Xantrex GT 2.5-DE, GT 3.8-DE, GT 2.8-S Owner's Manual - Regulatory Compliance

Other manuals for GT 2.5-DE, GT 3.8-DE, GT 2.8-S: Owner's Manual
Manual is about: Grid Tie Solar Inverter

Summary of GT 2.5-DE, GT 3.8-DE, GT 2.8-S

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    Xantrex grid tie solar inverter owner’s manual gt 2.5-de gt 3.8-de gt 2.8-sp gt 3.8-sp.

  • Page 3: Owner’S Manual

    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-a...

  • Page 5: About This Manual

    975-0253-01-01 iii about this manual the purpose of this owner’s manual is to provideexplanations 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 ...

  • Page 6: Conventions Used

    About this manual iv 975-0253-01-01 conventions used the following conventions are used in this guide. Abbreviations used 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 un...

  • Page 7: Symbols Used

    About this manual 975-0253-01-01 v symbols used related information you can find more information about xantrex technology inc. As well as its products and services at www.Xantrex.Com alternating current (ac ) direct current (dc ) in this guide: important information, warnings, or cautions. On the p...

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    Vi.

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    975-0253-01-01 vii 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 cautio...

  • Page 10: Regulatory Compliance

    Safety viii 975-0253-01-01 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 reside...

  • Page 11: Contents

    975-0253-01-01 ix important safety instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii regulatory compliance viii 1 introduction about the xantrex grid tie solar inverter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–...

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    Contents x 975-0253-01-01 connecting network cable between inverters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -3–12 communications wiring for monitoring a single inverter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -3–12 4 starting the inverter commissioning procedure - - - - ...

  • Page 13: Figures

    975-0253-01-01 xi figure 1-1 basic system overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2 figure 1-2 main features of the gt inverter- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–3 figure 2-1 installation options ov...

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    Xii.

  • Page 15: Tables

    975-0253-01-01 xiii table 2-1 mppt operational window - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–6 table 2-2 inverter clearance requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–12 table 3-1 t568a standard wiring - - - -...

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    Xiv.

  • Page 17: Introduction

    1 introduction chapter 1, “introduction”, contains information about the features and functions of the xantrex grid tie solar inverter..

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    Introduction 1–2 975-0253-01-01 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 ...

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    About the xantrex grid tie solar inverter 975-0253-01-01 1–3 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. M...

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    1–4.

  • Page 21: Installation

    2 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 organiz...

  • Page 22: Installation Options

    Installation 2–2 975-0253-01-01 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 thi...

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    Planning the installation 975-0253-01-01 2–3 figure 2-1 installation options overview utility grid main utility service panel utility meter loads power routed to loads photovoltaic panels - pv array dc converted to ac harvested solar energy pv string #1 pv string #2 xantrex gt inverter surplus power...

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    Installation 2–4 975-0253-01-01 inverter location inverter failure due to improper installation will void the inverter warranty. Consider the following when determining where to install the inverter. Warning: burn hazard do not install in a location where people can accidentally come into contact wi...

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    Planning the installation 975-0253-01-01 2–5 pv array requirements general recommendations it is important that the pv array is installed correctly to the manufacturer’s specifications and to local code requirements. Equipment and installation recommendations equipment recommendations • all electric...

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    Installation 2–6 975-0253-01-01 voltage and mppt requirements mppt operational window the mppt software maximizes the output energy of solar arrays as long as the operating voltage is within the mppt operational window. Ensure that the pv array used in the system operates within the mppt operational...

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    Planning the installation 975-0253-01-01 2–7 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 t...

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    Installation 2–8 975-0253-01-01 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...

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    Preparing for the installation 975-0253-01-01 2–9 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 f...

  • Page 30: Mounting The Inverter

    Installation 2–10 975-0253-01-01 mounting the inverter overview general installation steps installing of the gt inverter includes these main steps: 1. Mounting the gt inverter and installing accessories (this chapter) 2. Making the dc connections from the pv array to the gt inverter (“connecting the...

