Installation and Stat up user manual for 1-phase inverter ... - FIMER

Grid connected nected PV Inverter series R25-R55
R55
Installation and Stat up user manual for 1-phase inverter

________________________________________________________________________________
CE certificate
_______________________________________________________________________________
1

________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Statement
The grid connected PV inverter of Fimer reduce raw material consumption and scrap throughout their long working
lifetime. In typical applications, these positive environmental effects far outweigh the negative impacts of product
manufacture and end-of-life disposal.
Product packaging is of good quality and can be re-used. All the products come in strong cardboard cartons which
themselves have a high recycled fibre content. If not re-used, these containers can be recycled. Polythene, used on the
protective film and bags from wrapping product, can be recycled in the same way. Fimer’s packaging strategy favours
easily recyclable materials of low environmental impact, and regular reviews identify opportunities for improvement.
Copyright– All rights reserved
This publication is property of Fimer S.p.A. Any divulgation or reproduction of it as a whole or in part in forbidden
unless expressly authorised. The contents, pictures and texts can be use for training the installers and the end users of
the product. This manual cannot be used any other scope different from the user instruction necessary to install, control
and run the solar inverter. While every care has been taken during the preparation, the compilation and checking to
ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this manual, Fimer S.p.A. cannot assume any responsibility for
events caused by improper use of the same. The same statement is made on behalf of all persons and companies
involved in the creation and the production of this manual. Fimer S.p.A. reserves the right to make design or functional
modifications, without prior notice and at any time; picture are just an example.
_____________________________________________________
INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................... 4
2. GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Contents of delivery.................................................................................5
2.2 Delivery inspection..................................................................................5
3. SAFETY INSTRUCTION..................................................................................................................................... 5
4. MOUNTING AND CONNECTION OF THE INVERTER............................................................................................ 7
4.1 Selecting the installation place..........................................................7
4.2 Criteria for placement of the equipment ...........................................7
4.3 Criteria of mounting of the inverter ..................................................8
4.4 Instruction for the electrical connections........................................10
4.5 Connection to the AC grid...............................................................11
4.5.1 Direct connection on the PCB board to the internal connectors only for IP21 model 12
4.5.2 AC connection using the Wieland connector...................................12
4.6 PV generator connection.................................................................14
4.7 Additional PE connection................................................................15
5. OVERVOLTAGE AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION.............................................................................. 15
5.1 When is lightening protection required?.........................................16
5.2 Surge protection and cable laying...................................................16
5.3 Lightning protection of the PV generator .......................................16
5.4 Lightning protection of the grid side of the inverter .......................18
5.5 Lightning protection of the communications and sensor connections18
5.6 Warranty claims in the case of surge damage.................................18
6. START-UP OF THE INVERTER......................................................................................................................... 18
7. TROUBLE SHOOTING AND ERROR REPORT..................................................................................................... 20
7.1 Monitoring of the AC mains connection..........................................20
7.2 Monitoring of PV generator............................................................21
8. TECHNICAL DATA......................................................................................................................................... 22
_____________________________________________________________________________
2

________________________________________________________________________________
9. WARRANTY CONDITIONS.............................................................................................................................. 25
10. SERVICE ....................................................................................................................................................... 26
________________________________________________________________________________
3

________________________________________________________________________________
1. INTRODUCTION
Dear Customer,
congratulations on the purchase of our inverter; we are delighted that you have chosen it and
with this device you have acquired a solar inverter for the mains connection of photovoltaic
systems. Our inverters have been developed, produced and inspected with great care and by the
means of the latest technology that allow to our device to be an high quality, very robust and
innovative device. We comply with the ISO 9001 regulations.
The FIMER converters are transformerless inverters for the supply of electricity from solar cells to
the public grid. The high efficiency of the our inverters achieved by the use of modern
semiconductors, the use of high-quality parts and the optimisation of all components. Its numerous
integrated communications options mean that our inverter is easy to maintain and operate. Along
side the usual RS232 and RS485 interfaces, there is also an Ethernet interface. The d integrated 4
line display offers a wide range of possibilities for communication and data transfer.
The following documentation provides installation instructions for the inverter. Please observe at all
times the safety regulations which are described in these documents. Installation of the inverter
must always be carried out by an electrical installer who is familiar with this documentation and is
aware of the safety regulations.
The contents of the manual will help you to solve the major part of doubts and problems that could
be rise or happen during the operation of the device, anyway if you have some more questions,
please get in touch with your installer or call us. In order to obtain the last version of the user
manual you can download it from our web-side.
We ask you to keep with care and keep this manual handy for quick reference in case of future
consultations.
Thanks for having chosen a FIMER product
_____________________________________________________________________________
4

________________________________________________________________________________
2. GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 Contents of delivery
Nr. 1 PV inverter
Nr. 1 Mounting frame
Nr. 1 CD-Rom containing the Operating instructions, installation instructions, dimensioning tool
SUNBuilder, FIMERNet communications program
Nr. 1 Installation user manual
Nr. 2 screws for fixing the inverter to the mounting frame
Nr.1 Wieland connector in necessary to connect the inverter to the AC grid
Nota: for the inverters whose protection degree system is IP 54 there are 4 screws, type M3, which
must be used and firmly fastened after installation of the cable and the connectors.
2.2 Delivery inspection
Please check the supplied inverter thoroughly. If the packaging is damaged in such a way that the
inverter has been affected, or the inverter itself damaged, please contact us, the local distributor or
the installer immediately. We will recoup the damages from the delivery firm on your behalf.
The technical information (part number, technical data and serial number) of the inverter are
contained in the product label pasted to the right side of the hit sink, if these values doesn’t
correspond to the ones of the inverter then don’t mount the converter and contact immediately the
distributor or the manufacturer. Every information related to the inverter and necessary to identify
the inverter is contained on the product label, the S/N identify the device and it is contained in the
product label.
3. Safety instruction
INFORMATION: The following must be read before first operating the unit in order to
avoid personal injury and/or damage to the equipment. These regulations must be
observed at all times.
Do not attempt to install or operate this unit before carefully reading all the documents
supplied. These safety instructions and all operating instructions are to be read through
before any carrying out any work with the equipment. If the equipment is sold, rented
out or otherwise provided to a third party, this safety information must be supplied as well.
Appropriate use: this equipment is only intended for the use described in these operating
instructions, i.e. as an inverter for photovoltaic equipment connected to electricity grids.
All safety rules must be observed. Installation must only be carried out in the way
described in these instructions. No modifications of any kind to the equipment or its external wiring
are allowed and lead to serious safety problems and risks to life and limb.
Surface of equipment may become hot. Danger of injury and fire!
Even if the device has been developed according to the main national and international
safety standards, some components inside the device can get during the standard working
________________________________________________________________________________
5

