Qoltec Off-Grid Hybrid Solar Inverter
Models: 53863, 53864
Introduction
Thank you for choosing our solar inverter. This manual will guide you through the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of your new device. Please read this manual carefully before installation and operation.
About This Manual
This manual covers the assembly, installation, operation, and troubleshooting of the Qoltec Off-Grid Hybrid Solar Inverter. It also provides guidelines for safety, installation, and information on necessary tools and wiring.
About the Product
This is a multifunctional inverter that combines the functions of an inverter, solar charger, and battery charger, providing uninterrupted power support. It features a versatile LCD display with user-definable buttons for settings such as battery charging current, AC or solar charging priority, and input voltage.
Illustration 1: Product Components
- 1. LCD Display
- 2. Status Indicator
- 3. Charging Indicator
- 4. Fault Indicator
- 5. Function Buttons
- 6. Ground Connection
- 7. AC Input
- 8. AC Output
- 9. Battery Input
- 10. PV Input
- 11. Wi-Fi Communication Port
- 12. Power On/Off
Installation
I. Preparation
Inspect the unit for any damage before installation. Ensure you have received the solar inverter and user manual. Before connecting any wires, remove the bottom cover by unscrewing the three screws.
II. Unit Installation
Consider the following points when choosing an installation location:
- Do not mount the inverter on flammable building materials.
- Mount on a solid surface.
- Install the inverter at eye level for easy viewing of the LCD display.
- The ambient temperature should be between 0°C and 55°C for optimal operation.
- The recommended mounting position is vertically against a wall.
- Ensure adequate clearance around the unit for heat dissipation and cable management.
NOTE: SUITABLE FOR MOUNTING ON CONCRETE OR OTHER NON-COMBUSTIBLE SURFACES ONLY.
Mount the unit using three screws (M4 or M5 recommended).
III. Battery Connection
NOTE: A separate DC overcurrent protection device or disconnect unit is required between the battery and the inverter for safe operation and compliance with regulations. The typical current rating for the fuse or breaker is shown in the table below.
Recommended Cable Lengths for Battery Cables (L2) and Tinning Lengths (L1):
| Model | Max. Current | Battery Capacity | Cable Size | Cable L1 (mm) | Cable L2 (mm) | Nominal Torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500W-24 | 70A | 100AH | 6AWG | 13.3 | 3 | 18 | 2~3 Nm |
| 2500W-24 | 100A | 100AH | 4AWG | 21.15 | 3 | 18 | 2~3 Nm |
| Other models | 140A | 100AH | 2AWG | 38 | 3 | 18 | 2~3 Nm |
To connect the battery:
- Remove 18 mm of insulation from the positive and negative leads according to the recommended stripping length.
- Connect all battery packs as required by the unit. Use the recommended battery capacity.
- Insert the battery cable into the inverter's battery connector, ensuring screws are tightened to 2-3 Nm. Verify correct polarity and secure connections.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock due to high battery voltage.
CAUTION: Do not place anything between the inverter terminal flat surface to prevent overheating. Do not apply antioxidant to terminals before they are securely connected.
NOTE: Ensure correct polarity (+ to + and - to -) before making the final DC connection.
IV. AC Input/Output Connection
NOTE: Install a separate AC breaker between the inverter and the AC source for safe disconnection during maintenance and overcurrent protection. A 50A breaker is recommended.
NOTE: Terminal blocks are labeled "IN" and "OUT". Do not confuse input and output.
WARNING: All wiring should be performed by qualified personnel.
WARNING: Use the correct cable size for AC connections as recommended below to reduce the risk of damage.
Recommended AC Cable Requirements:
| Model | Cross-section | Torque Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5KVA | 12AWG | 1.4~ 1.6Nm |
| 2.5KVA/3.5KVA | 10AWG | 1.4~ 1.6Nm |
| 5.5KVA | 8 AWG | 1.4~ 1.6Nm |
Steps for AC Input/Output Connection:
- Ensure the DC breaker is open before connecting AC input/output.
