Growatt MIN TL-X Series Solar Inverter User Manual

1 Introduction

1.1 Preface

This manual provides detailed product information and installation instructions for users of the Growatt MIN TL-X series solar inverters. Please read this manual carefully before use. Growatt New Energy reserves the right to modify this manual without prior notice.

Models covered:

• MIN 3000TL-X
• MIN 3600TL-X
• MIN 4200TL-X
• MIN 4600TL-X
• MIN 5000TL-X
• MIN 6000TL-X

1.2 Applicable Personnel

Inverters must be installed by professional electrical personnel certified by relevant authorities. This manual helps installers quickly and correctly install MIN TL-X series inverters and set up communication systems. For any installation issues, visit www.growatt.com or call 400-931-3122.

1.3 Product Overview and Features

1.3.1 Product Overview

Growatt solar inverters convert DC power generated by solar panels into AC power, feeding it into the public grid. The MIN TL-X series inverters can connect to 2 strings and have 2 MPPT trackers, making them suitable for connecting two different solar panel arrays.

The complete photovoltaic grid-connected system includes solar modules, the inverter, the public grid, and other components. The inverter is a key part of the PV system.

Note: If your solar modules require positive or negative grounding, contact Growatt for technical support before installation.

1.3.2 Product Features

• Dual MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)
• Built-in DC switch
• Compatible with RS485/Wifi/GPRS/4G communication
• 70V-550V DC input voltage range
• Up to 98.4% peak efficiency
• OLED display
• Touch buttons
• IP65 protection rating
• Weight: 10.8kg
• Easy installation

1.4 Safety Instructions

1. Read this manual carefully. Failure to follow instructions or ignoring warnings may void warranty.

2. Installation and wiring must be performed by professional electrical or mechanical engineers.

3. Do not touch internal components other than terminals.

4. All electrical installations must comply with local safety standards.

5. For maintenance, contact authorized installers.

6. Grid connection for power generation requires local utility approval.

7. Cover solar panels with opaque material during daytime installation to prevent electric shock from high voltage.

Danger: Never exceed 550V DC input voltage. Higher voltages can cause permanent damage and void warranty.

Warning: The inverter casing can become hot during operation; touch with caution.

1.4.1 Symbol Convention

2 Product Overview

2.1 Appearance Diagram

The inverter features several ports and indicators:

2.3 Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions and Weight:

2.4 Storage Environment

If storing the inverter, select a suitable location. Store in original packaging.

• Storage Temperature: -25°C to +60°C.
• Relative Humidity: <90%.
• For bulk storage, maximum stacking is 4 cartons.

3 Unboxing

Before opening the inverter package, check the external packaging for damage. After opening, inspect the inverter and accessories for damage or missing parts. Contact the dealer if any issues are found.

4 Installation

4.1 Basic Installation Requirements

• The wall must be sturdy and capable of supporting the inverter's weight over time.
• The mounting location must match the inverter's dimensions.
• Avoid mounting on flammable or heat-resistant materials.
• Mount at eye level for easy access to the OLED display and maintenance.
• The inverter has an IP65 rating, allowing for indoor or outdoor installation.
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent overheating and power derating.
• Humidity range: 0-100%.
• Ambient temperature range: -25°C to 60°C.
• The inverter can be mounted on a vertical or slightly tilted surface (less than 15° tilt).
• Clearance Requirements: Ensure adequate space around the inverter for proper operation and maintenance.

Single Unit Clearance:

• Top: 30cm
• Bottom: 50cm
• Sides: 30cm
• Front: 30cm

Multiple Unit Clearance: (Diagrams illustrate spacing between units)

• Ensure sufficient space between units as shown in diagrams.

Placement Considerations:

• Do not install near TV antennas or other antennas/cables.
• Do not install in living areas.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Preferably install in a shaded, protected location.

4.2 Mounting Bracket

4.2.1 Installing the Mounting Bracket

Danger: Before drilling holes, check the wall for hidden electrical wires or pipes to prevent electric shock or other injuries.

Mount the bracket securely to the wall. It is recommended to leave a 2-4mm gap between the screw heads and the wall for easier removal.

4.3 Installing the Inverter

Note: Ensure the mounting bracket is firmly secured to the wall before installing the inverter.

Steps:

1. Hang the inverter onto the mounting bracket, ensuring it is balanced.
2. Secure the inverter to the wall using the provided M6 safety screws on the sides.

5 Inverter Wiring

5.1 Safety

Danger: The inverter contains high-voltage components. Ensure both AC and DC sides are disconnected before performing any installation work. ⚡

Warning: Static electricity can damage electronic components. Use anti-static precautions during installation or replacement.

Caution: Moisture and dust ingress can damage the inverter. Ensure cable glands are securely tightened. Improper cable connections may lead to damage and void warranty.

Grounding: Proper grounding is essential for surge protection and improved EMI performance. Ground the PE lines before connecting AC, DC, and communication cables. For multi-unit systems, connect all PE lines to a common ground bus for equipotential connection.

