Sunny Island User Manual
Sunny Island User Manual
DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock when live components or cables are touched
High voltages are present in the conductive components or cables of the product. Touching live parts and cables
results in death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Do not touch non-insulated parts or cables.
• Disconnect the product from voltage sources and make sure it cannot be reconnected before working on the
device.
• After disconnection, wait 15 minutes until the capacitors have discharged.
• Observe all safety information on components associated with the product.
• Wear suitable personal protective equipment for all work on the product.
DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock in case of overvoltages and if surge protection is missing
Overvoltages (e. g. in the event of a flash of lightning) can be further conducted into the building and to other
connected devices in the same network via the network cables or other data cables if there is no surge protection.
Touching live parts and cables results in death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Ensure that all devices in the same network and the battery are integrated into the existing surge protection.
• When laying the network cables or other data cables outdoors, it must be ensured that a suitable surge
protection device is provided at the transition point of the cable from the product or the battery outdoors to the
inside of a building.
DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock when live components are touched because the battery
grounding is connected to grounding conductor terminals
Due to the connection of the battery grounding to the grounding conductor terminals, high voltages might be
present on the enclosure of the inverter. Touching live parts and cables results in death or lethal injuries due to
electric shock.
• Only the grounding conductors of the AC power cables may be connected to the grounding conductor
terminals of the inverter.
• Observe all safety information of the battery manufacturer.
• Ground the battery according to the battery manufacturer's requirements.
• If the locally applicable standards and directives require battery grounding, connect the battery grounding to
the grounding busbar in the distributor.
DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock in case of overvoltages and unsuitable loads
Overvoltages of up to 1500 V can occur in the stand-alone grid and in the battery-backup grid. If the loads are not
suitable for these overvoltages or are not safe to operate, a voltage that poses a danger to life may be present on
accessible parts or cables. Touching live parts and cables results in death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Only connect loads that have a CE, RCM or UL designation. These loads are suitable for overvoltages of up to
1500 V.
• Operate the loads only when they are technically faultless and in an operationally safe state.
• Check the loads regularly for visible damage.
DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock when operating a damaged product
Operating a damaged product can lead to hazardous situations since high voltages can be present on accessible
product parts. Touching live parts and cables results in death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Only operate the product when it is in a flawless technical condition and safe to operate.
• Check the product regularly for visible damage.
• Make sure that all external safety equipment is freely accessible at all times.
• Make sure that all safety equipment is in good working order.
• Wear suitable personal protective equipment for all work on the product.
WARNING
Danger to life due to fire or explosion
In rare cases, an explosive gas mixture can be generated inside the product under fault conditions. In this state,
switching operations can cause a fire or explosion. Death or lethal injuries due to fire or flying debris can result.
• In case of error, only carry out corrective measures specified by SMA Solar Technology AG (see Section 14
"Troubleshooting", page 138). If no corrective measures are specified, do not perform any actions on the
product. Contact the Service.
• Ensure that unauthorized persons have no access to the product.
• Disconnect the AC circuit breaker and secure it against reconnection.
• Disconnect the battery from the product via an external disconnection device.
WARNING
Danger to life from electric shock due to circuit breakers that cannot be tripped
In off-grid systems and battery-backup systems, the Sunny Island can only trip circuit breakers up to a certain
tripping characteristic. Circuit breakers with a higher operating current cannot be tripped. Under fault conditions, a
voltage that poses a danger to life may be present on accessible parts for several seconds. Touching live
components can result in death or serious injury due to electric shock.
• SI4.4M-12: Check whether a circuit breaker has a higher trip characteristic than B6 (B6A).
• SI6.0H-12 and SI8.0H-12: Check whether a circuit breaker has a higher trip characteristic than B16 (B16A) or
C6 (C6A).
• If a circuit breaker has a higher trip characteristic than the specified circuit breakers that can be tripped, you
should also install a residual-current device of type A.
WARNING
Risk of crushing injuries due to moving PV array parts
A generator can be started automatically by the Sunny Island. Moving parts in the PV array can crush or sever
body parts.
• Operate the generator only with the specified safety equipment.
• Carry out all work on the generator in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
CAUTION
Risk of burns due to short-circuit currents on the disconnected inverter
The capacitors in the DC input area of the inverter store energy. After the battery is isolated from the inverter,
battery voltage is still temporarily present at the DC terminal. A short circuit at the DC terminal of the inverter can
lead to burns and may damage the inverter.
• Wait 15 minutes before performing any work at the DC terminal or on the DC cables. This allows the
capacitors to discharge.
