SMA STP 8000TL-10 User Manual
EN
PV Inverter
SUNNY TRIPOWER
8000TL / 10000TL / 12000TL / 15000TL / 17000TL
Installation Manual
STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 | IMEN-STP10-17TL | Version 3.1
SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Information on this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.1 Validity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.2 Target Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.3 Additional Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4 Symbols Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1 Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 Explanation of Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.1 Symbols on the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.2 Symbols on the Type Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3 Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1 Bluetooth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2 Communication Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3 Multi-Function Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.4 SMA OptiTrac Global Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.5 Surge Arrester Type II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.6 Intelligent String Failure Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.7 Electronic String Fuse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.8 Grid Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4 Unpacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1 Scope of Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.2 Identifying the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5 Mounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1 Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2 Selecting the Mounting Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3 Mounting the Inverter with Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 3
Table of Contents SMA Solar Technology AG
6 Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.1 Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.2 Overview of the Connection Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.3 Connecting the Electricity Grid (AC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
6.3.1 Conditions for the AC Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
6.3.2 AC Connection Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
6.3.3 Connecting the Second Protective Conductor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
6.4 Connecting the PV Array (DC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6.4.1 Conditions for DC Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
6.4.2 Assembling the DC Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.4.3 Opening the DC Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6.4.4 Connecting the PV Array (DC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.5 Setting the Country Standard and Display Language . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.5.1 Checking the Country Standard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
6.5.2 Extension of the Deactivation Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
6.5.3 Setting the Country Standard and Language using the
Rotary Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
6.6 Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
6.6.1 Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
6.7 Retrofitting a Surge Arrester Type II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
7 Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
7.1 Commissioning the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
7.2 Display Messages during the Start Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
8 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.1 Changing the Plant Time and Plant Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.2 Activating and Setting SMA OptiTrac Global Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.3 Activating the Intelligent String Failure Detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
9 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources . . . . . . . . . . 63
9.1 Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
9.2 Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
4 STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents
10 Maintenance and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
10.1 Cleaning the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
10.2 Checking Heat Dissipation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
10.2.1 Cleaning the Ventilation Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
10.2.2 Cleaning the Fan at the Bottom of the Inverter
(STP 15000TL and STP 17000TL only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
10.2.3 Cleaning the Fan on the Left-hand Side of the Inverter Enclosure . . 70
10.2.4 Checking the Fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
10.3 Checking the Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) for Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
11 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
11.1 Event Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
11.2 Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
12 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
12.1 Sunny Tripower is Beeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
12.2 Checking the PV Array for Earth Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
12.3 Checking the Function of the Varistors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
12.4 Replacing Surge Arresters Type II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
13 Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
13.1 Dismantling the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
13.2 Replacing the Enclosure Lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
13.3 Packing the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
13.4 Storing the Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
13.5 Disposing of the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
14 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
14.1 Sunny Tripower 8000TL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
14.2 Sunny Tripower 10000TL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
14.3 Sunny Tripower 12000TL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
14.4 Sunny Tripower 15000TL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
14.5 Sunny Tripower 17000TL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 5
Table of Contents SMA Solar Technology AG
15 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
16 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
6 STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AG 1 Information on this Manual
1 Information on this Manual
1.1 Validity
This manual describes the procedure for mounting, installation, commissioning, maintenance and
troubleshooting of the following SMA inverters:
• Sunny Tripower 8000TL (STP 8000TL-10)
• Sunny Tripower 10000TL (STP 10000TL-10)
• Sunny Tripower 12000TL (STP 12000TL-10)
• Sunny Tripower 15000TL (STP 15000TL-10)
• Sunny Tripower 17000TL (STP 17000TL-10)
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 may be
performed by electrically skilled persons only.
1.3 Additional Information
You will find further information on special topics such as the sizing of a miniature circuit-breaker or
the description of the parameters and measured values at www.SMA.de/en.
Refer to the user manual provided for detailed information on how to operate the inverter.
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 7
1 Information on this Manual SMA Solar Technology AG
1.4 Symbols Used
The following types of safety precautions and general information appear in this document:
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.
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.
8 STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AG 2 Safety
2 Safety
2.1 Intended Use
The Sunny Tripower is a PV inverter which converts the direct current of a PV array into alternating
current and feeds this into the electricity grid.
