Download SOLiC 200 Installation instructions

The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
SOLiC 200
Installation instructions
© Earthwise Products Ltd
SOLiC 200
August 2013
www.earthwiseproducts.co.uk
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
Contents
Introduction and background – 3
Basic setup – 3
Installation details – 6
Positioning the SOLiC 200 – 6
Mounting the SOLiC 200 – 7
Wiring mode 1 – 8
Wiring mode 2 – 11
Commissioning – 13
Final operational checks – 14
Troubleshooting – 14
Installer’s checklist – 17
Technical specification – 17
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
Introduction and background
The SOLiC 200 is designed to work seamlessly with an existing solar photovoltaic power
generation system and domestic hot water tank.
Its purpose is to divert surplus generated electrical energy into a standard 3kW domestic
immersion heater.
The SOLiC 200 does not interfere with the existing solar PV system in any way – warranties,
seals and solar wiring are not altered. No plumbing alterations whatsoever are required. The
generating capacity of the solar PV system can be from 100W up, and still provide useful
power to the immersion heater.
The energy diverted into a typical domestic hot water tank with this system averages at
approximately 7kW a day with a 4kW system. This provides a noticeable reduction in the
amount of fossil fuel required to heat the water without any reduction in FITs homeowners are
receiving.
The SOLiC 200 operates automatically, without the need for any user intervention. The surplus
electricity from the solar installation is regulated automatically and diverted to the immersion
heater.
Basic setup
SOLiC 200 has two installer-set operating modes - mode 1 or mode 2 (default setting is mode
2).
Differences between modes 1 and 2. General theory of operation.
Mode 1:
The SOLiC 200 senses the power produced by the solar array, and feeds the power above a
pre-set threshold into the immersion heater.
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
For example, if the house uses 500W and the solar generator is producing 700W, the SOLiC
200 will only divert the difference above the pre-set threshold. If the threshold is set at 500W,
then 200W will feed into the water. If the generator is producing 700W, threshold is 500W and
the house is now using 400W, then 200W will heat the water and 100W will be exported.
Benefits: If the average household power use is known throughout the day, very little power is
exported to the grid. The threshold can be manually fine-tuned by a qualified electrician or
installer depending on the resident’s usage habits.
Limitations: If the residents have the threshold set too low, power can be drawn from the grid
in transient power events such as a kettle or toaster being briefly used. If transient events are
short then this is insignificant. However, if high power appliances such as tumble dryers or
vacuum cleaners are regularly used for extended periods, the effectiveness of the system is
reduced.
Mode 2:
The SOLiC 200 senses the total house power fed back into the grid, and then varies the
power to the immersion heater, until the grid feed-in power is reduced to zero.
For example, if the house uses 500W and the solar generator is producing 700W, the SOLiC
200 will sense that about 200W is being exported. The power supplied to the immersion
heater will be increased until the sensor measures no power being returned to the grid.
Benefits: Good efficiency can be achieved for sporadic high power users, giving maximum
flexibility with the ability to “fit and forget”, together with an effective system.
Summary:
Regardless of which mode is used, the SOLiC 200 will divert excess electricity to the immersion
heater until the water is hot. The temperature of the water is set by the immersion heater
thermostat. Once the water is hot, the immersion heater thermostat will click off. Power will
continue to be available to the immersion heater (indicated by the immersion power light
staying on), so long as the solar generator system continues to produce power. When the
immersion heater is switched on by the SOLiC 200, a gradual changeover ensures that a
consistent level of power is maintained for the rest of the house to avoid lights flickering.
A pause function is provided to suspend heating when the SOLiC 200 is installed in mode 1.
The SOLiC 200 remains in pause mode for 30 minutes once the button has been pressed.
After 30 minutes has elapsed, automatic operation will resume again. To manually resume
automatic operation, press the pause button again. Alternatively, instead of using the pause
function, the house immersion heater switch can be used to disconnect the power. This will
need to be turned back on again to allow solar heating to continue automatically. When
the system has been paused, the immersion power light will flash green.
An override function is provided to switch the immersion heater on. To turn the immersion
heater on, irrespective of whether solar power is being generated or not, press the override
button. The SOLiC 200 will provide full mains power to the immersion heater for 90 minutes
once the override button has been pressed. This replicates the function of turning on the
immersion heater switch. After 90 minutes has elapsed, automatic operation will resume. To
manually resume automatic operation, press the override button again.
