~Storage-ready Micro Inverters~ February 2016

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Willa Potter
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1 ~Storage-ready Micro Inverters~ February 2016

2 Agenda Why micro inverters Why storage with Magnum How does the system actually work? System planning/ System connections Monitoring Available materials FAQs 2

3 Grid-tied Solar Battery based Solar + Storage String inverter Battery based Microinverter Optimizers Graphics Date, Title, courtesy Initialsof: 3

4 Grid Tie PV with MicroGT-500 Mitigates shading: MLPE provides greater harvest Dual module MPPT: labor/installation reduction of 1 micro inverter per two PV panels Daisy chain: Simple and fast installation without costly trunk cable Storage ready: Magnum enabled for future storage upgrade NEC 2017 compliant by design 25 Year Warranty standard Battery Storage Proven and reliable: Magnum Energy is a leading 15+ year designer and manufacturer Battery agnostic: Great flexibility in charging multiple chemistries, including Lithium Iron, Lead Acid or VRLA in 24 or 48Vdc commonly available today from multiple vendors Greater storage capacity: A single PAE can support and charge battery banks from Amp hours, or 19.6 kwh kwh 5 Year Warranty standard Applications: Emergency backup from hours to days, Magnum Solution Storage-ready micro inverter system is designed for solar + storage needs - today System components can be installed independently or combined at any time for grid tied, battery back up for residential application System Monitor both systems with one web portal Systems are engineered and optimized to work together seamlessly for simpler AC coupled installation and better care and maintenance of the battery 4

5 Storage ready micro inverters: MicroGT-500 storage solution 5

6 Storage solution made simple. MicroGT + PAE is a grid tied PV storage solution + Graphics Date, Title, courtesy Initialsof: 6

7 Designed to keep the essential loads powered and keep the batteries charged during grid outages, which in the real world is not a frequent occurrence, perhaps maybe a couple times a year Provides power anytime the grid goes down and enabling the use of the RE source to maintain the batteries and prevent overcharge, without external diversion controls 7

8 Why use a micro inverter topology for storage? 1) Safety and NEC-compliance 2) Module level performance monitoring 3) Energy harvest + 4) Energy storage NOW 8

9 Grid tie with Battery Back up using MicroGT 9

10 MicroGT when grid is down 10

11 Introducing Magnum storage ready micro inverters and accessories 2:1 PV module ratio (500w) Single phase Recommended PV module power range: W Maximum units per branch : 240V Magweb GT ( Energy Communication Unit) utilizing PLC communication Optional, but highly recommended 11

12 Magnum Energy Storage Ready Solution Grid Tied Storage ME-MGT500 MicroGT-500 MSH4448- PAE Up to 7 inverters per string 60& 72 cell modules Daisy chain installation, no trunk cable required ME-MGT-ENDCAP-F End cap ME-MGT-AC-F AC pigtail ME-MGT-MW MagWeb-GT 12

Magnum Energy MicroGT complete solution Grid Tied Storage ME-MGT500 MicroGT MS4448PAE MS4024PAE MMP enclosure (BP-MMP) Up to 7 inverters per string 60& 72 cell modules Daisy chain installation, no

13 Magnum Energy MicroGT complete solution Grid Tied Storage ME-MGT500 MicroGT MS4448PAE MS4024PAE MMP enclosure (BP-MMP) Up to 7 inverters per string 60& 72 cell modules Daisy chain installation, no trunk cable required ME-MGT-ENDCAP-F End cap ME-MGT-AC-F AC pigtail ME-MGT-MW MagWeb-GT ME-ARC50 advanced remote control ME-BMK-NS battery monitoring kit Install or add later NEC2017 battery based compliance Frequency shift optimized 13