Principle of a PV plant with the Sunny Tripower
String connections on Sunny Tripower 8000TL, 10000TL and 12000TL
The Sunny Tripower 8000TL, 10000TL and 12000TL only have 4 string connections at input A.
The Sunny Tripower 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 Tripower.
Capacitive leakage currents
PV modules with large capacities relative to earth, such as thin-film PV modules with cells on a
metal substrate, may only be used if their coupling capacity does not exceed 2.55 μF.
During feed-in operation, a leakage current flows from the cells to earth, the size of which
depends on the manner in which the PV modules are installed (e.g. foil on metal roof) and on
the weather (rain, snow). This "normal" leakage current must not exceed 90 mA, as otherwise
the inverter would automatically disconnect from the electricity grid as a protective measure.
For further information on this subject see the Technical Information "Capacitive Leakage
Currents" at www.SMA.de/en.
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 9
2 Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
When designing the PV plant, ensure that the permitted operating range of all components is
complied with at all times. The free design program "Sunny Design", version 2.0 or higher
(see www.SMA.de/en/SunnyDesign) will assist you in this. The manufacturer of the PV modules must
have approved the PV modules for use with the Sunny Tripower. 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.de/en).
Do not use the Sunny Tripower for purposes other than those described here. Alternative uses,
modifications to the Sunny Tripower or the installation of components not expressly recommended or
sold by SMA Solar Technology AG void the warranty claims and operation permission.
2.2 Safety Precautions
Danger to life due to high voltages in the inverter
• All work on the inverter must be carried out by skilled persons only.
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
During operation, the upper enclosure lid and the enclosure body may get hot.
• Only touch the lower enclosure lid during operation.
Possible damage to health due to radiation effects
• Maintain a distance of at least 20 cm from the inverter whenever possible.
Earthing of the PV array
Comply with the local regulations for earthing the modules and the PV array.
SMA Solar Technology AG recommends the continuously conductive connection and earthing
of the array frame and other electrically conductive surfaces in order to ensure maximum
protection for property and persons.
10 STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AG 2 Safety
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
Symbol Description Explanation
Inverter This symbol defines the function of the green LED.
The green LED indicates the operating state of
the inverter.
Observe the
documentation
Bluetooth This symbol defines the function of the blue LED.
®
QR Code
Bonus Program
for SMA
This symbol defines the function of the red LED
which indicates a fault or disturbance. Read the
manual to remedy the fault or disturbance.
The blue LED indicates that communication via
Bluetooth is activated.
For information on the SMA bonus programme,
see www.SMA-Bonus.com.
Danger to life due to
high voltages in the
inverter
Stickers on the ESS • When the Electronic Solar Switch is
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 11
The capacitors in the inverter may be charged
with very high voltages.
• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage
sources (see Section 9) and wait
20 minutes before opening the upper
enclosure lid, in order to allow the
capacitors to discharge.
plugged in, the DC circuit is closed.
• To interrupt the DC circuit and safely
disconnect the inverter when under load,
you must first remove the Electronic Solar
Switch and then all DC connectors
(see Section9 "Disconnecting the Inverter
from Voltage Sources", page63). Only
unplug the Electronic Solar Switch If the
inverter is not displaying any error
message prohibiting the removal of the
ESS and the inverter is not beeping.
2 Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
2.3.2 Symbols on the Type Label
Symbol Description Explanation
Danger to l ife due to high
voltages
The product operates at high voltages. All
work on the inverter must be carried out by
skilled persons only.
Risk of burns from hot
surfaces
The product can get hot during operation.
Avoid contact during operation.
Allow the product to cool down sufficiently
before carrying out any work. Wear personal
protective equipment such as safety gloves.
Observe the
documentation
Observe all documentation that is supplied
with the product.
Danger Observe the connection requirements for the
second protective conductor (see
Section6.3.3 "Connecting the Second
Protective Conductor", page33).
Without transformer The product does not have a transformer.
DC Direct current
AC Three-phase alternating current with neutral
conductor
Degree of protection The product is protected against dust intrusion
and water jets from any angle.
