System Integration Guide for SimpliPHI® 6.6 Battery Backup Packages

Briggs & Stratton Battery Backup Packages

Briggs & Stratton offers the following Battery Backup Packages:

• Essential Power: 10.8 hours of backup power for essential 120V loads (outlets, lights, fans, internet, phone chargers, TVs & refrigerators). Recommended Package: Sol-Ark 8K Inverter & 1 or more SimpliPHI 6.6 Batteries.
• Managed Power: 14.5 hours of power for additional appliances & equipment of your choice. Recommended Package: Sol-Ark 12K Inverter & 2 or more SimpliPHI 6.6 Batteries.
• Whole Home Power: 16.4 hours of power for everything. Recommended Package: Sol-Ark 15K Inverter & 3 or more SimpliPHI 6.6 Batteries.

Note: Installation of energy storage systems should only be done by qualified electricians. Refer to manufacturer manuals for in-depth instructions.

Section 1: Helpful Links and Resources

• Sol-Ark Inverter Manuals: Sol-Ark 15K-2P-N, Sol-Ark 12K-2P-N, Sol-Ark 8K-2P-N, AC Coupling Guide
• Sol-Ark Warranty Documents: 15K-2P-N-Warranty, 12K-2P-N Warranty, 8K-2P-N Warranty
• Briggs & Stratton Battery and Energy Trak Manuals: SimpliPHI 6.6 Battery, EnergyTrak
• Briggs & Stratton Warranty Documents: Limited Warranty for ESS Products
• Support: Technical Support Email: ESSTech@BASCO.com Phone: 805-640-6700 x 1

Section 2: Checklist of Tools and Common Hardware

Experienced installers know that each installation site can offer unique challenges and requirements for tools. Eliminating parts runs increases efficiency. The list below highlights tools and hardware that may be useful on the jobsite.

Commonly Useful Tools

• Tape Measure
• Stud Finder
• Level/Laser Level
• T20 Torx Driver/Bits
• Phillips #1 Screwdriver
• Phillips #2 Screwdriver
• Square #2 Driver
• Torque Wrench
• Metric + Sae Socket Sets/Drivers
• Drill, Drill Bits
• Hammerdrill
• Impact Drill Bits
• Impact Driver
• Band Saw
• Angle Grinder
• Mallet/Hammer
• Hole Punch Set
• Stepper Drill Bit
• Deburring Tool
• Lineman Pliers
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Flush/Side Cutters
• Wire Cutters
• Wire Strippers
• Utility Knife
• Wire Crimpers
• Channel Locks
• Vice Grips
• Battery Cable Cutter
• Battery Cable Crimper
• Heat Gun
• Ratcheting Caulking Gun
• Rj45 Crimper
• Rj45 Cable Tester
• Electrical Multimeter
• Ac/Dc Amp Clamp
• Fish Tape

Commonly Useful Installation Hardware & Components

• Lag Screws
• Washers
• Wall Anchors
• Tapcon Screws/Anchor Bolts
• Self-Tapping Screws
• Colored Electrical Tape
• Battery Cabling
• Colored Heat Shrink
• Battery Cable Lugs
• Silicone Sealant
• Cable Zip Ties
• Pencil/Sharpie

Section 3: System Components

Each SimpliPHI 6.6 Battery Backup Package consists of a 6.6 Battery Stack and a Sol-Ark Inverter. An optional EnergyTrak Gateway can be added for detailed live battery monitoring.

SimpliPHI 6.6 Battery Stacks consist of a base unit (floor or wall mount), battery modules, and a battery controller.

• Floor base OR Wall Base
• Battery Modules
• Battery Controller
• Dongles

Section 4: Installation Location and System Layout

Carefully decide on a mounting location and system layout, discussing it with homeowners prior to arrival at the jobsite. Consider ease of access, aesthetics, security, operational temperature limits, exposure to direct sunlight, noise level of inverter fans, cable runs, expandability, potential flood hazards, potential inadvertent vehicle impact, local regulations, and mechanical considerations.

