Sungrow Single-Phase Hybrid Off-Grid: Additional settings for Generator V1.0
This document provides a guideline to assist solar installers for troubleshooting generator integration with Sungrow single-phase hybrid off-grid inverters. It is not a statement or advice on Electrical or Solar Industry standards. Always observe OH&S regulations when working on Sungrow equipment.
Applicability: SH5.0RS, SH6.0RS, SH8.0RS, SH10RS
The Hybrid Inverters can be connected to a backup Generator providing:
- The most recent firmware for dongle inverter and battery is installed.
- Sufficient generator capacity to supply loads and charge the battery.
- Generator is a 2-wire auto-start type.
- The designer is responsible for generator selection and system design.
Installation
Install as for grid connect, with the following exceptions:
- Generator output connected to AC port.
- Energy meter not required.
- Additional settings as shown below.
Important: Refer to the Owner's Manual for full technical and connection details for basic installation.
Inverter connections:
- Terminal 5 = Backup port
- Terminal 6 = Generator port
- Terminal 7 = Chassis Earth point
AC house loads wiring to backup port:
Backup wiring must be done in accordance with AS/NZS3000 etc. Ensure correct Earthing and cable protection. Connect house loads wiring to the backup port, ensuring the earth wire is connected between chassis and earth bar. Do not connect PE at the backup port.
Description of Picture 3: A diagram showing the AC house loads wiring to the backup port. It illustrates connecting the Earth wire to the chassis, AC Active and Neutral to the switchboard, and the Earth Bar to the Earth stake. All wiring and protection must comply with AS/NZS3000 etc.
Earthing chassis requirement:
Ensure the chassis is earthed back to the earth bar/MEN in the switchboard as per the install manual. Use correct earth cable size (AS/NZS3000).
For AU/NZ/SA: The neutral cable of GRID side and BACK-UP side must be connected together. Otherwise, the BACK-UP function will not work.
Description of Picture 4: A diagram illustrating chassis earth connection. It shows the PV, battery, and inverter connected to a distribution box. The diagram highlights that in an Off-Grid configuration, the Grid is not connected, and the generator port is used. It also notes that for Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, the PE wire of the Backup terminal is not required, and the E-N Link connects the neutral bar to the PE bar.
Generator AC connection:
Connect the AC output of the generator to the grid AC terminal of the inverter. Consult the generator manual for details, ensuring the earth is connected to the MEN.
Description of Picture 5: A diagram showing the generator AC connection. It depicts the connection of the generator's AC output to the inverter's AC Grid terminal, with all wiring and protection adhering to AS/NZS3000. The diagram shows AC Active, Neutral, and Earth connections from the generator to the switchboard and earth bar.
PV DC:
Connect the PV array ensuring that the voltage and current ratings are not exceeded. Use the supplied genuine MC4 connectors.
Description of Picture 6: Two diagrams illustrating PV DC connections. The left diagram shows a correct connection with a green checkmark, indicating PV+ to PV+ and PV- to PV-. The right diagram shows an incorrect connection with a red cross, indicating PV+ to PV- and PV- to PV+.
Battery:
Connect the battery (maximum 6 modules in a stack), including the Power DC, CAN, and earth. Ensure to use the correct Evo2 connectors at the inverter connection.
Description of Picture 7: A diagram showing battery connections to the inverter. It illustrates the connection of Power DC (P+, P-), CAN (COMM), and Earth (PE) cables using Evo2 connectors. A green checkmark indicates the correct connection.
COM cables:
Assemble the CAN cable and plug into the control box of the battery, using the supplied tool to securely lock the RJ45 plug.
Description of Picture 8: Images showing a CAN connector and a tool used to lock the lockring. The text indicates to use the tool to lock the lockring.
Ensure to properly terminate the Com cables using the supplied blue bootlace ferrules.
Description of Picture 9: An image showing correctly crimped bootlace ferrules on Com cables.
Connect the battery CAN to the CANH and CANL of the COM plug and connect the Generator auto-start to the DO using a 2-conductor circular control wire. (Communication pinout diagrams may vary between models. All inverters have a pinout map on the left-hand side of the inverter.)
Description of Picture 10: A wiring diagram showing the Battery CAN and DO generator auto-start connections between the battery, inverter, and meter. It details the pin assignments for RS485, COM1, COM2, and DO connections.
Commissioning:
Use the same commissioning sequence as for a Grid-Connected system to enable firmware updates. A YouTube link is provided for guidance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4rkQvhk6zw
Power the system up with PV and battery. The inverter may initially show a 010 error, then go into backup mode. Update all firmware (Dongle, Hybrid Inverter, and Battery).
Off-Grid Settings:
Log in via 'Local Access'.
Navigate to 'Settings' > 'Energy Management Parameters' > 'General Parameters' > 'Energy Management Mode' and enable ‘MicroGrid System Mode’.
Description of Picture 11: A series of screenshots from the Sungrow inverter interface showing the navigation path to the settings menu, including 'MORE', 'Settings', 'System Parameters', 'Energy Management Parameters', and 'Battery Parameters'.
Description of Picture 12: Screenshots detailing the settings within the inverter interface. It shows the 'Energy Management Parameters' screen with options like 'General Parameters', 'Battery Discharge Time', and 'MicroGrid system parameters'. It also shows the 'General Parameters' screen with 'Energy Management Mode' and 'MicroGrid System Mode' highlighted.
Set the generator to auto-start or manual start:
The generator can be set to start/stop based on battery SOC% or manual start/stop. The 2-wire control cable must be connected for this function.
Description of Picture 13: A series of screenshots from the Sungrow inverter app showing the 'Energy Management Parameters' and 'MicroGrid system parameters' menus. It highlights the 'MicroGrid system parameters' section where Genset Start/Stop Control, Forced Stop, Max. Permitted Charging Power from AC, Nominal Power of Genset, and Lower/Upper Limit of SOC to Start/Stop Genset can be configured.
Description of Picture 14: Screenshots illustrating the setting of generator start/stop commands within the Sungrow app. It shows the 'MicroGrid System Parameters' screen with options for 'Genset Start/Stop Control', 'Forced Stop', 'Forced Start', and 'Controlled by SOC'.
Step 4: Testing the generator operation:
Once all settings are complete, set the generator to auto-start according to the generator instructions.
- Switch off the PV.
- Ensure the battery is not 100% (or discharge to the low SOC% setting).
- Start the generator and observe the system supplying loads and charging the battery.
Description of Picture 15: A screenshot from the Sungrow app displaying the 'On-grid Operation' status, showing power flow from the generator to loads and battery charging. It displays values for Today Yield, Direct Power Consumption, Battery SOC, and Today Self-consumption Rate.
Description of Picture 16: An image of the Sungrow inverter's LED display showing 'Pac - 3.0 kW', indicating the inverter's current power output.
If using the 'Forced Start' method, select ‘Forced Stop' to shut the generator down.
If issues persist, please take photos of the testing and contact Sungrow Service Department at 1800 786 476 or email service@sungrowpower.com.au.
mailto:service@sungrowpower.com.au