14 Magnum MicroGT + Energy Storage Solution Optimized to communicate with the MS-PAE Series inverter/chargers with frequency shift Summary: Two inverters work together to prevent the battery bank from being overcharged 1. Magnum PAE Inverter: AC Coupled Support Mode is a control method that causes the MS-PAE inverter output frequency to decrease, causing the output power of the MicroGT500 to decrease targeting and maintaining the battery voltage at the absorb voltage set point 2. MicroGT was designed with frequency-shift acceleration control, meaning that under normal grid conditions [60Hz] the MicroGT will produce at 100%; however, with any unintended shift to a lower grid frequency, the MicroGT will operate in response to that frequency shift with a lower power ratio based on the designed in by specification "Magnum-Slope". 3. Battery voltage would otherwise keep climbing without the tapering topology. If the batteries become full (saturated) from the PV harvesting, the system turns off. 14

15 Recommended System Sizing 3500kW array per branch MSH4024-PAE MSH4448-PAE kW of power conversion Ah of energy storage 15

16 Magnum PV+ Storage Battery sizing The greater the loads in the sub panel means less current going into the battery bank in AC couple mode. Check with battery manufacturer, our partners indicate AGM in a constant voltage absorb stage with low current for a period of 4-8 hours. Magnum suggested capacity range is Ahrs or 19.2kWhrs--38.4kWhrs. Battery bank sizing corresponds to a load profile, and the larger the amp capacity, the longer it can maintain around the Absorb set point. Most AGM battery manufacturers we talked to recommend extended periods of Absorb stage charging (up to 24 Hours) to desulfate the internal plates. 16

17 Storage Ready solution with essential loads sub-panel 17

27 Design with the end in mind - Complete Magnum Energy AC Coupled system 27

28 Design considerations: Grid tied Battery inverter Battery Bank The greater the loads in the sub panel means less current going into the battery bank in AC couple mode. It is not harmful in our opinion to keep an AGM or LiOn in a constant voltage absorb stage with low current for a period of 4-8 hours. Obviously the batteries will cycle down in the evening if the PAE is still inverting Obviously, the battery bank sizing corresponds to a load profile, and the larger the amp capacity, the longer it can maintain around the Absorb set point. Our suggested capacity range is Ahrs or 19.2kWhrs--38.4kWhrs. 28

Why Magnum micro inverters? Same benefits, more value Others AC couple Magnum MicroGT Easily add storage- no diversion required Magnum specific software to optimize frequency shift.

29 Why Magnum micro inverters? Same benefits, more value Others AC couple Magnum MicroGT Easily add storage- no diversion required Magnum specific software to optimize frequency shift. Adds to battery life 250W micro 1:1 250W MicroGT 2:1 500W Truck Cable Adds to parts & labor AC whip to Jbox, AC endcap AC extension cable Daisy chain Integrated AC & DC connections Comms device Required to export Magweb GT Optional, recommended Commonalities : no single point of failure 25 year warranty standard NEC 2017 compliance 29

meter Input Data ( DC) Recommended PV Module Power Range ( STC) 180-310W MPPT Voltage Range 22-45V Output

30 Planning MicroGT install PN: ME-MGT500 Each inverter has 2 MPPT for two modules Daisy-chain connectivity Plug-and-play Ground wire run separately 7 micro inverters per branch Tools: #2 Phillips driver and multi meter Input Data ( DC) Recommended PV Module Power Range ( STC) W MPPT Voltage Range 22-45V Output Data ( AC) - 240V Maximum Output Current 2.08A Nominal Output Voltage Range V Maximum Units per Branch 7 per 20A 30

31 Best planning practices 1. Mark the location of the micro inverter on the rack, keeping in mind the PV module junction box or any other obstructions 2. Mount one micro inverter at each of these locations using hardware recommended by your module racking vendor 3. Do not mount the micro inverter in a location that allows exposure to direct sunlight. 4. Allow a minimum of ¾ between the top of the roof and the bottom of the micro inverter for proper ventilation (most racking allows for 2-3 ) 5. Can mount in reverse orientation B A 31

Female connector at one end and bare wire at other end Jbox located at array end (suitable location) where AC drops down to utility

32 Additional installation components: AC Branch Connection Cable Model: ME-MGT-AC-F 2 meter, 3 conductor, 12AWG Insulation color: L1-black L2-red N-white. Female connector at one end and bare wire at other end Jbox located at array end (suitable location) where AC drops down to utility circuit Land AC branch cable wires at the Jbox Protective End Cap Model: ME-MGT-ENDCAP-F Weather proof termination cap Locks onto Female AC Connector on short lead of ME-MGT500 Install the cap on the open AC connector of the last micro inverter in branch (string) 32

Connecting AC between micro inverters Plug the AC female connector of the first micro inverter into the male connector of the next micro inverter, and so on, to form a continuous AC branch circuit.

