This document describes the GEP 3-5KW Single Phase Grid-Tied PV Inverter, a device designed to convert DC power generated by PV modules into AC power for feeding into the utility grid.
Function Description
The GEP inverter is a single-phase PV string grid-tied inverter. Its primary function is to convert direct current (DC) electricity from solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used by homes or fed back into the utility grid. The inverter includes a Residual Current Monitoring Unit (RCMU) which disconnects from the grid if a leak current exceeds permissible limits, ensuring safety. It also supports anti-backfeed functionality through a Current Transformer (CT) to prevent excess power from being fed back into the utility grid. Communication modules (WiFi, LAN, GPRS, 4G, or Bluetooth) can be plugged into the inverter to enable monitoring and parameter setting via a smartphone app (SolarGo) or web pages. The inverter also supports remote shutdown communication for grid regulations in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Important Technical Specifications
The GEP inverter series includes models GEP3.5-1-10, GEP3.6-1-10, GEP4.2-1-10, GEP4.6-1-10, and GEP5.0-1-10, with nominal output powers ranging from 3.5kW to 5kW. All models operate at a nominal output voltage of 220/230V and a nominal AC grid frequency of 50/60Hz.
Input Specifications:
- Max. Input Power: 5500W (GEP3.5-1-10, GEP3.6-1-10), 6300W (GEP4.2-1-10), 7500W (GEP4.6-1-10, GEP5.0-1-10)
- Max. Input Voltage: 600V for all models
- MPPT Operating Voltage Range: 80-550V for all models
- MPPT Voltage Range at Nominal Power: 180-500V (GEP3.5-1-10, GEP3.6-1-10), 210-500V (GEP4.2-1-10, GEP4.6-1-10), 240-500V (GEP5.0-1-10)
- Start-up Voltage: 80V for all models
- Nominal Input Voltage: 360V for all models
- Max. Input Current per MPPT: 13A for all models
- Max. Short Circuit Current per MPPT: 16.3A for all models
- Number of MPP trackers: 2 for all models
- Number of Strings per MPPT: 1 for all models
Output Specifications:
- Nominal Output Power: 3500W to 5000W depending on the model
- Max. AC Active Power: 3500W to 5500W depending on the model
- Max. Output Current: 15.2A to 25.0A depending on the model
- Power Factor: ~1 (Adjustable from 0.8 leading to 0.8 lagging)
- Max. Total Harmonic Distortion: <3%
- Max. Efficiency: 98.3% for all models
- European Efficiency: 97.5% to 97.8% depending on the model
General Data:
- Operating Temperature Range: -25°C to +60°C
- Relative Humidity: 0-100%
- Max. Operating Altitude: 4000m
- Cooling Method: Natural Convection
- Display: LED, LCD
- Communication: WiFi, RS485 or LAN (Optional)
- Communication Protocols: Modbus-RTU (SunSpec Compliant)
- Weight: 11.0 kg
- Dimension (W×H×D): 336×400×124 mm
- Topology: Non-isolated
- Self-consumption at Night: <1W
- Ingress Protection Rating: IP65
- Anti-corrosion Class: C4
- Environmental Category: 4K4H
- Pollution Degree: III
- Overvoltage Category: DC II / AC III
- Protective Class: I
- The Decisive Voltage Class (DVC): PV:C AC:C Com:A
- Country of Manufacture (Only for Australia): China
Protection Features:
The inverter integrates comprehensive protection mechanisms including:
- PV Insulation Resistance Detection
- Residual Current Monitoring
- PV Reverse Polarity Protection
- Anti-islanding Protection
- AC Overcurrent Protection
- AC Short Circuit Protection
- AC Overvoltage Protection
- DC Switch
- DC Surge Protection (Type II)
- AC Surge Protection (Type II)
Usage Features
The inverter is designed for ease of use and monitoring.
- Installation: It can be installed indoors or outdoors, vertically or with a maximum back tilt of 15 degrees, in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, rain, and snow. It should not be installed upside down, forward tilt, back forward tilt, or horizontally. The mounting support must be nonflammable, fireproof, and solid enough to bear the inverter's weight.
- User Interface: The inverter features an LCD display and buttons (Up, Down, Enter, Esc) for navigating menus, checking parameters, and setting configurations. The display shows real-time power, daily and cumulative power generation, system status, and error information.
- Communication: Optional communication modules (WiFi, LAN, GPRS, 4G, Bluetooth) allow for remote monitoring and parameter setting via the SolarGo App or web pages. This enables users to check operating data, software versions, alarms, grid parameters, and perform equipment maintenance.
- Power Limit Control: The inverter can adjust its output power via a smart meter to prevent feeding excess power back into the utility grid, supporting self-consumption scenarios.
- Shadow Scan Function: The "Shadow" setting enables a scan function if PV panels are shadowed, optimizing power generation.
- LVRT/HVRT: Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) and High Voltage Ride Through (HVRT) functions ensure the inverter remains connected to the utility grid during short-term low or high voltage exceptions.
- Grid Type Setting: Supports setting grid types (star grid and delta grid) to match local requirements.
- Safety Code: A safety code feature is available to prevent unauthorized changes to critical parameters.
Maintenance Features
Routine maintenance is crucial for the inverter's longevity and optimal performance.
- System Clean: Check the heat sink, air intake, and air outlet for foreign matter or dust every 6-12 months.
- DC Switch Check: Turn the DC switch on and off ten consecutive times annually to ensure it functions properly.
- Electrical Connection Check: Verify that all cables are securely connected, not broken, and that no copper core is exposed every 6-12 months.
- Sealing Check: Ensure all terminals and ports are properly sealed annually. Reseal any cable holes that are not sealed or are too large.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a detailed troubleshooting guide for common faults such as isolation failure, ground I failure, Vac failure, Fac failure, utility loss, PV overvoltage, and over temperature. For persistent issues, users are advised to contact after-sales service with detailed information (serial number, software version, installation date, fault time, environmental conditions, photos/videos, and utility grid situation).
- Disposal: The inverter should be disposed of according to local regulations for electrical equipment waste, not with household waste.
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