Residual Current Monitoring Unit (RCMU): The inverter has a built-in high-precision residual current detection device. It is not recommended to install leakage protection switches in the system. If a leakage protection switch is necessary between the inverter output and the grid, use a Type B leakage protection switch of 300mA or higher. When installing multiple leakage protection switches, do not share neutral lines to prevent false tripping.

5.2 AC Wiring

Danger: Before making electrical connections, ensure the inverter's DC switch is in the "OFF" position and the AC side breaker is open. High voltage from the inverter can be life-threatening.

Warning: Each inverter must have its own dedicated AC breaker; do not share breakers. Do not use single-core output wires. Do not use aluminum wires for output cables. Ensure output wires are properly connected before powering on the inverter. Failure to comply may damage the unit or cause other losses, and Growatt may not provide warranty service.

Caution: Moisture and dust ingress can damage the inverter. Ensure cable glands are securely tightened. Improper cable connections may lead to damage and void warranty.

Procedure:

1. Turn off the inverter's DC switch and the AC breaker.
2. Measure the public grid voltage and frequency (Voltage: AC 220V; Frequency: 50Hz).

Recommended AC Output Switch Specifications:

AC Connection Steps:

1. Connect the AC connector using three wires (L, N, and PE) to the grid.

Recommended Cable Lengths:

5.3 DC Wiring

Danger: Solar panels generate voltage when exposed to sunlight. High voltage from series connections can be life-threatening. Cover the solar panels with opaque material before connecting DC input lines. Ensure the inverter's DC switch is OFF, otherwise, high DC voltage can be dangerous. ⚡

Warning: To avoid electric shock, do not touch live parts. Connect terminals carefully. Ensure the AC switch is disconnected before wiring.

Caution: Failure to meet the following conditions may cause fire hazards or inverter damage, voiding warranty:

• Maximum open-circuit voltage of each PV string must not exceed 550Vdc under any condition.
• All PV modules in each string must be of the same specifications and type.
• Maximum short-circuit current of each PV string must not exceed 16A.
• Total output power of all PV strings must not exceed the inverter's maximum input power.

Recommendation: For optimal system configuration, connect the same number of PV modules per string for both inputs.

Grounding: If the PV string is not grounded (e.g., for direct grid connection without a low-frequency isolation transformer), ensure the PV string is not grounded. If the inverter is a specific model for grounded PV modules (PV-grounding), connect a low-frequency isolation transformer to the output before powering on, otherwise, the inverter may be damaged.

If a stable, non-zero DC voltage is detected between the PV string's positive terminal and ground, it indicates an insulation fault. Ensure the fault is repaired before proceeding with wiring.

Caution: Moisture and dust ingress can damage the inverter. Ensure cable glands are securely tightened. Improper cable connections may lead to damage and void warranty.

The MIN series inverters have two independent inputs. The lower set in the diagram is PV1, and the upper set is PV2:

When selecting PV modules, consider the following:

• All PV modules in each string must be of the same specifications.
• All PV modules in each string must be connected in series with the same number of modules.

5.3.1 DC Input Polarity

Before connecting the solar panels, ensure the DC input polarity is correct: connect the positive terminal of the solar module to the "+" DC input terminal of the inverter, and the negative terminal to the "-" DC input terminal.

Inverter Maximum DC Input Current and Voltage Limits:

DC Terminal Connection:

Diagrams show the process of stripping wires, inserting them into terminals, and securing the connectors.

5.4 Signal Wiring

The MID series inverters feature an 8-pin signal connector. The signal connector port is shown below:

Diagrams illustrate signal connector assembly and disassembly.

Steps:

1. Strip the cable 10mm, pass through the waterproof gland, screw on the sleeve, and tighten the screw. Ensure the cable connection is secure.
2. Push the sleeve into the socket and tighten the waterproof gland.
3. Align the connector with the inverter's socket and push until securely locked.

6 Commissioning

1. Close the DC switch on the inverter. If the DC input voltage is above 70V, the inverter display will show status information. If other messages appear, refer to Section 9. If problems persist, contact customer service.

2. Close the breaker between the inverter and the grid. The inverter will start a self-check countdown. If the self-check is successful, it will connect to the grid.

3. During normal operation, the inverter's indicator light (leaf symbol) will turn green. ?

4. Commissioning complete.

7 Operating Modes

7.1 Normal Mode

In this mode, the inverter operates normally.

• When DC voltage is above 100V, and sufficient energy is available, and grid voltage/frequency are within limits, the inverter converts solar panel energy to AC and feeds it into the grid. The green LED is lit. ?
• If DC voltage drops below 70V, the inverter automatically disconnects from the grid. It will reconnect when the input voltage and grid conditions meet requirements again.

7.2 Fault Mode

The inverter's control chip continuously monitors system status. If any anomalies like system faults or inverter faults occur, a fault message will be displayed. In Fault Mode, the indicator light turns red ?, and the inverter disconnects from the grid.

7.3 Shutdown Mode

When solar illumination is weak or absent, the inverter automatically stops operating. In Shutdown Mode, the inverter consumes minimal power from the grid or solar panels. The display and LEDs will turn off.

8 OLED Display and Touch Buttons

The OLED display shows the inverter's operating status and parameter information. Touch buttons allow switching display interfaces and setting inverter parameters.

