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INSTALLATION GUIDE
AND USER MANUAL
V1.0
May 17, 2023
RESIDENTIAL
NORTH AMERICA
1
Copyright
2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC
©

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  • Page 1 INSTALLATION GUIDE AND USER MANUAL V1.0 May 17, 2023 RESIDENTIAL NORTH AMERICA Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 2 Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 3 INCIDENTAL, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. USE OF SUCH INFORMATION SHALL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK. Sol-Ark is not responsible for system failure, damage or injury resulting from improper installation of its products. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    2.6 Grid Peak-Shaving ..............................................15 2.7 Automatic Generator Start ............................................16 2.8 Integrating Sensors and Accessories ........................................16 2.9 Limit Sensor (CT sensor) ............................................17 2.10 Powering-up and Testing the Sol-Ark .........................................19 2.11 Power Cycle sequence ............................................20 2.12 LED Indicators .................................................20 2.13 Main screen (Touchscreen) ...........................................20 3.
  • Page 5: Important Safety Instructions

    WARNINGS Read this entire document before installing or using the Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N inverter. Failure to follow any of the instructions or warnings in this document can result in electrical shock, serious injury, or death. Damage to the inverter is also possible, potentially rendering it inoperable.
  • Page 6: Sol-Ark: First Glance

    The box should include all items shown in the component guide. If there are damages or missing parts, immediately call (USA) +1 (972) 575- 8875 Ext. 2. COMPONENT GUIDE The Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N system includes the following components: Component Description Quantity...
  • Page 7: General Description

    Battery terminals RJ45 port (BMS) Parallel RJ45 ports (Parallel 1 / Parallel 2) MPPT inputs Sensor input board (33A) GEN terminal Neutral breaker (50A) LOAD terminal Internal AC conductors (50A) GRID terminal Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 8: Specifications

    17 in-lb 2 Nm “GRID” 17 in-lb 2 Nm Cover Screws 26.5 in-lb 3 Nm Battery Connection 40 in-lb 4.5 Nm Do not use impact drivers to tighten any fasteners on the Sol-Ark Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 9 Integrated Output Shorted Protection Integrated Surge Protection DC Type II / AC Type II 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC Support: (972) 575-8875 Ext. 2, support@sol-ark.com Sales: (972) 575-8875 Ext. 1, sales@sol-ark.com Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 10: Wire Gauge Guide

    12’ – 20’ [6 m]: 2/0 AWG 100’ – 300’ [90 m]: 10 AWG 100’ – 400’ [120 m]: 23 AWG CT Sensor (Included) AC Breaker (Single pole) 5/8 in [16 mm] 13 ft [4 m] Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 11: Installation

    Heat transfer is done from bottom to top at a rate of 115.2 W/hr ≥ 2 in [5 cm] ≥ 2 in The Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N is a NEMA 3R - IP65 enclosure, rated for outdoor installation but [5 cm] can also be installed indoors. PROTECT LCD screen from direct exposure to UV light.
  • Page 12 Damage to the LCD Screen due to direct sunlight exposure will not be covered by warranty H. Mount the inverter in the optimal orientation as shown below. Figure 4: Best practice for mounting orientation Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 13: Integrating Batteries

    Sol-Ark 5K-1P-L is a 48Vdc nominal system. DO NOT connect the inverter to any other battery configuration. If you use 12V batteries, you MUST NOT exceed four (4) batteries in series, as shown in Figure 5b. The inverter can work with any battery chemistry if it remains within the range of 43V to 63V.
  • Page 14: Ground Connection

    AC Coupling The Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N is a system that supports the addition of AC coupled solar panels. The solar input power can be expanded by coupling micro or string inverters into the “GEN” or “LOAD” terminals. A full solar AC coupled systems is not recommended as power control and monitoring is limited.
  • Page 15: Integrating A Generator

    1P-N. Additionally, increase the voltage range to “Grid Volt High=130V” and “Grid Volt Low=110V”. Sol-Ark will not charge the batteries using the generator unless the “Start V” or “Start %” condition is fulfilled. Only one condition (V or %) will be modifiable depending on which control mode is selected under (“Use Batt V Charged”...
  • Page 16: Automatic Generator Start

    GEN or GRID “A” value will ensure that small generators are not overloaded when charging the battery bank. If connecting more than one Sol-Ark in parallel, multiply the GEN or GRID Start “A” value by the # of Sol-Ark inverters to get the actual current (A) what will go into the battery bank.
  • Page 17: Limit Sensor (Ct Sensor)

