Summary of Contents for Xantrex GT 2.5-DE, GT 3.8-DE, GT 2.8-SP, GT 3.8-SP
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Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter GT 2.5-DE GT 3.8-DE GT 2.8-SP GT 3.8-SP Owner’s Manual...
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Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter Owner’s Manual...
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About Xantrex Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with products from 50 watt mobile units to one MW utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells, microturbines, and backup power applications in both grid-connected and stand-alone systems. Xantrex products include inverters, battery chargers, programmable power supplies, and variable speed drives that convert, supply, control, clean, and distribute electrical power.
About This Manual The purpose of this Owner’s Manual is to provide explanations and procedures for installing, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter™. Scope The manual provides safety guidelines, detailed planning and setup information. It provides procedures for installing the inverter and information about operating and troubleshooting the unit.
About This Manual Conventions Used The following conventions are used in this guide. WARNING Warnings identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life. CAUTION Cautions identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to the unit or other equipment.
Symbols Used Related Information You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well as its products and services at www.xantrex.com 975-0253-01-01 Alternating Current (AC Direct Current (DC In this guide: Important information, warnings, or cautions.
Important Safety Instructions SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS—This manual contains important instructions that shall be followed during the installation and maintenance of the Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter. 1. Before installing and using the GT Inverter, read all instructions and cautionary markings on the inverter and in all appropriate sections of this guide.
Safety Regulatory Compliance The GT Inverter is CE Marked for the following Directives and standards: • Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, per EN50178 “Electronic Equipment for Use in Power Installations”. • EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, per: • EN61000-6-3 “Emission Standard for Residential, Commercial, and Light-Industrial Environments”...
Introduction About the Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter The Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter (GT Inverter) is designed to convert solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) power into utility-grade electricity that can be used by the home or sold to the local power company. Installing the GT Inverter consists of mounting it to the wall and connecting the DC input to a PV array and the AC output to the utility.
PV compatibility The GT Inverter is designed to take advantage of solar modules configured as high voltage PV string arrays—single crystalline, poly crystalline, or thin film—with a 195 to 550 Vdc input voltage Maximum Power Point range. Maximum Power The GT Inverter uses Xantrex proprietary Maximum Power Point Tracking Point Tracking (MPPT) technology to harvest the maximum amount of energy from the solar (MPPT)
Installation Chapter 2, “Installation”, provides information about planning for and installing the GT Inverter. It contains information to help you plan wire routes, ensure your PV array provides necessary power, and find a suitable location for installation. The topics in this chapter are organized as follows: •...
Installation Installation Options The GT Inverter may be installed as a single inverter for a single PV array of one or two PV strings, or in a multiple inverter configuration for multiple PV arrays (see Figure 2-1 for diagrams of both options). Single Inverter Installation In this configuration, a single inverter collects the harvested solar energy and routes the power to the main utility service panel and the utility grid.
Photovoltaic Panels - PV Array P V S tring #1 Harvested solar energy H arv es ted s olar energy P V S tring #2 Photovoltaic (PV) Panels— PV Array PV Array #2 P V Array #1 Harvested solar energy H arv es ted s olar e ne rgy Photovoltaic P anels :...
Installation Inverter Location WARNING: Burn hazard Do not install in a location where people can accidentally come into contact with the front of the inverter. High temperatures can be present on the face of the inverter, causing a potential burn hazard. In extreme conditions, the GT Inverter chassis can reach temperatures that can cause skin burns if accidentally touched.
Figure 2-2 GT Inverter mounting orientation PV Array Requirements WARNING: Shock hazard Whenever a PV array is exposed to sunlight, a shock hazard exists at the output wires or exposed terminals. To reduce the risk of shock during installation, cover the array with an opaque (dark) material before making any connections.
Installation Voltage and MPPT Requirements MPPT operational The MPPT software maximizes the output energy of solar arrays as long as the window operating voltage is within the MPPT operational window. Ensure that the PV array used in the system operates within the MPPT operational window. Effects of array voltages outside of the MPPT operational window are shown in Table 2-1.
Guidelines for Matching PV Array Size to Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter Input For determining the number of panels required in the PV string (panels connected in series), you must ensure that the following three requirements are met: 1. To avoid damage to the inverter, ensure that the PV array output will never exceed 600 Vdc under any conditions.
Installation Lightning Protection Reduce the risk of lightning damage by using a single-point grounding system. In this system, all ground lines terminate at the same point. This point normally is the main utility ground installed by the utility company to provide a ground for the house wiring.
Preparing for the Installation Ensure your local utility is consulted for any requirements for connecting to or returning power to the grid. Obtain all permits necessary to complete the installation. Consult your local and national electrical codes for more information. Important: DC wiring/cabling and wires/cables.
