APsystems Microinverter DS3 Series For North America User Manual Rev1.0 2021-09-08
APsystems Microinverter DS3 Series For North America User Manual Rev1.0 2021-09-08
APsystems Microinverter DS3 Series For North America User Manual Rev1.0 2021-09-08
APsystems America
600 Ericksen Ave NE, Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98110
TEL: 844-666-7035 EMAIL: info.usa@APsystems.com Please scan this QR code to
have access to our APPs and
APsystems Canada Products information
600 Ericksen Ave NE, Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98110 © All Rights Reserved
TEL: 844-666-7035 EMAIL: info.canada@APsystems.com
Table of Contents
This manual contains important instructions to follow during installation and maintenance of
the APsystems Photovoltaic Grid-connected Microinverter. To reduce the risk of electrical
shock and ensure a safe installation and operation of the APsystems Microinverter, the
following symbols appear throughout this document to indicate dangerous conditions and
important safety instructions.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you are using the most
recent update found at https://usa.apsystems.com/resources/library/ or
https://canada.apsystems.com/resources/library/
This indicates a situation where failure to follow instructions may cause a serious
hardware failure or personnel danger if not applied appropriately. Use extreme caution
when performing this task.
Before installing or using the APsystems Microinverter, please read all instructions and
cautionary markings in the technical documents and on the APsystems Microinverter
system and the solar-array.
Be aware that the body of the APsystems Microinverter is the heat sink and can reach a
temperature of 80°C. To reduce risk of burns, do not touch the body of the Microinverter.
Do NOT attempt to repair the APsystems Microinverter. If it fails, contact APsystems
Customer Support to obtain an RMA number and start the replacement process.
Damaging or opening the APsystems Microinverter will void the warranty.
Caution!
The external protective earthing conductor is connected to the inverter protective
earthing terminal through AC connector. When connecting, connect the AC connector
first to ensure the inverter earthing then do the DC connections. When disconnecting,
disconnect the AC by opening the branch circuit breaker first but maintain the protective
earthing conductor in the branch circuit breaker connect to the inverter ,then disconnect
the DC inputs.
Please install AC breakers on the AC side of the inverter.
CAUTION – Hot surfaces - To reduce the risk of burns - Do not touch. Risk of electric
shock-(a) both ac and dc voltage source are terminated inside this equipment. Each circuit
must be individually disconnected before servicing, and (b) When the photovoltaic array is
exposed to light, it supplies a dc voltage to this equipment. Warranty void if cover removed.
No user serviceable parts inside.Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. This inverter
has an integral ground-fault detector / interrupter (GFDI).This Utility-InteractiveInverter
contains active anti-islanding protection(IEEE1547) and is tested per FCC/IC.
RF exposure warning
This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions
and the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation
distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. End-users and installers must be
provide with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for
satisfying RF exposure compliance.
Trademark.
AC JUNCTION BOX
ECU
DISTRIBUTION PANEL
Internet EMA
Figure 1
This integrated system improves safety; maximizes solar energy harvest; increases system
reliability, and simplifies solar system design, installation, maintenance, and management.
Simple to install
APsystems Microinvertes are compatible with most of 60 and 72 cell PV modules or 120 and
144 half-cut cells PV modules. (In order to confirm compatibility of PV module with
APsystems microinverter, feel free to check our online “E-decider” module compatibility tool
or contact your local APsystems Technical Support).
Installation requires a minimum number of accessories and microinverters offer a lot of
versatility to the installer: microinverters can indeed be installed on different roofs with
different orientation or with modules having different orientation.
In the same way, end-users can extand their system whenever they want with microinverters.
APsystems 3rd generation of dual microinverters are reaching unprecedented power outputs
of 640VA or 768VA or 880VA to adapt to today’s larger power module. With 2 independent
MPPT, encrypted Zigbee signals, the DS3-S, DS3-L and DS3 benefit from an entirely new
architecture and are fully backwards compatible with the QS1 and YC600 microinverters.
The innovative and compact design make the product lighter while maximizing power
production. The components are encapsulated with silicone to reduce stress on the
electronics, facilitate thermal dissipation, enhance waterproof properties, and ensure
maximum reliability of the system via rigorous testing methods including accelerated life
testing. A 24/7 energy access through Apps or web based portal facilitate remote diagnosis
and maintenance.
The DS3 series is interactive with power grids through a feature referred to as RPC (Reactive
Power Control) to better manage photovoltaic power spikes in the grid. With a performance
and an efficiency of 97%, a unique integration with 20% less components, APsystems DS3-S,
DS3-L and DS3 are a game changer to residential and commercial PV.
Key Product Feature:
One microinverter connects to two PV modules
Maximum output power reaching 640VA(DS3-S) or 768VA (DS3-L) or 880VA (DS3)
Two input channels with independent MPPT
Reactive Power Control
Maximum reliability, Type 6
Encrypted Zigbee communication
Safety protection relay integrated
Single phase microinverter. Possible to install in a balanced 3-phase system
Even if not required by local electrical code, we strongly recommend to install surge
protection devices in the dedicated AC box.
This product is PV Rapid Shut Down Equipment and conforms with NEC-2014 and NEC-2017
section 690.12, for AC and DC conductors, when installed according to the following
requirements:
Microinverters and all DC connections must be installed inside the array boundary.
The array boundary is defined as 305 mm (1 ft.) from the array in all directions, or
1 m (3 ft.) from the point of entry inside a building.
This rapid shutdown system must be provided with an initiating device and (or with) status
indicator which must be installed in a location accessible to first responders, or be connected
to an automatic system which initiates rapid shutdown upon the activation of a system
disconnect or activation of another type of emergency system.