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
Installation details
To ensure that the SOLiC 200 qualifies for the 10-year return-to-base guarantee, please
complete and return the enclosed guarantee reply postcard. It must be signed by a
qualified installer at the time of installation. It must be signed by a part P registered
electrician at the time of installation. The work should meet all of the requirements of BS 7671
regarding design, installation, inspection, testing and certification.
Before installing the SOLiC 200, check that the existing hot water immersion circuit, heater,
thermostat and switch are in good working order. Defective components in the installation
could create a potential fire hazard or result irreversible damage to the SOLiC 200. This is
beyond the scope of the warranty. The immersion heater system should comply with
EN60335-2-73, parts 19 and 20.
To test the existing installation, ensure that the hot water tank is cool. Ensure that the gas, oil,
biomass or wood burning boiler remains off. Turn on the existing immersion heater switch.
After a few minutes, check for buzzing, hissing or crackling sounds emerging from around the
tank, switch, wiring and consumer unit (fuse box). If all appears ok and no apparent noises,
smells or sparks are noticed, leave the switch on for at least 20 minutes to thoroughly test it.
Turn off the immersion heater switch after the test has finished. In some houses, the immersion
circuit may not have been used for many years. Caution is advised.
The existing cable providing power to the immersion heater has to be used exclusively by the
immersion heater and the SOLiC 200. If the cable is shared between the immersion and other
appliances, the SOLiC 200 will cause the other appliances and the unit to irreversibly
malfunction. Checking the existing unaltered wiring can be done by isolating the fuse or
circuit breaker that limits power to the immersion heater. If the circuit breaker supplying
power to the immersion heater is turned off (or fuse is removed), the only appliance to stay
off should be the immersion heater. If other sockets, lights or appliances are also without
power, this indicates that the cable is shared. A separate cable will need to be added, or
alternatively, the shared appliances power cable re-routed.
Positioning of the SOLiC 200
The SOLiC 200 has been designed to be installed in a location where it can be left
unattended for many years. For the simplest and easiest wiring procedure, the ideal location
is close to the consumer unit (fuse box). This creates a minimum of disturbance to existing
wiring, giving a quick and neat solution.
The SOLiC 200 can be mounted in any position or angle. The most popular position for easiest
installation and quickest wiring is with the cable openings arranged on the lowest edge. This
also has the added benefit of reducing the possibility of objects or water finding its way
along the wires ending up inside the SOLiC 200.
Heat, moisture, sunlight, rodents and insects like spiders can cause havoc with electrical
systems. The SOLiC 200 should be positioned away from sources of heat, such as central
heating pipes, air ducts, food residues and hot water tanks. Do not install it in a warm airing
cupboard. It should be located in a cool, dry environment where the chances of
condensation or water ingress are minimised, and where access is easy, for both installation
and use.
The current sensor that provides system measurement data to the SOLiC 200 will need to be
able to reach the power cable from the inverter or the main house supply cable, and
connect to the SOLiC 200. The sensor cable reach distance is approximately 50cm.
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
Screwdriver access to the sides of the unit will be required for fastening of the four lid screws.
The access space will need to be considered prior to mounting the unit. Difficulties will be
experienced when attempting to replace the lid if there is insufficient space.
Mounting the SOLiC 200
Lift the cover straight off the base without twisting it, taking care not damage any internal
components; place it somewhere secure top side down where it can't be accidentally
damaged. Carefully remove the packed current sensor module and the fitting kit. The fitting
kit holds box lid screws, wood screws, rawl plugs and cable sealing grommets. If ducting,
trunking or conduit is used, the two larger grommets are unnecessary since ducting provides
standards compliant, double insulated protection.
Two screws (provided) are required to securely mount the box to the wall. If the mounting
point is made of timber or plastic, the screws provided can be attached directly. The screw
head requires a No2. Pozidrive bit. If the mounting position is brick or concrete, an
appropriately sized hole (5.5mm) will need to be drilled to accommodate two rawl plugs
(provided). In each case, check that the mounting does not have any hidden cables or
pipes in the wall behind the screw holes.
