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STRCOM  Fused String Combiners  

 

Installation and Operation Manual 

  

  

DOC-020040 rev 4.4

                  

16 

- You should see the open circuit voltage of the array drop to roughly 75-80% once the inverter 

starts to load the array to MPP.   

- Check the current level of each string when the system is operating.  This can be done with a 

clamp-on amp meter (DC).  Assuming constant sun intensity is on all the strings, the current output 

should be similar for each string, within 5-10%, for example. 

 

 To check for an open PV string: 

With the inverter on and the PV system running (producing power), open the enclosure and probe 

each fuse holder on the array side and other lead of meter on negative terminal block (neg. 

grounded systems).   If there has been a short in a string, the fuse for that string may be blown.  

You will see this because that string will sit at open circuit voltage while all the other strings are at 

MPP voltage. 

 

 

WARNING: 

 The combiner should only be opened by qualified service technician. 

 

 

 

WARNING:  

If the combiner is outdoors, only open it when the weather is clear and 

dry and the unit is dry. 

 

To check for a weak PV string:  

With the inverter on and the PV system running (producing power), Open the enclosure and probe 

each PV string on the array side with a current clamp.  If there is a weak string, you will see lower 

current on that string.  A dead string will show no current at all.  Once you find what string has a 

problem, you can dig into the wiring and modules for that string to find and fix the problem.          

 

Ground Currents:

  

Check ground conductors for no current flowing while system is operating. Before closing the 

enclosure always check for any signs of problems such as corrosion, loose parts, insect or animal 

infestation, excessive dirt/dust or over heated or deformed/aged-looking parts.  Also be sure if any 

wires were moved or cable ties cut, that they are replaced as new. 

 

4 Product Warranty & RMA Policy 

 

4.1 Warranty Policy 

 

The Solectria Renewables Warranty Policy is stated below.  

 

Solectria Renewables Warranty Coverage:

 

Solectria Renewables Limited Warranties are provided by Solectria Renewables, LLC. ("Solectria Renewables") and 

cover defects in workmanship and materials..

   

 

Duration of a Solectria Renewables Warranty Period:

 

The warranty period is 60 months from the date of purchase of the SRTCOM Fused String Combiners by the end user 

or 64 months after the delivery date from Solectria Renewables to distributor or dealer/installer, whichever is shorter.   

If a warranty extension has been purchased, the term is defined as extension beyond 60 months.  For example, if a 5-

year extension (to 10 years total) is purchased, the term becomes 120 months from date of purchase. 

 

If Solectria Renewables repairs or replaces a product, its warranty continues for the remaining portion of the original 

Warranty Period or 90 days from the date of the return shipment to the customer, whichever is greater. 

Summary of Contents for STRCOM 10X A Series

Page 1: ...STRCOM Fused String Combiners Installation and Operation Manual DOC 020040 rev 4 4 1 STRCOM INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL Fused String Combiners 2011 Solectria Renewables LLC Subject to Change ...

Page 2: ...y symbols are used to indicate dangerous conditions and important safety instructions WARNING This indicates a fact or feature very important for the safety of the user and or which can cause a serious hardware damage if not applied appropriately Use extreme caution when performing this task NOTE This indicates a feature that is important either for optimal system set up or operation EXAMPLE This ...

Page 3: ...s Before installing or using the STRCOM Fused String Combiner please read all instructions and caution markings in this manual and on the STRCOM Fused String Combiner unit as well as the PV modules and PV inverter or Charge Controller Connection of the STRCOM Fused String Combiner with PV modules and a PV inverter to the electric utility grid must be done after receiving prior approval from the ut...

Page 4: ...lectrical Connection and Connection to PV Modules Inverter and Surge Lightning Protection 9 3 Operation Tests and Commissioning the PV System 14 4 Warranty Information and Liability 15 5 Technical Data 18 6 Appendices 21 Appendix A Product Datasheet 21 Appendix B Example String Sizing 21 Appendix C Contact Info and Authorized Distributors Dealers and Installers 21 Appendix D UL 1741 Listing Letter...

Page 5: ...ing of the PV string or module used in the string it protects The fuse value should not be more than the fuse rating listed on the module nameplate label or manual The STRCOM string combiner is available in either the standard version for use with negatively grounded PV systems or an optional version for use with positively grounded systems typically used in conjunction with Sunpower Corp modules ...

Page 6: ...there is any question about potential shipping damage contact Solectria Renewables A digital photo of the damage may be very helpful Do not accept unit if visibly damaged or note visible damage when signing shipping company receipt Report damage immediately to shipping company Do not remove the unit from pallet packaging If it is determined that the unit must be returned an RMA must be obtained fr...

Page 7: ...Although not required the combiner and fuses will remain most cool if the combiner is located in shade or partial shade from the array roof equipment vault walk up or other equipment on the roof CAUTION Please follow these guidelines The combiner weight is 40 lbs Be sure to verify load capacity of wall mounting area Allow at least 1 clearance around sides and at least space at back the depth of th...

Page 8: ...alvanized grade 5 or better bolts or stainless steel bolts The correct bolt size is 5 16 or 3 8 or 8 10mm diameter SS or galvanized steel hardware is recommended Be sure to use flat washers and lock washers If wall mounting is used be sure to verify sheer and pullout strength of anchors or other wall attachments WARNING Injury could occur if the combiner mounting fails and the unit falls on a pers...

