How To Set Up Fortress Power Lithium Batteries Using Sol-Ark Inverter

Introduction

This integration guide will help set up the charge/discharge parameters of Fortress Power batteries as they relate to Sol-ark inverters, as well as closed-loop communication.

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⚠️ Don't forget to press OK when programming with the SolArk LCD screen!

Setup Steps

1. Connect communication cables between each battery with canbus terminators at each end. It does not matter which communication port on the battery is used.
2. Program open loop settings before enabling closed-loop BMS control. Do not use %-state of charge controls without establishing closed loop communication. See Exhibits C, D, and E.
3. Make the battery-to-inverter communication cable. [See Exhibit A].
   • eFlex RJ45 pins 7+8 correspond to SolArk pins 7+8. Cut into the ethernet cable jacket and snip wires 1-5 or use a keystone. Up to 15 eFlex can be programmed closed loop with the SolArk inverters.
   • eVault RJ45 pins 3+5 correspond to SolArk pins 7+8. A keystone is recommended to make the crossover. Tool-less ethernet keystones are very useful! Up to 2 eVaults can be programmed closed loop with the SolArk inverters. Otherwise use Open Loop settings.
   • Example tool: https://www.amazon.com/Tool-Less-Keystone-AMPCOM-Self-Locking-Punch-Down/dp/B07JCSPX21/
4. Plug the battery-to-inverter data cable into either side of the battery communication circuit. [See Exhibit B].
   • Use the RJ45/485 port for the 8kW model.
   • Use the RS485/MOD port for the 12kW indoor model.
   • Use the CAN/batt port for the 12kW outdoor model.
5. In the battery set-up menu, select BMS 04 and Use %-based controls. Do not use the activate battery setting. Disabling the BMS alarm is optional. See exhibits below.
6. Inspect the closed loop settings and make programming adjustments where necessary.
7. Program the grid parameter settings as a function of the client's electric rate structure and desired level or reserve capacity (site specific).

Notes

• A. Closed-loop is successful by seeing the battery %-based state of charge on the main screen, as well as a single line of BMS information on the battery info menu. If this communication is not established, please reinspect or remake your data communication cable.
• B. Enabling the BMS communication will change Absorb, Float, and Equalization voltages. You may need to adjust other parameters, such as charge/discharge amperage.
• C. Some settings are site-specific. Grid-tied installers are welcome to adjust settings based on different use cases.

Exhibit A – Making the Cross-Over Cable (Step 3)

eFlex to SolArk

This diagram illustrates the RJ45 pinout for connecting an eFlex battery to a SolArk inverter. For eFlex, pins 7+8 are used. The instruction is to cut into the ethernet cable jacket and snip wires 1-5 or use a keystone connector.

eVault to SolArk (up to 2 eVault)

This diagram illustrates the RJ45 pinout for connecting an eVault battery to a SolArk inverter. For eVault, pins 3+5 correspond to SolArk pins 7+8. A keystone connector is recommended to make the crossover, and tool-less ethernet keystones are noted as very useful. Up to 2 eVaults can be programmed closed loop with SolArk inverters; otherwise, use Open Loop settings.

Note: eFlex + eVault modbus communication does not require a grounded communication wire.

Exhibit B – Identifying the Sol-Ark Communication Port

Indoor 8kW - RJ45/485 port

This section shows an image of the communication port labeled "RJ45 485" on an Indoor 8kW Sol-Ark inverter.

Indoor 12kW – RS485 port

This section shows an image of the communication port labeled "RS485" on an Indoor 12kW Sol-Ark inverter.

Outdoor 8kW + 12kW Battery / CANbus port

This section shows an image of the communication port labeled "Battery CANbus" on an Outdoor 8kW + 12kW Sol-Ark inverter.

Exhibit C – Batt Setup > Batt Tab

Open Loop Settings

Closed Loop Settings

Note: Max Charge and Discharge amperage need to be reprogrammed after enabling closed loop, but do not need to be reprogrammed back to open loop settings if troubleshooting.

Exhibit D – Batt Setup > Charge Tab

Open Loop Settings

Closed Loop Settings

Note: Start V or % can be increased to always keep the battery at a more full charge (i.e. net-metering or backup only installations). Off-grid customers usually program the generator as a grid charge. Off grid customers with very low load may elect to set grid/gen charge to 10%-15% instead of 20%.

Exhibit E – Batt Setup > Discharge Tab

Open Loop Settings

Closed Loop Settings

Note: Battery shutdown and empty voltages may be reduced by 1V-2V if site-specific conditions are causing the inverter to shut down prematurely. Current settings are conservative to prevent deep discharging of the battery.

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