- Strip 10 mm of insulation from six wires. Shorten the L-phase and N-neutral wires by 3 mm.
- Connect AC input cables according to polarity markings on the terminal block, tightening the screws. Connect the PE protective conductor first (Yellow-Green), then L (Brown), then N (Blue).
- Connect AC output cables similarly, ensuring correct polarity and tightening screws. Connect the PE protective conductor first.
- Ensure all wires are connected correctly.
NOTE: Appliances like air conditioners require 2-3 minutes to restart to balance refrigerant. Connecting them immediately after a power interruption can cause damage. Consult the appliance manufacturer for time-delay features.
V. PV Connection
NOTE: Install a separate DC breaker between the inverter and the solar modules before connecting.
WARNING: All wiring must be done by qualified personnel.
WARNING: Use the correct cable size for solar module connections to ensure system safety and efficiency.
Recommended Cable Sizes:
| Model | Typical Current | Cable Size | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5KVA | 15A | 12 AWG | 1.4~1.6 Nm |
| 2.5KVA | 15A | 12 AWG | 1.4~1.6 Nm |
| 3.5KVA | 15A | 12 AWG | 1.4~1.6 Nm |
| 5.5KVA | 18A | 12 AWG | 1.4~1.6 Nm |
| 6.2KVA | 27A | 12 AWG | 1.4~1.6 Nm |
Selecting Solar Modules:
- PV module open-circuit voltage (Voc) must not exceed the inverter's maximum Voc.
- PV module Voc must be higher than the minimum battery voltage.
Solar Charging State:
| INVERTER MODEL | 1.5KW-3.5KW | 5.5KVA |
|---|---|---|
| Max. PV Array Open Circuit Voltage | 500DC | |
| PV Array MPPT Voltage Range | 30VDC~500VDC | 60VDC~500VDC |
| Max. PV INPUT CURRENT | 15A | 18A |
Recommended Module Configurations (Example for 450Wp and 550Wp modules):
| SOLAR INPUT | Number of panels | Total Input Power | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in series | 1 | 450W | 1.5KW-5.5KW 2.5KW-5.5KW 3.5KW-5.5KW |
| 2 in series | 2 | 900 W | |
| 3 in series | 3 | 1,350 W | |
| 4 in series | 4 | 1,800 W | |
| 5 in series | 5 | 2,250 W | |
| 6 in series | 6 | 2,700 W | |
| 7 in series | 7 | 3,150 W | |
| 8 in series | 8 | 3,600 W | |
| 9 in series | 9 | 4,050 W | |
| 10 in series | 10 | 4,500 W | 5.5KVA |
| 11 in series | 11 | 4,950 W | |
| 12 in series | 12 | 5,400 W | |
| 6 in series and 2 parallel | 12 | 5,400 W | |
| SOLAR INPUT | Number of panels | Total Input Power | Model |
| 1 in series | 1 | 550W | 1.5KW-5.5KW |
| 2 in series | 2 | 900 W | |
| 3 in series | 3 | 1,650 W | |
| 4 in series | 4 | 2,200 W | 2.5KVA-5.5KW |
| 5 in series | 5 | 2,750 W | |
| 6 in series | 6 | 3,300 W | 3.5KW-5.5KW |
| 7 in series | 7 | 3,850 W | |
| 8 in series | 8 | 4,400 W | 5.5 KW |
| 9 in series | 9 | 4,950 W | |
| 4 series sets and 2 parallel sets | 8 | 4,400 W | |
| 5 series sets and 2 parallel sets | 10 | 5,500 W |
Connecting Solar Module Cables:
- Strip 10 mm insulation from positive and negative cables.
- Check polarity of PV module cables and PV input connectors. Connect positive (+) to positive (+) and negative (-) to negative (-).
- Ensure all wiring is correct.
VI. Final Assembly
Once all wiring is complete, replace the bottom cover and tighten the screws.