CAUTION
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
Some parts of the enclosure can get hot during operation.
• Mount the inverter in such a way that it cannot be touched inadvertently during operation.
NOTICE
Damage to the product due to sand, dust and moisture ingress
Sand, dust and moisture penetration can damage the product and impair its functionality.
• Only open the product if the humidity is within the thresholds and the environment is free of sand and dust.
• Do not open the product during a dust storm or precipitation.
NOTICE
Damage to the inverter due to electrostatic discharge
Touching electronic components can cause damage to or destroy the inverter through electrostatic discharge.
• Ground yourself before touching any component.
NOTICE
Damage to the enclosure seal in subfreezing conditions
If you open the product when temperatures are below freezing, the enclosure seals can be damaged. Moisture can
penetrate the product and damage it.
• Only open the product if the ambient temperature is not below -5°C.
• If a layer of ice has formed on the enclosure seal when temperatures are below freezing, remove it prior to
opening the product (e.g. by melting the ice with warm air). Observe the applicable safety regulations.
NOTICE
High costs due to inappropriate Internet tariff
Depending on use, the data volume of the product transferred via the Internet may vary in size. The data volume
depends, for example, on the number of inverters in the system, the frequency of device updates, the frequency of
data transfer to Sunny Portal or the use of FTP push. High costs for the Internet connection can be the result.
• SMA Solar Technology AG recommends using an Internet flat rate.
WARNING
Danger to life due to incompatible lithium-ion battery
An incompatible lithium-ion battery can lead to a fire or an explosion. With incompatible lithium-ion batteries, it is
not ensured that battery management is intrinsically safe and will protect the battery.
• Ensure that the lithium-ion batteries are approved for use with the Sunny Island (see technical information “List
of Approved Batteries” at www.SMA-Solar.com).
• If no lithium-ion batteries approved for the inverter can be used, lead-acid batteries can be used.
• Verify that the battery complies with locally applicable standards and directives and is intrinsically safe.
WARNING
Danger to life due to explosive gases
Explosive gases may escape from the battery and cause an explosion.
• Protect the battery environment from open flames, embers and sparks.
• Install, operate and maintain the battery in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Do not burn the battery and do not heat it beyond the permitted temperature.
• Additional measures for lead-acid batteries: Ensure that the battery room is sufficiently ventilated.
WARNING
Chemical burns due to battery electrolyte
If handled inappropriately, battery electrolyte can leak from the battery and cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory
system and skin.
• Install, operate, maintain and dispose of the battery according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Whenever working on the battery, wear suitable personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, an
apron, rubber boots and goggles.
• Rinse acid splashes thoroughly for a long time with clear water, and consult a doctor immediately.
• If acid fumes have been inhaled, consult a doctor immediately.
WARNING
Danger to life due to burns caused by electric arcs through short-circuit currents
Short-circuit currents in the battery can cause heat build-up and electric arcs. Heat build-up and electric arcs may
result in lethal injuries due to burns.
• Remove watches, rings and other metal objects prior to carrying out any work on the battery.
• Use insulated tools for all work on the battery.
• Do not place tools or metal parts on the battery.
• Observe all safety information of the battery manufacturer.
CAUTION
Risk of burns due to hot battery components
Improper battery connection may result in excessively high transition resistances. Excessive transition resistances
give rise to localized heat build-up.
• Ensure that all pole connectors are connected with the connecting torque specified by the battery
manufacturer.
• Ensure that all DC cables are connected with the connecting torque specified by the battery manufacturer.
NOTICE
Damage to the battery due to incorrect settings
The set battery parameters influence the charging behavior of the inverter. The battery can be damaged by
incorrect settings of the battery type, nominal voltage and capacity parameters.
• Set the correct battery type as well as the correct values for nominal voltage and battery capacity when
configuring.
• Ensure that the values recommended by the manufacturer are set for the battery (refer to the technical data of
the battery in the manufacturer documentation).
2. For systems with up to three Sunny Island inverters, press and hold the "On" button on the master until an acoustic
signal sounds.
3. For multicluster systems, press and hold the "On" button on each master until an acoustic signal sounds.
☑ The inverter LED on each Sunny Island inverter is glowing orange and the Sunny Island inverters are in standby
mode.
2. For systems with up to three Sunny Island inverters, press and hold the "start-stop" button on the master until an
acoustic signal sounds.
3. For multicluster systems, press and hold the "start-stop" button on the master of the main cluster until an acoustic
signal sounds.