Fit the box to the wall, taking care not to slip and damage the internal components. It is
recommended to use a handheld, not rechargeable screwdriver or powered drill.
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
Wiring - mode 1
The only wiring difference between modes 1 and 2 is which cable the sensor is attached to.
The alterations to the existing immersion heater circuit should be carried out by a suitably
qualified electrician. All cabling should comply with building regulations relevant to where
the SOLiC 200 is to be installed. Correct wire gauge and voltage rating, conduit or trunking,
earth bonding and fire-protection standards should be met.
Typical household wiring – prior to installation of the SOLiC 200 (for clarity, meters are
not shown)
i. Disconnect the immersion heater circuit from the consumer unit. Ensure that the immersion
heater circuit provides power ONLY to the immersion heater, and no other outlets or
appliances.
Internal wiring connections
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
Turn off both solar and grid power. Identify the circuit breaker (or fuse) that provides power
only to the immersion heater. Remove the Live cable (that supplies the immersion circuit)
from the screw terminal in the consumer unit. Remove the Neutral cable from the screw
terminal bus bar. Remove the Earth wire (and sleeve). Carefully pull the cable out of the
consumer unit and guide it through conduit or trunking (where necessary) into the SOLiC 200.
Typical altered household wiring for mode 1. SOLiC 200 in-line with the immersion heater
circuit and the sensor clamped onto one conductor from the generator
ii. Connect a power supply cable to the SOLiC 200 from the consumer unit.
Using a short length of appropriate cable, attach the Live, Neutral and Earth wires to the
terminals in the consumer unit that the immersion cable circuit was earlier connected to.
Carefully feed this cable out of the consumer unit and guide it through conduit or trunking
(where necessary) into the SOLiC 200. Connect the Live and Neutral wires to the terminals
marked 'Supply'; Earth to the Earth connection. Take care not to over tighten the screw
terminals. A little more than finger tight is all that is required. Damage will occur if over
tightened
iii. Connect the immersion heater cable to the SOLiC 200.
Connect the Live and Neutral wires that supply power to the immersion circuit to the
terminals marked 'Load'; Earth to the Earth connection. Take care not to over tighten the
screw terminals. A little more than finger tight is all that is required. Damage will occur if over
tightened.
iv. Attach the current sensor clamp to an individual conductor feed wire from the inverter.
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
Inside the consumer unit, identify the circuit breaker (or fuse) that powers the inverter.
Carefully clamp the load sensor around one inverter conductor wire ONLY - Live OR Neutral
(not both). Manipulate the lead and plug from the sensor out of the consumer unit and into
the SOLiC 200. If necessary, move some cables to allow space for the sensor clamp inside the
consumer unit enclosure. Puncture or create a slit in the small rubber sealing grommet for the
sensor plug to pass through. Fit the grommet and cable together into the central access
hole. Alternatively, in situations where conduit or trunking is used, the sensor cable can feed
through the same space as the power cables. The small grommet should be fitted to seal the
SOLiC 200.
v. Plug the load sensor connector into the sensor socket on the circuit board.
Gently move any stiff power cables out of the way to allow access for the plug to push into
the socket on the circuit board. Check that the plug has been fully inserted to make a good
connection.
The threshold at which the SOLiC 200 will divert power to the immersion heater can be
changed by using the four-way switch inside the SOLiC 200. The table below lists all the
settings.
The factory delivery setting is 0 (all selector switches off). This tells the microprocessor that
mode 2 has been selected. To operate the system in mode 1, any other threshold besides 0
should be chosen. For example, if the house uses an average of 400W during the day, set the
threshold to 400W. Any generated power above 400W will be diverted into the hot water
tank. For maximum effectiveness once the house is running normally, the domestic meter
“reverse energy detected” light (if present) can be monitored visually to check that the
smallest vestige of power is used. Different settings can be tried out to ‘fine tune’ the house
depending on interference on the grid supply.
To set a new threshold, the power must be turned off, the SOLiC 200 cover removed and the
new setting entered. Once the system is powered up again, the new setting will take effect.
This must only be undertaken by a qualified electrician or installer.
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
Wiring - mode 2
The only wiring difference between modes 1 and 2 is which cable the sensor is attached to.