Operation
I. Power On/Off
After correct installation and battery connection, press the power button to turn on the unit.
II. Control and Display Panel
The control and display panel is located on the front of the inverter. It includes indicators, function buttons, and an LCD display showing status, input/output information, and power supply details.
LED Indicators:
| LED Indicator | Color | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC/INV | Green | Solid | Output supplied directly from the mains (Line Mode). |
| Blinking | Output powered by battery or PV in battery mode. | ||
| CHG | Green | Solid | Battery is fully charged. |
| Blinking | Battery is charging. | ||
| FAULT | Red | Solid | A fault has occurred in the inverter. |
| Blinking | A warning is present in the inverter. |
Key Functions:
| Button | Description |
|---|---|
| ESC | Exit setting mode. |
| UP | Go to the previous setting. |
| DOWN | Go to the next setting. |
| ENTER | Confirm a selection or enter setting mode. |
III. LCD Display Settings
Press and hold the ENTER button for 3 seconds to enter setting mode. Use UP/DOWN buttons to select programs and ENTER to confirm or ESC to exit.
Program Settings:
- Program 01: Output Source Priority
- Grid Priority: Grid power is supplied first. Solar and battery power are used only when grid power is unavailable.
- Solar Priority: Solar power is supplied first. If insufficient, battery power is used simultaneously. Grid power is used only if solar energy is unavailable or battery voltage is low.
- SBU Priority: Solar power is supplied first. If insufficient, battery power is used simultaneously. Grid power is used only when solar energy is insufficient or battery voltage drops to a low warning level.
- SUB Priority: Solar energy is charged first, then consumers are supplied. If solar energy is insufficient, the grid supplies power simultaneously.
- SUF Priority: Solar energy supplies consumers and charges the battery. If solar energy is insufficient, the grid supplies power simultaneously. If solar energy is sufficient for consumers and battery charging, excess solar energy can be fed back to the grid.
- Program 02: Maximum Charging Current
- Program 03: AC Input Voltage Range
- Program 05: Battery Type
- Program 06: Automatic Restart After Overload
- Program 07: Automatic Restart After High Temperature
- Program 08: Output Voltage
- Program 09: Output Frequency
- Program 10: Automatic Bypass
- Program 11: Maximum Mains Charging Current
- Program 12: Voltage Setting Point for Mains Source
- Program 13: Battery Full Charge Voltage Setting Point
- Program 16: Priority of Charging Source
- Program 18: Buzzer Settings
- Program 19: Automatic Return to Standard Screen
- Program 20: Backlight Control
- Program 23: Bypass Overload Handling
- Program 25: Modbus ID Setting
- Program 26: Charging Voltage Buffer (C.V. voltage)
- Program 27: Holding Charge Voltage
- Program 29: Low DC Cut-off Voltage
- Program 32: Buffer Charging Time (C.V. step)
- Program 33: Battery Balancing
- Program 34: Battery Balancing Voltage
- Program 35: Time for Battery Balancing
- Program 36: Battery Equilibration Time
- Program 37: Balancing Interval
- Program 39: Immediate Balancing Activation
- Program 41: Automatic Lithium Battery Activation
- Program 42: Manual Lithium Battery Activation
- Program 46: Maximum Discharge Protection Current
Configures the total charging current for solar and grid chargers. The allowed charging current range is from the maximum grid supply current to the specified maximum charging current.
Configures the allowed AC input voltage range (e.g., 90-280 VAC, 170-280 VAC, or 170-280 VAC for generators).
Select the battery type (AGM, Flooded, User-defined, Lithium without communication). For Lithium batteries, refer to BMS specifications for maximum charging voltage, current, and discharge protection voltage.
Enable or disable automatic restart after an overload condition.
Enable or disable automatic restart after a high-temperature condition.
Select the output voltage (e.g., 220V, 230V, 240V).
Select the output frequency (50Hz or 60Hz).
When 'auto' is selected, the system automatically switches to bypass if the mains supply is correct, even if the switch is in the 'off' position.