Operational Temperatures: For optimal battery performance, install in an area where ambient temperature does not drop below freezing (32°F/0°C) or go above 104°F (40°C). Sol-Ark Inverters operate in ambient temperatures from -13°F to 131°F, but will derate above 113°F. Avoid installing in locations with excessive direct sunlight.

Noise: The inverter's cooling fans can create noise; consider this when choosing an installation location.

Flooding: If flooding is a concern, install batteries using a wall mount base unit at heights safe from potential water levels.

Vehicle Impact: When installing in garages, avoid locations that could result in accidental vehicle impact. Consider protection such as parking bollards or curbs.

Electrical Code Requirements: Review and follow local code requirements. Common restrictions include keeping batteries a minimum of 3 ft (914 mm) from doors and windows. Batteries cannot be installed in habitable spaces. Familiarize yourself with relevant codes and standards such as NEC, NFPA 855, and UL9540.

Minimum Mounting Clearances: Refer to the diagrams for inverter and battery stack spacing requirements.

Conduit and Cabling: Consider space for conduit and cooling. Use a stud finder for wall mounting. A wire gutter beneath the inverter can simplify conduit and cabling management. Applications like Solarview and SketchUp can provide visual demonstrations of the layout.

Section 5: Overview of the Installation Process

The installation of the battery backup system generally proceeds through the following stages:

1. Mount the inverter bracket and inverter to the wall.
2. Add battery mounts and wall brackets, then mount the battery stack.
3. Add conduit connecting the system components.
4. Install wiring and communication cabling.
5. Program and commission the system.

For technical support during installation, contact Briggs & Stratton Energy Storage Technical Support Team: ESSTECH@BASCO.com, 805-640-6700 x 1.

Section 6: Mounting the Inverter

After choosing a mounting location, hang the inverter wall bracket. Use half slotted strut if stud spacing is irregular. Ensure required spacing around the inverter. Secure the inverter bracket, then hang and secure the inverter onto the bracket. Consult the Sol-Ark Inverter Manual for detailed instructions.

Section 7: Mounting the Battery

The battery can be floor or wall mounted. Consult the battery operator's manual for detailed instructions.

1. Installing the Mounting Base

• Floor Mounting Base: Secure the floor base, centered between two studs if applicable. Ensure the base is level; use shims on uneven floors if necessary.
• Wall Mounting Base: Center the wall base between studs if applicable. Mount into a minimum of two load-bearing beams, studs, or solid material with appropriate fasteners. The wall mount base supports up to three SimpliPHI 6.6 Modules and one Controller (up to 435 lbs). Mark and pre-drill holes. Ensure the base is level and fasteners are torqued to manufacturer specifications.

2. Installing the Wall Brackets

Join wall brackets using provided 10 mm stainless steel bolts. Draw a plumb line for vertical alignment. Mount brackets to the base using a 10 mm bolt, then secure to the wall. Ensure vertical members are plumb and horizontal members are level.

3. Installing the 6.6 Battery Modules

Remove rear shoulder screws from each module. Use folding handles to lift and position battery modules onto the base, aligning tabs. Secure modules to the base with M4 x 10mm machine screws. Secure modules to wall brackets by replacing shoulder screws. Repeat for additional modules.

4. Installing the 6.6 Battery Stack Controller

Remove two rear shoulder screws from the controller. Attach the controller to the top of the battery stack using two M4 x 10mm screws. Secure the controller to the wall brackets using the shoulder screws.

5. Installing the Cover Plates

Install side plate covers by slipping them down over the shoulder screws.

Section 8: Installing Conduit and Wiring the System

Wiring is similar for Essential Power and Managed Power packages, both involving a new essential loads panel.

Essential Power Wiring Diagram

Diagram shows connections between Battery (SimpliPHI 6.6), Controller, Inverter (Sol-Ark 8kW), Gateway (Optional), Main Panel, and Essential Loads Sub-Panel. Includes wiring specifications for Battery Power, Inverter Communication, Gateway Power, and AC connections.

