User Manual: Off Grid Solar Inverter SPF 3500 ES SPF 5000 ES
User Manual: Off Grid Solar Inverter SPF 3500 ES SPF 5000 ES
User Manual: Off Grid Solar Inverter SPF 3500 ES SPF 5000 ES
Version: 2.0
Table Of Contents
Information on this Manual ................................................................................................................................................... 2
Validity ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
Scope ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Features .................................................................................................................................................... 3
PV Connection ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 24
PV Connection ......................................................................................................................................... 33
1
Information on this Manual
Validity
Scope
This manual describes the assembly, installation, operation and troubleshooting of this unit. Please read
this manual carefully before installations and operations.
Target Group
This document is intended for qualified persons and end users. Tasks that do not require any particular
qualification can also be performed by end users. Qualified persons must have the following skills:
Knowledge of how an inverter works and is operated
Training in how to deal with the dangers and risks associated with installing and using electrical
devices and installations
Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices and installations
Knowledge of the applicable standards and directives
Knowledge of and compliance with this document and all safety information
Safety Instructions
WARNING: This chapter contains important safety and operating instructions.
Read and keep this manual for future reference.
1. Please be clear which kind of battery system you want, lithium battery system or lead-acid battery system, if
you choose the wrong system, energy storage system can’t work normally.
2. Before using the unit, read all instructions and cautionary marking on the unit, the batteries and all
appropriate sections of this manual. The company has the right not to quality assurance, if not according to
the instructions of this manual for installation and cause equipment damage.
3. All the operation and connection please professional electrical or mechanical engineer.
4. All the electrical installation must comply with the local electrical safety standards.
5. When install PV modules in the daytime, installer should cover the PV modules by opaque materials,
otherwise it will be dangerous as high terminal voltage of modules in the sunshine.
6. CAUTION-To reduce risk of injury, charge only deep-cycle lead-acid type rechargeable batteries and
lithium batteries. Other types of batteries may burst, causing personal injury and damage.
7. Do not disassemble the unit. Take it to a qualified service center when service or repair is required.
Incorrect re-assembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
8. To reduce risk of electric shock, disconnect all wirings before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
Turning off the unit will not reduce this risk.
9. NEVER charge a frozen battery.
10. For optimum operation of this inverter, please follow required spec to select appropriate cable size. It’s very
important to correctly operate this inverter.
11. Be very cautious when working with metal tools on or around batteries. A potential risk exists to drop a tool
to spark or short circuit batteries or other electrical parts and could cause an explosion.
12. Please strictly follow installation procedure when you want to disconnect AC or DC terminals. Please refer to
INSTALLATION section of this manual for the details.
13. GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS -This inverter should be connected to a permanent grounded wiring system.
Be sure to comply with local requirements and regulation to install this inverter.
14. NEVER cause AC output and DC input short circuited. Do NOT connect to the mains when DC input short
circuits.
15. Make sure the inverter is completely assembled, before the operation.
2
Introduction
This is a multifunctional off grid solar inverter, integrated with a MPPT solar charge controller, a high
frequency pure sine wave inverter and a UPS function module in one machine, which is perfect for off grid
backup power and self-consumption applications. This inverter can work with or without batteries.
The whole system also need other devices to achieve complete running such as PV modules, generator, or
utility grid. Please consult with your system integrator for other possible system architectures depending on
your requirements. The WiFi / GPRS module is a plug-and-play monitoring device to be installed on the
inverter. With this device, users can monitor the status of the PV system from the mobile phone or from the
website anytime anywhere.
Features
Rated power 3.5KW to 5KW, power factor 1
Solar and utility grid can power loads at the same time
3
Product Overview
4
Installation
Unpacking and Inspection
Before installation, please inspect the unit. Be sure that nothing inside the package is damaged. You should
have received the following items in the package:
The unit x 1
User manual x 1
Communication cable x 1
Software CD x 1
Current sharing cable x 1
Parallel communication cable x 1
Preparation
Before connecting all wiring, please take off bottom cover by removing two screws as shown below.
Install the unit by screwing three screws. It’s recommended to use M4 or M5 screws.