Installation Mounting the Inverter Overview WARNING: Fire, shock and energy hazards Before installing the GT Inverter, read all instructions and cautionary markings located in this manual, on the PV array, and on the main service panel. General installation Installing of the GT Inverter includes these main steps: steps 1.
This chapter describes the first step: mounting the inverter and installing accessories. Mounting steps Instructions for mounting the GT Inverter are described in the following sections: • “Installing the Mounting Bracket” on page 2–12 • “Mounting the Inverter on the Bracket” on page 2–16. Tools and Materials Needed •...
Installation Installing the Mounting Bracket The mounting bracket for the GT Inverter allows the unit to be easily mounted and removed for servicing. It has one hook that matches a corresponding hook on the back side of the inverter. 18.3 cm 7.2"...
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WARNING: Shock hazard Before drilling holes to mount the GT Inverter, ensure there are no electrical wires or plumbing in this area. WARNING: Personal injury The GT Inverter weighs approximately 19 kg (41 lb). Always use proper lifting techniques during installation to prevent personal injury. WARNING: Explosion hazard Do not store combustible or flammable materials anywhere near the inverter.
Installation Mounting on Poles or Rails To mount the unit using poles: 1. Ensure that poles or rails are securely assembled in place. If using horizontal rails, two rails are required: one for the mounting bracket and another for securing the bottom edge of the inverter (see Figure 2-6). 2.
Mounting on Wallboard, Siding or Concrete To mount the GT Inverter to wallboard, siding, or concrete: 1. Locate the area where the GT Inverter is to be installed. 2. Install backing support material if required. 130 cm (51") Ground/floor Single GT Inverter Figure 2-7 Installing the Mounting Bracket using Plywood Support 3.
Installation Mounting the Inverter on the Bracket Before mounting the inverter, it is recommended to remove the communication ports cover. With the cover removed, you can access all the mounting slots along the bottom flange. Mounting a Single Inverter To mount the inverter on the mounting bracket: 1.
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Wiring the Inverter Chapter 3, “Wiring the Inverter”, provides procedures for making DC and AC wiring connections for single and multiple inverter installations. This chapter also includes information about communications wiring and using GT-View monitoring software. The topics in this chapter are organized as follows: •...
Wiring the Inverter Connecting the DC Wiring The GT Inverter is equipped with four PV quick connects (two positive, two negative) for connecting up to two PV strings. PV positive (+) Multi-Contact connector Figure 3-1 PV Quick Connect Location WARNING: Shock hazard Whenever a PV array is exposed to sunlight, a shock hazard exists at the output wires or exposed terminals.
• Female and male DC cable connectors to mate with the Multi-Contact connectors PV-ADSP3/GWD (positive) and PV-ADBP3/GWD (negative) on the GT Inverter. You will need two connectors (one female and one male) for each PV string (you can connect up to two PV strings to the GT Inverter). Connecting the PV Array The following procedure is illustrated in Figure 3-2.
Wiring the Inverter Figure 3-2 DC Connections for a Two-String PV Array Important: box may be required. The installer must provide this equipment. 3–4 – PV String #2 – PV String #1 Xantrex GT Inverter Depending upon installation and local codes, fusing and/or a combiner PV Array 975-0253-01-01...
Connecting the AC Wiring WARNING: Shock hazard AC utility wiring to the GT Inverter unit is performed directly at the main breaker panel. This should be done only by a qualified installer or electrician. WARNING: Shock hazard Before wiring the GT Inverter, ensure the main breaker in the primary utility breaker box is switched OFF.
Wiring the Inverter 5. On the female terminal, connect the protective earth wire to the terminal marked with the ground ( ) symbol. See Figure 3-4. 6. Connect the neutral wire to the terminal marked with 1. 7. Connect the Phase L wire to the terminal marked with 2. Terminal 3 is not used.
Connecting Multiple Inverters For installations with multiple inverters, a separate PV array is required for each GT Inverter unit. The output of each GT Inverter feeds a separate dual-pole circuit breaker in the main utility service panel. When connecting multiple inverters, complete the wiring and perform the commissioning procedure for each inverter one at a time.
Wiring the Inverter Communications Wiring for Multiple Inverters Communications wiring between multiple GT Inverters allows information about each inverter and its associated PV array to be communicated between all of the inverters in the system. Information about the entire system can be displayed on any inverter LCD in the system.
Terminators Male network terminators (Figure 3-7) are required at both ends of the network to ensure the communication signal quality on the network. Your GT Inverter comes with one network terminator pre-installed. Figure 3-7 Male Network Terminator GT Inverter Xanbus Two RJ45 ports are provided on the GT Inverter for making network connections.
