

4 Concrete anchors with a minimum

diameter of 3/8 in.

1 Allen key 0.197 in.(5 mm) Attaching the Sunny Boy wall mount

4.2 Installing the Sunny Tower

DANGER

Danger to life due to fire or explosions. There is always a certain risk with electric devices that a fire can occur, even though

greatest attention was paid to avoiding this during the development.

• Do not install the Sunny Tower on flammable construction materials.

• Do not install the Sunny Tower in areas where highly flammable materials are stored.

• Do not install the Sunny Tower in potentially explosive areas.

Anchor the Sunny Tower base to the concrete pad

brackets to the Sunny Tower

The information contained in this installation guide must be observed when installing the Sunny Tower. The inverters are designed for outdoor installation and confirm to the protection class NEMA 3R.

The correct installation of the Sunny Tower requires:

• Proper electrical connections.

• Adequate ventilation of the inverters.

• Adequate fire prevention on site.

4.2.1 Foundation

• The foundation must guarantee solid and safe positioning of the Sunny Tower.

• The foundation must provide the necessary load-carrying capacity to cope with the weight of the fully equipped Sunny Tower up to approximately 1,430 Ibs (649 kg).

• A foundation slab is recommended for ground-mounted installations.

Pouring and structural inspection of the foundation slab should be performed on-site.

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Installation SMA America, LLC

• When pouring the foundation, keep in mind that the cables and conduits should enter the Sunny Tower from underneath. Therefore, suitable conduits or cable feed-throughs should be installed prior to pouring.

4.2.2 Minimum workspace/ventilation requirements

Due to NEC 110.26 Work Space Requirements, a minimum of 36 in. (914 mm) of free space and adequate ventilation must be maintained around all four sides of the Sunny Tower.

4.3 Installing at the site

WARNING

Risk of injury during transport of the Sunny Tower. Injuries and contusion of body parts will result.

• Consider the weight of the Sunny Tower.

• Transport the Sunny Tower with four people or with a cart.

• Wear personal protective equipment.

• The Sunny Tower must be securely fastened to the floor before you begin with the installation and cabling of the inverters.

• The Sunny Tower must be installed on a level surface. Any existing unevenness, depression, or slope must be corrected prior to installation.

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SMA America, LLC Installation

1. Mark the positions of the base plate mounting holes on the mounting surface.

Position Description

A Drill holes for the foundation connection B Conduit openings

2. At the marked positions, drill the holes for the anchor screws.

3. Insert the concrete anchors in the drilled holes.

4. Place the Sunny Tower bottom down on the foundation. The drill holes and the base plate holes have to align.

5. Mount the Sunny Tower to foundation using 4 scews.

☑ The Sunny Tower is installed.

6. Remove the carrying handles by unscrewing the stainless steel screws.

Installation Guide ST36-48US-IA-IUS112321 17

Attaching the conduits SMA America, LLC

5 Attaching the conduits

This section descibes where to insert the cables in the Sunny Tower and where to punch the holes for the conduits.

NOTICE

Moisture can seep through incorrectly installed conduits and conduit hubs. Damage to the electronics of the Sunny Tower will result.

• For conduit hubs, use only UL listed rainproof, or wet location hubs complying with UL 514B for entry into the enclosure.

• Adjust the diameter of the conduit hubs to match the diameter of the conduits.

The PV panel cables, the AC cables and the communication cables can be routed into the Sunny Tower from the rear or from below. The two options are described below.

5.1 Insert cables from the rear into the Sunny Tower

1. Remove the four screws that secure the conduit access/mounting plate to the rear of the Sunny Tower.

2. Store the conduit access/mounting plate (3), mounting screws and washers in a safe place while mounting, installing or repairing the Sunny Tower.

3. Mark the holes for at least one conduit per DC cable.

4. Mark the holes for at least one conduit per AC cable.

5. Mark the hole for communication cable.

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