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    Mounting the inverter 975-0253-01-01 2–11 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 invert...

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    Installation 2–12 975-0253-01-01 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. Clearance requirements for optimal and safe op...

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    Mounting the inverter 975-0253-01-01 2–13 surfaces for mounting the gt inverter weighs approximately 19 kg (41 lb). The supporting surface must be strong enough to handle 75 kg (160 lb). If the supporting surface is not strong enough to handle that weight, then supporting material such as a sheet of...

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    Installation 2–14 975-0253-01-01 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 figu...

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    Mounting the inverter 975-0253-01-01 2–15 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. 3. Using a level, place the mounting bracket a...

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    Installation 2–16 975-0253-01-01 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 th...

  • Page 37: Wiring The Inverter

    3 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...

  • Page 38: Connecting The Dc Wiring

    Wiring the inverter 3–2 975-0253-01-01 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. Equipment needed • conduit for wire runs and appropriate fittings/bushings • wire cutters/wire crimpers/wire strip...

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    Connecting the dc wiring 975-0253-01-01 3–3 • 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 ...

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    Wiring the inverter 3–4 975-0253-01-01 figure 3-2 dc connections for a two-string pv array important: depending upon installation and local codes, fusing and/or a combiner box may be required. The installer must provide this equipment. Pv array pv string #1 pv string #2 + + – – xantrex gt inverter.

  • Page 41: Connecting The Ac Wiring

    Connecting the ac wiring 975-0253-01-01 3–5 connecting the ac wiring the gt inverter can be connected to a single bi-directional meter, or to dual meters, where one meter indicates power used and the second meter indicates power sold (power supplied back to the utility). Consult the local utility to...

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    Wiring the inverter 3–6 975-0253-01-01 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...

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    Connecting multiple inverters 975-0253-01-01 3–7 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 conne...

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    Wiring the inverter 3–8 975-0253-01-01 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 syste...

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    Communications wiring for multiple inverters 975-0253-01-01 3–9 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. Gt inverter xanbus p...

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    Wiring the inverter 3–10 975-0253-01-01 cabling requirements 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. Table 3-1 contai...

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    Communications wiring for multiple inverters 975-0253-01-01 3–11 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 ar...

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    Wiring the inverter 3–12 975-0253-01-01 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 ...

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    Communications wiring for multiple inverters 975-0253-01-01 3–13 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 ...

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    Wiring the inverter 3–14 975-0253-01-01 for more information about gt-view, see the gt-view user manual, included with the gt-view software. Figure 3-12 gt-view options.

  • Page 51: Starting The Inverter

    4 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..

  • Page 52: Commissioning Procedure

    Starting the inverter 4–2 975-0253-01-01 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...

  • Page 53: Disconnect Test

    Disconnect test 975-0253-01-01 4–3 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 appea...

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    4–4.

  • Page 55: Monitoring The Inverter

    5 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...

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    Monitoring the inverter 5–2 975-0253-01-01 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....

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    Front panel display screens and what they mean 975-0253-01-01 5–3 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;...

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    Monitoring the inverter 5–4 975-0253-01-01 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....

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    Front panel display screens and what they mean 975-0253-01-01 5–5 additional messages for multiple unit systems only in addition, to the normal system message screens, additional screens specific to each gt inverter unit can be displayed when the unit is connected with communications wiring to other...

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    Monitoring the inverter 5–6 975-0253-01-01 offline messages for all systems additional message screens can be viewed when the system is offline by tapping 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...

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    Front panel display screens and what they mean 975-0253-01-01 5–7 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 ...

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    Monitoring the inverter 5–8 975-0253-01-01 additional fault messages for all systems additional message screens can be viewed in fault mode by tapping the xantrex logo near the lcd. Each additional tap displays the next screen in the order shown in table 5-9. Special screens special message screens ...

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    Front panel display screens and what they mean 975-0253-01-01 5–9 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 s...

  • Page 64: Status Indicator Lights

    Monitoring the inverter 5–10 975-0253-01-01 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 ...