Managed Power Wiring Diagram

Diagram shows connections between Battery (SimpliPHI 6.6), Controller, Inverter (Sol-Ark 12kW), Gateway (Optional), Main Panel, and Essential Loads Sub-Panel. Includes wiring specifications for Battery Power, Inverter Communication, Gateway Power, and AC connections.

Whole Home Wiring Diagram

Diagram shows connections between Battery (SimpliPHI 6.6), Controller, Inverter (Sol-Ark 15kW), Gateway (Optional), Main Panel, and Whole Home Loads. Includes wiring specifications for Battery Power, Inverter Communication, Gateway Power, and AC connections.

Note: Typical copper (CU) wire sizes are provided. Installers should adjust as necessary to follow NEC and AHJ requirements. If required by AHJ, install a single-pole DC disconnect.

Conduit and Cabling Details: The 6.6 battery stack controller uses two dongles for connections: black (p/n 80134966) for the gateway and blue (p/n 80134942) for Sol-Ark inverters. Battery power and communication cables can pass through a single 2” conduit. Ensure conduit does not prevent the top plate from sitting flush. Waterproofing is achieved through seals. Templates for punchouts are available online.

Battery Wiring: Connect battery cabling to terminal lugs. For Sol-Ark 8K and 12K inverters, 2/0 battery cabling is typical. For Sol-Ark 15K inverters, use dual 2/0 battery cables. Install dual battery cables using provided copper spacers. Connect the included grounding cable to the battery controller chassis if required by AHJ.

Communications Cables: Should be shielded if run inside conduit with power cables. Labeling cables of the same color helps avoid confusion.

Wire Gutter: A wire gutter beneath the Sol-Ark inverter simplifies conduit and wiring. Knockout positions and spacing are in the Sol-Ark Manual.

Mobile Training Wall Example: Demonstrates wiring a Whole-Home battery backup package, showing connections between a 200A meter main, disconnect, and load center using 2-inch conduit. Also shows 2-inch conduit connecting the battery controller to the inverter and 3/4" conduit for the gateway.

Section 9: Powering, Configuring, and Commissioning the Inverter

After wiring, the inverter must be programmed to communicate with the battery stack controller. The default setting disables BMS Lithium Batt comms; this must be enabled for proper battery function.

Enabling Communication:

1. With the 6.6 battery OFF and inverter DC Breaker/s OFF, power on the inverter by establishing grid power.
2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon) → Battery Setup.
3. On the Batt tab, check the box for BMS Lithium Batt.
4. Click OK to save.

Powering On the Batteries:

1. With inverter DC Breaker/s OFF, hold the battery controller power button for 10 seconds. The green status indicator light on each battery should illuminate, followed by the green power button and battery fuel gauge on the controller.
2. Verify voltage on the DC terminals using a multimeter.
3. Switch on the inverter's DC breaker/s.
4. The inverter's DC bus will energize. Note: In-rush current may trigger the controller's OCP, temporarily turning off battery power. This is normal; DC power should re-establish within 60 seconds.
5. The batteries should now be on and communicating with the inverter.

Battery Programming Recommendations:

Smart Loads Programming

The Smart Loads port can power a smart loads sub-panel or connect AC coupled solar. When used as a smart loads output, a sub-panel (80A continuous max) can be powered based on battery percentage. Alternatively, the port can be used to bring in AC coupled solar to charge batteries, even during grid outages.

Section 10: Setting Up the MySolArk App and Plant

The MySolArk app allows installers to remotely monitor and configure the inverter. It also enables the Sol-Ark team to view site details for troubleshooting.

1. Create a "Plant" On MySolArk

Installers should create the plant and configure the system before sharing it with the owner. Navigate to “My Plants" → "..." → "Share" → "Add Account". The homeowner must create their own MySolArk account first. QR codes are provided for downloading the MySolArk app.

