Table of Contents Abbreviations ................................4 Safety ..................................5 Safety Instructions ............................5 Important Safety Notifications ......................... 5 Brief Introduction ..............................7 System Diagrams .............................. 7 Installation ................................8 Packaging List and Placement ........................... 8 Location Selection and Installation ........................8 4.2.1 Requirements for Installation Location ....................
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AC Coupling Installation Connection ......................25 4.8.1 AC Coupling Settings ..........................26 Parallel System Connection ..........................27 4.9.1 Connections for Parallel System ......................27 4.9.2 Parallel Information Display ........................27 4.9.3 Parallel Configuration ..........................28 4.10 Grid, Load, and AC Connection ........................29 4.10.1 Grid Type and Regulation Connection ....................
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Firmware Update via Hard-Wired Ethernet Connection ................68 Firmware Update via Monitor Center (website).................... 70 Smartphone App Setup ............................71 10.1 Local Monitoring Setup with the EG4 Monitor app ..................73 10.2 Troubleshooting Wi-Fi module ........................73 11 Operation Guide..............................74 11.1...
1 Abbreviations • AWG – American Wire Gauge • A — Amp(s) • Ah — Amp hour(s) • AC — Alternating Current • AHJ — Authority Having Jurisdiction • ANSI — American National Standards Institute • BMS — Battery Management System •...
2 Safety 2.1 Safety Instructions International safety regulations have been strictly observed in the design and testing of the inverter. Before beginning any work, carefully read all safety instructions, and always observe them when work- ing on or with the inverter. The installation must follow all applicable national or local standards and regulations.
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During operation, only the LCD and buttons should be touched. DISCLAIMER EG4 reserves the right to make changes to the material herein at any time without notice. You may refer to the EG4 website at www.eg4electronics.com...
4 Installation 4.1 Packaging List and Placement Packaging List When the product is unpacked, the contents should match those listed below: Pictures for reference only, subject to our available products. 4.2 Location Selection and Installation 4.2.1 Requirements for Installation Location 1.
3. Never position the inverter in direct sunlight. Please refer to the figure below and choose a well- shaded site or a shed to protect the inverter from direct sunlight. PROTECT the LCD screen from excessive UV exposure. 4. The inverter should be installed upright on a vertical surface. 4.2.2 Installing the Inverter The inverter is designed to be wall-mounted and should be installed on a vertical, solid, mounting sur- face, such as brick, concrete, or other non-combustible material.
4.2.3 Mounting Steps For installation on brick or concrete: 1. Mark the drill hole positions with the mounting bracket. 2. Drill four, 5/16 in. (48 mm) diameter holes, making sure the holes are deeper than 2 in. (50 mm). 3. Insert the expansion bolts into the holes and tighten. 4.
5. Hang the inverter on the wall-mount bracket and lock the inverter on the wall using two (2) self- tapping screws on the top of the inverter (not included with inverter). Lock the safety screws on the left and right sides. For installation on concrete board with wood studs: Fasten the mounting bracket to the studs with four (4) heavy duty wood screws, then hang the inverter on the bracket and lock the inverter on the wall with two (2) self-tapping screws.
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Overview of the Cable Box *PE stands for “Protective Earth” and is another way to label the ground on the system. Any instances of “PE” that may appear in the manual will be referred to GROUND (G) henceforth. L1 :200A Integrated Bonded Load Breaker L2: 200A...
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Overview of Connection Ports a. Battery communication port (CAN & RS485) b. CT interface (refer to Section 4.5.6 for CT connection) c. INV 485: debugging port d. Parallel communication port (refer to Section 4.9 for parallel connection) e. Fans 1/2/3 Temp sensor connection for lead- acid battery g.
4.4 PV Connection 4.4.1 Connecting PV to the Inverter Cable Requirements: Cable Size Minimum Insulator Voltage 10 AWG – 6AWG (Max) (6 mm – 16 mm 600V Consult with your installer to ensure that appropriate cable sizing is used due to various factors such as voltage drop and VOC.
4.4.2 String Sizing When solar modules are put in a series string, the voltage multiplies times the number of modules and the amperage stays the same as each module. For example: Using solar modules that have a 40 Voc (77ºF) with an amperage of 10 Amps (Imp) - 10 mod- ules wired in a series string would have a Voc of 400 VDC (at 77ºF) and a string amperage of 10 Amps.