5
Battery Connection
Lead-acid Battery Connection
User can choose proper capacity lead acid battery with a nominal voltage at 48V. Also, you need to choose
battery type as “AGM(default) or FLD”
CAUTION: For safety operation and regulation compliance, it’s requested to install a separate DC over-current
protector or disconnect device between battery and inverter. It may not be requested to have a disconnect
device in some applications, however, it’s still requested to have over-current protection installed. Please refer
to typical amperage in below table as required fuse or breaker size.
Ring terminal:
CAUTION!! Do not place anything between the flat part of the inverter terminal and the ring
terminal. Otherwise, overheating may occur.
CAUTION!! Do not apply anti-oxidant substance on the terminals before terminals are
connected tightly.
CAUTION!! Before making the final DC connection or closing DC breaker/disconnector, be sure
positive (+) must be connected to positive (+) and negative (-) must be connected to negative
(-).
6
Lithium Battery Connection
If choosing lithium battery for SPF 3500 ES /SPF 5000 ES, you are allowed to use the lithium battery only which we
have configured. There're two connectors on the lithium battery, RJ45 port of BMS and power cable.
2. Insert the ring terminal of battery cable flatly into battery connector of inverter and make sure the bolts are
tightened with torque of 2-3Nm. Make sure polarity at both the battery and the inverter/charge is correctly connected
and ring terminals are tightly screwed to the battery terminals.
3. Connect the end of RJ45 of battery to BMS communication port(RS485 or CAN) of inverter.
Note: If choosing lithium battery, make sure to connect the BMS communication cable between the battery and the
inverter. You need to choose battery type as “lithium battery”.
7
To connect battery BMS, need to set the battery type as “LI” in Program 05.
After set “LI” in Program 05, it will switch to Program 36 to choose communication protocol. You can choose RS485
communication protocol which is from L01 to L50, and you can also choose CAN communication protocol which is
from L51 to L99.
Note: You can only use one communication type RS485 or CAN in a time.
AGM (default)
Flooded
User-Defined
05 Battery type
Protocol 1
Protocol 2
RS485
Communication protocol . .
. .
. .
Protocol 50
36
Protocol 51
Protocol 52
CAN
Communication protocol . .
. .
. .
Protocol 99
Note: When the battery type set to Li, the setting option 12, 13, 21 will change to display percent.
8
Note: When the battery type set as “LI”, the Maximum charge current can't be modified by the user. When the
communication fail, the inverter will cut off output.
Note: Any questions about communicating with BMS, please consult with Growatt.
If need to use communicate with BMS in a parallel system, an external RS485/CAN HUB is needed to converge the
communication cables from the parallel inverters to lithium battery.
RS485/CAN Hub:
9
Note: The above diagrams described the parallel system communicate with lithium battery in CAN communication type,
and it is the same to the RS485 communication type. Only need to change to "RS485" port if you use RS485 for
communication.
Note: The above diagrams show the communication wiring of 2 units and 6 units parallel using. For parallel operation
with 3, 4, or 5 units, the communication wiring is similar.
AC Input/Output Connection
CAUTION!! Before connecting to AC input power source, please install a separate AC breaker between
inverter and AC input power source. This will ensure the inverter can be securely disconnected during
maintenance and fully protected from over current of AC input. The recommended spec of AC breaker is 40A
for SPF 3500 ES and 50A for SPF 5000 ES.
CAUTION!! There are two terminal blocks with “IN” and “OUT” markings. Please do NOT mis-connect input
and output connectors.
WARNING! All wiring must be performed by a qualified personnel.
WARNING! It’s very important for system safety and efficient operation to use appropriate cable for AC input
connection. To reduce risk of injury, please use the proper recommended cable size as below.
Suggested cable requirement for AC wires
Model Gauge Torque Value
SPF 3500 ES 1 * 10 AWG 1.2-1.6 Nm
SPF 5000 ES 1 * 8 AWG 1.2-1.6 Nm
10
WARNING:
Be sure that AC power source is disconnected before attempting to hardwire it to the unit.