    The CT sensor (or limit sensor) enable the use and smooth operation of the system work modes known as “Limited Power to Home” and “Grid Peak-Shaving”. The CT will measure and calculate the demand in the Main Service Panel which the Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N will use to accurately supply and offset all home loads.
  • Page 18 OFF during the detection test. If this test is done with connected AC-coupled systems, a factory reset of the Sol-Ark must be performed. Install the CT sensor as described in section 2.9 “Limit Sensor”. A battery connection and grid power are required before starting the automatic configuration.
  • Page 19: Powering-Up And Testing The Sol-Ark

    Voltage of the battery must be between 43Vdc - 63Vdc. If applicable, turn “ON” internal switches of battery modules or battery pack. Measure individual voltages. C. Verify proper voltage of the battery bank at the battery terminals of the Sol-Ark. 2. Check the voltage of each PV input circuit Input voltage must not exceed 500Vdc.
  • Page 20: Power Cycle Sequence

    TURN OFF the external battery disconnect. Wait a moment (~1 min) to ensure the inverter is completely de-energized. Make sure that the Sol-Ark is properly connected to the batteries, solar panels, grid, gen, and loads. Reverse the steps to turn ON the inverter 2.12 LED Indicators...
  • Page 21 C. Values bellow the line indicate “power sold back” to the grid. D. This view can help to determine when the peak power is used from the grid. 4. System Setup Menu Information provided by the (3,4) Figure 24: System setup screen Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 22: User Interface

    Time Sync: Automatically syncs with the internet for daylight saving time changes (Enabling “Time sync” is recommended). Seasons: Set seasons for TOU (Time of Use) to follow, up to 3 seasons with chronological order. Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 23: Battery Setup

    Load Limit Power: Sets the total AC output power from the batteries to the “LOAD” terminal of the Sol-Ark. The default value is always the maximum output of the inverter production.
  • Page 24 Gen Force: Closes the two-wire start relay. If a generator is connected to the two-wire start relay and is under automatic mode, then it will automatically start. The generator must be in automatic mode if applicable and must have a two-wire start (dry-contact, normally open) connected to the Sol-Ark. To disable the Gen exercise, adjust the time duration to 0 min.
  • Page 25: Limiter

    AC Coupling Settings - (For AC coupled input) Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N is a 120Vac system. AC coupled solutions such as micro or string inverters must be 120Vac. Sol-Ark must be programmed for nominal 240V if planning on adding 240Vac AC coupled solutions A.
  • Page 26 In this mode, the inverter delivers power to the “LOAD” terminal (essential loads panel) + unlimited power to the “GRID” terminal (main service panel AND grid). The Sol-Ark will monitor grid sell back and load consumption simultaneously (with +/ - 3% error from CT sensor).
  • Page 27 NOT be able to measure the true value of the total home consumption and grid sell back. This system work mode is recommended for single inverter or for whole home backup installations. Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 28 All time intervals are automatically enabled. Power(W): This is the maximum discharge power the Sol-Ark will draw from the battery during the time intervals. Batt: Voltage or percentage battery state-of-charge at which the system stops discharging batteries. If “�� Charge” is checked, the “Batt”...
  • Page 29: Grid Setup

    3.4 Grid Setup Grid Selection The Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N has a wide selection of (single phase) AC voltages it can operate in, including: 120V, 127V, 220V, 230V and 240V. Output power will vary depending on grid type selection: 4,800W @ 120V and 127V 8,000W @ 220V, 230, and 240V See section 1.2 “Specifications”...
  • Page 30: Programming Guide

    3.5 Programming Guide The next diagram shows the most used/common parameters for programming the unit Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N. Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 31: Installation Tips

    When off-grid, there is no need for a transfer switch. Connect the “LOAD” output of the Sol-Ark to the whole home. Do not use “Grid Sell” mode when Off-Grid. ONLY “Limited Power to Load” (default) in systems with only 1 inverter, and “Limited Power to Home”...
  • Page 32: Battery Communication With Modbus/Canbus

    Complete battery integration guide of supported battery communications can be found at: www.sol-ark.com/support/ External MODBUS Devices: If an external device utilizes BMS Lithium Batt 00, one must change the Modbus SN of the inverter to 01 as the default value is 00. Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 33: Grid Compliance Settings