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String Sizing continued… Finally, calculate the maximum current of the string so as not to exceed the Inverter’s MPPT circuit ratings. Double check if the calculated Vmp range is within the 230-500 VDC optimal MPPT circuit operating range. Consult a solar designer if needed. FOR ALL MODULES, THE CALCULATIONS NEED TO BE PERFORMED OR VERIFIED BY USING A STRING CAL- CULATOR OR CONSULTING A PROFESSIONAL.
4.4.3 Steps for PV Wiring 1. Ensure all breakers and disconnect switches are in the OFF position before connecting or disconnecting wires. Use a voltmeter to confirm there is no voltage present. 2. Strip off 1/4 – 5/16 in. (6 – 8 mm) insulation on the PV string’s positive and negative conductors.
Users can make the communication cable according to the inverter pin description below and the correct pinout of the communication port on the battery. The inverter supports both CAN and RS485 communication. *For inter-battery communication and battery bank setup with EG4® batteries, please refer to the respective battery manual. Description...
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“00000” as the password to enter settings menu. Note: For communication with EG4 bat- teries, select “Lithium” under ‘Battery type’ and then select “0: EG4” under ‘Lith- ium Brand’. For more information on configuring charge/discharge settings, refer to Section 11.3.2 –...
4.5.4 AC Wiring Information When sizing AC wires please adhere to the following information. Cable Requirements: Terminal Connection Wire Size Torque Values 95-165 in. lbs. (10.7Nm- GRID 6-4/0 AWG (26.7-107mm²) 18.6Nm) depending on wire Size according to generator 95-165 in. lbs. (10.7Nm- output 18.6Nm) depending on wire 95-165 in.
4.5.5 Steps for AC Connection Reminder After connecting all AC wiring, put the built-in LOAD breaker back to the ON position before providing power to the load. Before connecting or disconnecting AC wires, ensure all breakers are in the OFF position. Check that there is no voltage present with a voltmeter.
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Description Reserved CT2N CT2P CT1N CT1P Please refer to the connection dia- gram to the left for the correct posi- tion of the CTs. Clamp the 2 CTs onto the L1 and L2 wires at the service en- try point in the main service panel.
Extending the CT Clamp Cable The CT wires can be extended with a common ethernet cable if they are not long enough. An RJ45 adapter is needed for the extension. The CT wires can be extended up to 300 ft. (around 100 m). 4.6 Working with a Generator 4.6.1 Generator System Connection This hybrid inverter can work with a generator.
4.6.2 Connecting the Generator Start Signal (Dry Contact) Example 1 Example 2 When the generator is started, all the loads connected to the LOAD terminals will be supplied by the gen- erator while still charging batteries. The pass-through relay on the generator terminal is 90A. When the generator is on, please ensure the total load and charge current does not exceed 90A.
When battery voltage or SOC is higher than the Charge end Volt/SOC settings. 4.7 Off-Grid The 18kPV can fully function in Off-Grid only mode. It does not need the utility or generator to function. Purely off-grid systems that do not have access to the utility should strongly consider having a 2-wire start backup generator for extended cloudy periods (8-12 kW diesel recommended per 18kPV inverter - 21kWs max per inverter).
before the over-frequency trip threshold is reached. When the grid is down and the hybrid inverter requires an AC Coupled inverter to reduce power, it simply shifts the output frequency up slightly, and the grid-interactive inverter will limit its output power accordingly after sensing this frequency shift.
4.9 Parallel System Connection 4.9.1 Connections for Parallel System The hybrid inverter supports parallel connection to expand power and energy capacity to suit different usage scenarios. Up to 10 units can be paralleled to reach a capacity of 120kW. The parallel wiring diagrams are as follows. The manual bypass switch connects the loads to LOAD panel as default.
Important Notices for parallel system: Ensure that the generator is connected to all inverters in parallel (if available). If you cannot divide the number of PV panels connected to each inverter, it is recommended to have more PV panels on the master inverter.
5. Add some small loads to the load output and verify power output. 6. Finish the commissioning. 4.10 Grid, Load, and AC Connection 4.10.1 Grid Type and Regulation Connection This inverter can be used in 120/240V or 120/208V phase systems. This inverter has passed the main grid connection regulations in the U.S.