Sets the maximum charging current from the mains. The allowed range is from 2A to the maximum AC charging current specified.
Sets the voltage point for returning to the mains source when 'SBU priority' or 'Solar First' is selected in Program 01. The setting value must be greater than or equal to the low DC cut-off voltage plus 1V.
Sets the voltage point for battery full charge when 'SBU priority' or 'Solar First' is selected in Program 01.
Configures the priority of the charging source. Options include Solar only, Solar and Mains simultaneously.
Configure buzzer behavior for different events (e.g., switchover, warnings, faults).
Configure whether the screen automatically returns to the standard display after a period of inactivity.
Control the backlight status (on or off).
Configure how the unit handles overload when bypass is active.
Set the Modbus ID for communication.
Sets the charging voltage buffer. The setting value must be equal to or greater than the value in Program 27.
Sets the holding charge voltage. For Lithium batteries, set to BMS maximum charging voltage minus 0.5V.
Sets the low DC cut-off voltage. The setting value must be less than the value in Program 12.
Sets the buffer charging time. The range is from 5 minutes to 900 minutes.
Enable or disable battery balancing. If 'USE' is selected in Program 05, this program can be set.
Sets the battery balancing voltage.
Sets the duration for battery balancing.
Sets the battery equilibration time.
Sets the interval for battery balancing.
Enable immediate battery balancing.
Enable automatic lithium battery activation.
Manually activate lithium battery function.
Sets the maximum discharge protection current.
Battery Balancing
The charge controller includes a battery balancing function to mitigate negative chemical effects like stratification and sulfate crystal buildup. Regular balancing is recommended to maintain battery capacity.
To use the balancing function:
- Activate the function in the LCD settings (Program 33).
- Set the balancing interval (Program 37) or activate immediately (Program 39).
When to Balance: Balancing is activated when the set interval is reached or immediately upon activation.
Equalization Charging Time and Time Limit: During equalization, the controller delivers maximum power until the set equalization voltage is reached. It then maintains this voltage. The battery remains in equalization until the set time is reached. If the voltage doesn't reach the set level within the time, the equalization time is extended. If it still doesn't reach the level, the process ends, and the unit returns to standby.
Lithium Battery Settings
For lithium batteries without communication, follow these steps to avoid BMS protection triggering:
- Obtain BMS specifications (max charging voltage, max charging current, discharge protection voltage).
- Set battery type to "LIB".
- Set C.V (charging voltage) to BMS maximum charging voltage minus 0.5V.
- Set floating charge voltage to the same as C.V. voltage.
- Set low DC cut-off voltage to at least BMS discharge protection voltage plus 2V.
- Set maximum charging speed to be less than the BMS-indicated maximum charging speed.
- Set the return to source voltage point (for SBU or Solar First priority) to be greater than or equal to the low DC cut-off voltage plus 1V.
