Backup Gas Generator Setup & Sensor Placement; Testing - sol-ark 12K Install Manual & Owner’s Manual

11. Connecting a Portable Backup Generator (240V/208V only)
a. Generators smaller than 10kW
i. Connect the generator output to the "Gen" input breaker in the Sol-Ark 12K user panel.
ii. Only 240V/208V generators are supported.
iii. If Off-Grid, connect the generator output to the "Grid" input in the Sol-Ark and select the "GEN
connected to Grid input" option in the Sell Control tab of the Grid Setup Menu.
b. Standby Generators >10kW
i. If Off-Grid, you may connect the generator output directly to the "Grid" input on the Sol-Ark
12K. The Sol-Ark 12K will perceive the generator as if it were the grid. You will need to select the
"GEN connected to Grid input" option in the Sell Control tab of the Grid Setup Menu.
ii. Being Off-Grid, you will have "Grid Sell" off and will not need current limiting sensors.
iii. Under "Grid Setup" do the following:
iv. If using a large generator with a whole home transfer switch, we suggest not using the "Gen"
input breakers in the Sol-Ark. Instead, use the existing home wiring to distribute the generator's
power (through your existing "Gen" transfer switch, usually to the main panel in the home or
building).
12. Sensor and Accessory Placement
a. Limiter Sensors
i. Install on incoming electrical service wires on L1 and L2 (see
diagram pg. 11). Required if in Limited To Home Mode
(meter zero).
b. Battery Temp Sensor
i. Place between batteries (See Fig. F). Note: Temp sensor is
not required for lithium batteries. This sensor has no
polarity when connecting to the sensor input of the Sol-Ark.
c. CanBus & RS485
i. In order to connect batteries to the Sol-Ark 12K via RJ45, you will need to splice the end that
connects to the Sol-Ark 12K. Use the middle two conductors.
ii. RS485 is SunSpec draft 4 (will not work with draft 3)
d. Gen Start Signal (Two-Wire)
i. Normally open relay that closes when the Gen Start state is active
ii. If your generator only starts with the loss of 120/240V to the generator, we suggest using a
DPST relay to the output of the inverter.
e. PV Rapid Shutdown Signal
i. 12v signal/200mA power is present until the Sol-Ark is shut down with the front button
f. WI-FI Antenna
i. Only needed for remote monitoring and/or software updates.
13. Testing and Powering up Sol-Ark 12K
a. Check Voltage of each PV input circuit
i. Should be no higher than 500Vdc open circuit.
ii. DO NOT connect PV+ OR PV- to GND.
iii. Good to verify polarity (if polarity is backwards the Sol-Ark will show a Voltage of 0V).
b. Check Grid Input Voltage (voltages shown are for North America)
i. Ensure 120Vac L1 to Neutral and L2 to Neutral.
See page 11
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1. Home Screen → Gear Icon → Grid Setup → Sell Control
See page 12
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1. Home Screen → Gear Icon → Grid Setup → Sell Control
1. Select "Limited to Load"
2. Select "General Standard"
3. Increase Grid frequency range: 55-65Hz
February 3, 2020
Fig. F
18