    Frequency-Watt, Volt-Watt 0.00s 0.00s V1:106.0% P1:100% V1:92.0% Q1:44% and Volt-Var 50%PE/Hz V2:110.9% P2: 0% V2:98.0% Q2: 0% 59.96Hz 59.50Hz V3:110.0% P3: 0% V3:100.0% Q3: 0% 0.00s 0.00s V4:110.0% P4: 0% V4:106.0% Q4:44% Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 34: Parallel Systems

    Tech Support for assistance: support@sol-ark.com Parallel systems REQUIRE a joint battery bank. If you do not have a battery, keep all Sol-Ark's OUT of parallel and set every System to “Grid Sell” Mode. D. All INPUTS/OUTPUTS must be shared among ALL parallel inverters, with the exception for DC solar inputs.
  • Page 35: Parallel Systems Programming Sequence

    If an inverter goes into a fault state, all other units will stop and follow. The system will automatically self-reboot. If the system faults 5 consecutive times, it will stop completely and it will require a manual restart. See section 2.12 “Power cycle sequence” for detailed instructions. Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 36: Wi-Fi / Internet Connection

    Insert the ethernet cable through the plastic enclosure and connect the cable to the RJ45 port. C. Reassemble the dongle housing and plug the dongle into the Sol-Ark. Secure with screws (see figure 37). You will see solid red and green lights after a couple of minutes.
  • Page 37 → TIP: If you want to share a plant, a PowerView account with the new email must be created. Create PowerView / PV Pro account and login. Create account Verification Code Login Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 38 Scan QR code or type manually Plant information Configure network EA########## ############ STEP 2: Configure Wi-Fi network though PV Pro Configure Wi-Fi network. Connect dongle Accept conditions Scan and select dongle Network drop down menu Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 39 NOTE: The Wi-Fi dongle does NOT provide internet access. It needs an external internet provider to connect to. The dongle is compatible with Wi-Fi signal broadcasted at 2.4 GHz (it is not possible to use 5G) Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 40 Wait a moment (5 min) for the dongle to connect. If successful, you should see a red and green light on the dongle showing a solid connection. RED LED: Connected to Sol-Ark and has power. GREEN LED: Connected to router and server.
  • Page 41: Wiring Diagrams

    7. Wiring Diagrams These Wiring Diagrams are examples of common use-cases for Sol-Ark inverters. Wiring Diagrams should always be drawn to meet local electrical code and authorized jurisdiction requirements. Sol-Ark does not provide custom diagrams; however, you may contact support@sol-ark.com for any questions about...
  • Page 42 Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 43 Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 44 Diagram 4 Diagram 5 Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 45 Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 46 Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 47: Troubleshooting Guide

    Grid HM value is negative when it should be positive (only applies in limited home mode) Limit Sensor is backwards or incorrectly wired in Sol-Ark sensor pinouts. Try Auto Learn Home Limit Sensors feature AC Overload Fault or Bus Unbalance Fault...
  • Page 48 The Batt SOC% is not reaching 100% The Sol-Ark might be in the calibration phase and estimating the battery SOC. We suggest waiting three full days to let the unit go through the 4-stage charging curve to converge to an accurate % If the suggestion above does not work, you can re-adjust the battery capacity under “Battery Setup”...
  • Page 49: Sol-Ark Error Codes

    DC_VoltLow_Fault by 20%, or Lithium BMS has shut down. If battery settings are incorrect, this can also happen. Sol-Ark is programmed to BMS Lithium Battery Mode but cannot communicate with a BMS. BMS_Err_Stop is BMS_Communication Fault enabled, but cannot communicate with a battery BMS Gen_Volt_or_Fre_Fault Generator Voltage or Frequency went outside the allowable range.
  • Page 50: Install Verification

    This checklist must be filled out and submitted to register your warranty. Please visit: https://www.sol-ark.com/register-your-sol-ark/ Is the Sol-Ark installed in a location where the LCD is protected from direct sunlight and has the adequate vertical and lateral clearances for cooling?
  • Page 51: Limited Warranty: Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N

    Any other event not foreseeable by Portable Solar, LLC Sol-Ark (Portable Solar LLC) liability for any defective Product, or any Product part, shall be limited to the repair or replacement of the Product, at Portable Solar LLC discretion. Sol-Ark does not warrant or guarantee workmanship performed by any person or firm installing its Products.
  • Page 52: Gui Screens

    10. GUI Screens Main Menu Basic Setup Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 53 Batt Setup Limiter Grid Setup Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...
  • Page 54 Copyright 2023 Sol-Ark | Portable Solar LLC ©...

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