Wiring the Inverter Cabling Requirements CAUTION: Equipment damage Do not use crossover cable in a Xanbus system. The network uses Category 5 (CAT 5) cable, a standard cable available from any computer supply store. The cable consists of eight conductors in four twisted pairs with an RJ45 modular connector wired to the T568A standard.
Purchasing Network Components Consult your system designer to determine what network components will be needed for your specific installation. Table 3-2 provides a partial list of network components and part numbers. Pre-made cables are available in standard lengths from 3 feet to 75 feet. Call your dealer or visit www.xantrex.com for information on purchasing network components.
Wiring the Inverter Connecting Network Cable between Inverters This procedure assumes only two inverters are installed. However, there can be up to ten inverters wired in this configuration. To provide communication between multiple inverters: 1. Remove the comm port covers from all inverters. See Figure 3-10. 1.
The RS-232 connector on the GT is configured as follows: • Pin 2: transmit • Pin 3: received • Pin 5: ground. All other pins are unused. To connect a single GT Inverter to a personal computer: 1. With DC and AC power disconnected from the inverter, remove the comm port cover.
Wiring the Inverter Figure 3-12 GT-View Options For more information about GT-View, see the GT-View User Manual, included with the GT-View software. 3–14 975-0253-01-01...
Starting the Inverter Chapter 4, “Starting the Inverter”, contains information on starting up the Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter and performing a functional test. The topics in this chapter are organized as follows: • “Commissioning Procedure” on page 4–2 • “Disconnect Test” on page 4–3.
Starting the Inverter Commissioning Procedure To ensure that each GT Inverter is wired correctly, each inverter should be wired individually using the wiring procedures in Chapter 3, and turned on using this commissioning procedure. Once a single inverter has been commissioned, it should be turned off and the wiring and commissioning procedures should be performed for the next inverter.
To monitor the startup sequence on the front panel LCD, check the GT Inverter LCD. The startup screens (see Table 5-1 on page 5–3) should appear for five seconds each, and then the “Reconnecting in sss seconds” special screen (see Table 5-10 on page 5–8) will appear until the protection timer countdown is completed.
Monitoring the Inverter Chapter 5, “Monitoring the Inverter”, contains information for understanding the LCD screens and the LED indicators. The topics in this chapter are organized as follows: • “Monitoring the Front Panel Display” on page 5–2 • “Front Panel Display Screens and What They Mean” on page 5–3 •...
Monitoring the Inverter Monitoring the Front Panel Display During startup During startup, the inverter’s front panel liquid crystal display (LCD, see Figure 5-1) shows the first three screens described in Table 5-1, “Startup Screens on GT Inverter Front Panel Display” on page 5–3. During waiting When the protection timer begins, the inverter displays “Reconnecting in sss period...
Front Panel Display Screens and What They Mean The front panel display shows different message screens during different modes of operation (Startup, Normal, Offline, and Fault). All single units display a basic set of message screens; multiple unit systems display additional screens in Normal Operation and Offline modes.
Monitoring the Inverter Table 5-2 Normal Operation Default Screen System 2000W Today 9.875kWh If there is sufficient energy from the PV array, this screen is displayed continuously while the system is operating normally. In a multiple unit system connected by network cables, the power and cumulative energy values displayed are for the entire system.
* In a multiple unit system with network cables properly installed, the system Additional In addition, to the normal system message screens, additional screens specific to messages for each GT Inverter unit can be displayed when the unit is connected with multiple unit communications wiring to other GT Inverters.
Monitoring the Inverter Offline messages Additional message screens can be viewed when the system is offline by tapping for all systems the Xantrex logo near the LCD. Each additional tap displays the next screen, in the order shown in Table 5-6. These message screens are common to all GT Inverter systems, no matter how many units are installed.
Fault Mode When a fault state is detected, the appropriate fault message appears on the front panel display at the next screen refresh (i.e., within 2 seconds). The GT Inverter fault message screens are shown in Table 5-8. Fault Mode causes These message screens only appear when there is a fault, and then flash alternately with the Inverter Offline default screen (Table 5-5) until the fault is corrected.
Monitoring the Inverter Additional Fault Additional message screens can be viewed in fault mode by tapping the Xantrex messages for all logo near the LCD. Each additional tap displays the next screen in the order systems shown in Table 5-9. Table 5-9 Additional Fault Mode Screens 1st time 2nd time...
Table 5-10 Special Message Screens System *3500W Today 15.56kWh Unit *1800W Today 7.82kWh Insufficient Solar Energy Custom Screens Two custom screens are available. The inverter does not display them unless they are configured using using GT-View (see page 3–12). If configured, the custom screens display as the fourth and fifth screens during the startup sequence.