Fast Zero Export is enabled, the inverter will adjust output power accordingly. 6.2 Paralleling Settings Set Slaves or Master: The EG4 18KPV supports paralleling of multiple inverters. You would need to • connect the LOAD terminals together for paralleling. In this scenario we need to set one of the invert- ers to master and the others to Slave.
• Charge First For the EG4 18KPV in default mode; if PV power is sufficient to cover the demands of home loads, then PV power will prioritize home loads first. If there is excessive PV power; the remainder will be used to charge the battery.
6.4 Generator Charge Settings Batt Charge Current Limitation (A): Battery charge current limitation from Generator. • Gen Rated Power (kW): You can limit the battery charge power based on the detected LOAD con- • sumption and Generator input power limitations. Charge Starts Volt(V)/SOC(%): While using auto-start function of the generator, you can limit the •...
AC Couple The inverter supports AC coupling connection with the existing grid-interactive solar system. The ex- isting solar system is connected to the inverter's GEN terminal. Please see section 4.8.1 for further information. AC Couple Start Volt(V)/SOC(%): AC Coupling will start at this set V/SOC. •...
7.2 Application Settings EPS Voltage Set(V): Set voltage of the inverter’s output. • PV Grid Off: If the customer wants the system to have Off-Grid functionality without in- • stalling any batteries, please enable PV Grid Off. Please note, in this situation the Off-Grid en- ergy is supplied by solar and is not stable.
Parallel System Set System Type: The EG4 18KPV supports paralleling of multiple inverters. You would need • to connect the LOAD terminals together for paralleling. In this scenario we need to set one of the inverters to Master and the others to Slave. If you install all inverters as single-phase, be sure to set one of the inverters to “1 Phase Master”.
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Connection Connect Time: The wait time to connect to the grid if the solar input is ready and the grid • power is in range of the voltage and frequency settings below. Reconnect Time: The inverter will attempt to reconnect to the grid after abnormal situations •...
• Charge First For the EG4 18KPV in default mode; if PV power is sufficient to cover the demands of home loads, then PV power will prioritize home loads first. If there is excessive PV power; the re- mainder will be used to charge the battery. If there is still PV power after powering loads and battery charging;...
Charge First Power (kW): The max charge power from PV. • Stop Charge first SOC (%)/Volt (V): The inverter sill stop charging the batteries if the bat- • tery SOC or Voltage exceeds these limits. Charge First Start Time 1-3: Start time for PV Charge First setting.
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• 18KPV system to function in both On-Grid and Off-Grid mode, you would connect the AC out- put of the existing On-Grid PV inverter to the GEN terminal of the 18KPV and enable the AC Couple function. AC Couple Start Volt(V)/SOC(%): AC Coupling will start at this set V/SOC.
8 Monitor System Setup 8.1 Wi-Fi/4G Dongle Connection A Wi-Fi/4G dongle can be used to monitor the inverter and remotely view the monitoring data on a com- puter or smart phone. You can attach this module by plugging it in to the side of the inverter and securing it with the 4 Phillips head screws.
Third-Party RS485 Communication Meters 485B and 485A can be used when a meter is not connected. These two pins can be used to com- municate with the inverter using the RS485 Modbus protocol. INV485: This interface is shared with the Wi-Fi module. If the Wi-Fi module is not in use, this interface can be used to communicate with the inverter.
8.3 Online Monitoring System User Interface After connecting the Wi-Fi dongle, create an account by regis- tering at https://monitor.eg4electronics.com/. Note: The monitoring system may change due to updates, so you may find the following UI descriptions vary from the current pages on the site.
4. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to and the click “OK.” Input the Wi-Fi password and click “Save.” 5. After saving your settings, the dongle will restart. After you set the password, three lights will be solid on, which means the inverter is connected to the server. You can now input your account login and password to begin monitoring your system.
North America – Clicking this will allow you to change the country. English – Clicking this will allow you to change the language of the page. Cluster (Username) – Clicking this will open a list with User Center (used for editing your profile), Mod- ify password (used to change your password), and Logout (to logout of this account) Name Description...
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Name Description Voltage of solar input (“V” stands for volts, lower-case “pv” stands for PV) Power of solar input (first letter “P”, lower-case “pv” stands for PV) SOC(%) Battery/batteries state of charge. Vacr Voltage of AC output (“V” stands for voltage, “ac” for AC, and “r” for phase U) Reactive power of AC output (“Q”...