☑ The inverter LED on each Sunny Island is glowing green. The Sunny Island inverters are in operation.
2. For systems with up to three Sunny Island inverters, press and hold the "start-stop" button on the master until an
acoustic signal sounds.
3. For multicluster systems, press and hold the "start-stop" button on the master of the main cluster until an acoustic
signal sounds.
☑ The inverter LED on each Sunny Island is glowing orange. The Sunny Island inverters are in standby mode.
2. For systems with up to three Sunny Island inverters, press and hold the "Off" button on the master until an acoustic
signal sounds.
3. For multicluster systems, press and hold the "Off" button on each master until an acoustic signal sounds.
☑ The inverter LED is off on all Sunny Island inverters.
2. For systems with up to three Sunny Island inverters, press the "Off" button on the master.
3. For multicluster systems, press and hold the "Off" button on the master of the main cluster.
☑ The inverter LED is off on all Sunny Island inverters.
• Ensure that the inverter is free of dust, foliage and other dirt. Carefully remove heavy dirt with a soft brush.
DANGER
Danger to life from electric shock due to high voltages
High voltages are present inside the inverter. When the enclosure lid is removed, live components can be touched
that can result in death or serious injury due to electric shock.
• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources (see Section 12, page 124).
• After switching off the inverter, wait at least 15 minutes before opening the inverter to allow the capacitors to
discharge completely.
1. Make sure the Sunny Island is dead. (see Section 12, page 124).
2. Ensure that the cables on the DC+ and DC‒ connections are securely fastened (torque: 12 Nm).
3. Ensure that the connections are free of corrosion.
4. Ensure that the cables in the AC1 and AC2 connections are securely fastened.
5. Close the Sunny Island (see the Sunny Island inverter installation manual).
6. Switch on all load-break switches and circuit breakers (see Section 13.12, page 137).
If the user interface displays the warning Derating due to temp. unusually often, it is likely that one of the fans is
defective or blocked.
Procedure:
• Clean the ventilation grids.
• Clean the fans.
2. NOTICE
Damage to the inverter due to foreign bodies
• Do not remove the ventilation grid permanently, otherwise foreign bodies could penetrate the enclosure.
3. Clean the ventilation grid with a soft brush, a paint brush, or compressed air.
4. Close the recessed grips with the ventilation grids. Ensure that the assignment is correct. The correct assignment is
marked on the inside of each ventilation grid: links/left for the left-hand side and rechts/right for the right-hand
side.
DANGER
Danger to life from electric shock due to high voltages
High voltages are present inside the inverter. When the enclosure lid is removed, live components can be touched
that can result in death or serious injury due to electric shock.
• Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources (see Section 12, page 124).
• After switching off the inverter, wait at least 15 minutes before opening the inverter to allow the capacitors to
discharge completely.
1. Disconnect the Sunny Island from voltage sources (see Section 12, page 124).
2. Wait for the fans to stop rotating.
3. Check whether the fan guard is dusty or badly clogged.
If the fan guard is dusty, clean it with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush.
If the fan guard is heavily soiled, remove it and clean it:
5. NOTICE
Damage to the fan due to compressed air
• Clean the fan with a soft brush, a paint brush, or a damp cloth.
6. Insert the plug of the fan in the pin connector until it snaps into place.
7. Insert the fan into the Sunny Island until the fan audibly snaps into place.
8. Press the fan guard into the bracket until it audibly snaps into place.
WARNING
Chemical burns and poisoning due to battery electrolyte
If handled inappropriately, battery electrolyte can cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory system and skin, and it
can be toxic. This may result in blindness or serious chemical burns.
• Protect the battery enclosure against destruction.
• Do not open or deform the battery.
• Do not throw batteries into fire. Batteries may explode in fire.
• Whenever working on the battery, wear suitable personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, an
apron, rubber boots and goggles.
• Rinse acid splashes thoroughly for a long time with clear water, and consult a doctor.
• Install, operate, maintain and dispose of the battery according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
WARNING
Risk of burns due to flashes
Short-circuit currents in the battery can cause heat build-up and flashes.
• Remove watches, rings and other metal objects prior to carrying out any work on the battery.
• Use insulated tools for all work on the battery.
• Do not place tools or metal parts on the battery.
Check and log the status of the battery before performing maintenance work.
Transition resistances can impair the performance of the batteries.
• Ensure that the torques at the cable glands of the battery connections are correct each time that maintenance
is performed.
Procedure:
1. Check whether the current state of the battery corresponds to the expected state:
• In the parameter group Battery > Battery > Diagnosis, select the parameter Number of battery charge
throughputs and compare the value with the expected nominal energy throughput.
• In the parameter group Battery > Battery > Diagnosis, select the parameter Current battery capacity
and compare the value with the expected usable battery capacity.
If the current state of the battery does not correspond to the expected state, carry out the following steps:
• Ensure that the requirements for the ambient temperature of the battery are met (see documentation of the
battery manufacturer).
• Check and optimize the battery management settings.
• If you cannot determine the cause for the deviation, contact the Service (see Section 18, page 181).
2. Stop the system and switch off the Sunny Island (see Section 9, page 116).
3. Open the load-break switch of the BatFuse and secure against reconnection.
4. Check and maintain the battery (see documentation of the battery manufacturer). For this, perform at least the
following steps:
• Check the battery for visible damage and log.
• Measure and log the fill level and acid density of FLA batteries.
• In the case of lead-acid batteries, measure and log the voltages of the individual cells.
• Perform and log the test routines required by the battery manufacturer.
5. Quickly close the load-break switch of the BatFuse and close the BatFuse (see BatFuse installation manual).
6. Switch the Sunny Island on and start the system (see Section 9, page 116).
When a battery is deeply discharged, the battery inverter shuts down automatically and you cannot restart it. In order
to start the battery inverter again after an automatic shutdown, you must charge the battery. The emergency charge
mode is designed for charging the battery.
The emergency charge mode is only an option in single-phase off-grid systems. For all other Sunny Island systems, the
system configuration must be adjusted temporarily.
DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock when live components or cables are touched
High voltages are present in the conductive components or cables of the product. Touching live parts and cables
results in death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Do not touch non-insulated parts or cables.
• Disconnect the product from voltage sources and make sure it cannot be reconnected before working on the
device.
• After disconnection, wait 15 minutes until the capacitors have discharged.
• Observe all safety information on components associated with the product.
• Wear suitable personal protective equipment for all work on the product.
4. WARNING
Danger to life from electric shock due to incorrect connection of the neutral conductor
Connecting the neutral conductor incorrectly can cause failure of the protective functions in the system. This can
result in death or serious injury.
• Make sure that the generator is connected to AC2 as specified for off-grid systems (see Section 6.5.6,
page 39).
Adjust the system configuration for the emergency charge mode (not required for single-phase
off-grid system)
1. Ensure that all loads are switched off.
2. Close the load-break switch of the battery fuse.
3. Start the generator.
4. Switch the battery inverter on (see Section 9.1, page 116).
5. Activate the user interface of the inverter (see Section 8.1, page 102).
6. Log in as Installer (see Section 8.2, page 105).
7. Save the current configuration to a file(see Section 10.6, page 120)
8. Start the installation assistant (see Section 8.5, page 110).
9. Select [Save and next] for each step up to the step Application.
10. Select the [New system configuration] button.
11. Select the option Functions for offgrid operation under Select application.
12. Select [Save and next].
13. Select the option Single phase under Type.
14. Select the option Generator under Grid creating generator.
15. Enter the nominal current of the generator connected under Nominal current.
16. Select [Save and next] for each step up to the step Summary.
17. Once all settings are correct, select [Next] in the summary.
2. WARNING
Danger to life from electric shock due to high voltages
High voltages are present on the AC power cables and on the control cables. Touching live components can
result in death or serious injury due to electric shock.
• Disconnect the battery inverter from all voltage sources (see Section 12, page 124).
3. Remove the bridge between the connections AC1 Loads/SunnyBoys L and AC2 Gen/Grid L.
4. If a mobile generator is connected, disconnect the generator from connection AC2.
5. Restore the system-specific connection (see quick reference guide of the used system).
6. Close the battery inverter (see Section 13.11, page 136).
7. Connect the circuit breakers and fuse switch-disconnectors for the energy sources.
Restore the original system configuration (not required for single-phase off-grid system)
1. Switch the battery inverter on (see Section 9.1, page 116).
2. Activate the user interface of the inverter (see Section 8.1, page 102).
3. Log in as Installer (see Section 8.2, page 105).
4. Transfer the original system configuration from the saved file (see Section 10.7, page 121).
If you want to change slave addresses (e.g. after replacing a Sunny Island inverter), you can assign the slaves a new
address via the user interface. Only the address is changed; all other configurations remain as they were, e.g.,
assignment of the clusters in a multicluster system. When replacing a master, you must reconfigure the cluster (see the
quick reference guide for the relevant system for configuring single-cluster operation or multicluster operation).
Requirements:
☐ All Sunny Island inverters must be switched off.
Procedure:
1. Switch the slaves on first, and then the master (see Section 9.1, page 116).
2. Activate the user interface of the inverter (see Section 8.1, page 102).
3. Log in as Installer (see Section 8.2, page 105).
4. Start the installation assistant.
5. Select [Save and next] for each step up to the step System setup.
6. For a single-phase system, set the parameter Type to Single phase.
7. For a three-phase system, set the parameter Type to Three phase.
8. Under System devices, set the parameters Serial number and Phase assignment as follows.
Serial number Phase assignment
Serial number of the master Line conductor L1
Serial number slave 1 Line conductor L2
Serial number slave 2 Line conductor L3
9. Select [Save and next] until the installation assistant closes.
10. Start the system (see Section 9.2, page 116).
WARNING
Risk of burns due to flashes
Short-circuit currents in the battery can cause heat build-up and flashes.
• Remove watches, rings and other metal objects prior to carrying out any work on the battery.
• Use insulated tools for all work on the battery.
• Do not place tools or metal parts on the battery.
WARNING
Danger to life due to incompatible lithium-ion battery
An incompatible lithium-ion battery can lead to a fire or an explosion. With incompatible lithium-ion batteries, it is
not ensured that battery management is intrinsically safe and will protect the battery.
• Ensure that the lithium-ion batteries are approved for use with the Sunny Island (see technical information “List
of Approved Batteries” at www.SMA-Solar.com).
• If no lithium-ion batteries approved for the inverter can be used, lead-acid batteries can be used.
• Verify that the battery complies with locally applicable standards and directives and is intrinsically safe.
WARNING
Chemical burns and poisoning due to battery electrolyte
If handled inappropriately, battery electrolyte can cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory system and skin, and it
can be toxic. This may result in blindness or serious chemical burns.
• Protect the battery enclosure against destruction.
• Do not open or deform the battery.
• Do not throw batteries into fire. Batteries may explode in fire.
• Whenever working on the battery, wear suitable personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, an
apron, rubber boots and goggles.
• Rinse acid splashes thoroughly for a long time with clear water, and consult a doctor.
• Install, operate, maintain and dispose of the battery according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
NOTICE
Damage to the battery due to incorrect settings
The set battery parameters influence the charging behavior of the Sunny Island inverter. The battery can be
damaged by incorrect settings of the battery type, nominal voltage and capacity parameters.
• Ensure that the values recommended by the manufacturer are set for the battery (refer to the technical data of
the battery in the manufacturer documentation). Note that the battery charging behavior names used by
SMA Solar Technology AG and the battery manufacturer may, in some cases, differ in meaning (for the battery
charging behavior of the Sunny Island inverter, see technical information “List of Approved Batteries”).
• Set the battery capacity for a ten-hour electric discharge (C10). The battery manufacturer specifies the battery
capacity in relation to discharge time.
Check and log the status of the battery before performing maintenance work.
Transition resistances can impair the performance of the batteries.
• Ensure that the torques at the cable glands of the battery connections are correct each time that maintenance
is performed.
Procedure:
1. Stop the system and switch off the Sunny Island (see Section 9, page 116).
2. Ensure that the battery is not grounded unintentionally.
If the battery is unintentionally grounded, identify the connection between the battery and ground potential and
remove the unintentional connection. This helps to prevent electric shock caused by malfunction of other system
devices.
3. Open the load-break switch of the battery fuse and secure against reconnection.
4. Remove the battery to be replaced (see battery manufacturer's manuals).
5. Mount and connect the new battery (see manuals of the battery manufacturer). The battery must comply with the
technical requirements of the Sunny Island inverter (refer to the Sunny Island inverter installation manual for
technical data of the DC connection).
6. Quickly close the load-break switch of the battery fuse and close the battery fuse (see battery fuse
documentation).
7. Switch the Sunny Island on (see Section 9.1, page 116).
8. Activate the user interface of the inverter (see Section 8.1, page 102).
9. Log in as Installer (see Section 8.2, page 105).
10. Start the installation assistant.
11. Select [Save and next] for each step up to the step Battery configuration.
12. Select the button [New battery configuration].
13. Set the parameter Type to the battery type used.
14. Only make the following settings for lead-acid batteries.
• Set the parameter Voltage to the battery voltage.
• Set the parameter Nominal capacity to the C10 nominal capacity of the battery (see Section 8.12.1
"Determining the Battery Capacity", page 114).
15. Select [Save and next] until the installation assistant closes.