Monitoring the Inverter Status Indicator Lights The GT Inverter is equipped with two status indicator lights (LEDs) located below the front panel LCD (Figure 5-2). These LEDs indicate the inverter’s current status (Table 5-11) and assist in troubleshooting the performance of the unit. Only one indicator light will be lit at any time.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting WARNING: Electrical shock and fire hazard Do not disassemble the GT Inverter. It does not contain any user serviceable parts. Attempting to service the unit yourself could result in electrical shock or fire. Chapter 6, “Maintenance and Troubleshooting”, contains information about how to provide general maintenance for the Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Factors Affecting GT Inverter Performance This section describes several factors that will affect the amount of power that a properly installed and operating GT Inverter can produce. PV Array Factors PV array ratings PV arrays are rated at ideal factory conditions, such as specified illumination (1000 W/m and specified temperature (25 °C / 77 °F), that seldom reflect real-world installations.
Other Factors Other factors that contribute to system losses are: • Dust or dirt on the array • Fog or smog • Mismatched PV array modules, with slight inconsistencies in performance from one module to another. • Inverter efficiency • Wire losses For additional information and technical notes concerning PV array performance, please visit our Web site at www.xantrex.com.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Identifying Error/Fault Conditions and Solutions Most error or fault conditions will be identified by fault message screens on the GT Inverter front panel LCD. These are described in the “Fault Mode” section on page 5–7. Most of these fault conditions are self-correcting and require no user action to remedy.
Specifications Appendix A, “Specifications”, contains information about the electrical and environmental specifications of the Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter. The topics in this appendix are organized as follows: • “Electrical Specifications” on page A–2 • “Environmental Specifications” on page A–6 •...
Specifications Electrical Specifications Input Input voltage, Maximum Power Point range Absolute maximum array open circuit voltage Maximum input current Maximum array short circuit current Recommended PV array power Reverse polarity protection Output Maximum output power Nominal output power Maximum output current Nominal grid voltage Nominal grid frequency Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
Adjustable Disconnect Settings Islanding protection is an essential safety feature that ensures no person working on the grid is harmed by a distributed energy source. Default software settings are programmed into each GT Inverter at the factory to ensure it does not island according to relevant safety regulations (VDE 0126, RD 1663/2000).
Specifications Output Power Versus Ambient Temperature Once the heat sink on the inverter reaches a maximum temperature limit, the GT Inverter reduces its energy output to ensure maximum component ratings are not exceeded. 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 Figure A-1 Output Power vs.
Specifications Environmental Specifications Operating temperature range Storage temperature range Power derating Tolerable relative humidity limit User Display Type Size Backlight Display Accuracy Instantaneous Power Voltage Current System Lifetime energy Mechanical Specifications Outdoor enclosure Inverter dimensions (H × W × D) Shipping dimensions (H ×...
Warranty and Return Information Warranty What does this warranty cover and how long does it last? Technology Inc. (“Xantrex”) and covers defects in quality in workmanship and materials (“Defects”) in your Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter. This warranty lasts for a period of five years (the “Warranty Period”) from the date of purchase at point of sale to you, the original end user customer.
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Warranty and Return What does this warranty not cover? product or costs associated with replacing consumable items such as air filters, fuses, arrestors, etc. A shorter than normal life during the Warranty Period caused by excessive use or incorrect use is not considered a Defect. Please consult your Owner’s Guide to determine the proper use of the product.
2. Include the following: • The RMA number supplied by Xantrex Technology, Inc. clearly marked on the outside of the box. • A return address where the unit can be shipped. Post office boxes are not acceptable.
Warranty and Return Information About Your System As soon as you open your Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverter package, record the following information and be sure to keep your proof of purchase. Model Number Serial Number Purchased From Purchase Date If you need to contact Customer Service, please record the following details before calling.
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PV Details Solar Panel Mount: Solar Panel Brand and Model: Nominal Voltage Range: Peak Open Circuit Voltage: Nominal Current Rating: Maximum Current Rating: Solar Tracker? String #1:# of Panels: String #2:# of Panels: String #3:# of Panels: String #4:# of Panels: 975-0253-01-01 Warranty and Return Roof...
Index abbreviations and symbols 2–9 AC circuit breaker requirements 2–7 AC grounding requirements A–2 AC output voltage ratings 3–5 AC wiring instructions A–6 acceptable wire sizes A–3 adjustable disconnect settings communication between multiple inverters 3–10 communications cabling installing for multiple inverters 3–10 standard CAT 5 wiring Customer Service...
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Index on wallboard, siding or concrete 2–4 orientation 2–11 overview 2–11 preparation 2–16 single inverter 2–13 surfaces for 2–14 using poles or rails MPPT 2–6 operational window 1–3 technology multiple inverters 3–8 communication between 3–12 communications wiring 2–2 configuration 3–7 installation 5–5 messages in normal operation...