Outdoor The product is suitable for outdoor installation.
WEEE designation Do not dispose of the product together with the
household waste but only in accordance with
the locally applicable regulations for disposal
of electronic waste.
CE marking The product complies with the requirements of
the applicable EC directives.
Device class ID The product is equipped with a wireless
component and complies with device class 2.
12 STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AG 2 Safety
Symbol Description Explanation
RA L qu ali ty m ark for solar
products
The product complies with the requirements of
the German Institute for Quality Assurance
and Certification.
Certified safety The product is VDE-tested and complies with
the requirements of the German Equipment
and Product Safety Act.
C-Tick The product complies with the requirements of
the applicable Australian EMC standards.
Korean mark of
conformity
The product complies with the requirements of
the applicable Korean directives.
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 13
3 Product Description SMA Solar Technology AG
3 Product Description
The Sunny Tripower is a multi-string inverter which converts the direct current of a PV array into
alternating current. To do this, the Sunny Tripower is equipped with two separate MPP trackers which
can be connected to the different PV modules. The inverter performs three-phase feed-in of electricity
into the electricity grid. Cooling is effected via the OptiCool active cooling system.
In addition, Sunny Tripower is equipped with the features described below.
3.1 Bluetooth
The inverter is equipped with a serial Bluetooth interface and can communicate with special
SMA communication products and other inverters (for information on supported products,
see www.SMA-Solar.com).
If you would like to communicate via Bluetooth, you can protect the inverter with one plant password
for the user and one plant password for the installer. All inverters are delivered with a standard plant
password for the user (0000) and a standard plant password for the installer (1111).
To protect the plant from unauthorized access, you must change the plant passwords using
Sunny Explorer (for information on changing the plant password, refer to the Sunny Explorer help).
If you do not want to communicate via Bluetooth, deactivate Bluetooth communication
(see Section6.6.1 "Bluetooth", page53).
3.2 Communication Interface
The inverter can optionally be fitted with an extra communication interface (e.g., RS485).
This communication interface enables the inverter to communicate with special SMA communication
products or other inverters (for information on supported products, see www.SMA-Solar.com).
The interface can either be retrofitted or installed at the factory according to a specific order.
You can only set the operating parameters of the inverter via SMA communication products. You can
set the country data set of the inverter via the two rotary switches in the inverter only prior to
commissioning or within the first ten operating hours.
Depending on the type of communication, RS485 or Bluetooth or Speedwire, the parameters and
messages are displayed differently in the communication products.
Example: How the country data set parameter is displayed
• For communication with RS485 parameter: CntrySet
•If you are using Bluetooth or Speedwire: parameter Set country standard
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SMA Solar Technology AG 3 Product Description
3.3 Multi-Function Interface
The inverter is equipped with a slot for multi-function interfaces. This slot is designed to connect a
simple multi-function relay or an SMA Power Control Module. The interface can either be retrofitted
or installed at the factory according to a specific order.
Multi-function relay
You can configure the multi-function relay for various operating modes. The multi-function relay is
us ed, for exa mpl e, t o switch fau lt i ndi cat ors on o r of f (f or i nformation on installation and configuration,
see installation manual of the multi-function relay).
SMA Power Control Module
The SMA Power Control Module enables the inverter to implement grid management services and is
equipped with an additional multi-function relay (for information on installation and configuration,
see installation manual of the SMA Power Control Module).
3.4 SMA OptiTrac Global Peak
SMA OptiTrac Global Peak is a more advanced form of the MPP tracking tool SMA OptiTrac.
MPP tracking is a feature that determines the highest usable power in the PV plant at any given time.
The power generated by the PV array depends on the level of solar irradiation and the temperature
of the PV modules. As a result, the optimum operating point for maximum power (MPP) changes
constantly throughout the day.
SMA OptiTrac ensures that the operating point of the inverter always coincides exactly with the MPP.
In addition, with the aid of SMA OptiTrac Global Peak, the inverter can detect the presence of several
maximum power points in the available operating range, such as may occur particularly with partially
shaded PV strings. By this means, almost the entire available power of partially shaded PV strings can
be fed into the electricity grid.
