Solis 5G PLUS Export Power Manager

1. Introduction

1.1 Product Description

The Solis Export Power Manager (EPM) monitors and controls the backflow power from the inverter to the grid, providing export power control for inverters. It also features integrated datalogging. The EPM is suitable for use with all solar PV grid tie inverters. The Solis-EPM3-5G-PLUS model is designed for three-phase systems.

Figure 1.1 Front view: Depicts the front panel with indicators and ports.

Figure 1.2 Bottom view: Shows the bottom panel with various connection ports including GRID, CT1, CT2, CT3, COMM-INV, RS485, LAN, and WiFi.

1.2 Packaging

Upon receiving the EPM, ensure all the following parts are included:

• EPM x1
• Back plate x1
• Expansion screw set x4
• Locking screws x2
• AC connector x1
• CT connectors x3
• COM connector x1
• WiFi antenna x1
• RJ45 connector x1
• Communication terminal x5
• User manual x1

If any items are missing, please contact your local Solis distributor.

2. Safety Instructions

2.1 Safety Symbols

The following safety symbols are used in this manual to highlight potential risks and important safety information:

• WARNING: ⚠️ Indicates important safety instructions. Failure to follow could result in serious injury or death.
• NOTE: ? Indicates important safety instructions. Failure to follow could result in damage or destruction of the inverter.
• CAUTION, RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK: ⚠️⚡ Indicates important safety instructions. Failure to follow could result in electric shock.
• CAUTION, HOT SURFACE: ⚠️? Indicates safety instructions. Failure to follow could result in burns.

2.2 General Safety Instructions

• WARNING: Electrical installations must comply with local and national electrical safety standards.
• WARNING: Do not insert or unplug the CT cable while power is on. If a CT cable is accidentally disconnected, turn off the main AC switch and wait 5 minutes before reconnecting.
• CAUTION: Risk of electric shock. Do not remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified technicians.
• CAUTION: Risk of electric shock from energy stored in capacitors. Do not remove the cover until 5 minutes after disconnecting all power sources. Unauthorized removal of the cover may void the warranty.

2.3 Notice For Use

The Export Power Manager is designed according to applicable safety and technical guidelines. Use the Export Device only in installations meeting the following specifications:

1. Permanent installation is required.
2. Electrical installation must comply with all applicable regulations and standards.
3. The Export Power Manager must be installed according to the instructions in this manual.
4. The Export Power Manager must be installed according to correct technical specifications.
5. When installing the Export Device, pay attention to the phase of sampling voltage and the direction of sampling current for connecting sampling wires and CTs (current transformers).

3. Overview

3.1 Front Panel Display

The front panel features a display and control buttons.

Figure 3.1 Front Panel Display: Shows the layout of the POWER, OPERATION, ALARM LEDs, and the ESC, ENTER, UP, DOWN buttons.

3.2 LED Status Indicator Lights

The status indicator lights provide information about the EPM's operation:

3.3 Keypad

The front panel has four keys: ESC, UP, DOWN, and ENTER. These are used for scrolling through options (UP/DOWN), and accessing/modifying settings (ESC/ENTER).

3.4 LCD

The two-line Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) on the front panel shows the EPM's operational status, data, and service messages for the operator.

4. Installation

4.1 Select a Location for the EPM

Consider the following criteria when selecting a location for the EPM:

• The EPM can operate at temperatures up to 75°C.
• The EPM is designed for extreme temperature ranges from -25°C to 60°C.
• Maintain a minimum clearance of 300mm from other devices.
• Do not place the EPM in direct sunlight.

4.2 Mounting the EPM

Attach the mounting plate horizontally to the wall. Mark the positions for the mounting plate (A, B, C, D) as shown in Figure 4.1 Bracket. Drill holes, insert expandable shells, and fix the bracket to the wall using screws, as illustrated in Figure 4.2 Fix the bracket on the wall.

Figure 4.3 Along the EPM in the bracket: Shows how to hang the EPM onto the installed bracket.

Figure 4.4 Fix the two screw: Illustrates securing the EPM to the bracket using M4 locking screws.