Page 9: ...t use NEMA 4 conduit fittings For Rigid and IMC Conduit use the following Cooper Crouse Hinds Myers Watertight Hubs or equivalent STG 1 1 1 4 STG 4 2 1 2 STG 7 STG 2 1 1 2 STG 5 3 STG 8 1 STG 3 2 STG 6 3 1 2 STG 9 Install hubs per manufacturer s instructions 2 3 DC Electrical Connections to Fused Combiner Fig 3 Simplified electrical connection diagram Array Conduit Location s Inverter Conduit Loca...

Page 10: ...in configurations from 8 to 30 fuses The combiner also includes your choice of 600VDC rated fuses Fuses sizes can be 8 10 12 15 or 20A Typically the fuse size you chose is at least 1 56 x the short circuit current rating of the PV string or module used in the string The fuse value should not be more than the fuse rating listed on the module nameplate label or manual Example 1 PV module with 3 84A ...

Page 11: ... The ungrounded array conductors positive conductors in a standard negatively grounded system connect to the fuses One PV string connects to each fuse position ARRAY CONNECTIONS conductor size 8 12AWG can be used to connect to each solar array string fuse holder Torque to 18 22 in lb INVERTER CONNECTIONS conductor size 6AWG 350KCM can be used to connect from the terminal block to the inverter depe...

Page 12: ... a good practice to add additional lightning and surge protection on inverter or system DC disconnects The lightning arrester can also be installed on the combiner but must be done in a way that maintains the NEMA4 rating of the combiner if outdoors Lightning arrester leads should be connected to 1 a ground bar terminal 2 a lug on the inverter side of the positive fuse bus you need to add an appro...

Page 13: ...e PV string conductors 10 8AWG recommended Example negative conductors to inverter Both can be 4AWG 400KCM Make sure wire is NOT routed near the ground lug Representative positive PV string conductors 10 8AWG recommended Example positive conductors to inverter Both can be 1 0AWG 250KCM or one at 4AWG 350KCM Ground lugs for 25 conductors 10 4AWG or 50 14 12AWG and main lugs for up to 250KCM Jumpers...

Page 14: ... to inverter Can be 4AWG 350KCM or 2 wires at 1 0 250KCM Ground lugs for 14 conductors 10 4AWG or 28 14 12AWG and main lugs for up to 250KCM Factory Jumper Representative negative PV string conductors 10 8AWG recommended Example negative conductor to inverter Both can be 4AWG 400KCM Representative positive PV string conductors 10 8AWG recommended Example positive conductor to inverter Both can be ...

Page 15: ... volt meter and probing the positive and negative PV connections in the disconnect enclosure Checking Individual strings Checking Individual strings With the PV inverter still off so no current is being drawn from the array through the combiner you can check that each string is good by checking the voltage at each fuse holder on the array side It is best to open all the fuse holders BEFORE connect...

Page 16: ...l show no current at all Once you find what string has a problem you can dig into the wiring and modules for that string to find and fix the problem Ground Currents Check ground conductors for no current flowing while system is operating Before closing the enclosure always check for any signs of problems such as corrosion loose parts insect or animal infestation excessive dirt dust or over heated ...

Page 17: ...enewables directly at the number listed on the website in the customer service section for your product Solectria Renewables may send personnel to a jobsite or contract with an area technician installer or other authorized trained service personnel to service replace components Direct returns may be performed according to the Solectria Renewables Return Material Authorization Policy Call for detai...

Page 18: ...Y KIND ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY ANY PERSONAL INJURY ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY ARISING FROM OR AS A RESULT OF ANY USE MISUSE OR ABUSE OR THE IN CORRECT INSTALLATION INTEGRATION OR OPERATION OF THE PRODUCT Solectria Renewables neither assumes nor authorizes any other person to assume for it any other liability in connection with the repair or replacement or the Product Exclusions of the Policy If y...

Page 19: ...oduct is shipped fully insured in the original packaging or equivalent This warranty will not apply where the product is damaged due to improper packaging 2 Include the following a The RMA number supplied by Solectria Renewables LLC clearly marked on the outside of the box b A return address to which the unit can be shipped Post office boxes are not acceptable c A contact telephone number where yo...

Page 20: ...th 8 10 12 15 or 20A fuses 13 Fuse String Combiner with 8 10 12 15 or 20A fuses 14 Fuse String Combiner with 8 10 12 15 or 20A fuses 15 Fuse String Combiner with 8 10 12 15 or 20A fuses 16 Fuse String Combiner with 8 10 12 15 or 20A fuses 17 Fuse String Combiner with 8 10 12 15 or 20A fuses 18 Fuse String Combiner with 8 10 12 15 or 20A fuses 19 Fuse String Combiner with 8 10 12 15 or 20A fuses 20...

Page 21: ...s ground opt Max VOC 2 600 VDC Fuse positions 10 15 30 Max Short Circuit Current 150 A 225 A 450 A Fuse positions avail in series 4 6 8 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 All fuse positions available 4 6 8 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Wire size range 12 8 AWG Fuse size choices 8A 10A 12A 15A 20A Fuse Voltage Rating Type 600VDC Midget Environm...

Page 22: ...ingSizing html The charts below are simplified string sizing examples Please use the charts on the website for complete charts for use across the country Appendix C Contact Information Solectria Renewables LLC 360 Merrimack Street Building 9 Lawrence Massachusetts USA Tel 978 683 9700 Fax 978 683 9702 Email inverters solren com Website www solren com Authorized Distributors Dealers Installers Desi...

Page 23: ...STRCOM Fused String Combiners Installation and Operation Manual DOC 020040 rev 4 4 23 Appendix D UL1741 IEEE1547 Certification Letter ...

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