4. Then, insert AC output wires according to polarities indicated on terminal block and tighten terminal screws.
Be sure to connect PE protective conductor first.
→Ground (yellow-green)
L→LINE (brown or black)
N→Neutral (blue)
CAUTION: Appliances such as air conditioner are required at least 2~3 minutes to restart because it’s
required to have enough time to balance refrigerant gas inside of circuits. If a power shortage occurs and
recovers in a short time, it will cause damage to your connected appliances. To prevent this kind of damage,
please check with manufacturer of air conditioner that if it’s equipped with time-delay function before
installation. Otherwise, this off grid solar inverter will trig overload fault and cut off output to protect your
appliance but sometimes it still causes internal damage to the air conditioner.
PV Connection
CAUTION: Before connecting to PV modules, please install separately a DC circuit breaker between inverter
and PV modules.
11
Model Wire Size Torque value
SPF 3500 ES 1 * 12 AWG 1.2-1.6 Nm
SPF 5000 ES 1 * 12 AWG 1.2-1.6 Nm
PV Module Selection:
When selecting proper PV modules, please be sure to consider below parameters:
1. Open circuit Voltage (Voc) of PV modules not exceeds max. PV array open circuit voltage of inverter.
2. Open circuit Voltage (Voc) of PV modules should be higher than min. battery voltage.
INVERTER MODEL SPF 3500 ES SPF 5000 ES
Max. PV Array Open Circuit Voltage 450Vdc
Final Assembly
After connecting all wiring, please put bottom cover back by screwing
12
Communication Connection
Please use supplied communication cable to connect to inverter and PC. Insert bundled CD into a computer and
follow on-screen instruction to install the monitoring software. For the detailed software operation, please
check user manual of software inside of CD.
NC & C NO & C
Program 01 set
as Utility first Battery voltage(SOC) > Setting
value in Program 13 or battery Close Open
Output is charging reaches floating stage
Power On
powered from
Battery or Solar Battery voltage (SOC)< Setting
value in Program 12 Open Close
Program 01 is
set as SBU or
Solar first Battery voltage (SOC)> Setting
value in Program 13 or battery Close Open
charging reaches floating stage
13
Operation
Power ON/OFF
Once the unit has been properly installed and the batteries are connected well, simply press On/Off switch
(located on the button of the case) to turn on the unit.
1. LCD display
2. Status indicator
3. Charging indicator
4. Fault indicator
5. Function buttons
LED Indicator
LED Indicator Messages
Solid On Output is powered by utility in Line mode.
Green
Flashing Output is powered by battery or PV in battery mode.
Solid On Battery is fully charged.
Green
Flashing Battery is charging.
Solid On Fault occurs in the inverter.
Red
Flashing Warning condition occurs in the inverter.
Function Buttons
Button Description
ESC To exit setting mode
UP To go to previous selection
DOWN To go to next selection
ENTER To confirm the selection in setting mode or enter setting mode
14
LCD Display Icons
Icon Description
AC Input Information
AC input icon
Indicate AC input power, AC input voltage, AC input frequency, AC input
current
Indicate AC power loads in bypass
PV Input Information
PV input icon
Output Information
Inverter icon
Indicate output voltage, output current, output frequency, inverter
temperature
Load Information
Load icon
Indicate charging source priority: solar first, solar and utility, or only solar
Other Information
Indicate output source priority: solar first, utility first, SBU mode or SUB mode
15
In AC mode, battery icon will present Battery Charging Status
Status Battery voltage LCD Display
<2V/cell 4 bars will flash in turns.
Constant Current Bottom bar will be on and the other three bars
2 ~ 2.083V/cell
will flash in turns.
mode / Constant Bottom two bars will be on and the other two bars
Voltage mode 2.083 ~ 2.167V/cell
will flash in turns.
Bottom three bars will be on and the top
> 2.167 V/cell
bar will flash.
Floating mode. Batteries are fully charged. 4 bars will be on.