4.3 Electrical Connections

The EPM is designed for electrical connection without removing the cover. The terminal functions are detailed in Table 4.1 The meaning of the symbols located at bottom of the EPM:

Figure 4.3 For Three Phase Inverters with COM2 and COM3 ports: A system connection diagram is provided.

Make the Grid Input Cable

Measure the distance from EPM to the power distribution box and select the appropriate cable. A 5-core cable is required for the Solis-EPM3-5G-PLUS. For three-phase inverter installation, connect U, V, W to pins 1, 2, 3 respectively, and connect N to pin 4. Connect PE as shown in Figure 4.7 Three phase connection.

Figure 4.8 Strip the cable: Shows how to strip the end of the cable to 3mm.

Figure 4.9 Welding wire to connector: Details how to fix the wire to the connector using a screwdriver.

Figure 4.10 Assemble connector: Illustrates the assembly of the connector.

Make RS485 cable (COMM-INV port)

Refer to Figure 4.11 RS485 terminal for RS485 terminals on the inverter and EPM. A 0.5mm² RS485 cable is recommended. Connect the communication cable between the inverter and EPM, measuring the distance to ensure proper cable length (0.5mm² recommended).

Figure 4.11 RS485 terminal: Shows the RS485 terminal connections (+ to connect RS485 A, - to connect RS485 B).

Figure 4.12 RS485 cable connection: Depicts the RS485 cable connection between multiple inverters and the EPM.

Connect and Fix the CT

CTs must be installed at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC), not the load branch circuit, to detect backflow power. For three-phase systems, CT1, CT2, and CT3 must be installed on U, V, and W in the correct sequence for accurate data detection. The CT cable outer diameter is 6.5mm-7.5mm, with a cross-sectional area of 1.5mm².

Note: Turn off the main switch and disconnect line cables before installing CTs. Ensure P1 on the CT faces the grid and P2 faces the inverter. Reconnect line cables. If the CT is installed in the wrong direction, the EPM will not function correctly. The standard EPM package does not include CT current sensors; select CTs with a secondary current of 5A.

Table 4.2 CT Ratio: Lists specifications for various CT ratios, dimensions, and hole sizes, including the AKH-0.66K model.

Solis recommends customers purchase suitable current transformers from local suppliers based on project requirements. A secondary current of 5A will not affect the warranty. Solis also offers optional CTs.

4.4 Multi inverter connection

Follow Figure 4.6 system diagram to connect multiple inverters. The EPM can control up to 80 inverters with a single grid connection point. Ensure each inverter has a unique address set from 01 to 80. Refer to section 6.5.1 for setting the inverter number in EPM.

4.5 Monitoring

Two monitoring methods are available:

1. Through WiFi antenna: The WiFi antenna broadcasts data to the local router, then to the Solis monitoring platform. No wiring is needed.
2. Through RJ45 cable: This port connects directly to the router.

Note: When connecting inverters to the EPM, do not use other ports on the inverters for monitoring.

5. Commission and decommission

5.1 Commissioning

1. Ensure the main switch is off and the system is powered off.
2. Connect all necessary cables to the EPM (CT ports, COMM-INV port, Grid port, LAN port if needed).
3. Connect the other ends of the cables to the inverter, PCC, or monitoring device.
4. Turn on the main switch and access the EPM LCD.
5. Set the inverter number, backflow power, and CT parameters as described in section 6.5.
6. Verify that the system's backflow power is limited to the set value.

5.2 Decommissioning

To avoid backflow power to the grid, stop the inverter before stopping the EPM:

1. Turn off the inverter output AC breaker or select "grid off" on the inverter's LCD.
2. Turn off the inverter input DC breaker or pull out the PV cable.
3. Turn off the grid input breaker of the EPM.
4. Disconnect all EPM cables and disassemble the EPM after 5 minutes.

6. Operation

During normal operation, the display alternates between grid power and operational status. Screens can be scrolled manually using the UP and DOWN keys. Press ENTER to access the Main Menu.

Figure 6.1 Operation Overview: Illustrates the navigation flow through the EPM interface, showing Start, Information, Settings, Advanced Info, and Advanced Settings.