8.1 Power-on Display

When the inverter is powered on, the OLED display sequence is as follows:

Growatt
PV inverter

The display cycles through information like grid connection status, more information, power output (XXXXW), daily energy (XXXkWh), PV1/PV2 voltage and power, total power, and grid voltage/frequency.

8.2 OLED Display Wake-up

The OLED display automatically turns off after 5 minutes of inactivity. The indicator light will be green. Touch the display to wake it up for viewing data or making settings.

8.3 Function Settings

The inverter supports various touch modes: single touch, double touch, triple touch, and long press (5 seconds). Different touch actions perform different functions. Advanced settings password: 123.

The settings menu structure includes:

• Settings (Main Menu)
• Advanced Settings
• General Settings
• Language (e.g., Chinese, English)
• Voltage Level (e.g., Standard, Level 1, Level 2)
• COM Address (Default: 001)
• Anti-reverse Flow (On/Off)
• Date Setting
• Time Setting
• Factory Reset

8.3.1 Voltage Level Selection: The inverter's factory setting is CQC standard. Users can select different voltage protection levels based on actual conditions. Single touch to switch levels, double touch to confirm.

8.3.2 Anti-reverse Flow Setting: Requires an external CT or smart meter installed after the load, near the grid connection, with the current direction pointing from the grid to the load. The MIN series supports single-unit anti-reverse flow. Compatible smart meters include Eastron SDM230-Modbus. Compatible CTs include TOP 90-S10 / SP4 (LEM) with a 10mm aperture.

8.3.3 Language Setting: Default language is Chinese. Double touch to enter setting mode, single touch to switch languages, double touch to confirm.

8.3.4 COM Address Setting: Default COM address is 1. Double touch to enter setting mode, single touch to increment the address (+1), double touch to confirm. Long press (5s) to reset the address to zero.

8.3.5 Date and Time Setting: Double touch to enter parameter settings, select General Settings, double touch again to enter General Settings. Single touch to switch displays. In the Date and Time display, double touch to enter setting mode. Single touch to increment numbers. Double touch to confirm. Long press (5s) to reset.

9 Communication and Monitoring

9.1 RS485

This series of inverters provides two RS485 ports for monitoring one or multiple inverters. Another RS485 port is used for connecting a smart meter (for single-unit anti-reverse flow).

9.2 USB-A

The USB-A port is primarily used for connecting monitoring modules or for firmware updates.

You can connect external monitoring modules such as Shine WIFI-X, Shine 4G-X, Shine LAN-X, etc., via the USB interface for monitoring. You can also update firmware quickly using a USB drive.

Monitoring Module Installation Steps: Ensure the connector is oriented correctly (upwards) and insert it into the display, then tighten the screws.

10 Starting and Shutting Down the Inverter

10.1 Starting the Inverter

1. Close the AC breaker for the inverter.
2. Close the DC switch. When the PV voltage is above 70Vdc, the inverter will start automatically.

10.2 Shutting Down the Inverter

Danger: Do not disconnect the DC connector while the inverter is grid-connected.

Shutdown Steps:

1. Disconnect the AC breaker to prevent the inverter from restarting.
2. Turn off the DC switch.
3. Check the inverter's operating status.
4. Wait until the LED and OLED displays are completely off, indicating the inverter has shut down.

11 Troubleshooting

If the solar inverter is not working correctly, we recommend using the following solutions to troubleshoot common issues. The table below helps technical personnel understand problems and take action.

11.1 Error Messages

When a fault occurs, the OLED screen will display an error message. Faults include system faults and inverter faults.

In some cases, you may be advised to contact Growatt. Please provide the following information:

• Inverter Information: Serial number, Model, OLED error message, Brief description of the problem.
• Grid Voltage: Current grid voltage.
• DC Input Voltage: Current DC input voltage.
• Reproducibility: Can you reproduce the failure? If so, how?
• Past Issues: Have you encountered this problem before?
• Environmental Conditions: What were the environmental conditions when the problem occurred?
• PV Module Information: Manufacturer name and model of PV panels, Panel output power, Panel Voc, Panel Vmp, String Imp, Number of panels in each string.

If a device replacement is needed, ship it in its original packaging.

11.2 System Faults

System faults are primarily caused by the system or the inverter. Before replacing the inverter, check the following:

11.3 Inverter Warnings

11.4 Inverter Faults

12 Specifications

12.1 Specifications

MIN 3000TL-X, 3600TL-X, 4200TL-X

MIN 4600TL-X, 5000TL-X, 6000TL-X

12.2 Torque

Torque specifications for various fasteners:

12.3 Accessories

Optional accessories can be selected from the following list:

13 Contact Us

For technical product inquiries, please contact the Growatt New Energy service hotline. Please provide the following information to assist us:

• Inverter Type
• Inverter Serial Number
• Inverter Error Code
• Inverter OLED Display Content
• Type and quantity of PV modules connected to the inverter
• Inverter communication method

Inverter repair can be performed on-site or by returning the inverter to a Growatt service center. New units may be provided based on model and age. Warranty does not cover return shipping costs for faulty equipment, nor installation or reinstallation labor.