  • Page 65: Maintenance and

    6 maintenance and troubleshooting chapter 6, “maintenance and troubleshooting”, contains information about how to provide general maintenance for the xantrex grid tie solar inverter. It also provides information about troubleshooting the unit. The topics in this chapter are organized as follows: • “...

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    Maintenance and troubleshooting 6–2 975-0253-01-01 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 fac...

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    Performing general maintenance 975-0253-01-01 6–3 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 ...

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    Maintenance and troubleshooting 6–4 975-0253-01-01 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 conditio...

  • Page 69: Specifications

    A 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...

  • Page 70: Electrical Specifications

    Specifications a–2 975-0253-01-01 electrical specifications input output gt 2.5 gt 2.8 gt 3.8 input voltage, maximum power point range 195 to 550 vdc absolute maximum array open circuit voltage 600 vdc maximum input current 14.1 a dc 15.7 a dc 21.3 a dc maximum array short circuit current 24 a dc re...

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    Electrical specifications 975-0253-01-01 a–3 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...

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    Specifications a–4 975-0253-01-01 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. Figure a-1 output power vs. Ambient temperature grid tie s...

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    Electrical specifications 975-0253-01-01 a–5 efficiency maximum efficiency 95% euro efficiency 93.9% nighttime tare loss 1 w figure a-2 typical efficiency gt inverter efficiency 195vdc, 230vac, 25degc 50 60 70 80 90 100 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 output power (w) e ff ici e n cy ( % ).

  • Page 74: Mechanical Specifications

    Specifications a–6 975-0253-01-01 environmental specifications user display display accuracy mechanical specifications operating temperature range -25 to +65 °c (-13 to +149 °f) storage temperature range -40 to +85 °c (-40 to +185 °f) power derating see figure a-1 on page a–4 tolerable relative humi...

  • Page 75: Warranty

    975-0253-01-01 wa–1 warranty and return information warranty what does this warranty cover and how long does it last? This limited warranty is provided by xantrex technology inc. (“xantrex”) and covers defects in quality in workmanship and materials (“defects”) in your xantrex grid tie solar inverte...

  • Page 76: Exclusions

    Warranty and return wa–2 975-0253-01-01 what does this warranty not cover? This limited warranty does not cover normal wear and tear of the product or costs associated with replacing consumable items such as air filters, fuses, arrestors, etc. A shorter than normal life during the warranty period ca...

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    Warranty and return 975-0253-01-01 wa–3 exclusion for documentation without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless specifically agreed to by it in writing, xantrex: (a) makes no warranty as to the accuracy, sufficiency or suitability of any technical or other information provided in manual...

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    Warranty and return wa–4 975-0253-01-01 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. If you need to contact customer service, please record the following details before cal...

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    Warranty and return 975-0253-01-01 wa–5 pv details solar panel mount: roof pole ground solar panel brand and model: nominal voltage range: _____________ vdc peak open circuit voltage: _____________ vdc nominal current rating: _____________ adc maximum current rating: _____________ adc solar tracker?...

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    Wa–6.

  • Page 81: Index

    A abbreviations and symbols iv ac circuit breaker requirements 2–9 ac grounding requirements 2–7 ac output voltage ratings a–2 ac wiring instructions 3–5 acceptable wire sizes a–6 adjustable disconnect settings a–3 c communication between multiple inverters 3–8 communications cabling 3–10 installing...

  • Page 82

    Index ix–2 975-0253-01-01 on wallboard, siding or concrete 2–15 orientation 2–4 overview 2–11 preparation 2–11 single inverter 2–16 surfaces for 2–13 using poles or rails 2–14 mppt operational window 2–6 technology 1–3 multiple inverters communication between 3–8 communications wiring 3–12 configura...

  • Page 84

    Xantrex technology inc. 34 93 470 5330 telephone 34 93 473 6093 fax support.Europe@xantrex.Com www.Xantrex.Com 975-0253-01-01 printed in china.