Status:

• Normal: The system is working normally.
• RS485 AIIFail: EPM has lost communication with ALL inverters.
• M-ComFailsafe: EPM has lost communication with the Meter.
• CT-Failsafe: Current Sensor failed.
• M-VFailsafe: One phase voltage of the meter is ZERO.
• RS485Fail: EPM has lost communication with one or some inverters.

6.1 Main Menu

The Main Menu contains four submenus:

1. Information
2. Settings
3. Advanced Info.
4. Advanced Settings

6.2 Information

Access operational data and information by selecting "Information" from the menu and scrolling.

Table 6.1 Information list: Details the displayed information:

6.2.1 Lock screen

Pressing the ESC key returns to the Main Menu. Pressing ENTER locks or unlocks the screen, as shown in Figure 6.2 Locks and Unlocks the Screen of LCD.

6.3 Settings

The Settings menu includes:

1. Set Time
2. Set Address

6.3.1 Set Time

Allows setting the time and date. Figure 6.3 Set Time shows the screen for this function.

Use UP/DOWN keys to set time/data, ENTER to move between digits, and ESC to save and return.

6.3.2 Set Address

Used to set the address for multiple inverters (01 to 99). The default address is "01". Figure 6.4 Set Address displays the setting screen.

Use UP/DOWN keys to set the address, ENTER to save, and ESC to cancel.

6.4 Advanced Info - Technicians Only

Access to this area requires a password. Navigate to "Advanced Info." from the Main Menu. The password prompt is shown in Figure 6.5 Enter password (default password: 0010).

After entering the password, the Main Menu allows access to:

1. Inverter Power
2. CT Connect Status
3. Version
4. Model Inverter
5. Communication Data
6. Energy Info

Screens can be scrolled with UP/DOWN keys; ENTER accesses submenus.

6.4.1 Inverter Power

Displays the power information for each connected inverter. Figure 6.6 Inverter Power shows an example.

6.4.2 CT Connect Status

Indicates the status of CT connections. "OK" means the CT is correctly installed (P1 towards grid, P2 towards inverter). "NG" indicates an incorrect CT direction. Figure 6.7 CT Connect Status shows the display.

6.4.3 Version

Shows the model and software version of the inverter. Figure 6.8 Version displays this information.

6.4.4 Model Inverter

Displays the rated power of inverters connected to the EPM. Figure 6.9 Model Inverter shows an example.

6.4.5 Communication Data

Shows internal communication data of the inverter, intended for service technicians. Figure 6.10 Communication Data illustrates this.

6.4.6 Energy Info

Records energy data on the EPM, including Load Total E, INV Send Total E, Send Grid Total E, and Get Grid Total E. Figure 6.11 Energy Info displays these values.

6.5 Advanced Settings - Technicians Only

Access requires a password (refer to 6.4). Options include:

1. Inverter Qty. Set
2. Backflow Power
3. Set CT Ratio
4. FailSafe ON/OFF
5. Backflow Work Mode
6. PELD ON/OFF
7. Transmit ON/OFF
8. System Update
9. Reset Password
10. Restore settings
11. Set Capacity

6.5.1 Inverter Qty. Set

Sets the number of connected inverters (01-99). Figure 6.12 Inverter Qty. Set shows the interface.

6.5.2 Backflow Power

Sets the allowed power that the inverter can generate to the grid. Figure 6.13 Set Backflow Power shows the setting screen.

6.5.3 Set CT Ratio

Sets the CT ratio for the current transformer, with a range from 20:1 to 9900:1. For example, a 1000:5A transformer requires setting the ratio to 200:1. Figure 6.14 Set Meter CT shows the setting.

6.5.4 FailSafe ON/OFF

Configures the fail-safe status, which indicates communication status between EPM and inverters. The default is "Run". If "Run" is selected, communication loss with inverters triggers "RS485 fail" or "fail safe" messages, and the inverter stops outputting power. If "Stop" is selected, communication loss does not affect inverter output. Figure 6.15 FailSafe ON/OFF shows the setting.

6.5.5 Backflow Work Mode

Sets the backflow work mode to 01 or 02. Mode "01" (default) is Average Limiting, where output power is the average of the three-phase load power. Mode "02" is Per Phase Limiting, where the inverter generates power equal to the lowest load power of any single phase. Figure 6.17 and Figure 6.18 illustrate these modes.