< 1.717V/cell
1.717V/cell ~ 1.8V/cell
Load >50%
1.8 ~ 1.883V/cell
< 1.817V/cell
1.817V/cell ~ 1.9V/cell
50%> Load > 20%
1.9 ~ 1.983V/cell
> 1.983
< 1.867V/cell
1.867V/cell ~ 1.95V/cell
Load < 20%
1.95 ~ 2.033V/cell
> 2.033
16
LCD Setting
After pressing and holding ENTER button for 3 seconds, the unit will enter setting mode. Press “UP” or “DOWN”
button to select setting programs. Then press “ENTER” button to confirm the selection or ESC button to exit.
Program Description Setting Option
Solar first
SUB priority
17
Saving mode disable (default)
If enabled, the output of inverter will be off when connected load is pretty
low or not detected.
AGM (default)
Flooded
User-Defined
05 Battery type
Number of series
10
batteries connected
(e.g. Showing batteries are connected in 4 series)
18
Maximum utility charging
current
Note: If setting value in
Program 02 is smaller
11 than that in Program 11, SPF 3500 ES :Default 30A, 0A~60A Settable
the inverter will apply SPF 5000 ES :Default 30A, 0A~80A Settable
charging current from
Program 02 for utility (If LI is selected in Program 5, this program can’t be set up)
charger
Setting voltage point back
to utility source when
12
selecting “SBU priority” or
“Solar first” in program 01 Default 46.0V, 44.0V~51.2V Settable
19
Low DC cut-off voltage.
If self-defined is selected in Default 42.0V, 40.0V~48.0V Settable
program 5, this program can
be set up. When reach Low DC cut-off voltage:
21 1) If battery power is only power source available, inverter will shut down.
Low DC cut-off voltage will
be fixed to setting value no 2) If PV energy and battery power are available, inverter will charge
matter what percentage of battery without AC output.
load is connected. 3) If PV energy, battery power and utility are all available, inverter will
transfer to line mode and provide output power to loads, and charge the
battery at the same time.
Single: Parallel:
L1 Phase: L2 Phase:
Be sure to connect share current cable to units which are on the same
phase.
Do NOT connect share current cable between units on different phases.
Besides, power saving function will be automatically disabled.
Address setting
28
(for expansion)
Default 1, 1~255 Settable
20
Battery equalization enable Battery equalization disable(default)
43 Battery equalization
If “Flooded” or “User-Defined” is selected in program 05, this program can
be set up.
Battery equalization
44
voltage
Default 58.4V, 48.0V~58.4V Settable
Equalization activated If equalization function is enabled in program 43, this program can be setup.
48
immediately If “On” is selected in this program, it’s to activate battery equalization
immediately and LCD main page will shows “ ”. If “Off” is selected, it will
cancel equalization function until next activated equalization time arrives
based on program 47setting. At this time, “ ” will not be shown in LCD
main page.
0000(default) The time allows utility to charge the battery.
Allow utility to charge the Use 4 digits to represent the time period, the
battery all day run. upper two digits represent the time when
utility start to charge the battery, setting
range from 00 to 23, and the lower two
digits represent the time when utility end to
49 Utility charging time
charge the battery, setting range from 00 to
23.
(eg: 2320 represents the time allows utility
to charge the battery is from 23:00 to the
next day 20:59, and the utility charging is
prohibited outside of this period)
0000(default) The time allows inverter to power the load.
Allow inverter to power the Use 4 digits to represent the time period, the
load all day run. upper two digits represent the time when
inverter start to power the load, setting
range from 00 to 23, and the lower two
digits represent the time when inverter end
50 AC output time
to power the load, setting range from 00 to
23.
(eg: 2320 represents the time allows inverter
to power the load is from 23:00 to the next
day 20:59, and the inverter AC output power
is prohibited outside of this period)
21
Display Information
The LCD display information will be switched in turns by pressing “UP” or “DOWN” key. The selectable
information is switched as below order: voltage, frequency, current, power, firmware version.
Firmware version
(CPU1: 040-00-b21; CPU2:041-00-b21)
Time
(15:20:10, December 15, 2018)
22
Operating Mode Description
Operation mode Description LCD display
Standby mode / Power Charging by utility and PV Charging by utility
saving mode energy.