SMA OptiTrac Global Peak is deactivated by default. In the case of partially shaded PV modules, it
should be activated and set via a communication product (see Section8.2 "Activating and Setting
SMA OptiTrac Global Peak", page61).
3.5 Surge Arrester Type II
Along with the standardly integrated, thermally monitored varistors, the Sunny Tripower is equipped
with module slots for the additional installation of surge arresters Type II. If the modules are
connected, they will be monitored. If a module has tripped, a warning is issued via the display or
external communication (e.g. Sunny WebBox or Sunny Explorer). This makes it easy to integrate the
Sunny Tripower into a lightning protection concept. The required modules are available as retrofit kits
for input A or input A+B.
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 15
3 Product Description SMA Solar Technology AG
3.6 Intelligent String Failure Detection
The Sunny Tripower is equipped with a system that recognizes the total failure of individual strings or
partial strings (see the diagram below). With a PV module current of approx. 1 A, monitoring of up
to six partial strings per string input is possible. The prerequisite for the reliable functioning of the
intelligent string failure detection is an identical alignment of the connected PV array at input A and
input B. For the learning phase, the Sunny Tripower needs approximately 14 days at moderate
irradiation after successful activation. One advantage of this system is that its auto-adaptive function
completely eliminates the necessity of any configuration. In the event of a string failure, a warning
message is issued on the display or via external communication (e.g. Sunny WebBox or
Sunny Explorer). Note that extreme shading and snow-covered PV modules trip warning messages.
16 STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AG 3 Product Description
3.7 Electronic String Fuse
The Sunny Tripower is equipped with an electronic string fuse. This prevents dangerous reverse
currents in the PV array and thus plays a key role in fire prevention. Reverse currents can occur as a
result of reverse poling during installation or module defects during operation. The electronic string
fuse recognizes these defects and shorts the PV array. This prevents the occurrence of reverse currents
and thus safeguards both the PV plant and the Sunny Tripower. An advantage of this method is that
conventional fuses at the DC inputs are not necessary. The electronic solution is entirely
maintenance-free and does not require any dimensioning.
In order to make optimum use of this function, particular care must be taken during commissioning
(see Section6.4 "Connecting the PV Array (DC)", page34). The Sunny Tripower signals dangerous
conditions by beeping and issuing warnings in the display or external communication
(see Section12.1 "Sunny Tripower is Beeping", page84). If electrical installation takes place under
conditions of insufficient irradiation (PV voltage less than 188 V), the Sunny Tripower will not have
power supply which means that the protective functions described above will not be active during
installation.
3.8 Grid Management
The inverter is equipped with grid management functions.
Depending on the requirements of the network operator, you can activate and c onfigu re the f unctions
(e.g. provision of reactive power, active power limitation) via operating parameters (for information
on the functions and operating parameters, see the Technical Description "Measured Values and
Parameters" at www.SMA-Solar.com).
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 17
4 Unpacking SMA Solar Technology AG
4 Unpacking
4.1 Scope of Delivery
Check the delivery for completeness and for any visible external damage. Contact your specialist
dealer if anything is damaged or missing.
Object Quantity Description
A 1 Sunny Tripower
B 1 Electronic Solar Switch (ESS)
C 1 Rear panel (wall mounting bracket)
D 1 Set of documents with explanations and certificates
E 1 Installation manual, including user manual
F 1 Supplementary sheet with inverter default settings
‒ 1 Installation manual for RS485 communication module (optional)
18 STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AG 4 Unpacking
Object Quantity Description
G 10/12 DC connector
Sunny Tripower 8000TL/10000TL/12000TL:
10 units (5 x positive, 5 x negative)
Sunny Tripower 15000TL / 17000TL:
12 each (6 x positive, 6 x negative)
H 10/12 Sealing plug
Sunny Tripower 8000TL/10000TL/12000TL: 10 each
Sunny Tripower 15000TL/17000TL: 12 each
I 1 Eye bolt (M8) for fastening the Sunny Tripower to the rear panel
K 2 Cylinder screws (M5x10) for fastening the enclosure to the rear panel
L 1 Cable gland for AC connection
M 1 Counter nut for cable gland at AC connection
N 1 Clamping bracket (M6) for additional earthing
O 1 Cheese-head screw (M6) for earth terminal
P 1 Conical spring washer (M6) for earth terminal
Q 2 Cheese-head screws (M5x20) for upper enclosure lid (spares)
R 2 Conical spring washers (M5) for enclosure lid screws (spares)
4.2 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.
