APsystems YC500A Instruction Manual

Installation/User Manual

APsystems YC500-A

Photovoltaic Grid-connected Inverter

Version 4.2 11/15

APsystems

600 Ericksen Ave. NE Ste 200

Seattle, WA 98110

TEL: 844-666-7035 EMAIL: [email protected]

WEB: www.APsystems.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1

Radio interference statement 2

APsystems YC500-A System Introduction 3

APsystems microinverter system installation 6

Additional installation components from APsystems 6

Required parts and tools from installer 6

Installation procedures 7

Step 1 – Installing the AC Branch Circuit Junction Box

Step 2 – Attaching the APsystems microinverters to the racking or the PV

module frame 8

Step 3 – Connecting the APsystems microinverter to the PV module 9

Step 4 – Ground the system 10

Step 5 – Connecting APsystems microinverters to the AC cables 11

Step 6 – Completing the APsystems installation map 12

APsystems microinverter system operating instructions 13

Troubleshooting 14

• Status indications and error reporting 14

• Operation LED 14

• GFDI error 14

• Other faults 14

Troubleshooting a non-operating APsystems microinverter 15-16

Replace a microinverter 17

Technical data 18-19

Efﬁcency curves 20

Wiring diagrams 21

• Sample wiring diagram – 120V/240V split phase 21

• Sample wiring diagram – 120V/ 208V three phase 22

iii

APsystems YC500-A Installation/User Manual

APsystems YC500-A Installation/User Manual 1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! This manual contains important

instructions to follow during installation and maintenance of the

APsystems photovoltaic grid-connected inverter (microinverter). To

reduce the risk of electrical shock and ensure the safe installation

and operation of the APsystems microinverter, the following symbols

appear throughout this document to indicate dangerous conditions and

important safety instructions.

WARNING: 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.

NOTE: This indicates information that is important for optimized

microinverter operation. Follow these instructions closely.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

✔Do NOT disconnect the PV module from the APsystems

microinverter without rst disconnecting the AC power.

✔Only qualied professionals should install and/or replace

APsystems microinverters.

✔Perform all electrical installations in accordance with local

electrical codes.

✔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

PV – array.

✔Be aware that the body of the APsystems microinverter is the heat

sink and can reach high temperatures. 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 (844-666-7034) to obtain

an RMA number and start the replacement process. Damaging or

opening the APsystems microinverter will void the warranty.



WARNING

SYMBOL



NOTE

SYMBOL

APsystems YC500-A Installation/User Manual 2

RADIO INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

FCC compliance: The equipment complies with the limits for a class

B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules, which are

designed to protect against harmful interference in a residential

installation. The equipment could radiate radio frequency energy

and this might cause harmful interference to radio communications

if instructions were not followed when installing and using the

equipment. But there is no guarantee that interference will not

occur in a particular installation. If this equipment causes harmful

interference to radio or television reception, the following measures

might resolve the issues:

A) Relocate the receiving antenna and keep it well away from the

equipment

B) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for

assistance.

Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party

responsible for compliance may void the user’s authority to operate the

equipment.

Radio Interference Statement

APsystems YC500-A Installation/User Manual 3

APsystems YC500-A System Introduction

The APsystems microinverter is used in utility-interactive grid-tied

applications, and is comprised of three key elements:

✹APsystems microinverter

✹APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU)

✹APsystems Energy Monitor and Analysis (EMA) web-based

monitoring and analysis system

Figure 1

APsystems YC500A/I Installation/User Manual

APsystems YC500 System Introduction

The APsystems Microinverter is used in utility-interactive grid-tied

applications, comprised of three key elements:

APsystems Microinverter

APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU)

APsystems Energy Monitor and Analysis (EMA) web-based

monitoring and analysis system

Figure 1

APsystems YC500-A Installation/User Manual 4

APsystems microinverters maximize PV energy production

Each PV module has individual Maximum Power Point Tracking

(MPPT) controls, which ensures that the maximum power is exported

to the utility grid regardless of the performance of the other PV

modules in the array. When PV modules in the array are affected

by shade, dust, orientation, or any situation in which one module

underperforms compared with the other units, the APsystems

microinverter ensures top performance from the array by maximizing

the performance of each module within the array.

More reliable than centralized or string inverters

The distributed APsystems microinverter system ensures that no

single point of system failure exists across the PV–array. APsystems

microinverters are designed to operate at full power at ambient

outdoor temperatures of up to 149°F (65°C). The inverter housing

is designed for outdoor installation and complies with the NEMA 6

environmental enclosure rating.

Simple to install

You can install individual PV modules in any combination of module

quantity, orientation, type, and power rate.

Smart system performance monitoring and analysis

The APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU) is installed by

simply plugging it into any wall outlet and providing an Ethernet or

Wi-Fi connection to a broadband router or modem. After installing

the ECU, the full network of APsystems microinverters automatically

reports to the APsystems Energy Monitor and Analysis (EMA) web

server. The EMA software displays performance trends, informs you

of abnormal events, and controls system shutdown when it is needed.

(See ECU manual for instructions.)