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Energy “Energy” tab shows how energy (y-axis) changes with time, daily, by date (x-axis) in one month. Selecting ‘Month’ will show the energy statistics for each day. • Selecting ‘Year’ will show energy for each month. • Selecting ‘Total’ will show energy for each year. •...
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History Data The measured technical characteristics of PV, battery, load, and grid are listed under "Historical data" for users or their distributor's examination to promptly address any potential issues. Advanced technical knowledge is necessary to properly comprehend this table. End users are advised to concentrate solely on the "Monitor"...
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Local Data The data captured during the offline periods are displayed in the "Local data" section (loss of Internet or Wi-Fi). The only distinction from “History data” is that it is used for offline data recording. Local data is recorded while the system is offline for more than 20 minutes and is taken every 5 minutes. Data can be stored in the system for a maximum of 90 days.
8.3.4 Configuration Tab The “Configuration” page is used for users to manage their station, dataloggers and user information. Stations This tab will show all stations linked to your account. Clicking on a station name will display all inverters under that station or location. Clicking the Add Station button creates another site if you have more than one station under the same ac- count.
8.3.5 Overview "Overview" allows EG4 or its distributors to quickly monitor system-wide data for their end users, such as solar yields, battery discharging, and other factors. Station Overview All the stations linked to the account can be found here. Clicking a station name will switch the main...
Distributors can manage all settings for all inverters at once with the help of the batch setting capability supported by EG4's monitor system. Note: If trying to update firmware locally, see Section 9 Important Advanced technical knowledge is necessary to properly make changes.
9.1 Firmware Update via EG4 Electronics App NOTE: When updating your firmware through the EG4 APP, be sure to have plenty of bat- tery life on your device and do not close the application. Make sure you have the Wi-Fi dongle connected securely and correctly configured (See Section 10 for Wi-Fi Dongle con- nection steps) for the inverter before performing the following steps.
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Note: Be sure to disconnect the WIFI dongle when utilizing this direct connection. Step 3: Run the Wlocal.exe software. (Please contact your distribu- tor for access to this program) Step 4: Select the top left button (L), and change your language to English if need be Step 5: Select your COM (Serial) port and click “Con- nect”.
Once it is finished updating, the inverter will flash and restart. 9.3 Firmware Update via Monitor Center (website) Step 1: Distributors and installers can update the firmware for their inverters by using the EG4 Elec- tronics website monitoring system. Please contact EG4 to make sure you have the correct files.
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Step 2: Log into the EG4 Electronics Monitor System. Select “Maintenance,” and then select “Remote Update.” Step 3: Choose the inverter you would like to update and then select “Standard Update”. The Monitor Center will begin updating both firmware files in the inverter. The latest version of the firmware will be...
10 Smartphone App Setup You need to register for a monitoring account and set the Wi-Fi password for the Wi-Fi dongle before using EG4's monitoring system. 1. Register your account Visit https://monitor.eg4electronics.com/ download the ‘EG4 Monitor' app to register for an end-user account.
If there is no Wi-Fi available at the location, you can use the local function to monitor or set up the system. 1. Download the EG4 Monitor app. 2. Connect your device to the Wi-Fi hotspot after the INV LED on the Wi-Fi module is solid on. The name of the hotspot is the same as the serial number on the Wi-Fi module shell.
11 Operation Guide 11.1 Operation Mode and Function 11.1.1 Self-Usage Mode In this mode, the order of priority for powering loads is Solar>Battery>Grid. The order of priority for solar power usage is Load>Battery>Grid. • Application Scenarios Self-usage mode will increase the self-consumption rate of solar power and reduce energy bills sig- nificantly.
11.1.2 Charge First Mode The order of priority for solar power usage will be Battery>Load>Grid. During the charge first period, loads are first supplied power from the grid. If there is excess solar power after charging batteries, the excess solar will power the loads along with grid power. Application Scenarios •...
11.1.3 AC Charger Mode AC charger mode Users can charge batteries with grid power when electricity prices are low, then use battery power run loads or ex- port to the grid when electricity prices are high. Application Scenarios When users have a Time of Use (TOU) rate plan.
A rapid shutdown switch should be connected to the RSD terminals on the inverter and mounted on a readily accessible location outdoors (check with your AHJ for requirements). Note: When using supported EG4 batteries in closed-loop communications with the inverter, the RSD also initi- ates ESS Disconnect as required by NEC code.