________________________________________________________________________________
mode to high value of temperature, therefore we recommend to avoid to touch the hit sink and the
device where the power components are mounted.
Warning Inappropriate treatment of this equipment and failure to observe the warnings
here given, or inappropriate interference with the safety features, can lead to damage to
the equipment, bodily injury electric shock or in extreme cases to death. Wrong connection can lead
to high voltage! Danger to life and limb from electric shock.
The safety requirement are below described and they agree to the standard ANSI guideline:
Danger and safety class according to ANSI
Symbols and definitions
Danger
Warning
Danger class describe he risk when safety regulations are
not observed
The result will be serious injury or death.
Death or serious injury may result.
Caution
Bodily injury or damages to property may
result.
The manufacturer doesn’t accept any responsibility for damage caused by failure to observe
warnings given in these operating instructions.
Before starting to operate the equipment, the operating instructions, warnings and safety regulations
must be thoroughly read through. If the documentation cannot be fully understood in the present
language, please inform the supplier and request further information.
Safe and problem-free operation of this equipment requires appropriate and professional transport,
storage, mounting and installation, as well as careful servicing and maintenance of this equipment.
Only trained and qualified personnel should work with electrical equipment.
Only appropriately qualified and trained personnel should work on or in the vicinity of this
equipment. Qualified in this contexts means that the worker is adequately familiar with the
mounting, installation and operation of the product and with all the corresponding warnings and
safety requirements.
The environmental conditions described in the product documentation must be met.
Please observe the danger warnings given below in the documentation.
_____________________________________________________________________________
6

________________________________________________________________________________
4. Mounting and connection of the inverter
4.1 Selecting the installation place
When planning a photovoltaic installation, an appropriate place must be found for the inverter. In
order to help find the optimal location, the following covers the most important criteria which must
be considered.
If the ambient conditions and the related suggestions described in this manual are not respected then
it could happened some unexpected damages to the device and it is considered by the manufacturer
like an improper use of the inverter.
The life-span of an inverter is strongly influenced by the prevailing environmental conditions. The
higher the temperature, the shorter the life-span of the inverter will be.
We strongly suggest you not to install the inverter directed exposed to the UV ray of to the direct
exposition to the sun. This is not allowed because extended exposure to UV rays can damage the
display and the keypad. In addition, warming due to sunlight can cause unnecessary heat stress to
the equipment.
A permanently humid environment will also negatively affect the life-span of the equipment. The
ideal mounting location is dry and climate controlled. This also applies to an inverter with the IP 54
protective system.
Don’t install the inverter on a mobile wall or on a structure that is subjected to vibration. A strong,
robust and un-flammable wall is the ideal place where install the device; pay attention because the
heat-sink could get to high temperature level, 80° C degree could be the value of the temperature in
object.
Install possibly the inverter in a clean and dry place in order tot avoid that any liquid or external
object get into the devoice from the air input; clean periodically the device with a dry cloth also
when the converter is off.
Do not use the converter as a shelf to support heavy loads or objects or used as a carrier and support
for other types of structure.
During the operation, the device can produce some noise that make it preferable not to install the
device in a residential installation.
If you install the inverter inside a cabinet or similar place, you must ensure adequate ventilation to
remove heat and must ensure the free circulation of air around the external housing and the heat
sink of the converter.
NEVER install in potentially explosive environments and in the presence of saline condition that
may inevitably reduce performance and efficiency. The inverter must not come into contact with
acids, ammonia or corrosive gases such as those present in the stables or chemical plants.
4.2 Criteria for placement of the equipment
The equipment is intended for wall mounting. It should be noted that less current flows on the
generator side than on the grid side.
________________________________________________________________________________
7

________________________________________________________________________________
Consideration should be paid to the accessibility of the equipment for the purposes of mounting or
later servicing. Installation at eye level makes the display more easily read.
The distance above and below to the nearest inverter, cupboard, ceiling or other object must be at
least 30 cm, and it is best if it is at least 50 cm. Please allow adequate fresh air access and warm air
removal to prevent unnecessary overheating.
The distance on the left and right of the equipment to the nearest inverter, meter, cupboard, wall or
other object must be at least 10 cm, and it is better if it is 15 cm.
The environmental temperature must be between –20 °C and +40 °C.
Please take note of the grid impedance at the supply point.
Caution
Due to the high system voltage, a lower current always flows on the DC
side as on the AC side. Losses for a given cable size are therefore greater
for the AC wiring as for the DC wiring. For this reason, given thermal
considerations it is advisable to place the inverter near to the meter box, at
best in the basement..
4.3 Criteria of mounting of the inverter
The inverter has to mounted to a secure and fixed surface on the wall with the help of the mounting
frame included into the delivery.
Mounting frame
For this you require screws and dowels appropriate to the qualities of the wall (4 of each).
Mark the holes which need to be bored in the wall, using the mounting frame as a guide. Please be
careful to ensure that these are vertically placed.
Insert the dowel and screw the mounting frame to the wall with the screws. When selecting the
screws, note that the weight is approx. 22 kg.
Hang the inverter from above from the mounting frame. The mounting frame will then be between
the outermost slats of the heat sink. The two screws supplied, M5x20, are now to be screwed into
the corresponding holes of the mounting frame through the heat sink in order to fix the inverter to
the wall in its right place. For this you will require an allen key. It may be necessary to lift the unit
by 1 - 2 mm in order to be able to screw the screws without resistance.
Check that the equipment is secure and well fixed to the wall!
_____________________________________________________________________________
8

