How To Easily Read a Solar Inverter Datasheet (Solar Power Inverter Specifications)?, Part 4: General Data And Features
This article explains how to simply read the relevant terms in a solar power inverter datasheet (solar inverter specifications) and how valuable this information is to choose the best one.
Before you read this article, you need to see the following articles:
- How To Easily Read a Solar Inverter Datasheet (Solar Power Inverter Specifications) Part 1: Input Data.
- How To Easily Read a Solar Inverter Datasheet (Solar Power Inverter Specifications) Part 2: Output Data.
- How To Easily Read a Solar Inverter Datasheet (Solar Power Inverter Specifications) Part 3: Efficiency And Protection Devices
The following is an example of a solar inverter datasheet, taken with actual values from an SMA SUNNY TRIPOWER 15000TL-US.
If your solar specialist offers you a variety of different inverters, look at the solar inverter specifications carefully and be informed about these points.
A) General data
1. Dimensions (W / H / D) in mm (in)
This solar power inverter has the following dimensions:
- Width: 665 mm (18 in)
- Height: 650 mm (59 in)
- Depth: 265 mm (43 in)
2. Packing Dimensions (W / H / D) in mm (in)
The packing dimensions are:
- Width: 780 mm (71 in)
- Height: 380 mm (96 in)
- Depth: 790 mm (10 in)
3. Weight
The weight of the PV inverter is given in both pounds (121 lbs) and kilograms (55 kg).
4. Packing weight
The packing weight of the PV inverter is given in both pounds (134.5 lbs) and kilograms (61 kg).
5. Operating temperature range
The operating temperature range of this inverter is from -25°C to +60°C (-13°F to +140°F).
A good PV inverter has a large operating temperature range.
6. Noise emission (typical)/internal consumption at night
The typical noise emission value (during a typical working day) of the solar power inverter is 51 dB (A-weighted). The device consumes 1 watt power in night mode.
7. Topology
The Sunny Tripower 15000TL-US is not equipped with a transformer and therefore has no galvanic isolation.
8. Cooling concept/electronics protection rating
Cooling concept
The Sunny Tripower 15000TL-US has an integrated cooling system called OptiCool (temperature-controlled fan).
Electronics protection rating
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is a standards organization in Washington, USA, which publishes a number of technical Standards.
The NEMA classifications outline the protection of individuals from accidental contact with equipment as well as the protection of an enclosure from external factors.
The enclosure of this inverter has NEMA 3R sealing. NEMA 3R enclosures are typically used in outdoor applications for wiring and junction boxes.
This style of enclosure provides protection against falling rain, sleet, snow, and external ice formation. Indoors they protect against dripping water.
B) Features
1. Display / LED indicators (Status / Fault / Communication)
Display
The Sunny Tripower 15000TL-US has no display.
LED indicators (Status / Fault / Communication)
The LEDs indicate the operating state of the solar power inverter:
- Green LED is glowing: operation
- Green LED is flashing: the requirements for the connection to the utility grid have not been met, or the solar power inverter has reduced its output power due to excessive temperature.
- Red LED is glowing: an error has occurred that must be rectified by a qualified person.
2. Interface: RS485 / Speedwire, WebConnect
RS485 interface
Via the RS485 interface, the solar power inverter can communicate via cables with special SMA communication products.
The RS485 interface can be retrofitted and used in place of the SMA Speedwire/Webconnect interface in the PV inverter.
Speedwire, WebConnect
The solar power inverter is equipped with SMA Speedwire/Webconnect as standard.
SMA Speedwire/Webconnect is a type of communication based on the Ethernet standard. This enables inverter optimized 10/100 Mbit data transmission between Speedwire devices in PV systems and the software Sunny Explorer.
The Web connect function allows direct data transmission between the inverters of a small-scale system and the internet portal Sunny Portal without any additional communication device and for a maximum of four inverters per Sunny Portal system.
3. Data interface: SMA Modbus / SunSpec ModBus
SMA Modbus
The Sunny Tripower 15000TL-US is equipped with a Modbus interface. The Modbus interface is deactivated by default and must be configured as needed.
The Modbus interface of the Sunny Tripower 15000TL-US is designed for industrial use and has the following tasks:
- Remote query of measured values
- Remote setting of operating parameters
- Setpoint specifications for system control
SunSpec Modbus
SMA is a member of the SunSpec Alliance, which is an association of manufacturers from the area of photovoltaics.
The SunSpec Alliance aims to standardize independent of the manufacturer the data and the ways of communication in solar PV systems.
To access SMA inverters with SMA Modbus® or SunSpec Modbus®, the Modbus interface must be activated.
4. Mounting angle range
The mounting angle range is between 15° to 90°.
5. Warranty: 10 / 15 / 20 years
The standard SMA factory warranty is ten years. However, the inverter warranty can be extended for 15 or 20 years.
6. Certifications and approvals
The Sunny Tripower 15000TL-US is complying with the following standards:
- UL 1741 stands for Standard for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources. It is the standard applied by Underwriters Laboratories to the product to certify that it meets the requirements of the National Electrical Code®, the Canadian Electrical Code® CSA C22.1; the IEEE‑929‑2000 and IEEE 1547.
- UL 1998: Standard for Software in Programmable Components
- UL 1699B: Photovoltaic (PV) DC Arc-Fault Circuit Protection
- IEEE 1547: Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems.
- FCC Part 15 (Class A & B): is a part of the Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations that covers EMC (Electromagnetic compatibility) and is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- CAN/CSA C22.2 107.1-1: Canadian Standards Association Standards, General Use Power Supplies
