Ubiquiti MICROINV250W Micro inverter User Manual UBIT MI XXX Ver 1 5
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. Micro inverter UBIT MI XXX Ver 1 5
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Users Manual
UBIQUITI
SM
INSTALLATION
SM
-MI-250
MICROINVERTER
INSTALLATION
and OPERATION USER
MANUAL
MICROINVERTER
MANUAL
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PVP-0001 Ver1.2
Contact Information
2580 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, CA 95131
http://www.ubnt.com/contact/
info@ubnt.com
PVSupport@ubnt.com
FCC Compliance
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user authority to operate the equipment.
Other Information
Product information is subject to change without notice. All trademarks are recognized as the property of their
respective owners.
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, a separation distance of at least 20 cm must be
maintained between the antenna of this device and all persons. This Transmitter must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ......................................................................3
Safety Symbols ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................................ 3
ABOUT UBIQUITI MICRO INVERTERS ....................................................................5
General Overview ................................................................................................................................. 5
Advantages of UBIQUITI Micro Inverters ............................................................................................ 5
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................ 6
BEFORE INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................7
Layout PV System ................................................................................................................................. 7
Compatibility and Capacity .................................................................................................................. 7
Utility Service Requirements ............................................................................................................... 7
Lightning Surge Suppression ................................................................................................................ 7
AC Cable terminal connector ............................................................................................................... 8
UBIQUITI SM-MI-250 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ..........................................9
Important Notification.....................................................................................................14
GFDI fault ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Disconnecting a Micro Inverter .......................................................................................................... 14
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
READ THIS FIRST & SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
This manual contains important instructions for the installation and maintenance of UBIQUITI SM-MI-250 micro
inverters. Before installing, please read these safety instructions specifically. Take special care to follow the
warnings indicated on the unit itself as well as the safety instructions listed below.
Safety Symbols
To reduce the risk of injury and to ensure the continued safe operation of this product, the following safety
instructions and warnings are marked in this manual.
DANGER!
This indicates the risk of electric shock. The presence of high voltage levels may constitute to injury or
death to users and/or installers.
WARNING!
This indicates important information where failure to comply may result in safety hazards or cause
damage to this product.
Safety Instructions
Read all instructions and cautionary marks in the manual carefully before starting the installation.
DANGER!
Do not tamper or open this product. Opening this product may result in electric shock and void product
warranty.
DANGER!
Do not attempt to repair this product; it does not contain user-serviceable parts. Repairs and internal
servicing should only be performed by UBIQUITI authorized service personnel.
DANGER!
Perform all electrical installations in accordance with all applicable local electrical codes and the National
Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.
WARNING!
Only qualified electrical personnel should perform the electrical installation and wiring of this product.
WARNING!
Be aware that even without an external voltage source connected, the SM-MI-250 micro inverter may
contain high voltages and there is a risk of electrical shock.
WARNING!
Connect the UBIQUITI micro inverter to the utility grid only after receiving prior approval from the
electrical utility company.
WARNING!
The temperature of heat sinks outside of the device can reach over 85°C in normal operation. To avoid
human body burns, use caution while servicing micro inverters.
DANGER!
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Do not disconnect the DC power source from the UBIQUITI micro inverter without first disconnecting the
AC power source. Both AC and DC power sources must be disconnected before servicing. Be aware that
DC power/voltage is generated when the photovoltaic array is exposed to light.
WARNING!
Switch off the circuit breakers before installation and wirings.
DANGER!
For safety remove all conductive jewelry or equipment during the installation or service of the device
parts, connector and/or wiring.
WARNING!
Do not stand on a wet location while doing installation and wirings.
WARNING!
Enclose the outer covering well before switching on the circuit breakers.
WARNING!
SM-MI-250 inverters should be installed as instructed in this manual. Failure to comply with these
precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design,
manufacturing, and intended use of the device. The manufacturer holds no liability for customer’s failure
to comply with these precautions.
WARNING!
When a GFDI (Ground fault) fault occurs, the LED will blink orange and red light alternately. Please
refer to page 15 for more introductions.