________________________________________________________________________________
Mechanical dimensions f the inverter:
IP21 Model:
Type IP21 R25 R35 R50 R55
WxDxH (mm)
305x130x450
IP54 Model:
Type IP54 R25 R35 R50 R55
WxDxH (mm)
3105x130x510
Removal of the superior cover
It is not normally necessary to open the cover. This is necessary only with the IP 21 casing when
you have chosen the screw connection means of mounting the AC or DC cable.
Please avoid in all cases opening the IP 54 chase, as this can lead to damage to the seals and
therefore no more protection being provided. Opening the IP 54 casing leads to loss of warranty
cover! If it’s necessary to install an internal modem or an internal RS485 card please define this
accessories during the order of the inverter in order to avoid to open the case of the converter.
Opening of the inverter must only be carried out when the power is switched off! First read the
following chapters if voltage is still present in the inverter.
If the inverter is free from voltage from both grid and the solar generator, a 5 minute waiting period
is necessary to allow the internal condensers to discharge before the cover can be opened.
First, unscrew all screws, taking care that the cover does not fall after unscrewing the last screw.
Then carefully move the cover a few centimetres, carefully pull the flat cable out of the electronic
assembly and then place the cover to one side. Please take care not to damage the flat cable, which
is connected to the operating unit (LCD, keypad and LED) in the cover over the electronic assembly
in the unit.
When replacing the cover, the flat cable must first carefully reconnected to the electronic assembly,
and the cover then replaced and secured with the 8 screws.
When connecting and disconnecting the ribbon, please ensure that you do not tilt the plug, bend any
pins or pull unnecessarily on any wires. Do not touch the electronic assembly directly under any
circumstances.
________________________________________________________________________________
9

________________________________________________________________________________
Please observe the ESD regulations. Put a potential equalisation between yourself and the flat place
on the casing. Avoid in any circumstances touching any parts on the inside of the inverter with any
other parts, plastic parts, foils, clothing etc.
Replace the cover immediately after installation in order to protect the electronics.
4.4 Instruction for the electrical connections
The inverter must be installed by using the mounting frame that is present in the packaging of the
inverter ant it is to be well fixed on the wall.
Caution
The electrical connection of the inverter and the turning on of the DC and AC current must take
place in the order here below described
When the inverter is securely mounted, the electrical connection of the equipment can take place.
Installation of the converter must only be carried out by trained professionals. The installer must be
approved by the responsible electricity company. All applicable safety regulations, the technical
connection regulations of the company and all the national regulations must be observed: the
CEI11-20 norm, the CEI 82-25 norm and the ENEL recommendation (“GUIDA PER LE CONNESSIONI
ALLA RETE ELETTRICA ENEL DI DISTRIBUZIONE”) for the Italian market, VDE (German Association
for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) for German and north European market and
the RD1663/2000 rule for the Spanish market.
The connection to the electrical grid can be made by using the AC connector (Wieland RST20i3S)
supplied into the packaging of the inverter. The connection of the PV generator and the connection
to the grid are made by means of locking rings in the connection area of the inverter or by means of
various solar plug connector models (Tyco or Multi-Contact).
Nota: The connection to the grid , on the AC side, or to the PV generator on the DC side directly to
the PCB clamps, that are present inside the inverter, requires opening the casing cover, it is
dangerous and it require opening the cover for either the grid or the DC connections; in this case the
seal of the IP54 model can be damaged.
Additional earth-leakage circuit breaker
Please note that the FIMER inverter has an integrated AD/DC sensitive protective switch. For this
reason no external earth-leakage circuit breaker is normally required.
Should an earth-leakage circuit breaker already be available, or should you need one for one of the
following reasons, please note that the residual current may be greater than 30 mA and therefore
that use of an external earth-leakage circuit breaker with a can lead to incorrect releases. The
protective switch must therefore have a sensitivity of 300 mA
In some regions, the electricity supplier does not use a normal TNC network but rather a TT
network. This means that the electricity supplier cannot offer the protection of a neutral wire (PEN)
and thus that the customer’s system must include its own built-in earthing in order to provide this
protection. The earth resistances can be, depending on how the system is set up, very high.
For this reason we recommend that in this case an additional earth-leakage circuit breaker be
installed directly in the fuse box.
Your electricity company will be able to give you further information about this issue.
_____________________________________________________________________________
10