Troubleshooting
Error Codes:
| Error Code | Description | Icon |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Inverter module overheating | Icon with error number |
| 02 | DCDC module overheating | Icon with error number |
| 03 | Battery voltage too high | Icon with error number |
| 04 | Solar module overheating | |
| 05 | Short circuit at output | |
| 06 | Output voltage too high | |
| 07 | Overload - cutoff time | |
| 08 | Bus voltage too high | |
| 09 | Fault in bus soft-start | |
| 10 | PV current overload | |
| 11 | PV overvoltage | |
| 12 | DCDC current overload | |
| 13 | Current overload or overvoltage | |
| 14 | Bus voltage too low | |
| 15 | Inverter fault | |
| 18 | OP-offset current too high | |
| 19 | Inverter offset current too high | |
| 20 | DC/DC shift current too high | |
| 21 | PV offset current too high | |
| 22 | Output voltage too low | |
| 23 | Negative inverter current |
Warning Indicators:
| Code | Message | Alarm | Display Icon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02 | High temperature | Three beeps every second | Image 78 |
| 04 | Low battery level | One beep every second | Image 79 |
| 07 | Overload | One beep every 0.5 seconds | Image 80 |
| 10 | Output reduction | Two beeps every 3 seconds | Image 81 |
| 14 | Fan blocked | No alarm | Image 82 |
| 15 | Low PV energy | Two beeps every 3 seconds | Image 83 |
| 19 | Lithium battery communication failed | Beeps every 0.5 seconds | Image 84 |
| 21 | Lithium battery output current too high | No alarm | Image 85 |
| E9 | Battery balancing | No alarm | Figure 86 |
| bP | Battery not connected | No alarm | Image 87 |
Troubleshooting Table:
| Problem | LCD/LED/Sound | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit shuts down automatically during startup process. | LCD/LED display and buzzer are active for 3 seconds, then turn off completely. | Battery voltage is too low. | Charge the battery. |
| No reaction after startup. | No reaction. | Battery voltage is too low. Battery polarity is reversed. | Charge the battery. Replace the battery. |
| There is power, but running in battery mode. | Input voltage shows 0 on LCD, and the green LED blinks. The green LED blinks. | Overcurrent protection or input voltage protection activated. Poor AC quality (mains or generator). Incorrect input voltage settings. Battery is disconnected. | Check AC breaker and wiring. Check if AC wiring is too thin or too long. Check generator function. Check input voltage settings. Check battery connections. |
| Unit turns on, turns off, and the internal relay cycles repeatedly. Buzzer beeps constantly, and the red LED is on. | Green LED blinks. | Incorrect input voltage settings. | Adjust input voltage settings. |
| LCD display and LEDs blink. Battery is disconnected. | Set 'Solar First' as priority for output load. | Change output source priority to 'Supply First'. Check battery connections. | |
| Error Code 07: Overload Fault I. Inverter is overloaded by 110%, and the time has expired. | Reduce load by turning off some units. | ||
| Error Code 05: Short circuit at output. | Check and connect wiring correctly, and remove the abnormal load. | ||
| Error Code 02: Internal temperature of inverter components exceeds 100°C. | Check if airflow in the unit is blocked, or if ambient temperature is too high. | Contact service center. | |
| Error Code 03: Battery is overcharged. Battery voltage is too high. | Check battery specifications and quantity meet requirements. | ||
| Error Code 06/22: Invalid output (inverter voltage under 190Vac or over 260Vac). | Reduce load. Contact service center. | ||
| Error Code 08/09/15: Internal components are damaged. | Contact service center. | ||
| Error Code 13: Overload current or overvoltage. | Bus voltage is too low. | Contact service center. | |
| Other error code | If wiring is connected correctly, please contact the service center. |
Specifications
Table 1: Line Mode Specifications
| Inverter Model | 1.5KV A | 1.5KV A | 2.5KV A | 3.5KV A | 5.5KVA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input waveform | Sinusoidal (mains or generator) | ||||
| Nominal input voltage | 230V AC | ||||