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas
produire de brouillage, et (2) l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
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ABOUT UBIQUITI MICRO INVERTERS
General Overview
Thank you for choosing UBIQUITI’s SM-MI-250 micro inverters as a key component in your solar power system.
SM-MI-250 converts DC power (generated by the solar module) to AC power (powers your home appliances). The
UBIQUITI micro inverter is installed on the back of each solar module; and connects directly to the electric utility
grid without the need for a string or central inverter. The AC output from SM-MI-250 micro inverter is
synchronized and in-phase with the frequency range and voltage of the electric utility grid.
Advantages of UBIQUITI Micro Inverters
Optimal Energy Harvest – UBIQUITI’s micro inverters maximize the power produced from your Photovoltaic (PV)
array. Every PV module in solar system having its own inverter means having its own separate MPPT. Maximum
Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which monitors performance and maximizes the power harvested from each solar
module under varying environmental conditions. Sometimes performance of an individual PV module may be
affected by module mismatch, shading caused by trees or chimneys, or obstructions from leaves and other debris,
with separate MPPT of each module, if the performance of an individual PV module is reduced due to shading, the
overall production from the entire array is not affected, only the production of the individual PV module that is
being shaded will get affected. This typically results in improved power harvest of up to 20% from the solar PV
systems operated by string inverters, which represents significant cost/performance advantages.
Improved Safety – UBIQUITI micro inverters convert DC power to AC at module level; thus, eliminating the need
for high voltage DC wiring and making the solar system intrinsically safer. By eliminating DC wiring, specialized DC
practices and equipment are not required for installation. And arching problems which are associated with
string/traditional inverters are not involved.
Increased Lifetime and Reliability – UBIQUITI micro inverters are more reliable and have a longer life cycle than
the traditional string or central inverters. Typically, string/central inverters will need to be replaced at least once
over the lifetime of the solar module adding significantly to the overall cost of the solar PV system. UBIQUITI’s
solar micro inverters are designed to operate in real world conditions and achieve a peak efficiency of 95.7% at
temperature ranging from -40°C (45°F) and 65°C (150°F) without degradation of performance. The micro inverter
fully potted housing is designed for outdoor installation and complies with the NEMA 6 environmental enclosure
rating standards.
Enhanced Monitoring System – UBIQUITI’s enhanced monitoring system can view the performance of each
module in the PV array, a capability not available with string inverters. This provides users/installers with detailed
real-time information that can be used to pinpoint the location for performance issues and provide guidance for
maintenance, ensuring the solar system’s performance is optimized over the lifetime of the installation.
Simplified PV Array Design and Installation – With UBIQUITI micro inverters, the PV array design and installation
can be simplified because solar modules can be installed at any available space on rooftops. With conventional
inverters, the PV array design and installation are generally more complicated due to the effects shading has on
the overall performance of the PV array. When using UBIQUITI micro inverters, installers do not need to match the
performance levels of adjacent solar modules to optimize the performance of the entire array. Integrated
grounding also makes UBIQUITI solar installations easier, faster and cheaper to implement.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
INPUT DATA (DC)
Recommended input power (STC) 210 - 300 W
Maximum input DC voltage 45V
Peak power tracking voltage 22 - 36 V
Operating range 16 V - 45 V
Min/Max start voltage 22 V / 45 V
Max DC short circuit current 15 A
Max input current 9A
PV backfeed current 0A
Input DC 36V
Input/ Output: AC 240V/ 60Hz
OUTPUT DATA (AC)
Rated output power 250W
Nominal output current 1.05A
Nominal voltage/range 240/211-264V
Nominal frequency/range 60/59.3 - 60.5 Hz
Power factor >0.95
Input/ Output: AC 240V/ 60Hz
EFFICIENCY
Peak inverter efficiency 95.50%
CEC efficiency 95%
Night-time Power Consumption 200mW
MECHANICAL DATA
Operation Temperature -40℃ to +65℃
Storage Temperature -40℃ to +85℃
Dimensions(WxHxD) 198 x 231 x 43.1
228 x 243 x 43.1(Antenna)
Weight 1.5 kg
Enclosure Rating NEMA 3R
Connector type TBD
Cooling Natural Convection
FEATURES
Module Compatibility 60-cell modules
Communication Blue Tooth
Compliance
UL1741/IEEE1547, FCC Part 15 Class B,
CAN/CSA-C22.2 NO. 0-M91,
0.4-04, and 107.1-01
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BEFORE INSTALLATION
Review and follow the instructions in this section before installing UBIQUITI SM-MI-250 micro inverters
.