11.2.2 External RSD Wiring Instructions Wire the E-Stop Switch into the RSD terminals according to the Switch’s specifications. See image to the right E-Stop Switch KEY NOTE: If your inverter does not have the RSD terminals located in the above photo, please contact your distributor for information regarding the steps for RSD installation.
11.3 LCD Screen Running status, real-time power, and daily and accumulated energy information can all be conveniently viewed on the inverter’s LCD screen. Additionally, users can also check the alarm and fault record on the display for troubleshooting. 11.3.1 Viewing Information and Alarm Fault/Record Home Screen Touch the LCD screen to light it up if in sleep mode.
20ms, which will effectively avoid any solar power being exported. If export is allowed, users can enable ‘Export to Grid’ and set a maximum allowable export limit in ‘Max Export to Grid(kW).’ Note: Zero Export cannot prevent export of energy supplied by inverters that are AC Coupled to the 18kPV.
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Charge Settings Operating Mode: Users can decide to use state of charge (SOC) or battery voltage (Bat V) to control charge and discharge logic depending on battery type. Bat. charge current limit (A): Users can set the maximum charge current. AC Charge: Utility charge configura- tion.
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Generator ): M Bat. charge current limit(A axi- mum battery charge current from the generator. The generator will start charging according to the ‘Charge start Volt/SOC’ and stop charging when the battery voltage or SOC reaches the ‘Charge end Volt/SOC’ value Gen rated power(kW): The inverter has a peak-shaving function.
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Grid type: You can choose 240/120V or 220/208V Grid Regulation: Select the correct Grid safety regulation. Grid Frequency: If the Grid Fre- quency is nominal at 50Hz, then the inverter’s Frequency will be adjusted to 50Hz automatically. If there is no grid power and it is read as 50Hz but the devices are 60Hz;...
‘Seamless switch’ must be enabled if users want the load to be transferred seamlessly to the inverter backup power. ‘No Battery’ can be enabled to use solar power to supply load when the grid fails or load-shedding hap- pens. If users do not have a battery installed yet but still wish to have inverter backup power with only solar panels connected, this setting can be enabled.
2. Make sure the PV voltages of the strings are within operating parameters. Turn on(close) PV isolator switches between the inverter and array and then on the side of the inverter. 3. Make sure Steps 1 and 2 are running properly before turning on the grid power or generator breaker.
12.3 Troubleshooting Based on LCD Screen Once there is any warning or fault occurring, users can troubleshoot according to the LED status de- scription and the warning/fault information on the LCD screen. 12.3.1 Faults on the LCD and Fault List If the dot on the left of the fault item is red, it means the fault is active.
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Please check if the PV string voltage is within the inverter specification. If PV volt high PV voltage is too high string voltage is within range and this fault persists, contact your supplier. Hardware level over current protection Restart the inverter. If the fault per- Hard over curr triggered sists, contact your supplier.
First confirm the wiring for the parallel system is correct. Once verified, con- nect each inverter to the grid. The sys- Para Phase set tem will automatically detect the Incorrect setting of phase in parallel error phase sequence and the fault auto- matically resolves after the phase se- quence is detected.
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1. Check the battery communication cable for correct pinout on both inverter and battery end. 2. Check if you have chosen an incorrect Bat Fault Battery cannot charge or discharge battery brand. 3. Check if there is fault on battery's indicator.
Master and set the other as Slave. 13 Standards and Certifications The EG4 18kPV is ETL & cETL listed and complies with national and international standards for safety and reliability when connected to the grid. Safety UL1741SB Rule 21 •...
14 Technical Specifications AC Input Data Nominal AC Voltage 240 | 208VAC Frequency 50/60Hz Max. Continuous AC Current AC Grid Output Data Max. Continuous Output Current AC Bypass (Grid) 200A Rated Voltage 240VAC Operating Voltage Range 180–270VAC Nominal Power Output (W) @240V 12kW/@208V 10.4kW Operating Frequency 50/60Hz...
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Cooling Concept Topology TL (Transformerless) Relative Humidity 0-100% Altitude <2,000m Operating Temperature Range -25~60°C, >45° derating Noise Emission 68dB @3ft Display Color touchscreen Communication Interface RS485/Wi-Fi/CAN Standard Warranty 10* year standard warranty *See EG4® Warranty Registration for terms and conditions...
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