PVI 3000/4000/5000/5300
Installation
and Operation Manual
17
The installation of a Delta lightning surge arrester or other UL listed arrester of the correct specification is recommended on
both the DC and AC sides of inverter. Solectria and various distributors stock these arresters. They can be installed on the
outside of the wiring box or other locations in the system and wired using the manufacturer's directions. This device gives
important added protection from indirect lightning strikes and resulting surges that provide protection beyond the inverter's
UL1741 requirements. It is suggested to drive a ground rod specifically for the PV array. It is also a very good idea to have
the lightning protection system of the building checked and upgraded if needed before the PV system is installed. (are there
air conductors / rods along the roof line of the building above the PV array? Do you see a copper ground wire running from
the air conductors to a ground rod?) These added protections are especially important for areas prone to thunder storms and
possible nearby lightning strikes. Although these added precautions will not guarantee that there will be
no
damage from
lightning, they can help prevent or limit potential damage.
Grounding Electrode Conductor:
As with all PV systems, a Grounding Electrode Conductor must be installed per NEC690.47 (and 250.166). This conductor
should be sized according to these NEC requirements. This conductor should be terminated on the labeled ground point
located at the bottom of the wiring box where the DC and AC equipment ground conductors also are terminated.
WARNING:
The inverter should not be opened at any time unless authorized by Solectria. The unit is sealed at
the factory and its UL listing will no longer be valid and the warranty will be void if opened or tampered with in
any way.
AC Voltage:
The PVI 3000-5300 are 240V AC grid connected devices. They are also both suitable for 208V AC grid-connected use. For
example, connection to 2 phase legs of a 208V AC, 3-phase service (where acceptable by code).
No unit (PVI 3000, 4000,
5000, or 5300) can be used with just a 120V AC connection
. The units are factory pre-set for auto-detect 240VAC and
208VAC when connected with a neutral. They can also be configured for connection to either 240 or 208 VAC without a
neutral at the factory or by a qualified installer.
Multiple Units:
Multiple PVI 3000-5300 units can be used at the same location/facility assuming all codes are followed including NEC, local
building codes and area utility guidelines. If multiple units are used, each inverter should have its own dedicated circuit
breaker, and a PV string must only be wired to one inverter (although multiple PV strings can be used on each inverter up to
unit ratings and power levels).
AC Circuit Breakers:
A dedicated AC circuit breaker in the home or building circuit panel is required for the PV inverter. Every PVI requires a
208/240V AC rated 2–pole circuit breaker. The following is a table showing the appropriate circuit breaker for the PVI 3000,
4000, 5000, and 5300 (based on number of Amps).
PV Inverter Model
PVI 3000
PVI 4000
PVI 5000
PVI 5300
Circuit breaker used (Amp)
20
25
30
30
AC and DC Disconnects:
AD & DC disconnects are standard features of the PVI 3000-5300 inverters. If the PV system needs an additional AC
disconnect (as required by the utility or local inspector) separate from the inverter or outdoors it can be added. If local code
requirements call for the AC and/or DC disconnect(s) to be mounted in another location, you can consider relocating the
inverter also to the required location to provide the AC or DC disconnect.
Suggested additional AC Disconnect (if needed): 240V AC, 30A, 2 Blade, NEMA 3R
Part Number Manufacturer
Rain-proof NEMA 3R, no fuse
Rain-proof NEMA 3R, fusible*
DU22IRB
D221NRB
Square D
Square D
Rain-proof NEMA 3R, fusible
Rain-proof NEMA 3R, no fuse
TG3221R
TGN3321R
GE
GE
Pull-out disconnect, 3R, no fuse
3800
Millbank
* Fusible AC disconnect available on integrated panel assembly.