Layout PV System
The optimal PV array layout will need to be planned before installation. The layout/plan will affect the wiring and
cabling schemes and will need to be adjusted accordingly. The layout will also need to account for the constraints
of the distance between each PV module due to the cable length. Please complete reading this user manual before
installing the system.
Compatibility and Capacity
UBIQUITI SM-MI-250 micro inverters are electrically compatible with PV modules that have a voltage range of 22 ~
36V and a maximum input power of 300W. For more information, refer to the Technical Specifications section on
page 16.
For a list of electrically-compatible PV modules and racking systems, refer to the UBIQUITI website at
www.UBIQUITIsolar.com. Before ordering the PV module connector, make sure the connector type is compatible
with both the micro inverter and PV module.
Electrical Compatibility
Model PV MPPT Voltage Range
PV Module Connector Type
SM-MI-250 22V ~ 36V MC-4 Locking
Voltage and Capacity
Maximum number of SM-MI-250s per AC Branch Circuit Over current Protection
240V with 12AWG AC Trunk Cable 12 20Amp Breaker
WARNING!
DO NOT exceed the maximum number of micro inverters in an AC branch circuit as listed above.
WARNING!
Each AC branch circuit must be protected by a dedicated circuit breaker of 30A or less if using 10 AWG
trunk cable, or 20A or less if using 12 AWG trunk cable.
Utility Service Requirements
The M215 Microinverter works with split phase 240 VAC service only. Measure AC line voltage at the electrical
utility connection to confirm that it is within the ranges of 211 ~ 264V.
Lightning Surge Suppression
Lightning does not actually need to strike the equipment or building where the PV system is installed to cause
damage. Often, a nearby strike will induce voltage spikes in the electrical grid that can damage equipment.
UBIQUITI’s micro inverters (SM-MI-250) have built-in integral surge protection, which is much higher than
traditional inverters. However, if the surge has sufficient energy, which exceed built- in protection limits then the
device could potentially be damaged. As UBIQUITI’s limited Warranty does not cover “extraordinary and
unexpected manifestation of the forces of nature,” such as lightning strikes, it is recommended to install surge
protection as part of any solar installation. We recommend the following protection devices, which have been
tested to ensure that they do not interfere with power line communications. Please install as per manufacturer’s
instructions:
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Residential:
Vendor: Citel, Part Number DS72RS-120 or DS73RS-120
Application: DS72RS-120 is applied when N-G is bound together, or DS73RS-120 were N-G is unbound.
Commercial:
Vendor: Citel, Part Number SP-120
Application: Branch panel protection
See the vendor datasheet for DS70R, (which includes the DS72RS-120) or for SP-120 at
www.citelprotection.com/english/citel_data_sheets/ac_protection/
Integrated Grounding
UBIQUITI MI-XXX offers Integrated Grounding, which eliminates the need to install a Grounding Electrode
Conductor (GEC) to each micro inverter by completely isolating the internal DC circuit from the AC circuit and
ground. DC ground faults are detected on either the positive and/or negative conductors of the DC circuit by a
Ground Fault Detection Interrupter Insulation Monitor (GFDI IM). If the GFDI IM detects a ground fault has
occurred to the PV input, the micro inverter will automatically disconnect all conductors and cease supplying
output power. In accordance with NEC 690.35, Installers can build ungrounded arrays where only an Equipment
Grounding Conductor (EGC) is required to connect or bond non-current carrying metal equipment together. The
EGC grounding process is completed via the grounding connection of MI-XXX 4-wire AC cable to the AC trunk cable.
Despite the fact that UBIQUITI has made it easier for the MI-XXX to install, by integrating the ground to the AC
trunk cable, the PV module will still need to be grounded according to the PV manufacturer’s recommended
grounding methods.
AC Cable terminal connector
The connector as below picture is for cable terminal connection. Installer could connect it with general
electrical power cable, and please follow the color for identifying of phase, neutral and ground
connection.
Pin
Pin Color Wire Usage
1 Black L1
2 White Neutral
3 Black L2
4 Green Ground
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UBIQUITI SM-MI-250 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
The following section list steps on how to install the UBIQUITI SM-MI-250 micro inverter onto PV module. Before
installing, review and follow all important safety instructions listed in this section:
Step 0: Please ensure you have all the components mentioned as below.
Step 1: Measure AC voltage on each phase at the Site
Measure grid voltage at the point where trunk cables
intend to be connected. Please make sure that the AC
voltages at the electrical utility connection and at the
junction box for each AC branch circuit are within the
mentioned range.
240 Volt AC Single Phase
L1 to L2 211 to 264 VAC
L1, L2 to neutral 106 to 132 VAC
Step 2: Combine MI and PV panel.
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Step 3: Arrange and fasten the cable.
Step 4: Plug DC connector into MI.
Step 5: Complete all modules following by step 0 to Step 4 before roof installation.
Step 6: Combine Male and Female connector between AC modules.
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Step 7: Review the layout and check the voltage range again.
Voltage between red wire and black wire should be closed to 240V. Please check and adjust layout before
operating system. The wires in the AC cable are identified by color: L1 is sheathed in Red, L2 is sheathed in Black,
Neutral is sheathed in White and Ground is sheathed in Green.
We put the SM-SP-250W module on the structure/racking, and connect the AC cable before fixing the
SM-SP-250W module on the racking.
The total number of MI/PV module should not exceed 12 units on single string.
End CAP have to be applied for cable water-proof.
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There are some optional materials/accessories for different installation requirements, users could evaluate and
count the quantities by below sheet.
Remove the temporary shipping cap from the AC cable. Ensure the connection is secure and locked into place.
For unused connectors on the AC cable, replace the temporary shipping cap with a sealing cap (end cap). Make
sure there is a click sound as the sealing cap is connected to ensure that it is securely locked.
No
NoNo
No Category
CategoryCategory
Category Item
ItemItem
Item Q'ty
Q'tyQ'ty
Q'ty No te
NoteNote
Note
1
11
1 Option al
Option alOption al
Option al
AC_CONNECTOR_TRANSITION_CABLE_UL_MALE
AC_CONNECTOR_TRANSITION_CABLE_UL_MALEAC_CONNECTOR_TRANSITION_CABLE_UL_MALE
AC_CONNECTOR_TRANSITION_CABLE_UL_MALE
2
22
2 Option al
Option alOption al
Option al
AC_CONNECTOR_TRANSITION_CABLE_UL_FEMALE
AC_CONNECTOR_TRANSITION_CABLE_UL_FEMALEAC_CONNECTOR_TRANSITION_CABLE_UL_FEMALE
AC_CONNECTOR_TRANSITION_CABLE_UL_FEMALE
3
33
3 Option al
Option alOption al
Option al
AC_CABLE_4C10AWG_S50000
AC_CABLE_4C10AWG_S50000AC_CABLE_4C10AWG_S50000
AC_CABLE_4C10AWG_S50000
4
44
4 Option al
Option alOption al
Option al
AC_CABLE_4C10AWG_S25000
AC_CABLE_4C10AWG_S25000AC_CABLE_4C10AWG_S25000
AC_CABLE_4C10AWG_S25000
5
55
5 Option al
Option alOption al
Option al
AC_CABLE_4C12AWG_S50000
AC_CABLE_4C12AWG_S50000AC_CABLE_4C12AWG_S50000
AC_CABLE_4C12AWG_S50000
6
66
6 Option al
Option alOption al
Option al
AC_CABLE_4C12AWG_S25000
AC_CABLE_4C12AWG_S25000AC_CABLE_4C12AWG_S25000
AC_CABLE_4C12AWG_S25000
7
77
7 Option al
Option alOption al
Option al
8
88
8 Option al
Option alOption al
Option al
AC CABLE_JOINER
AC CABLE_JOINERAC CABLE_JOINER
AC CABLE_JOINER
9
99
9 Option al
Option alOption al
Option al
AC_CABLE_CHIP
AC_CABLE_CHIPAC_CABLE_CHIP
AC_CABLE_CHIP
10
1010
10 Optional
Option alOption al
Option al
AC_CABLE_CHIP
AC_CABLE_CHIPAC_CABLE_CHIP
AC_CABLE_CHIP
11
1111
11 Optional
Option alOption al
Option al
12
1212
12 Optional
Option alOption al
Option al
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Step 8: With this installation is complete, to enable the I-cloud function of data logger, please refer to next chapter
“Communication System Enable “.