The alterations to the existing immersion heater circuit should be carried out by a suitably
qualified electrician. All cabling should comply with building regulations relevant to where
the SOLiC 200 is to be installed. Correct wire gauge and voltage rating, conduit or trunking,
earth bonding and fire-protection standards should be met.
i. Disconnect the immersion heater circuit from the consumer unit. Ensure that the immersion
heater circuit provides power ONLY to the immersion heater, and no other outlets.
Turn off both solar and grid power. Identify the circuit breaker (or fuse) that provides power
only to the immersion heater. Remove the Live cable (that supplies the immersion circuit)
from the screw terminal in the consumer unit. Remove the Neutral cable from the screw
terminal bus bar. Remove the Earth wire (and sleeve). Carefully pull the cable out of the
consumer unit and guide it through conduit or trunking (where necessary) into the SOLiC 200.
Internal wiring connections
ii. Connect a power supply cable to the SOLiC 200 from the consumer unit.
Using a short length of appropriate cable, attach the Live, Neutral and Earth wires to the
terminals in the consumer unit that the immersion cable circuit was earlier connected to.
Carefully feed this cable out of the consumer unit and guide it through conduit or trunking
(where necessary) into the SOLiC 200. Connect the Live and Neutral wires to the terminals
marked 'Supply'; Earth to the Earth connection. Take care not to over tighten the screw
terminals. A little more than finger tight is all that is required. Damage will occur if over
tightened.
iii. Connect the immersion heater cable to the SOLiC 200.
Connect the Live and Neutral wires that supply power to the immersion circuit to the
terminals marked 'Load'; Earth to the Earth connection. Take care not to over tighten the
screw terminals. A little more than finger tight is all that is required. Damage will occur if over
tightened.
iv. Attach the current sensor clamp to a single conductor cable from the grid.
Inside the consumer unit, identify the main heavy duty supply cable that supplies power to
the consumer unit, and the whole house. Carefully clamp the load sensor around one supply
conductor wire ONLY - Live OR Neutral (not both). Manipulate the lead and plug from the
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
sensor out of the consumer unit and into the SOLiC 200. If necessary, move some cables to
allow space for the sensor clamp inside the consumer unit enclosure.
Puncture or create a slit in the small rubber sealing grommet for the sensor plug to pass
through. Fit the grommet and cable together into the central access hole. Alternatively, in
situations where conduit or trunking is used, the sensor cable can feed through the same
space as the power cables. The small grommet should be fitted to seal the SOLiC 200.
If ‘Henley Blocks’ or power splitters are fitted, identify the main power cable and fit the sensor
to a Live OR Neutral meter tail. Take care not to disturb potentially brittle or old wiring. The
power and immersion cables may need to be extended to reach the unit.
Typical altered household wiring for mode 2. SOLiC 200 in-line with the immersion
heater circuit and the sensor clamped onto one conductor from the grid.
v. Plug the load sensor connector into the sensor socket on the circuit board.
Gently move any stiff power cables out of the way to allow access for the plug to push into
the socket on the circuit board. Check that the plug has been fully inserted to make a good
connection.
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
The SOLiC 200 has been set to operate in mode 2. Ensure the selector switch has all settings
set to ‘off’. If mode 1 is required, any other setting will select mode1. The table lists all the
settings.
Commissioning
Before powering up, carry out basic wiring checks and ensure no moisture condensation is
present which can damage the unit.
i. Mode 1.
Replace the lids and covers and turn the power back on. Keep the inverter off. Within the first
few seconds, the controller will flash self-testing lights if all is well and the green power lamp
will light. A moment later, the “Generating Power” will light up red to indicate that no solar
power has been detected. The system now is ready to operate normally.
ii. Mode 2.
Replace the lids and covers and turn the power back on. Keep the inverter off. Within the first
few seconds, the controller will flash self-testing lights if all is well and the green power on
lamp be lit.
Over the next minute, the system diagnoses the grid supply and interference level, the entire
active house load, the immersion circuit and the sensor. Ensure that the immersion thermostat
is set to max, the immersion switch is on and the inverter circuit is off. The SOLiC 200 will
attempt to switch on the immersion heater. The house must only run on grid power during this
time.
