background image

Detailed Installation Instructions

Quick Start Guide: SMS PVS5x 

 

513403 Rev C

Copyright 2015 SunPower Corporation 

Quick Start Guide:  

SunPower Monitoring System 

with PVS5x

Follow these instructions to install, configure, 

and commission the PVS Supervisor 5x 

(PVS5x) to start receiving monitoring data.

Installation and field service is to be performed only by qualified, trained personnel with the necessary skills and 

knowledge to work on this type of electrical device. Field service is limited to the components contained in the 

lower compartment of the PVS5x.

•  Perform all electrical installations in accordance with any national and local codes, such as the National Electrical Code 

(NEC) ANSI/NFPA 70.

•  This enclosure is suitable for use indoors or outdoors (Type 3R)

Operating ambient from -30°C to 60°C.

•  Before connecting power, the PPVS5x must be securely mounted to an inside or outside wall following the instructions in 

this document.

• 

For permanently connected equipment, a readily accessible disconnect device must be incorporated external to the 

PVS5x.

•  For electrical wiring code compliance, connect the PVS5x to a dedicated UL listed 15 A rated breaker using 14AWG wiring, 

or a UL listed 20 A rated breaker using 12AWG wiring. The input operating current is less than 0.1 amp with AC nominal 

voltages of 240 VAC (L1-L2).

•  The PVS5x contains internal transient surge protection for connection to the load side of the service entrance AC service 

panel (overvoltage category III). For installations in areas at risk of surges generated by high voltage utilities, industry or by 

lightning, it is recommended that an external surge protective device also be installed.

•  Do not attempt to repair the PVS5x. If the PVS5x fails, please return the unit to your distributor for servicing. Tampering 

with or opening the upper compartment voids the product warranty.

• 

For pluggable devices, the socket-outlet must be installed near the equipment and must be easily accessible.

Safety Instructions

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

 

NOTE:

 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant 

to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful 

interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy 

and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio 

communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If 

this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by 

turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the 

following measures: 

•  Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. 

• 

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. 

• 

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. 

•  Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This 

equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 25 cm between the radiator and your body.

Caution

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s 

authority to operate the equipment. 

This device and it’s antennas(s) must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or 

transmitter except in accordance with FCC multi-transmitter product procedures.

FCC Compliance

•  UL listed to UL60950-1 ITE and UL60950-22 for outdoor use. 
•  The PVS5x  is not a utility meter, disconnect device, or power distribution device.  

Safety Certification

Safety & Certifications

See the safety and installation manual  

for complete instructions.

1.  Mount the PVS5x

2.  Wire the PVS5x Power

3.  Connect Communications to PVS5x

4.  Use the PVS Management App to Commission

1.  Select an installation location that is not in direct sunlight.

2.  Mount PVS5x bracket using appropriate hardware for the surface type that 

supports 6.8 kg (15 lbs). 

3.  Fit PVS5x onto bracket until the pins fully engage the PVS5x holes.

4.  Secure PVS5x to bracket using the two included M4 x 12 mm screws.

Warning! 

Do not power up the system until after you complete Step 2 and Step 3 and are ready to configure the PVS5x.

1.  Ensure that the circuit breaker is OFF.

2.  Prepare the PVS5x for AC wiring:

•  Remove the PVS5x enclosure cover by loosening three screws on the bottom of the enclosure.

•  Remove the top AC wiring cover.

•  Remove the bottom AC wiring cover.

•  Flip the AC wiring partition to the opposite side of where your AC wiring will be incoming.

AC WIRING COVERS

TOP

BOTTOM

ENCLOSURE COVER

AC WIRING PARTITION

3.  Run power conduit from the service panel to the PVS5x. 

Note.

 The PVS5x is preconfigured with openings for 3/4” conduit. You can use 1/2” conduit with supplied reducing 

washers and gaskets. If you use the rear conduit entrances, seal the holes on the bottom of the enclosure with the 

included hole plugs.

4.  For electrical wiring code compliance and optimal communications, connect the PVS5x to a dedicated UL listed 15 A 

rated dual-pole breaker using 14AWG wiring, or a UL listed 20 A rated dual-pole breaker using 12AWG wiring.  When 

using AC modules, this breaker should be in the same service panel containing the 20 A dual-pole breakers for the 

modules.

5.  Strip wires and land the black wire to 

L1

, the red wire to 

L2

, the white wire to 

N

, and the green wire to 

GND

 in the 

PVS5x terminals.

6.  Run CT wires for consumption monitoring from the service panel, through the power conduit, and land one set of CT 

wires in 

CONS L1

 and the second set in 

CONS L2

. Verify that the CT 

phases are consistent with the AC wiring phases.

7.  (Optional) If installing production monitoring with solid core 

production CT: run CT wires from the service panel, through the power 

conduit, and land this set of CT wires in 

PROD

.

8.  Replace the bottom AC wiring cover.

9.  Replace the top AC wiring cover over the AC power wires (on the left 

if you ran through left hole, on the right if you ran through the right 

hole).

S

unPower recommends connecting PVS5x 

directly

 to the customer’s router with an Ethernet cable. 

1. 

Run communication conduit to the PVS5x conduit opening. The PVS5x is preconfigured with 3/4” conduit openings. You can use 

1/2” conduit with supplied reducing washers and gaskets. Seal all unused holes with the included Type 4 hole plugs. 

Important! 

Do not run communication cables through same opening or conduit as power wire.

2.  Connect to homeowner’s Internet using Ethernet cable, Power Line Ethernet Adapter, or their Wi-Fi network.

3.  To connect communication for each device. Follow the 

Quick Start Guide: SunPower Monitoring System PVS5x Devices

 

for complete instructions.

•  AC modules

: You should have already connected AC modules 

to the service panel. The PVS5x communicates with AC modules 

using PLC protocol. 

•  SMA, ABB:

 

Connect the cable with a blue connector from the PVS5x 

RS-485 2-WIRE

 communications port (blue) and land wires in the 

only, or first, inverter in the daisy-chain. 

•  Meter:

 Connect the cable with a green connector from the PVS5x 

RS-485

 

2/4-WIRE

 

port (green) to the (optional) 

external meter communication terminals. 

4.  Replace the PVS5x enclosure cover and tighten three srews on bottom of enclosure.

1. 

Turn laptop Wi-Fi off.

2.  Connect an Ethernet cable from laptop to PVS5x

 LAN1 

port.

3.  Open a browser and type: 

www.sunpowerconsole.com

.

4. 

Follow the instructions to set up communication, check firmware, discover devices, verify device operation, and 

commission the site.

L1

GND

L2

N

W

B

W

B

W

B

CONS L1 CONS L2 PROD

D-AUX

RS-485

2-Wire

LAN1

RS-485

2/4-Wire

WAN/

LAN2

SMA/ABB/METER/ 

OTHER (2-W)

INSTALLER 

COMPUTER

FRONIUS (4-W)/ 

METER/OTHER

HOMEOWNER 

ROUTER

Reviews: