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FAQ's
Installation
Design
Operation / Service
DatCom
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How do I know if my PV system needs fuses?
The commonly accepted interpretation of the NEC on
this topic is that if an inverter that does not allow AC current
backfeed (like the FRONIUS IG), the equation to be used is (N-1) x
1.25 x Isc < module series fuse rating, where N equals the
number of strings, Isc is the STC short circuit current of the
module in use, and the series fuse rating is the value found on
the manufacturer’s module specification sheet. If the
number is less than the series fuse rating, fuses are not
required, and if it is larger fuses are required.
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Can my FRONIUS IG be installed outdoors?
Yes it can! The FRONIUS IG is housed in a NEMA 3R box,
which is an outdoor rating. All of our printed
circuit boards (PCB’s) are conformal coated to protect the
electronic components from moisture and dust. This is just
another detail that we have added to the FRONIUS IG to ensure
reliability.
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Do I need to install a DC disconnect with my FRONIUS IG?
The FRONIUS IG is equipped to meet the standard NEC
DC-disconnect requirements so that you can save time and money.
Certain jurisdictions or site-specific conditions may require the
addition of an external DC disconnect, so inquire with your local
inspector if in doubt. Although most inverters with
integrated disconnects are approved as meeting all codes and
standards, the final word on compliance is up to the local
authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
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Do I need to install an AC disconnect with my FRONIUS IG?
The AC disconnect is a utility-defined requirement. The
FRONIUS IG is equipped with an internal AC disconnect, but many
utilities may require an additional external, lockable, and/or
visible-break AC disconnect. Contact your local utility for
their AC disconnect requirements to see if the FRONIUS IG’s AC
disconnect will meet the local requirements.
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How can I estimate my FRONIUS IG’s typical maximum AC power
output?
There are numerous specifications that a
PV designer must understand in order to size a PV array to a
grid-tie inverter. Specifications like STC, PTC, rated
efficiency, and balance of system’s (BOS) efficiency must all be
taken into account in addition to a wide variety of site-specific
conditions. There are a wide variety of “Rule of Thumb”
estimates. One common estimation method uses the following
equation:
[ (# of modules) x (module PTC rating) x
(inverter’s CEC
rated efficiency) x (BOS efficiency)] = The Estimated Maximum
Continuous AC Power Output
This calculation can give you a general idea of what to expect in
typical, peak field conditions.
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What are the yellow, green, and orange squares on the
Configuration Tool trying to tell me?
The Configuration Tool gives the PV system designer many
options in order to create the most optimal design. The
color-coding of the Configuration Tool details the PV STC power.
The FRONIUS IG is optimized for peak performance with every color
square. Values in yellow squares mean that you may want to
consider purchasing the next smaller inverter. Check your AC
power estimate using your “Rule of Thumb” calculation to see
what makes the most sense for you based on your site-specific
conditions. Similarly, the orange squares mean that it may
be worthwhile to consider using the next larger inverter size or
adding an addition inverter. Remember – this software tool is
not able to take into account the specifics of your site like
tilt, orientation, the accuracy of the module ratings, or other
factors that will impact your array’s output.
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How does the FRONIUS IG work when the PV array’s strings are
at different orientations, shaded, or have dissimilar numbers of
modules?
In a PV system designer’s ideal world, shading is
non-existent and all arrays face due south. But, in the real
world that this isn’t always the case. These non-optimal
designs may include some degree of shading, different
orientations, and/or dissimilar strings. The FRONIUS IG was
designed to work well in most non-optimal configurations, and can
be used with confidence in systems that have different
orientations or shading. Conversely, we do not recommend
using the FRONIUS IG when designing a system with dissimilar
strings. Please see our white paper entitled, FRONIUS
IG – Reaction to Non-Optimal Conditions for more
information.
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How much array can I put on a FRONIUS IG?
Because of the FRONIUS IG series design, the
most important factor is to be within the voltage window (150 V to
500 V). Your system size will depend upon your environment
(latitude, irradiance and temperature), your array's orientation
and how often your system should be at full load. Also, your
modules typically do not output their rated power since they are
usually not at those conditions (25°C, 1000 W/m2). If the total
DC input, after conversion losses, would exceed the output ability
of the FRONIUS IG, it will change the operating point from the
maximum power point to a point where it draws less current, and
can output the maximum possible power.
In some situations, you may be able to oversize a Fronius inverter
by as much as 30% of the rated power output and never get
'clipping' losses from operating off the maximum power point.
However, we typically recommend the following maximums: 2500
Wp for the IG 2000, 3300 Wp for the IG 3000, 3000 Wp for the IG
2500-LV, 5000 Wp for the IG 4000, 6300 Wp for the IG 5100, and
5500 Wp for the IG 4500-LV. Larger PV systems will work, but
may not maximize the use of the array during peak conditions.
Conversely, these estimates may be high for a site with optimal
conditions and high-performance arrays.
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Sometimes I notice a service code 434 on my inverter (ground
fault detected), but the next day it’s gone and the system is
operating normally – why is that happening?
If a PV system has a ground fault above 1.0A, the ground fault
detection system has two means of stopping the current – either
the 1.0A fuse will blow or the unit may be able to stop operation
prior to the fuse blowing. In the latter case, the unit will
restart once the ground fault current is sufficiently below the
1.0A threshold.
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Whom do I call with service-related questions?
If you’re a homeowner, it is best to contact the system
installer. They will be best equipped to answer any
questions or assist with technical support. For installers
and distributors, advanced-level technical support is available by
contacting our offices at 805.683.2200, 810.220.4414, or by
emailing us at pv-us@fronius.com.
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I’ve heard that active cooling (using an internal fan to cool
the inverter) can cause reliability problems. Is this
true?
Active cooling is a great way to reduce the weight of an
inverter, because it means it does not require large heat sinks.
However, the fan must be adequately specified and the risk of
insects and dust entering the inverter must be minimized. The
FRONIUS IG uses fans that have been used in our products for over
a decade, and has a 50,000-hour lifetime rating at full speed.
Insects and dust are kept out by a mesh covering the vent louvers.
On top of that, all electronic boards inside the inverter are
conformal coated and in this way hermetically sealed against
external influences. One can be confident in these approaches
since over 125,000 FRONIUS IG units have been installed worldwide
without any such issues.
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I am receiving a Service Code on my inverter. How do I
determine what this means?
Your FRONIUS IG should come with an operation manual (also
available under the Downloads section). Some service codes are
temporary and will resolve themselves (Normal Operation Codes),
and others require the assistance of your installer (Extended
Codes). Examples of Normal Operational Codes are States 104 and
306. For Permanent Codes, please call the individual that
installed your system. They will be most familiar with your system
and well-qualified to assist you.
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What’s the difference between FRONIUS IG.access and
FRONUS IG.online?
FRONIUS IG.access is a free PC-based
Windows application for use with the Fronius DatCom data
communications system. It provides both real-time and
archived data, as well as energy reports and service alerts via
email. FRONIUS IG.access is typically used locally at
the site and/or by dialing in over an analog modem.
FRONIUS IG.online is the free web portal that allows for
viewing and analysis of archived data over the internet.
Data can be posted up to once per day and administrative options
allow varying degrees of user access. FRONIUS IG.access
is required to set up the dialog between the DatCom system and the
web portal. For more details, see the FRONIUS IG.online.
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How do I adjust the level of complexity of the information
available from the FRONIUS IG Personal Display?
The FRONIUS IG Personal Display has two levels of user access
– Easy and Pro. The Pro level, which is the default, enables
users to view power, voltage, current, frequency, kWh, min/max
power, dollars saved, and CO2 offset. The Easy
level minimizes the information available and only shows power,
kWh, dollars saved and CO2 offset, making it ideal for
customers with basic information needs. To change the setting, go
to the Setup menu on the Display and select Version, then toggle
between Easy and Pro and select Enter.
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Is there a way to get data out of the inverter in an open
protocol?
Yes. The FRONIUS IG Interface Card easy, Interface Box, and
Datalogger Interface Box each enable users to get open protocol
data from the inverter. This protocol is available online,
as is more information about the difference between these
components.
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Whom do I call with data communications-related questions?
If you’re a homeowner, it is best to contact the system
installer. They will be best equipped to answer any questions or
assist with technical support. For installers and distributors,
advanced-level technical support is available by contacting our
offices at 805.683.2200, 810.220.4414, or by emailing us at pv-us@fronius.com.
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How do I know if my DatCom equipment is connected properly?
The Answer is, “Green means GO!”
In order for your DatCom system to function properly, each
component must display a green LED only. If the red LED is
on, there is a communications problem. Please check the
following items:
1) the termination plugs - you must use only two termination plugs
for any DatCom system. One termination plug must be in an
OUT port and the other plug must be plugged into an IN port;
2) the IN/OUT concept, -every IN port must be connected to an OUT
port;
3) the Cat-5 cabling – check for continuity and proper wiring;
4) RJ 45 jacks – these are sometimes prone to bad connections.
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