If all is well, the sequence will complete in one minute and normal operation will begin. The
“power on” light will be green and the “Generating Power” light will be red.
If after just one minute, three red lights are shown, switch everything off and turn the current
sensor around so power feeds through it in the opposite direction. Power on and try again.
If there is a problem during diagnostics, the SOLiC 200 continues trying for up to five minutes
to get a satisfactory power factor measurement. At the end of the 5 minute diagnostics, if
the SOLiC 200 cannot get a satisfactory measurement three red lights will light up. The system
will standby and waits for user intervention. Turn the power off before proceeding with further
checks.
The following items should be verified:
The sensor is connected to the correct conductor.
The immersion thermostat is closed (on).
The sensor plug is plugged into the circuit board.
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
The sensor is securely closed.
No damage has been done to the sensor.
The immersion heater switch is closed (on).
The wiring to the immersion heater circuit is correct.
The immersion heater element works.
Final operational checks
Mode 1 operation - After powering up and running a quick diagnostic, with the invertor off,
the unit will display a green “power ok” light and a red “generating power” light. This shows
that the house is drawing power from the grid and no solar power is being detected. If the
inverter is producing power, the “generating power” lamp will go green. This indicates that
the sensor is working correctly and is detecting that power is being produced. If a significant
amount of power above the pre-set switch threshold is being produced, the “immersion
power” light will change from off to green, indicating that power is being provided to the
immersion heater. Pressing the override button will turn the immersion heater on, to full power
for 90 minutes. While in “override” operation, the entire system can be checked (at
maximum power) to see if all is well. Pressing pause will temporarily disconnect the immersion
heater for 30 minutes. The system will continue to operate automatically.
Mode 2 operation - After powering up, running a quick diagnostic and then a sensor
calibration check, with the invertor off, the unit will display a green “power ok” light and a
red “generating power” light. This shows that the house is presently drawing power from the
grid and there is no surplus electric power available. The “immersion power” light will be off.
This shows that the unit is in standby waiting for the inverter to begin supplying power. If the
inverter is producing minimal power, the unit will remain in standby, but may sense the
occasional surge into the grid when appliances such as fridge and central heating pump
motors switch off. The “generating power” light may momentarily go green indicating a brief
amount of feed power being supplied to the grid. At this time the “immersion power” light will
also go green for a few seconds or longer providing very low power to the immersion heater.
If the house power is increased by switching on a kettle for example, the “generating power”
will change to red and the “immersion power” light will go out.
In either mode, when the solar generating system is turned back on again, there is usually a
180 second delay before power is delivered (if there is sufficient sun). This is to comply with
the requirements of G83/1 standards.
Troubleshooting
WARNING! Electricity can kill. All electrical tests should be carried out by a suitably qualified electrician.
The PV inverter is generating power, but the SOLiC 200 isn’t doing anything
-Check that the immersion circuit breaker is on or fuse is in, and mains power is turned on.
-Check that the “power lamp” is lit up (green), indicating that good mains power has been detected. If
the power is on, and the lamp will not go green, it is possible that the mains has severe interference on
it. The unit will go into standby mode to protect itself until the supply is satisfactory again. It is possible
that the interference is being caused by a malfunctioning inverter, appliance or wiring problems.
Industrial power equipment, such as welders or big motors being used on the same substation circuit
have been known to cause intermittent problems.
- Mode 1- Check that the “generating power” lamp is lit up (green), indicating that the SOLiC 200 has
detected power being generated. If it is red, and power is definitely being generated, it is possible that
the sensor is not correctly installed or the plug not plugged in completely. The current sensor must be
clamped to only a single power wire from the inverter. Not around both Live and Neutral together.
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
- Mode 1- Check the “immersion power” lamp is lit up (green – not flashing). If sufficient power is being
generated above the threshold for house use, power should be available for the immersion heater to
heat water. If it is red, then the amount of power being generated hasn’t yet reached the immersion
heater threshold.
-Check that the house immersion heater switch is on. If considerable power is being generated, the
built-in neon lamp inside the house immersion heater switch (if fitted) will glow. This lamp will only glow
dimly if a small amount of power is being supplied to the immersion.
-Check that the water isn’t already hot, and that the immersion thermostat hasn’t already clicked off.
-Check the immersion heater. If the “power lamp” is green, press the override button on the SOLiC 200
to force the immersion heater to full power. If this has no effect, it is possible that the house immersion
switch, the immersion thermostat or the immersion element is faulty.
When the SOLiC 200 is operating, and the PV system is generating, a couple of appliances are
behaving strangely, making buzzing sounds
- Check the wiring. It is possible that the immersion heater power circuit is still shared with other sockets
or appliances. The system may not have been wired up correctly and the SOLiC 200 is supplying power
to a ring main circuit.
The immersion heater appears to be at full power all of the time, even if the SOLiC 200 is paused
- Check the wiring. It is possible that the immersion heater is drawing power through a different circuit.
The mains is on, but the “power lamp” will not light up
- Check if internal fuse has blown. Turn all power off and remove the lid from the SOLiC 200. Without
touching anything, briefly switch the power back on and check that the internal “final-warning” lamp
lights up, which is not visible from outside. If this lights up, then the fuse is ok, and the cause is possibly an
unstable or noisy mains supply (interference). If the internal lamp is off, it is possible that the mains is off
or the fuse has blown. If the fuse has blown, it is possible that a lightning strike or grid surge has caused
the internal protection circuits to activate. It is recommended that the unit should be visually checked
before replacing the fuse.
The immersion appears to be at full power although the lights are off
- Check if the internal circuits have been inadvertently reset. It is possible that an electromagnetic surge
from the mains has caused the internal circuits to reset. In this unlikely situation, to restore normal
operation, the power should be turned off and on again, to restore the sensitive sensor calibration
data.
When listening to the radio or watching TV, a loud buzzing or crackling can be sometimes heard from
the speakers
-Check the inverter. When the SOLiC 200 is providing power to the immersion heater, it is possible with a
few models of inverter to get RFI (Radio Frequency Interference). The manufacturer of each particular
model of inverter will often suggest changing the inverter settings to eliminate or reduce the noise.
Follow the inverter manufacturer’s guidelines for how to do this.
-For some remote installations that are a long way from big power substations, the mains frequently
fluctuates. There are domestic voltage stabilisation units available which can be very effective at
protecting and regulating in house mains supply. Computer and IT equipment is particularly vulnerable
to mains interference.
-The SOLiC 200 operates in harmony with the output circuits of the inverter to control radio emissions.
Adjusting the output voltage of the inverter to match the mains voltage often helps minimise
interference. Many inverters automatic voltage settings are factory set to 220VAC. This usually can be
adjusted to be closer to 240VAC through the user system controls.
The circuit breaker for the immersion heater circuit keeps tripping (or the fuse keeps blowing)
-Eliminate the source of the problem. Turn off the house immersion heater switch and try again. If it
doesn’t trip, there is a serious fault with the immersion heater. If it still trips, then there is a serious fault
with the cabling to the SOLiC 200. It is recommended that the unit should be visually checked before
attempting to restore power again. The SOLiC 200 can withstand very high power surges for a short
duration. A shorted out immersion element will permanently damage the output circuits of the SOLiC
200. This is not covered by the warranty.
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
The inverter and SOLiC 200 appear to be working fine, but the water isn’t getting hot
-Check that the house immersion heater switch is on, in case it had been turned off.
-Check that the cables have not inadvertently come loose anywhere in the immersion heater circuit.
-Check that the immersion heater thermostat hasn’t tripped.
-Check that the hot water is not running constantly somewhere, stopping the cold water from warming
up.
-Check that the immersion heater is still functioning. Contact a plumber to check the immersion heater
element. In hard water areas, immersion heaters often have a very short lifespan.
A shorted out immersion element will permanently damage the output circuits of the SOLiC 200. This is
not covered by the warranty.
The incoming grid supply meter indicates reverse power, even though the threshold is set to only 300W
for example (mode 1)
-Some households are much more efficient than others and may hardly use any power during the day.
It is best to have a small trickle feed of power going into the grid, since this allows a larger margin for
appliances to use solar instead of grid power. After a period of use, the level at which the SOLiC 200
threshold should be optimally set to will become apparent, depending on the user’s lifestyle. Once the
immersion heater has switched off (determined by the thermostat temperature setting), all surplus
power will be diverted into the grid.