WARNING
Make sure the AC cable and terminator do not touch the roof, using cable clips or tie wraps secure AC
trunk cable with structure/racking. Ensure that all cabling is securely located under the PV module and
away from roof surface.
WARNING
Correct AC grounding and short circuit protection must be provided to ensure operational safety.
WARNING
Although the AC trunk cable includes an EGC, the continuous grounding conductor or grounding
washers is still required.
POST-INSTALLATION
WARNING
Service or Changes to your electrical system should be carried out only by qualified electricians.
WARNING
Do not attempt to repair this product; it does not contain user-serviceable parts. Repairs and internal
servicing should only be performed by UBIQUITI authorized service personnel.
Commissioning and Operating
Turn on the AC disconnector or the circuit breaker of each micro inverter string.
Turn on the main utility-grid AC circuit breaker. System will start producing power after five minutes.
(Optional Monitoring System) Depending on the strength of the signal, it can take up to 2 hours before the
monitoring system detect all the micro inverters in the PV system. For more information on the monitoring system,
refer to the PV Monitoring System user’s manual.
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Important Notification
GFDI fault
GFDI fault is defined as an unintentional, electrically conducting connection between an ungrounded conductor of
an electrical circuit and the normally non-current-carrying conductors, metallic enclosures, metallic raceways,
metallic equipment or earth. When a Ground fault occurs, the GFDI will trigger the LED light to flash in alternating
Orange and Red colour, and SM-MI-250 will automatically disconnect all the conductors as a safety precaution.
If GFDI has been detected, please contact with the installer and follow the Operation Manual to fix this situation.
Or you can contact with UBIQUITI customer support at support@UBIQUITI.com.
Make sure that any upstream AC disconnects, as well as the dedicated circuit breakers for each AC branch circuit,
are functioning properly and are closed.
Verify the PV module DC voltage is within the allowable voltage and wattage range (refer Technical Specifications
on page 25.
Make sure DC wires of PV module are connected correctly with DC connectors of micro inverter.
If the problem persists, contact UBIQUITI Technical Support at support@UBIQUITI.com.
Disconnecting a Micro Inverter
Ensure the micro inverter is NOT disconnected from the PV modules under load. Always disconnect all circuits to
the array before any work is done.
WARNING
Be aware that DC power/voltage is generated when the PV module is exposed to light.
Using a multi meter, verify that the DC conductors between the PV module and the micro inverter do not have any
current.
Disconnect the PV module from the micro inverter. To disconnect the micro inverter’s positive connector, squeeze
the locking mechanism and pull the connectors apart. The micro inverter’s negative connector is tool-removable
only.
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Disconnect the grounding wire or washer from the micro inverter.
Remove the micro inverter from the PV racking.
WARNING
Do not leave the disconnected SM-SP-250W module and expolse connectors for an extended period of time. If
the removed micro inverter will not be replaced with another micro inverter immediately, connect a sealing
cap
to the connector.
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Manufactured by:
UBIQUITI
2580 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, CA 95131
Tel:
http://www.ubnt.com
USA Office:
UBIQUITI
103A Pioneer Way,
Mountain View, CA, 94041
Tel: