Inverters with IP66, arc flash protection and integrated export manager

Solis introduced a new generation of single-phase 5G inverters to the Brazilian market, with nominal power of up to 6 kW.

In addition to some important features, such as the presence of 2 MPPT inputs for 14 A and the overload capacity up to 50%, three very interesting features or resources draw attention: the IP66 degree of protection of the equipment, the presence of a power manager integrated (EPM – Export Power Manager) and the protection mechanism against electric arc (AFCI – Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter).

The equipment of Solis 5G line incorporate many highly desired features in inverters.

Below we list the main characteristics of this line:

• High efficiency (maximum 97.7%);
• 2 MPPTs;
• 50% overload (DC/AC power ratio);
• 14 A per input, compatible with high-power photovoltaic modules;
• Integrated exported power manager (EPM);
• High switching frequency (lower operating noise);
• AFCI – electric arc protection;
• Wide input voltage range and low voltage operation.

Next, let's talk a little about the most prominent features of this line of equipment.

IP66 protection

Having the IP66 degree of protection means that the object is resistant to powerful jets of dust or water. The high IP66 degree of protection offers maximum protection for equipment installed outdoors.

For example, it is common for inverters to be installed on the external walls of homes, protected only by the roof eaves or a small awning (to avoid direct exposure to sunlight). In ground-based plants, it is common for the inverter to be installed underneath the modules, in the case of plants that employ decentralized inverters.

There are many applications in which the construction of a photovoltaic system or solar plant can be simplified if the inverters can be housed at the same time. Although some type of shelter or cover is always recommended, as exemplified in the previous paragraph, in these situations the inverter is always exposed to the penetration of dust and rain.

AFCI – Electric arc protection system

The occurrence of electrical arcs is one of the most feared problems in photovoltaic systems. Inverters traditionally do not have the ability to identify the existence of an arc.

Electrical arcs are mainly formed by bad contacts that can exist in any part of the installation, on the direct current side. If not stopped quickly, the electric arc could start a fire. Inverters that have the integrated AFCI feature enable maximum protection and safety for photovoltaic installations.

Integrated power export manager

The EPM (export power manager), which is also offered as an independent product by Solis, is now integrated into 5G family equipment. EPM is a solution for intelligent energy management systems, both for commercial and residential use.

The system allows you to adjust energy export limits to adapt the system to restrictions on connection to the electricity grid, in addition to enabling the creation of photovoltaic systems for pure self-consumption, with zero energy export.

Feature Summary

Below, Tables 1 to 3 show the characteristics found in the manufacturer's data sheet.

Table 1: Input and output characteristics

Table 2: Efficiency data and protection features

Table 3: General data and other characteristics