________________________________________________________________________________
Additional voltage protection
The inverter is equipped with an integrated interface protection device and voltage protection that
verifies the grid voltage variation so that it acts when the voltage value is at 115% (=265 V) of the
nominal grid voltage, which means that the inverter will switch off if the mains voltage exceeds this
value.
The voltage protection works by monitoring the moving average over 4 minutes. However some
electricity companies or some other European countries prescribe a lower threshold or in any are
different, e.g. 106% (=243 V). In this case, the threshold must be set to a lower value (Parameter
51, VACMAX). You will find this parameter in the Input/Output menu of the inverter. Parameter
51 is protected with the level 3 password. Changes to the voltage protection may only be made after
consulting the responsible electricity company.
The same consideration is valid also for the Parameter number 53 (VACMIN) that is related to the
minimum grid voltage value and it is verified constantly by the inverter according to the different
national standards as prior described.
In the end the same integrated interface protection device controls the minimum and maximum
values of the frequency of the grid in order to act to disconnect the device if the electrical variable
get out of the allowed range of value according to the different national regulations.
4.5 Connection to the AC grid
The connecting cable to the electricity AC grid have to be correctly designed and dimensioned; for
example, recommended wire cross-section for cable lengths up to 20m: 4/6 mm². We recommend
using a cross-section of 4 mm² even for very short lengths of cable running to the meter box. The
recommended cable section is as described in the below attached table.
We recommend to install the protection fuse or similar protection device (magneto-thermal circuit
breaker) as describe in the table
Inverter model Fuse required Min section of the cable Suggested section of the cable
R25 16 A 2,5 mm 2 4 mm 2
R35 20 A 2,5 mm 2 4 mm 2
R50 25 A 4 mm 2 4 mm 2
R55 30 A 6 mm 2 6 mm 2
If installing more than one inverter, please leave a distance of at least one unit (approx. 18mm)
between their respective fuses. This will prevent fuses being fused by warming each other.
Caution
Take care to use an adequately large cross-section of cable so as not to create too large an
increase in the grid impedance (internal resistance of the electricity supply grid) from the wiring
between the grid and the inverter. The impedance value is the sum of the grid impedance at the
building’s connection and all resistance values of the other cables and terminals. With a high grid
impedance, i.e. with long lengths of cabling on the AC side, the voltage at the grid terminals of
the inverters is increased when feeding power to the network. This voltage is measured by the
inverter. Should it exceed a defined limit (preset to 265 V), the inverter switches off due to grid
overvoltage. This must be considered when dimensioning the AC circuit. Please note also that
warming of the cable will result in reduced performance of your system.
________________________________________________________________________________
11

________________________________________________________________________________
The grid connection has 3 cables (N, L, PE). The underside of the casing has a cable connector to
allow the wiring to be done properly.
Before connecting the network cable to the unit, please check that it is free from voltage.
We suggest you to install an automatic magneto-thermal brake circuit (25 A value recommended)
between the inverter and the grid in order to allow the disconnection of the device for maintenance
and security protection.
4.5.1 Direct connection on the PCB board to the internal connectors only for IP21 model
Only if you want to connect the inverter to the grid connection the AC cable to the connectors
present on the PCB board you have to acts as following described.
Feed the stripped and bared 3-wire cable through the cable connector. Using a slotted screwdriver,
attach the N, L and PE wires to the correct PCB terminals, corresponding to the markings (from left
to right: N, L, PE). The PCB terminal has a spring clip. Feed the slotted screwdriver from
underneath into the square hole until it makes contact and press the screwdriver upwards. At the
same time, put the wire from underneath into the round hole and then release the screwdriver.
As shown in the picture connect in this way the AC cable:
N=blue
L=grey
PE=yellow-green
N: Neural cable correspond to the Blue terminal
L: Line cable correspond to the Grey terminal
PE: Yellow/Green terminal correspond to the ground
The first cable that must be connected is the PE cable and it is the last one that
must be disconnected when you uninstall the inverter.
The grid connection of the plant must be unique.
ACCORDING TO THE LOW VOLTAGE REGULATION AND NORM BE SURE AND VERIFIES THAT THE PE
CABLE IS ALWAYS CONNECTED ON THE PLANT AND TO THE INVERTER.
Note: For reasons of electromagnetic compatibility, it is absolutely essential that the cable comes
straight out of the inverter. You must avoid any kinks or loops being left in the unit.
Screw the cord grip or wiring seal of the cable connection tightly up.
4.5.2 AC connection using the Wieland connector
On the bottom right side of the unit you will find a plug connector for the AC connection, type
RST20I3S, manufacturer Wieland-electric.
This connector meets the requirements of a high degree of protection and rigidity and can conduct
electricity up to 25A.
In an emergency it can be pulled out whilst the unit is in operation.
_____________________________________________________________________________
12

________________________________________________________________________________
The plug which the cable will be connected included in the unit.
The Wieland connector are suitable for flexible cable whose section is
up to 4mm 2 and for rigid cable whose section is up to 6mm 2 .
For emergency situation you can switch off the inverter only by
disconnect the AC connector.
Open the unit by pressed with a screwdriver on the security latches on the side. Inside the connector
there are the connection terminals necessary for the grid connection. The terminals are clearly
identified and named with the following short terms L-N- .
Bend the cable into shape first in order to avoid tension in the plug. Strip
approx. 30 mm of the cable. Cut the wires to the same length. Use a stripper
to remove approx. 10 mm of insulation.
If using a cord, crimp the appropriate cable end sleeves onto the three bare
wires of the cable. Now open the connecting nut of the connector and feed
the connecting cable through the connecting nut. The grid connection has 3
wires (N, L, PE).
Once you have pulled the grid connection cable
through the connecting nut, connect the grid cable to
the connection terminals as follows:
L=grey N=blue PE=yellow-green
Pay attention not to connect the L cable in the N terminal and reverse.
Connect always at first the PE cable .
Check the cable is correctly connected. Push the two parts of the plug
together until the security clips snap shut on both sides.
Then do up the connecting nut tightly.
Note: The IP 54 casing type has external DC and AC connections at the
bottom of the additional cover. This casing type is delivered at the AC-
Side only with the Wieland plug.
internal connections are freely accessible.
This additional cover protects the connections from
dirt and water spray. Inside of this additional cover
there are integrated connections, different interfaces
and digital relay outputs and inputs.
To connect your R-series inverter to a IP 54 casing,
first lift up the additional cover. Unscrew the 4
screws on the side of the cover. Then remove the
cover at the bottom part of the casing. Now the
________________________________________________________________________________
13