The initiator shall be listed and identified as a disconnecting means that plainly indicates
whether it is in the “off” or “on” position. Examples are:
Service disconnecting means
PV system disconnecting means
Readily accessible switch or circuit breaker
The handle position of a switch or circuit breaker is suitable for use as an indicator. Refer to
NEC for more information.
Additionally, in a prominent location near the initiator device, a placard or label must be
provided with a permanent marking including the following wording:
’PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN’ The term ‘PHOTOVOLTAIC’
may be replaced with ‘PV.’
The label requires reference NEC 690.65 to meet the audit requirements.
Wiring color code can be different according to local regulations. Check all the wires
of the installation before connecting to the AC bus to be sure they match. Improper
cabling can irreparably damage the microinverters: such damage is not covered by
the warranty.
Figure 2
grounding lug
Figure 3
Click
Figure 4
Best Practice: Use the AC Bus Cable Unlock Tool to disconnect the connectors.
Figure 5
Check the microinverter technical data page 19 to confirm maximum allowable number
of microinverters on each AC branch of the circuit.
Figure 6
Cover any unused connectors with Bus Cable Y-CONN Cap to protect the unused connectors.
Figure 7
4.3.6 Step 6 - Install a Bus Cable End Cap at the end of AC bus cable
a. Strip cable jacket. c. Insert the wires into the cable clamps.
b. Insert the cable end into the seal. d. Rotate the nut with 3.3N·m until the
latching mechanism meets the base.
Figure 9
When plugging in the DC cables, the microinverter should immediately blink red one
time and green ten times. This will happen as soon as the DC cables are plugged in
and will show that the microinverter is functioning correctly. This entire check
function will start and end within 10 seconds of plugging in the unit, so pay careful
attention to these lights when connecting the DC cables.
Double check to make sure all of the AC and DC wiring has been correctly installed.
Ensure that none of the AC and/or DC wires are pinched or damaged. Make sure that
all of the junction boxes are properly closed.
Figure 10
①. The layout of the microinverters' serial number installation map is only suitable for a
typical installation.
②. Installation Map is available in the last page appendix of this manual.
③. Use ECU_APP (available in the EMA Manager) to scan the serial numbers on the map
when setting up the ECU (see ECU instruction manual for more info).
2. Turn ON the main utility-grid AC circuit breaker. Your system will start producing power
after approximately one minute of waiting time.
3. Microinverter data will be available in the EMA Manager APP or in the EMA web portal.
Alternatively, LED sequences could be an indicator of microinverters status (see section 6.1)
Once the ECU has been commissioned properly, the APsystems Microinverters will start
to send performance data to the ECU. The time required for all of the Microinverters in
the system to report to the ECU will vary depending on the number of Microinverters in
the system.
Qualified personnel can use the following troubleshooting steps if the PV system does not
operate correctly:
6.2 ECU_APP
APsystems ECU_APP (available in the EMA Manager APP) is the recommended tool to do
on-site troubleshooting. When connecting the ECU_APP to the ECU hotspot (please check
ECU User Manual for more detailed information), installer can check every microinverter
status (production, communication) but also Zigbee signal strength, grid profile and other
insightful data helping the troubleshooting.
Before going on site for troubleshooting, installer can also check all information remotely
using his installer account, either on the web or using the EMA Manager APP (see EMA
Manager APP User Manual for more detailed information). Having access to module data (DC,
AC, voltages and currents) gives the first indication on potential issues.
The APsystems local Technical Support team is available to support professional installers in
becoming familiar with our products and to troubleshoot installations when needed.
①. Never disconnect the DC wire connectors under load. Ensure that no current is
flowing in the DC wires prior to disconnecting.
②. Always disconnect AC power before disconnecting the PV module wires from the
APsystems Microinverter.
③. The APsystems Microinverter is powered by PV module DC power. AFTER
disconnecting the DC power, when reconnecting the PV modules to the
Microinverter, be sure to watch for the quick red light followed by ten short green
LED flashes.
6.6 Maintenance
APsystems microinverters do not require any specific regular maintenance.
B. Install a replacement Microinverter to the rack. Remember to observe the flashing green
LED light as soon as the new Microinverter is plugged into the DC cables.
D. Close the branch circuit breaker, and verify proper operation of the replacement
Microinverter.
E. Update the microinverter in the EMA Manager through the "Replace" function and update
the system's map with new serial number labels.
①. Be sure to verify that the voltage and current specifications of your PV module are
compatible with the range allowed on APsystems Microinverter. Please check the
microinverter datasheet.
②. DC operating voltage range of the PV module must be within allowable input voltage
range of the APsystems Microinverter.
③. The maximum open circuit voltage of the PV module must not exceed the specified
maximum input voltage of the APsystems.
Certificate&Compliance
UL1741;CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-16;CA Rule 21 (UL 1741 SA); FCC
Part15; ANSI C63.4; ICES-003; IEEE1547; NEC2014&NEC2017
Safety and EMC Compliance Section 690.11 DC Arc-Fault circuit; Protection
NEC2014&NEC2017 Section 690.12 Rapid Shutdown of PV
systems on Building; NEC 2020
2021/09/08 REV1.0
SOLAR
PANEL
BLACK - L
RED - L
GREEN - PE
AC JUNCTION BOX
Apsystems
BUS CABLE END CAP YC600
INSTALL AT THE
END OF AC BUS CABLE
ECU
ENERGY COMMUNICATION UNIT
DISTRIBUTION PANEL
Figure 12
Row 1
Row 2
Row 3
Row 4
Row 5
Row6
Row 7
Row 8
Row 9
Row10