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 19
5 Mounting SMA Solar Technology AG
5 Mounting
5.1 Safety
Danger to life due to fire or explosion
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.
Risk of injury due to the heavy weight of the inverter (approx. 65 kg)
• Take the weight of the inverter into account during transport.
• Select a suitable mounting location and mounting surface.
• When mounting the rear panel, use fastening material suitable for the mounting surface.
• Two people are needed to mount the inverter.
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
• Mount the inverter in such a way that it cannot be touched inadvertently.
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SMA Solar Technology AG 5 Mounting
max. 15°
5.2 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 weight and size of the inverter
(see Section14 "Technical Data", page95).
• 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. 15°.
• The connection area must point downwards.
• Never mount the device with a forward tilt.
• Never mount the device with a sideways tilt.
• Do not mount horizontally.
• Install the inverter at eye level. Given the weight of the device, this will facilitate disassembly for
service work.
• 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.
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 21
5 Mounting SMA Solar Technology AG
• Observe the recommended clearances to walls,
other inverters or other objects, as shown in the
diagram. That ensures sufficient heat dissipation
and gives you enough space to unplug the
Electronic Solar Switch.
• If multiple inverters are mounted in areas with high
ambient temperatures, allow more than the
recommended clearances between the inverters
and ensure an adequate fresh-air supply. This will
prevent the inverter from reducing its power as a
result of high temperatures (details on temperature
derating can be found in the Technical Information
"Temperature Derating" at www.SMA.de/en).
5.3 Mounting the Inverter with Rear Panel
1. Use the rear panel as a drilling template and mark the positions of the drill holes.
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SMA Solar Technology AG 5 Mounting
Display
2. Mount the rear panel.
To do this, use one upper hole on the right and one
on the left plus the hole in the middle.
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 23
5 Mounting SMA Solar Technology AG
A
3. Hook the inverter into the rear panel, ensuring that
the inverter enclosure is positioned flush against the
rear panel.
– For two peop le t o trans por t th e in ver ter, hol d th e
inverter by the recessed grips at the bottom and
the top edge of the enclosure lid.
– For transport by crane, you can attach 2 ring
bolts to the top of the inverter (see A: M10,
diameter = 10 mm). To do this, remove the
filler-plugs and screw in the ring bolts as far as
they will go.
4. Remove the ring bolts after transport and re-attach
the filler-plugs.
5. Release all 6 captive screws of the lower enclosure
lid.
6. To remove the lower enclosure lid, lift it from the
bottom.
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SMA Solar Technology AG 5 Mounting
7. Screw the supplied eye bolt into the hole provided
in order to secure the enclosure from being
dislodged. The eye bolt only needs to be fastened
hand-tight.
8. In order to secure the enclosure on the rear panel,
fasten it at the bottom with the two M5x10
cheese-head screws supplied
(torque: max. 3.5 Nm).
9. Check to ensure that the inverter is securely in place.
☑ The inverter is now securely mounted to the wall.
If the inverter is not to be connected immediately, re-attach the lower enclosure lid:
– Dock the lower enclosure lid at an angle and
attach. The captive screws must protrude.
– Pre-fasten all six screws and then tighten them in
the sequence shown on the right
(torque: 2.0 Nm).
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 25
5 Mounting SMA Solar Technology AG
Optional Anti-Theft Protection
To protect the inverter from theft, you can secure it to the rear panel with a padlock.
The padlock must meet the following requirements:
•Size:
A: 6 mm … 8 mm diameter
B: 23 mm … 29 mm
C: 23 mm … 28 mm
D: 39 mm … 50 mm
E: 13 mm … 18 mm
•Stainless
• Hardened shackle
• Protected lock cylinder
Storage of the key
Keep the key in a safe place in case it is needed for service purposes.