________________________________________________________________________________
4.6 PV generator connection
The PV input cable from the solar modules must
be dimensioned in order to avoid the power
losses when the power is transferred on the same
cables that are between the inverter and the
modules. We suggest you to install the inverter
not too far from the PV generator.
Every PV string must be dimensioned in order to
supply a DC voltage whose maximum value is
750 VDVC.
In the bottom part of the device are placed two (2) DC terminals ,“+” and “-“ terminals, for each
string that allow to connect a string of PV modules, and the max number of string in parallel
between themselves that can be connected are three.
Only for the IP21 models you can connect directly the PV strings to the internal DC terminals of the
DC switch using the suitable connecting nut that allow you to put the cable into the interior of the
inverter.
In the standard delivery the inverter is equipped with external connectors for both model IP21 and
IP54.
Connectors from MULTI-CONTACT manufacturer type MC4:in the following table you can find
the references for the DC cables that have to be used:
Polarity MC type of connector Section of the DC cable Note
PV- PV-KST4/2.5I-UR 1.5 ~ 2.5 mm 2 / 14 AWG Ø ext.-cable 3-6
PV- PV-KST4/2.5II-UR 1.5 ~ 2.5 mm 2 / 14 AWG Ø ext.-cable 5.5-9
PV- PV-KST4/6I-UR 4 ~ 6 mm 2 / 12 o 10 AWG Ø ext.-cable 3-6
PV- PV-KST4/6II-UR 4 ~ 6 mm 2 / 12 o 10 AWG Ø ext.-cable 5.5-9
PV+ PV-KBT4/2.5I-UR 1.5 ~ 2.5 mm 2 / 14 AWG Ø ext.-cable 3-6
PV+ PV-KBT4/2.5II-UR 1.5 ~ 2.5 mm 2 / 14 AWG Ø ext.-cable 5.5-9
PV+ PV-KBT4/6I-UR 4 ~ 6 mm 2 / 12 o 10 AWG Ø ext.-cable 3-6
PV+ PV-KBT4/6II-UR 4 ~ 6 mm 2 / 12 o 10 AWG Ø ext.-cable 5.5-9
Connectors from Tyco manufacturer type Solarlok: in the following table you can find the
references for the DC cables that have to be used:
Polarity Tyco- Solarlok series Section of the DC cable Positive female
polarized connector
Negative female
polarized connector
PV+ 1394462-1 2.5 mm 2 / 14 AWG ●
PV- 1394462-2 2.5 mm 2 / 14 AWG ●
PV+ 1394462-3 4 mm 2 / 12 AWG ●
PV- 1394462-4 4 mm 2 / 12 AWG ●
PV+ 1394462-5 6 mm 2 / 10 AWG ●
PV- 1394462-6 6 mm 2 / 10 AWG ●
Note: The polarity of the voltage at the plug must be checked before connection to the PV system.
The PV generator cabling is connected on the left in the connection box. The correct polarity at
connection is essential. A short reverse polarity (less than 1 second) or with very low irradiation (<
100 W/m2) is tolerable, but otherwise damage to the equipment will result.
_____________________________________________________________________________
14

________________________________________________________________________________
Supply the inverter from the DC side according to the technical specs that are shown and
defined in the product label.
Attention
Warning
Caution
PRECAUTION
To protect to the maximum extent possible against the risk of dangerous touch voltages during
the mounting of the PV system, the plus and the minus wires must be kept apart from the PE.
Check that the PV generator installation is earth free before connecting the PV generator to the
inverter.
WARNING
In the case of transformerless inverters, only modules of protection class II may be connected.
Check whether your modules belong to this protection category. The module frames must also be
earthed.
DANGER
After having disconnected the DC string from the inverter, pay attention because you have to
wait 5 min. before open the device; in fact high value of voltage are still present inside the
inverter during the period in object and you have to wait for the discharge of the capacitors that
are present inside the converter.
4.7 Additional PE connection
In the bottom part of the Fimer inverter is present an additional PE terminal that must be wired in
order to ground the device if leakage current superior than 30mA are present.
Warning
AVVISO
For equipment with a leakage current of more than 30 mA, VDE regulations require an additional
PE connection. For this purpose please use the PE screw on the bottom of the casing. Use a
yellow-green cable with a cross-section of 10 mm 2 . Connect the other end of the PE cable to the
potential equalisation panel.
5. OVERVOLTAGE AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION
It’s very important avoid that overvoltage and lightning that occurs during summer storm or other
bad weather conditions could damage the inverter and the PV installation. It is recommended to
install some external devices able to protect the PV plan against this overvoltage, like for example
the varistors or the surge protection device (SPD) that should be installed both on the PV side and
on the grid side.
The main aim of the lightning and surge protection is to protect your solar installation, your
building and your other electrical equipment in the case of a lightening strike. In addition an
effective lightening protection system ensures the trouble free operation of the PV equipment.
In order to ensure this, the solar generator, the grid connection and all communications and sensor
connections of the inverter must be appropriately protected.
To ensure this we recommend the following suggestion:
A careful risk assessment of your premises, taking into consideration the way in which the
inverter is mounted.
Installation of lightening protection on the DC side of the inverter, preferably housed in the
generator switch box.
Installation of lightening protection on the AC side of the inverter, preferably housed in the
house’s meter box.
________________________________________________________________________________
15