| Voltage with low tab | 170V AC ±7V (UPS) | ||||
| Voltage with low tab | 90V AC ±7V (appliances) | ||||
| Voltage with high tab | 180V AC ±7V (UPS) | ||||
| Voltage with high tab | 100V AC ±7V (appliances) | ||||
| Return voltage with high tab | 280V AC ±7V | ||||
| Return voltage with high tab | 270V AC ±7V | ||||
| Max. AC input voltage | 300V AC | ||||
| Nominal input frequency | 50Hz / 60Hz (automatic detection) | ||||
| Frequency with low tab | 40 ±1Hz | ||||
| Return frequency with low tab | 42 ±1Hz | ||||
| Frequency with high tab | 65 ±1Hz | ||||
| Return frequency with high tab | 63 ±1Hz | ||||
| Short-circuit protection of output | Battery mode: Electronic circuit | ||||
| Efficiency (linear mode) | >95% (at nominal load R, fully charged battery) | ||||
| Switching time | 10 ms typical (UPS) 20 ms typical (appliances) |
||||
| Output power limitation: When AC input voltage drops to 95V or 170V, depending on the model, output power is limited. | Figure 88 | ||||
Table 2: Inverter Mode Specifications
| Inverter Model | 1.5KVA | 1.5KVA | 2.5KVA | 3.5KVA | 5.5KVA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal output power | 1.5KVA/1.5KW | 1.5KVA | 2.5KVA/2.5KW | 3.5KVA/3.5KW | 5.5KVA/5.5KW |
| Output waveform regulation | 230Vac±5% | ||||
| Output frequency | 50Hz or 60Hz | ||||
| Maximum efficiency | 94% | ||||
| Maximum capacity | 2* nominal power for 5 seconds | ||||
| Nominal DC input voltage | 12Vdc | 24Vdc | 48Vdc | ||
| Cold start voltage | 11.0Vdc | 23.0Vdc | 46.0Vdc | ||
| DC warning voltage at low level (AGM & Flooded) | 11.0Vdc, 10.7Vdc, 10.1Vdc | 22.0Vdc, 21.4Vdc, 20.2Vdc | 40.4Vdc, 42.8Vdc, 44.0Vdc | ||
| Return voltage after low DC warning (AGM & Flooded) | 11.5Vdc, 11.2Vdc, 10.6Vdc | 23.0Vdc, 22.4Vdc, 21.2Vdc | 42.4Vdc, 44.8Vdc, 46.0Vdc | ||
| Low DC cut-off voltage (AGM & Flooded) | 10.5Vdc, 10.2Vdc, 9.6Vdc | 21.0Vdc, 20.4Vdc, 19.2Vdc | 42.0Vdc, 40.8Vdc, 38.4Vdc | ||
Table 3: Charging Mode Specifications
| Model | 1.5KVA | 1.5KVA | 2.5KVA | 3.5KVA | 5.5KVA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. charging current (PV+AC) (@ VI/P=230Vac) | 100Amp | 60Amp | 100Amp | 100Amp | 100Amp | |
| Max. charging current (AC) (@ VI/P=230Vac) | 60Amp | |||||
| Bulk charging voltage (AGM/GEL battery) | 14.1Vdc | 14.6Vdc | 28.2VDC | 29.2VDC | 56.4VDC | 58.4VDC |
| Floating charging voltage | 13.5Vdc | 27VDC | 54VDC | |||
| Overcharge protection | 16.5Vdc | 32VDC | 63VDC | |||
| Charging algorithm | 3-stage | |||||
Charging Curve
Figure 89 illustrates the charging stages: Bulk (Constant Current), Absorption (Constant Voltage), and Maintenance (Floating).
Solar Input
| Model | 1.5KVA | 1.5KVA | 2.5KVA | 3.5KVA | 5.5KVA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal power | 2000W | 2000W | 3000W | 4000W | 5500W |
| Max. open circuit voltage for solar array | 500Vdc | ||||
| MPPT voltage range for PV array | 30Vdc~500Vdc | 60Vdc~500Vdc | |||
| Max. charging current (PV) | 15A | 15A | 15A | 15A | 18A |
Table 4: General Specifications
| Model | 1.5KV | 2.5KV | 3.5KV | 5.5KVA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating temperature range | -10°C to 55°C | |||
| Storage temperature | -15°C~60°C | |||
| Humidity | 5% to 95% (non-condensing) | |||
Maintenance
- Keep the VALVATOREN clean using a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemicals.
- Regularly check power cords and plugs for damage such as wear, cracks, or loose connections.
- Ensure ventilation openings are clean and unobstructed for adequate cooling.
- Avoid contact with water or other liquids to prevent electrical shock.
Disposal
This product is subject to WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations. Dispose of it at a designated collection point for safe recycling. Contact the manufacturer or an authorized service center for disposal inquiries.
Warranty and Service Information
The product is covered by a 24-month manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Contact our service department for prompt and professional service. The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse, drops, mechanical damage, unauthorized repairs, or attempts at disassembly.