1. Put the shackle of the padlock through the eye of
the previously mounted eye bolt and close the
padlock.
☑ The inverter is now protected against theft.
26 STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 Installation Manual
SMA Solar Technology AG 6 Electrical Connection
6 Electrical Connection
6.1 Safety
Electrostatic discharge can damage the inverter
Internal components of the inverter can be irreparably damaged by electrostatic discharge.
• Earth yourself before touching any components.
6.2 Overview of the Connection Area
Object Description
A DC lid (slots for surge arresters and varistors are located here)
B Plug for connecting the multi-function relay
C Plug for connecting the RS485 communication module (optional)
D Terminal for grid connection
E Jumper for setting the language to English
F Rotary switch for setting the Bluetooth NetID
G Screw for releasing and raising the display
H Rotary switches for setting the country standard and display language
I Cable entry for the multi-function relay (M20, 5 mm … 13 mm)
K Slot for SD card (for service purposes only)
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 27
6 Electrical Connection SMA Solar Technology AG
Object Description
A Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) socket
B Cable entry for the multi-function relay (M20, 5 mm … 13 mm)
C Cable entries for communication via RS485 (M32) (optional)
D Additional cable entry (M20)
E Cable entry for grid connection (AC) (M32, 14 mm … 25 mm)
F DC connectors for connecting the strings (input area B)
G DC connectors for connecting the strings (input area A)
(for Sunny Tripower 8000TL/10000TL/12000TL only 4 each)
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SMA Solar Technology AG 6 Electrical Connection
6.3 Connecting the Electricity Grid (AC)
6.3.1 Conditions for the AC Connection
You must comply with the connection requirements of your network operator.
Residual current device
The inverter is equipped with an integrated all-pole-sensitive residual-current monitoring unit.
The inverter can automatically differentiate between residual currents and normal leading leakage
currents.
If an external RCD or residual-current device is strictly required, you must use a switch that trips at a
residual current of 100 mA or higher.
You will find further information on using an RCD in the Technical Information "Criteria for Selecting
a Residual-Current Device" at www.SMA.de/en.
Cable Dimensioning
The cable must be dimensioned in accordance with any local and national directives on cable
dimensions which specify requirements for the minimum conductor cross-section. Cable dimensioning
factors are e.g.: nominal AC current, type of cable, type of routing, cable bundling, ambient
temperature and maximum specified line losses (for calculation of line losses, see design software
"Sunny Design" with software version 2.0 or higher at www.SMA-Solar.com).
Cable Requirements
Position Description Value
A Cable diameter 14 mm … 25 mm
B Conductor
cross-section
C Stripping length approx. 12 mm
The PE wire must be 5 mm longer than the L and N wires.
Installation Manual STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 29
1.5 mm² … 16 mm², with bootlace ferrule maximum 10 mm²
6 Electrical Connection SMA Solar Technology AG
Connection of a second protective conductor
In some installation countries, a second protective conductor is required in order to prevent a contact
current in the event of failure of the original protective conductor.
For installation countries falling within the scope of validity of the IEC standard 62109, the following
requirements are applicable:
• Installation of protective conductor at the AC terminal with a conductor cross-section of at least
10 mm² Cu.
or
• Installation of a second protective conductor at the earth terminal with the same cross-section as
the original protective conductor at the AC terminal (see Section6.3.3 "Connecting the Second
Protective Conductor", page33).
You must always observe the applicable regulations in the country of installation.
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. You should use a 3-pole miniature circuit-breaker.
If you are using a 1-pole miniature circuit-breaker, a residual voltage from the inverter may be present
on the relevant cable after disconnection (maximum permissible fuse protection (see Section14
"Technical Data", page95)).
Danger to life due to fire
When more than 1 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 a single miniature circuit-breaker.
• Observe the maximum permissible fuse protection of the inverter when selecting the miniature
circuit-breaker.
Danger to life due to fire
When a generator (inverter) and a load are connected to the same miniature circuit-breaker, 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 protect loads separately.
30 STP8-17TL-IA-en-31 Installation Manual
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