Note: *Standby mode: The
inverter is not turned on yet but No output is
at this time, the inverter can supplied by the
charge battery without AC
output. unit but it still
*Power saving mode: If can charge Charging by PV energy No charging
enabled, the output of inverter batteries.
will be off when connected load
is pretty low or not detected.
Charging by PV energy
23
Parallel Installation Guide
Introduction
This inverter can be used in parallel with two different operation modes.
1. Parallel operation in single phase with up to 6 units.
2. Maximum 6 units work together to support 3-phase equipment. Four units support one phase maximum.
Note: If the package includes share current cable and parallel cable, the inverter is default supported parallel
operation. You may skip section 3. If not, please purchase parallel kit and install this unit by following
instruction from professional technical personnel in local dealer.
Package Contents
In parallel kit, you will find the following items in the package:
Step 2: Remove WiFi/GPRS communication board and CAN/RS485 communication board by unscrewing
screws as below chart.
24
Step 3: Remove two screws as below chart and remove 2-pin and 14-pin cables. Take out the board under the
communication boards.
Step 4: Remove two screws as below chart to take out cover of parallel communication.
Step 8: Put wire cover back to the unit. Now the inverter is providing parallel operation function.
25
Mounting the Unit
When installing multiple units, please follow below chart.
Note: For proper air circulation to dissipate heat, allow a clearance of approx. 20cm to the side and approx. 50 cm
above and below the unit. Be sure to install each unit in the same level.
Wiring Connection
The cable size of each inverter is shown as below
Recommended battery cable and terminal size for each inverter: Ring terminal:
WARNING: Be sure the length of all battery cables is the same. Otherwise, there will be voltage difference between
inverter and battery to cause parallel inverters not working.
You need to connect the cables of each inverter together. Take the battery cables for example: You need to use a
connector or bus-bar as a joint to connect the battery cables together, and then connect to the battery terminal.
The cable size used from joint to battery should be X times cable size in the tables above. “X” indicates the number
of inverters connected in parallel.
Regarding AC input and output, please also follow the same principle.
Recommended AC input and output cable size for each inverter:
Model Gauge Torque Value
SPF 3500 ES 1 * 10 AWG 1.2-1.6 Nm
SPF 5000 ES 1 * 8 AWG 1.2-1.6 Nm
CAUTION!! Please install the breaker at the battery and AC input side. This will ensure the inverter can be
securely disconnected during maintenance and fully protected from over current of battery or AC input.
26
Recommended breaker specification of AC input with single phase:
Model 2 units 3 units 4 units 5 units 6 units
SPF 3500 ES 80A/230VAC 120A/230VAC 160A/230VAC 200A/230VAC 240A/230VAC
SPF 5000 ES 100A/230VAC 150A/230VAC 200A/230VAC 250A/230VAC 300A/230VAC
Note1: You can use 40A breaker for SPF 3500 ES and 50A for SPF 5000 ES for only 1 unit, and each inverter has a
breaker at its AC input.
Note2: Regarding three phase system, you can use 4 poles breaker, the rating is up to the current of the
phase which has the maximum units. Or you can follow the suggestion of note 1.
Communication Connection
27
Three inverters in parallel:
Power Connection
Communication Connection
Communication Connection
28
Five inverters in parallel:
Power Connection
Communication Connection
Communication Connection
29
Parallel Operation in Three Phase
WARNING! All inverters must be connected to the same batteries and ensure each group of cables from the
inverters to the batteries in the same length.
One inverter in each phase:
Power Connection
Communication Connection
Two inverters in one phase and only one inverter for the remaining phases:
Power Connection
Communication Connection
30
Two inverters in two phases and only one inverter for the remaining phase:
Power Connection
Communication Connection
Three inverters in one phase and only one inverter for the remaining two phases:
Power Connection
Communication Connection
31
Two inverters in each phase:
Power Connection
Communication Connection
Three inverters in one phase, two inverters in second phase and one inverter for the third phase:
Power Connection
Communication Connection
32
Four inverters in one phase and one inverter for the other two phases:
Power Connection
Communication Connection
WARNING: Do not connect the current sharing cable between the inverters which are in different phases.