APsystems microinverter 500 Series

APsystems YC500-A Installation/User Manual 5 5

The APsystems 500 series microinverters connect with the split-phase

grid, and operate with most 60 and 72 cell PV modules. For more

information, please see the Technical Data page (p.19) of this manual.

The APsystems YC500 has two independent DC inputs,

each with independent MPPT control and data monitoring.

The following gure shows the APsystems YC500 microinverter

schematic:

Figure 2

MODEL NUMBER AC GRID PV MODULE MODULE CONNECTOR

YC500 60Hz/240V 60,72 Cell MC-4 Type or Customize

Maximum units per branch of YC500

Max. parallel combination of APsystems modules = 7/branch for 20A breaker (14 PV modules)

APsystems YC500-A Installation/User Manual 6

A PV system using APsystems microinverters is simple to install.

Each microinverter easily mounts on the PV racking, directly beneath

the PV module(s). Low voltage DC wires connect from the PV module

directly to the microinverter, eliminating the risk of high DC voltage.

Installation MUST comply with local regulations and technical rules.

WARNING: Perform all electrical installations in accordance with

local electrical codes.

WARNING: Be aware that only qualied professionals should install

and/or replace APsystems microinverters.

WARNING: Before installing or using an APsystems microinverter,

please read all instructions and warnings in the technical documents

and on the APsystems microinverter system itself as well as on the PV

array.

WARNING: Be aware that installation of this equipment includes

the risk of electric shock.

WARNING: Do not touch any live parts in the system, including the

PV array, when the system has been connected to the electrical grid.

Additional installation components from APsystems

✹AC branch end cable (1 per branch, sold separately - P/N: AC

Cable - F)

✹Protective end cap (1 per branch, sold separately - P/N: End

Cap - F)

✹AC Extension Connector Cable (if required - P/N: AC - EXT)

- Available in 1m, 2m, and 4m lengths.

Required parts and tools from installer

In addition to your PV array and its associated hardware, the

following tools are required for assembly:

✹One AC connection junction box per branch circuit

✹Mounting hardware suitable for module racking

✹Sockets and wrenches for mounting hardware

✹Continuous grounding conductor and grounding washers

✹Phillips screwdriver

✹Torque wrench



APsystems Microinverter System Installation

APsystems YC500-A Installation/User Manual 7

APsystems microinverters are designed to only operate when they can

sense power coming from the grid. Even if they are plugged into the PV

array, they will not turn themselves on until they can read power from the

grid.

WARNING: Do NOT connect APsystems microinverters to the

utility grid or energize the AC circuit until you have completed all of the

installation procedures as described in the following sections.

Step 1 - Installing the AC branch circuit junction box

A. Install an appropriate junction box at a suitable location on the

PV racking system (typically at the end of a branch of modules).

B. Connect the open wire end of the AC branch end cable into the

junction box using an appropriate gland or strain relief tting.

C. Wire the conductors: L1- RED; L2 - BLACK; NEUTRAL -WHITE.

NOTE: Be sure to size the AC wire to account for voltage drop between

the AC branch circuit junction box and the point of utility interconnection.

(See wire size diagram on following page.)



YC500A

Installation

To junction box Figure 3

Figure 4

APsystems YC500-A Installation/User Manual 8

YC500 number per branch

2 3 4 5 6 7* 8 9

EXTERNAL WIRE

SIZE (AWG) MAXIMUM EXTERNAL CABLE LENGTH (ft)

12 370.7 237.1 167.9 124.3 93.6 70.2 51.4 35.7

10 593.1 379.4 268.6 198.9 149.7 112.3 82.3 57.1

8 926.8 592.9 419.6 310.7 233.9 175.5 128.6 89.3

6 1482.8 948.6 671.4 497.1 374.3 280.8 205.7 142.9

*7 is the maximum number/branch with a 20 amp breaker

Step 2 – Attaching the APsystems microinverters to the

racking or the PV module frame

A. Mark the location of the microinverter on the rack, keeping in

mind the PV module junction box or any other obstructions.

B. Mount one microinverter at each of these locations using

hardware recommended by your module racking vendor.

C. GROUNDING WASHER: If using the appropriate grounding

washer (check with a licensed electrician), attach the grounding

washer between the PV racking frame and the microinverter.

WARNING: Prior to installing any of the microinverters, verify that

the utility voltage at the point of common connection matches the

voltage rating on the microinverter label.



Figure 5

APsystems YC500A/I Installation/User Manual

Installation Procedures

Step 2 - Attaching the APsystems Microinverters to the

Racking or the PV Module Frame

a. Mark the location of the Microinverter on the rack, with respect to

the PV module junction box or any other obstructions.

b. Mount one Microinverter at each of these locations using hardware

recommended by your module racking vendor.

c. GROUNDING WASHER: If using the appropriate grounding washer

(check with a licensed electrician), attach the grounding washer between

the frame and the Microinverter.

Option 1:

Figure 4

Option:2

Figure 5

WARNING: Prior to installing any of the microinverters, verify

that the utility voltage at the point of common connection matches

the voltage rating on microinverter label.

WARNING: Do not mount the Microinverter in a location that

allows exposure to direct sunlight. Allow aminimum of 3/4’’(1.5cm.)

between the roof and the bottom of the Microinverter to allow

proper air flow.

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