6.5.6 PELD ON/OFF

This submenu controls whether the EPM is active. Setting PELD ON allows the EPM to monitor and manage inverter conditions and prevent backflow. Setting PELD OFF disables these functions. Figure 6.19 PELD Switch shows the setting.

6.5.7 Transmit ON/OFF

This setting is for Solis technician use only. Keep it OFF for normal use. Figure 6.20 Transmit ON/OFF shows the setting.

6.5.8 System Update

System upgrades can be performed via external wire. Consult a technical engineer for details. Figure 6.21 System Update shows the current version.

6.5.9 Reset Password

Allows resetting the password. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter the original and new passwords. Figure 6.22 Reset Password shows the password entry screen.

6.5.10 Restore Settings

Restores the EPM to its default settings. The system prompts for confirmation. Figure 6.23 Restore Settings shows the confirmation screen.

6.5.11 Set Capacity

Sets the total capacity of the connected inverters. Figure 6.24 and Figure 6.25 show the capacity setting interface.

6.6 Inverter Set

For EPM-2G and EPM-5G versions, adjust inverter settings as follows. If using EPM-5G, select "5G EPM" and set to "ON". If using EPM-2G, select "Others EPM" and set to "ON". Only one setting needs to be active.

Note: If using EPM-5G with inverters produced before Nov 30th 2019 (SN: XXXXXX19B30XXXX), firmware updates may be required. Contact Solis local service or service@ginlong.com for instructions.

7. Trouble Shooting

The EPM is designed to meet international safety and EMC requirements. It undergoes rigorous testing for optimal operation and reliability.

In case of failure, the LCD screen displays alarm messages. The EPM can show its own alarms or alarms from the inverter. Three types of alarms can be displayed on the LCD:

1. Backflow: Indicates backflow current to the grid. The inverter needs to be stopped, and RS485 cable connections between EPM and inverter should be checked.
2. INV. fault: Indicates a fault alarm within the inverter. Check the inverter status.
3. Fail safe: This category includes several specific faults:
   • RS485 AllFail: EPM has lost communication with ALL inverters.
   • M-ComFailsafe: EPM has lost communication with the Meter.
   • CT-Failsafe: Current Sensor failed.
   • M-VFailsafe: One phase voltage of the meter is ZERO.
   • RS485Fail: EPM has lost communication with one or some inverters.

8. Specifications

①: The AC capacity of EPM system should not exceed 2MW.

②: Solis offers optional CT specifications based on site conditions. Choose appropriate CTs according to installation requirements.

③: EPM dedicated version; non-EPM versions do not support remote upgrades.

9. Appendix

Connection via Ethernet

1. Connect the router and data logger via Ethernet port with a network cable.
2. Reset the data logger by pressing the reset button with a needle or paper clip until 3 LEDs (except POWER) turn off.
3. Enter your router's configuration interface to find the data logger's IP address. Open a web browser and enter this IP address to access the data logger's configuration interface.
4. Log in using the default username "admin" and password "admin".

Note: Supported browsers include Internet Explorer 8+, Google Chrome 15+, and Firefox 10+.

Authentication Required: A dialog box prompts for username and password for http://10.10.100.254.

Set parameters of data logger

In the data logger's configuration interface, you can view general information and follow the setup wizard for quick settings.

Step 1: Click "Wizard" to start.

Step 2: Click "Start" to continue.

The wizard guides through device information (serial number, firmware version, wireless/cable settings, IP addresses, MAC addresses) and network setup.

Step 3: Select "Cable Connection" and choose to enable or disable wireless functions, then click "Next".

Step 4: Select "Enable" to obtain an IP address automatically, then click "Next".

Step 5: If setting is successful, a "Setting complete!" page appears. Click "OK" to restart.

Step 6: If restart is successful, a page indicates completion and prompts to close. It also advises on re-logging into the configuration interface.

Note: After setting completion, the STATUS LED should be permanently on after about 30 seconds, and all 4 LEDs should be on after 2-5 minutes for a successful connection. If STATUS is flashing, the connection was unsuccessful; repeat the setting from Step 3.