Otherwise, it may damage the inverters.
PV Connection
Please refer to user manual of single unit for PV Connection on Page 10.
CAUTION: Each inverter should connect to PV modules separate.
33
LCD display in Master unit LCD display in Slave unit
Step 5: If there is no more fault alarm, the parallel system is completely installed.
Step 6: Please switch on all breakers of Line wires in load side. This system will start to provide power to the load.
Step 4: Switch on all AC breakers of Line wires in AC input. If AC connection is detected and three phases are
matched with unit setting, they will work normally. Otherwise, they will display warning 15/16 and will not work in
the line mode.
LCD display in L1-phase unit LCD display in L2-phase unit LCD display in L3-phase unit
Step 5: If there is no more fault alarm, the system to support 3-phase equipment is completely installed.
Step 6: Please switch on all breakers of Line wires in load side. This system will start to provide power to the load.
Note 1: If there’s only one inverter in L1-phase, the LCD will show as “HST”. If there is more than one inverter in
L1-phase, the LCD of the HOST inverter will show as “HST”, the rest of L1-phase inverters will show as “3P1”.
Note 2: To avoid overload occurring, before turning on breakers in load side, it’s better to have whole system in
operation first.
Note 3: Transfer time for this operation exists. Power interruption may happen to critical devices, which cannot bear
transfer time.
34
Fault Reference Code
01 Fan is locked
02 Over temperature
80 CAN fault
81 Host loss
35
Warning Indicator
Warning
Warning Event Audible Alarm Icon
Code
flashing
Fan is locked when inverter is on. Beep 3 times every second
01
36
Battery Equalization
Equalization function is added into charge controller. It reverses the buildup of negative chemical effects like
stratification, a condition where acid concentration is greater at the bottom of the battery than at the top.
Equalizationalso helps to remove sulfate crystals that might have built up on the plates. If left unchecked, this
condition, called sulfation, will reduce the overall capacity of the battery. Therefore, it’s recommended to equalize
battery periodically.
How to Apply Equalization Function
You must enable battery equalization function in monitoring LCD setting program 43 first. Then, you may apply this
function in device by either one of following methods:
1. Setting equalization interval in program 47.
2. Active equalization immediately in program 48.
When to Equalize
In float stage, when the setting equalization interval (battery equalization cycle) is arrived, or equalization is active
immediately, the controller will start to enter Equalize stage.
However, in Equalize stage, when battery equalized time is expired and battery voltage doesn’t rise to battery
equalization voltage point, the charge controller will extend the battery equalized time until battery voltage achieves
battery equalization voltage. If battery voltage is still lower than battery equalization voltage when battery
equalized timeout setting is over, the charge controller will stop equalization and return to float stage.
37
Specifications
Table 1 Line Mode Specifications
38
Table 2 Inverter Mode Specifications
39
Table 3 Charge Mode Specifications
Charging Curve
40
Trouble Shooting
Problem LCD/LED/Buzzer Explanation What to do
1.The battery voltage is far too 1. Check if batteries and the wiring are
No response after low. (<1.4V/Cell) connected well.
No indication.
power on. 2.Battery polarity is connected 2. Re-charge battery.
reversed. 3. Replace battery.
Input voltage is 0 on
Check if AC breaker is tripped and AC wiring is
the LCD and green LED Input protector is tripped.
connected well.
is flashing.
The inverter is overload 110% Reduce the connected load by switching off
Fault code 07
and time is up. some equipment.
41
1. If you connect to a lithum battery without
communication, check whether the voltage
points of the program 19 and 21 are too high
Fault code 08 Bus voltage is too high.
for the lithum battery.
2. Restart the unit, if the error happens again,
please return to repair center.
The input status is different in Check if AC input wires of all inverters are
Warning code 15
parallel system. connected well.
Warning code 16 Input phase is not correct. Change the input phase S and T wiring.
Note: To restart the inverter, all power sources need to be disconnected. After the LCD screen light is off, only use the
battery to boot.
42