________________________________________________________________________________
Protection of the other connections of the inverter: sensors, RS485 connections, Ethernet,
telephone connection etc.
5.1 When is lightening protection required?
If the PV equipment is installed in a public building,( e.g. on a meeting place hospital), then
lightening protection is required by law.
This applies also to particular buildings such as hospitals, tower blocks, schools, nurseries and
buildings at risk of fire or explosion.
In addition, requirements of the insurers must be observed. These require lightening protection on
the basis of European norm that in Italian correspond to the CEI81-10 guideline and in north Europe
correspond to VDS2010.
Should these regulations not be observed, the insurance cover is at risk.
Should there be no absolute requirement for lightening protection to be installed, it is a decision of
the building’s owners whether or not to protect their building and the PV equipment by installing
such protection.
5.2 Surge protection and cable laying
The inverter is an important component of a PV installation. Although such installations are
exposed to harsh environmental conditions, a lightening current of a few kA can ruin the sensitive
electronics.
Faulty inverters lead to complete failure of the PV installation.
Surges can come from either the generator connection or the 230 V side. In order to protect the PV
generator, surge arresters are connected to the generator connection box, and these protective
measures are repeated on the DC side of the inverter (DC switch location).
Surges from the power supply network can be controlled with surge protection devices on the 230 V
side of the inverter or in the low voltage section.
A large distance between the cables leads to kinking of the cables. The greater the kinking, the
greater the danger of induced voltage (up to several thousand volts) which can ruin the connected
equipment. Therefore the DC+ and DC– cables should be as parallel as possible and lie close
together. Twisting the two together is ideal (2 twists/meter).
5.3 Lightning protection of the PV generator
Important: direct injection of lightning currents into the solar generator and thus on into the inverter
must be avoided! The separating distance must be observed.
There are 3 separate cases to consider:
Roof-top mounting with external lightning protection
Your solar generator is mounted on the roof of your building. The building has external lightning
protection, which is at a safe distance from the generator (typically 0.5 m). The system is within the
range of the lightning conductor.
_____________________________________________________________________________
16

________________________________________________________________________________
Here is recommend that you check both the available lightning protection and the separating
distance between the external lightning protection and the solar generator. Further information can
be provided by e.g. a supplier of lighting protection systems for PV systems. In the generator
connection box, which is to be placed as close as possible to the generator, you require a surge
diverted of class II. The frame and support of the solar generator, as well as the PE connection of
the surge diverter, are to be connected to a PE wire with a cross-section of at least 16mm. This PE
wire is to be connected to the potential equalisation plate in or by the building’s connection box.
Take care that this lightning protection surge diverter is an adequate distance away from the
inverter. The cable length here must be at least 5 metres. Alternatively, you can use a disconnecting
impeder, which must then be built in to the plus and minus wires. If the distance between diverter
and inverter is too small, the diverter will not function and the surge protection (varistor) built into
the inverter is not capable of replacing an external surge/lightning conductor. We recommend that
the lighting conductor is deployed at a permissible constant voltage of 800 or 1000 V.
A complete flow chart and electric scheme for the protection of a PV plant against overvoltage and
lightning is here below attached:
Roof-top mounting without external lightning protection
Your solar generator is mounted on the roof of your building. The building has no external
lightning protection. The system is not within the protection range of the lighting conductor.
In this, the same is applicable as in the above section, except that you must earth your solar
generator in a way in such as way as is suitable for dealing with lightning. In addition, the
external surge/lightning diverter must correspond to classes I and II. Connect at least one
diversion point on the generator to earth. Diversions should be made every 5 to 15 metres
which lead to earth and are connected to the potential equalisation plate of the building.
In-roof mounting
In this case the same applies as in the above two cases, with respect to the difference
between with and without external lightning protection.
Particular attention should be paid to the separating distance from any pre-existing general
installations. Distance must be kept form all conductive materials. Please consult your
lightning protection installer.
________________________________________________________________________________
17

________________________________________________________________________________
5.4 Lightning protection of the grid side of the inverter
Important: direct injection of lightning currents over the network cabling of the building and
on into the injector must be avoided.
The inverter, as the heart of the PV system, must be protected. The Fimer inverter is protected on
the AC side with varistors.
In the building’s switch box you require a surge diverter conforming to classes I and II. When
mounting the inverter, ensure a distance of at least 5 meters between the diverter in the switch box
and the inverter. Alternatively, you can use a disconnecting impeder, which needs to be built into
both L and N power lines. If the distance between diverter and inverter is too small, the diverter will
be ineffective and the inverter’s in-built surge protection (varistor) cannot substitute for the function
of an external surge diverter.
5.5 Lightning protection of the communications and sensor connections
Important: Direct injection of lightning currents over the communications lines or other sensor
connections into the inverter must be avoided.
All communications lines and sensor connection are equipped with varistors or surge protection
devices. These are not, however, suitable for diverting lightning strikes. Therefore use external
protection. Always avoid laying or mounting these lines or sensors in exposed places. Use
appropriate diverters for telephone lines, RS485 cables, network connections and sensors. If in
doubt, contact a surge/lightning protection manufacturer.
5.6 Warranty claims in the case of surge damage
Fimer S.p.A. retains the right, in the case of surge damage to the inverter, to require the installer to
provide proof that an appropriate, effective and functioning lightning protection system was in
place. We reserve the right to reject claims arising from damage due to lack of, or ineffective,
lightning protection.
6. START-UP OF THE INVERTER
The Fimer inverter is fully automatic device and after all electrical connections have been
connected it is ready for operation.
Configuration
The inverter is pre-configured. Individual configuration possibilities, as well as setting of the time
and date, are explained in the operating instructions.
The inverter can only be operated in daylight. When adequate light is available (minimum approx.
390 V in the solar generator), the unit starts automatically and supplies power. Otherwise, the unit
remains in stand-by mode until an adequate level of voltage is reached
Turning on the unit
1. Connect mains voltage via external fuses or an automatic AC circuit breaker
2. Turn on the solar generator by means of the DC switch or the DC plug connector.
3. The display shows the start-up page.
4. The LED starts to flash green and the inverter is on stand-by.
_____________________________________________________________________________
18

________________________________________________________________________________
5. As soon as an adequate generator voltage and adequate light are available (above approx.
390 V), the PV inverter begins to provide power, and the LED lights is always and
continuously green.
6.
The inverter is operating
You can now enter settings through the display (e.g. change date/time) and request data
readings. (See the chapter on Display/Menu navigation in the operating instructions). If not
used, then the display will switch off after 10 minutes. Touching the keypad will turn it back
on.
Turning off the unit
1. Switch off mains voltage/make by using of the AC disconnector automatic circuit breaker
that is installed outside the inverter or by disconnecting the AC Wieland connector.
2. The LED lights red
3. Switch off the solar generator by means of the DC switch or DC plug connector.
4. After a period the LED will go out
Caution
Warning
Caution
The sequential order must be observed. Otherwise, above all when using the DC connector as a
circuit breaker, electric arcs may arise which can endanger people and the equipment..
Even after detaching all electrical connections, potentially lethal voltage remains present in the
inverter. Please wait for 5-10 minutes to allow the condensers to discharge before interfering with
the inverter.
The surface can become hot! Please pay attention and don’t touch the heat sink. It can reach an
high value of temperature
Operational and error reports
The operational state of the inverter is shown by the LEDs and the LCD display.
________________________________________________________________________________
19

________________________________________________________________________________
LED display
The LED uses two colours and reports the current operational state of the inverter. Please refer to
the following table:
Colour State Description
Green Lampeggiante Initialisation or Stand-by, e.g. because solar generator voltage is too low.
Green Sempre acceso Operation mode
Red/Green Flashing Error has arisen, restart in progress.
Red Always On Error
7. TROUBLE SHOOTING AND ERROR REPORT
Your PV inverter works fully automatically and without maintenance. However, operational
problems may arise (usually briefly) as a result of internal or external causes. The corresponding
error reports will then be shown on the display. The errors which arise are saved. The inverter saves
the last 100 errors in the Error Memory menu, together with the date and time.
7.1 Monitoring of the AC mains connection
Message Nr. Description Cause Remedy
Mains frequency
too low
too high
17
18
A change in mains
frequency of 0.2 Hz up or
down has occurred
The inverter switches off as
soon as the mains frequency
exceeds 50.2 Hz or falls below
Ask your electricity
company about mains
stability and operation.
Ready - The inverter is not starting,
although the generator
voltage is high enough
Ready for
operation
UAC
measurement or
exchange VAC
L, N
Grid impedance
jump
Grid failure
VAC
Positive
Negative
- The inverter is not starting,
although the generator
voltage is high enough
39 The inverter turns on for as
short period, and then after a
few seconds off again
15 A sudden change in grid
impedance variation >0,1Ώ
occurs
12
13
Error ENS VAC
Increasing
Decreasing 29
30
Error ENS
DC –Current
error
Exchange Grid
L and N
Grid failure
Grid failure
31 DC section has network
current greater than 1 A
23 Inverter has recognised a
false connection to grid
49.8 Hz
Mains voltage not connected.
The inverter shows no mains
voltage. (< approx. 5 V)
N wire not connected. The
inverter indicates a network
voltage of approx. 120 V
PE not connected, or L and N
the wrong way round
The inverter turns off as soon
as the grid impedance rises
suddenly. It automatically
restarts as soon as grid voltage
and frequency are in order
again.
No grid. The inverter waits
until grid voltage is available
again and then switches back
on.
No grid. The inverter waits
until grid voltage is available
again and then switches back
on.
The maximum allowed DC
current is exceeded.
Change over L and N
connections
Check the grid connection,
the network cable, the AC
plug and the grid fusing.
Check the N grid cable.
Check that L, N and PE are
correctly connected
Sudden changes can occur
when e.g. other high-load
appliances are switched on,
or due to poor network
quality
Check your grid connection
and, if necessary, use fuses.
Check your grid connection
and, if necessary, use fuses
Ask your electricity
company about network
stability and operation
Make connections as
described in the chapter Grid
Connection
_____________________________________________________________________________
20

________________________________________________________________________________
7.2 Monitoring of PV generator
Message Nr. Description Cause Remedy
IDC too great 5 Maximum allowed DC
current exceeded. Inverter
switches off automatically.
- Check the dimensioning of
your PV generator. Reduce
the number of strings in
VDC too great 6 Maximum allowed DC
voltage exceeded. Inverter
switches off automatically.
PV generator is supplying too
much voltage. The inverter
switches off when the voltage
> 800 V.
VDC too small 7 Generator voltage too low. Unit switches off when
voltage falls below 330 V*.
Solar generator is supplying
too little voltage for the
inverter to operate.
*Value is dependent on grid
voltage..
Insulation DC
error
Residual DC
current
22 Solar generator has too low
a insulating resistance, less
than 0,80 M Ώ
21 Inverter has observed a
sudden increase in residual
current over than 30mA..
Damaged module or cable,
entry of water.
In case of isolation problem,
movement of solar generator
or extreme changes in
brightness the inverter
switches off.
parallel.
Check the dimensioning of
your PV generator. Reduce
the number of strings in
series.
Inverter restarts
automatically when voltage
returns to above approx. 390
V.
Check the solar cable, its
laying and the modules for
broken or bare patches.
Check the solar cable and
modules for bare patches.
________________________________________________________________________________
21

________________________________________________________________________________
8. TECHNICAL DATA
Model
DC Input – PV Module R25 R35 R50 R55
Max. Allowed PV Power (kWp) 3,00 kWp 4,35 kWp 6,00 kWp 6,60 kWp
Recommended PV Power (kW)
1,50 - 3,00
kW
3,00 - 4,35
kW
4,20 - 6,00
kW
5,20- 6,60
kW
MPP Voltage Range(V DC )
345 -- 750 V
Max No-load PV Voltage (V DC )
850 V
DC-Voltage Ripple (%)

________________________________________________________________________________
Model
General R25 R35 R50 R55
Display and LED
Backlit, LCD Display (4 lines x 20 characters).
Two-colour LED for controlling functional and diagnostic status.
5-key keypad for easy-to-use menu navigation of the firmware (available in 4 different
languages).
Interface and Communication
1 RS232 and 2 RS485 serial ports for PC connection and creating a master/slave grid between
the inverters.
1 integrated Ethernet port for Internet connection.
4 inputs/ 4 outputs (digital/analogue) and 2 relay outputs for connecting external devices.
ASCII serial or Multi-Master protocols for controlling all the parameters of the inverter or the
inverter grid.
Data logger
Integrated data logging system with the option of setting a maximum of 8 different pre-set
variables.
Optional system controls
Possibility of connecting a radiation sensor and two optional temperature sensors directly to the
convertor.
Night-time auxiliary feed for the electronic parts of the device.
Possibility of connecting the impulse output of the external energy meter to the S 0 of the inverter.
SAFETY
Grid monitoring and anti-island Via the integrated interface device, in compliance
control
with national regulations.
Protection against overvoltage Implemented by the use of varistors.
Monitoring of earth malfunctions Controlled by the insulation resistance of the PV
generator.
Monitoring of leakage current
Protection against electricity failure via an electronic
RCMU device.
________________________________________________________________________________
23

________________________________________________________________________________
Accessories
USB-RS232 Adapter
USB-RS485 Adapter
Screwed Connector Adapter
X2-IP21
Screwed Connector Adapter
X2-IP54
FW Update Cable
SERIAL RS485 Cable-X2
Adapter cable RS485-X4
External Analogue Modem
Internal Analogue Modem
External GSM Modem
Internal GSM Modem
Optional RS485 Card
Night Power Supply
SensorBox
Sensor Connector Adapter
Snow Removal Device
Description
RS232 USB/serial adapter for direct PC connection (length:
0.7 metres)
RS485 USB/serial adapter and adaptor cable with RJ45 or for
direct connection between PC and inverter (length: 0.7
metres)
RJ45 for serial network between inverter on COM2
RJ45 for serial network between inverter on COM2
RS232 serial cable for updating the FW of the inverter
RS485 serial cable on X2-port (length: 2 metres)
RS485 serial network cable on X4-port (length: 2 metres)
External analogue modem with adapter cable for the remote
control of up to 32 inverters
Internal analogue modem with adapter cable for the remote
control of up to 32 inverters
External GSM modem with adapter cable for the remote
control of up to 32 inverters, without the need of being
connected to the phone network
Internal GSM modem with antenna for the for the remote
control of up to 32 inverters, without the need of being
connected to the phone network
Optional RS485 card for the COM2 serial port
12V/300mA night power supply for the electronic inverter
Temperature and radiation sensor
4-port connector adapter for sensor cables and auxiliary
devices
Device for removing snow from the solar panels, following
heavy and persistent snowfall
Note: For the installation and operation of the options and accessories, please see the operating instructions manuals
relate to the device in object and to the main manual of the inverter. The operating instructions can be found on the CD
included in the packaging.
_____________________________________________________________________________
24

________________________________________________________________________________
9. WARRANTY CONDITIONS
Fimer S.p.A. provides a 5 year guarantee on your inverter from the date of installation. During this
period Fimer guarantees the proper functioning of the equipment, as well as the free repair in the
workshop in the case of any defect for which we are responsible. Should your equipment suffer a
defect or error in its functioning during the guarantee period, please contact your dealer or installer.
Claims under the guarantee are excluded in the following cases:
Inappropriate use of the equipment or inappropriate or non-standard installation.
Reversion of the polarity of the solar generator
Inappropriate servicing
Operation of the equipment with defective protective systems
Unauthorised modifications to the equipment or unauthorised attempts at repair
Effects from extraneous causes and acts of God (lightning strike, surges, thunder storms, fire,
mechanical damage, vandalism)
Inadequate ventilation of the equipment, or use of the equipment in places with extreme changes
of temperature
Failure to observe the relevant safety regulations (UNI-EN,CEI, VDE etc.)
Damage during transportation
Damage due to abrasive environmental factors such as ammonia in stables or other abrasive
gases, salt fog or direct contact with water, extreme dirt, inappropriate treatment of the display
or of the keys.
In the case of surge damage, Fimer retains the right to request from the installer proof of the
presence of a correctly installed, effective and functioning lightning protection system. Please
contact us if you would like further information about this topic.
Guarantee claims must be dealt with in the workshop of Fimer. This requires return of the
equipment in the original or equivalent packaging. These costs cannot be borne by Fimer.
Claims under the guarantee will only be met by Fimer when the equipment in question is
returned to Fimer together with a copy of the receipt which the dealer provided to the customer.
The nameplate (S/N label and P/N label) on the equipment must be fully legible.
Should these conditions not be met, Fimer reserves the right to refuse claims under the
guarantee. The warranty period for repairs or replacements is six months from delivery. It runs
however at least to until the expiry of the warranty period of the original equipment.
________________________________________________________________________________
25

________________________________________________________________________________
10. SERVICE
From the development phase of the inverter onwards we have placed great emphasis on quality and
long life-span. Despite all measures being taken to ensure quality, problems may arise in
exceptional cases. In such cases you will receive the maximum possible support from Fimer, Fimer
will try to deal with any such problems as quickly and simply as possible.
Please contact your solar installer or contact us directly.
To allow us to react as quickly and appropriately as possible, please have the following information
to hand when you call:
Details of the inverter:
Serial number (fist page of the operating instructions, or on the unit itself)
Type of equipment (R25/R35/R50/R55)
If applicable: full error report or warning message with error
Description of the problem
Error details (frequency/time/any special conditions)
Information about your PV system
Manufacturer and module type
Combination (how many modules in series, how many strings)
Total generator capacity and PV power
If it is required to sent back to Fimer the inverter, then return of the equipment in the original or
equivalent packaging. You can use also the packaging of the invert sent you for replacement. Pay
attention to protect the inverter and the single device against possible damages that could happened
during transportation.
_____________________________________________________________________________
26

NOTES
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
28

Cod. 910.400.113 REV00
_____________________________________________________________________________30