2. Establish an Internet Connection for the Plant

Follow the steps to enter the site's WI-FI information. This can be done manually by connecting your smartphone to the WI-FI dongle's direct network (EAP-#####) and accessing IP address 10.10.10.1 via browser. Ensure the gateway is powered on and within router signal coverage. The router must support 2.4G Wi-Fi networks.

LED Indicators: SOLID red indicates connection and power from the Sol-Ark inverter. SOLID green indicates connection to the router and MySolArk.

Note: Connecting via 10.10.10.1 IP address provides internet access to the Wi-Fi dongle only. Users must create a MySolArk account and a Plant. Visit www.mysolark.com for the desktop version.

After successful internet connection, live telemetry should be visible within approximately 5 minutes.

Section 11: Monitoring the System With the MySolArk App

The MySolArk App allows installers and homeowners to monitor the battery backup system. Access includes:

• Free Fleet monitoring
• Monitoring home loads, generator start/stop time, and solar production
• Remote monitoring of inverter behavior and parameter adjustment
• Responding to errors without site visits

The app displays plant status, energy production, and inverter status statistics.

Appendix: Optional Energy Trak Battery Monitoring System

EnergyTrak allows installers to receive over-the-air battery firmware updates, view detailed real-time battery information for troubleshooting and support, and see potential battery run-time based on active loads.

Mounting the Energy Trak Gateway

The Energy Trak gateway enclosure includes wall mounting tabs. Attach tabs using provided stainless steel machine screws. Mount the gateway on the wall using appropriate fasteners based on the mounting surface. A penetration is needed for wiring and communication cables. Mounting after conduit installation is recommended.

Gateway Wiring: A single penetration is sufficient for power, Ethernet, and battery communication cables. The gateway power is supplied by 18-22 AWG twisted pair with included ring terminals. Internet connection can be wired or Wi-Fi. Leave the fuse holder open when wiring is complete; the gateway is the last device powered up.

System Wiring: Shield cables if run inside conduit with power cables. Label communication cables of the same color to avoid confusion. Connect the gateway from the port labeled RS-485 on the controller. Use the dongles included with the 6.6 controller for SimpliPHI 6.6 battery. Use the black dongle for AmpliPHI 3.8 or SimpliPHI 4.9 batteries.

Commissioning the Battery and Setting Up Energy Trak

The final step is to set up EnergyTrak and commission the battery stack, connecting it to the internet for remote firmware updates and detailed battery information. This also allows Briggs & Stratton support to communicate remotely.

1. Search for Energy Trak and Download the App

Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.

2. Create a Business Account

Visit https://shorturl.at/qe3yp to request a Pro Admin account. This process is controlled by Briggs & Stratton and may take up to 1 business day. Contact Briggs & Stratton Consumer Support at energytrak@basco.com or 833-463-6482 for assistance.

3. Login to the App and Click the "Create New Site" Button

Enter site information, including site name, address, city, state, and ZIP code. The app guides through system commissioning steps: Confirm installation details, connect to gateway and set up internet connection, confirm connected equipment, confirm configuration, and set up System Owner user.

4. Power On the Gateway by Closing the Fuse Holder

Close the fuse holder to power on the gateway.

5. Connect Mobile Device to Gateway & Gateway to Internet

Follow on-screen prompts to connect the mobile device to the gateway via Bluetooth and then connect the gateway to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

6. Update Gateway Software (if App States it is Required)

If prompted, install any required software updates for the Energy Trak Gateway. Do not power off or make changes until the update is complete. If an error occurs, retry the update.

7. Confirm Installed Equipment is Detected on the “Equipment Details” Screen

Verify that all detected components (Gateway, Stack Controllers, Batteries, Inverters) are listed correctly.

8. Select "Inverter Manufacturer"

Specify the inverter manufacturer (e.g., Sol-Ark) for display in the Energy Trak app. This selection is for display purposes only.

9. Add System Owner and Finalize Configuration

Enter the system owner's first name, last name, email, and phone number. After the gateway is successfully connected to the internet and the site is commissioned, live telemetry should be visible within the EnergyTrak App, typically within 60 minutes.