When the house is hardly using any power and the solar generator is producing well, the domestic
meter shows grid power being drawn (mode 2)
It is possible that a small trickle of grid power is drawn during power down and ramp up. This is a feature
to avoid lights flickering. There is always a few seconds delay between the transition from feed to draw
and back again. Modern electronic domestic electricity meters are sensitive to grid noise and measure
average power over a few seconds. The sensitivity of the meter can be examined by turning on the
immersion heater for a second (override button) and then off again, during periods of feed into the
grid, while watching the “reverse energy detected” light . When the feed and draw currents are
balanced, only grid noise can be detected by the meter. Occasionally this noise is interpreted as
power being drawn and other times as power being fed into the grid.
The electricity meter is indicating “reverse energy detected” and the immersion light is not on (mode 2
operation)
-Depending on the present grid electrical noise conditions, the SOLiC 200 will wait until there is a very
clear feed that it can begin tracking. This may take a short time, when it is possible to observe the
“generating power” light staying red. In this way, the SOLiC 200 eliminates the possibility of drawing
from the grid under marginal conditions. It ensures that there is always a small trickle of power being fed
into the grid. The feed current varies depending on the measured grid noise.
-The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) protocol in many inverters create a situation where power
is fluctuating every few seconds even though there may be clear blue sky. This is a design feature of the
majority of inverters and assists in increasing solar array output. Under these circumstances, the
“immersion power” light will be fluctuating to match the inverter’s output.
Why is the light inside the original immersion switch lit up even though the SOLiC indicates no power is
being provided to the immersion heater?
Under normal operation during heating, the power being provided to the element varies depending on
the generated power and the house draw. The brightness of the neon lamp (if present) inside the
existing switch also varies with power. Once the immersion thermostat clicks off, the SOLiC continues to
provide power to the immersion circuit, even though none is being used. The neon may stay on, even
after the SOLiC has returned to standby after sunset. A low sense voltage is present, which in most cases
is insufficient to illuminate the neon. In a few circumstances, the neon will be partially lit. This action is
part of the radio frequency suppression circuits, where interference is converted into useful heat. During
SOLiC standby; once the immersion thermostat clicks on again, the neon will go out.
Installer’s checklist
Find suitable mounting location close to consumer unit
Turn off house and solar power system
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The SOLiC 200 should be fitted by Part P qualified electrician to ensure the 10 year guarantee is valid
Screw unit to wall
Arrange conduit, trunking or cable routing through rubber grommets
Connect power cable
Connect dedicated cable to immersion (Important!)
If needed, reroute previously shared immersion cable appliances
Clip on power sensor to appropriate single power conductor (depending on mode chosen)
Plug sensor into socket
Turn up immersion thermostat (and check type)
Select mode or threshold (switches)
Turn on immersion switch
Check wiring - do not Megger test
Check for condensation (could damage unit)
Replace cover
Turn on 16A MCB (or reinsert fuse)
Turn on house power
Wait a minute
Turn on solar power generator
Check green “power OK” light is on
Technical specification
Operation voltage: 230VAC mains single phase 50Hz.
Mains voltage: 205 - 260VAC
Power consumption: 0.025W (at 230VAC)
Active current: 0.005A
Transfer efficiency: 99.6% (at maximum power)
Maximum load current surge: 600A for 10ms
Maximum continuous load current: 40A
Mains frequency tolerance at 50Hz: nominally 2Hz.
Operating temperature: 0 to 60C
Storage temperature: –20 to +75C
Operating and storage humidity: 10 to 90%, non condensing.
Maximum impact force: 12G
Maximum crushing force: 1200N
Lightning and ESD protection: to 1.8kV
Current tracking accuracy: better than 90%
Mode 1 export threshold range: 0 to 1500W
Mode 2 feed loss: 0W
Response speed: faster than 5 seconds
Audible noise emissions: below 10dBA
RFI (EMC) emissions: below -42dBW
Maximum power dissipation at 3kW output: 12W
Internal fuse: 250V 100mA 20mm quick blow.
Insulation resistance: above 10M Ohms
Case isolation protection: better than 2.0kV
Case dimensions: 162 x 106 x 56mm
Total mass as supplied: 775g
Specifications correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. E&OE.
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