33 Connecting AC between micro inverters Plug the AC female connector of the first micro inverter into the male connector of the next micro inverter, and so on, to form a continuous AC branch circuit. A = female, short cable B = male, long cable ***Remember branch limits: * 7 per 240V (12AWG cable) Output Data ( AC) - 240V Maximum Output Current 2.08A Nominal Output Voltage Range V Maximum Units per Branch 7 per 20A 33

34 Connecting DC between the micro inverters MC4 connectors are standard MicroGT is compatible with 60 and 72 cell modules Voltage range: Start up voltage 22V (as low as 16V) Maximum input voltage 55V 34

35 MicroGT LED indicators Startup LED When DC power is first applied the micro inverter, three (3) short green blinks indicate a successful microinverter startup Note: The three green blinks only occurs when the first module s DC connectors are attached 35

36 Grounding the system Depending on your jurisdiction use either: A grounding washer (or a Weeb) when connecting MicroGT to rail, or Copper wire grounding using the MicroGT s grounding lug 36

37 MagWeb- GT - Model - Model: ME-MGT-MW Optional installation components: Information gateway for the MicroGT Collects data from micro inverters (connected to PV panels) and transfers this information to the local area network 1 single connection Cat5 cable Install electrically near micro inverters Magnum s MagWeb GT (ME-MGT-MW) is the information gateway for your MicroGT 500 inverter system it collects module performance data from each individual MicroGT inverter. The MagWeb GT is easily installed, simply plug it into any wall outlet and provide an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to a broadband router or modem. The MagWeb GT s software displays performance trends, informs you of abnormal events, and controls system shutdown when needed. 37

38 The MagWeb GT (ME-MGT-MW) is the information gateway for our MicroGT 500 microinverters. The unit collects module performance data and transfers this information to an Internet database in real time (retains data for the last 30 days), requiring only a single data and power cable. The MagWeb GT s integrated http web server offers the simplest and most fl exible network integration of any data logger on the market. The user-friendly browser-based interface lets you access your solar array in seconds. Three ways to connect to the internet: 1. Direct CAT5 cable to router (shown) 2. Wi-Fi connection to the router 3. EOP (Ethernet over Poweline) a PLC bridge or adapter to connect to a broadband router MagWebGT not required to export 38

39 Bridging to the internet If the ECU and router cannot be directly connected with an Ethernet cable, internet connectivity must be established with Wi-Fi or a Powerline adapter Examples of powerline adapter: Linksys Powerline AV 4-port Network Adapter Kit (PLSK400) Netgear Powerline 200 Mbps Nano Adapter (XAVB2101) 39

circuit to enhance Power Line Communications (PLC) signal Do not plug ECU into a power strip or UPS

40 MagWeb connections To establish ECU-to-Microinverter communication plug an ECU a 120V outlet. Be sure the ECU is located as electrically close to the solar sub-panel as possible on dedicated circuit to enhance Power Line Communications (PLC) signal Do not plug ECU into a power strip or UPS NOTE: Locating the ECU at or very near the solar sub-panel ensures clean PLC and a stable data stream. Model: ME-MGT-MW 40

41 CAUTION! Do not plug the MagWebGT into: Power strip Surge protector GFIC Receptacle AFCI breakers Uninterruptable power supply (UPS) The surge suppression or filtering from these devices can substantially diminish PLC communication performance. 41

42 Communication gateway (MagWebGT) setup 42

43 Programming the MagWeb In order to program the MagWebGT you must establish a connection between your computer and the MagWeb. There are two methods: Step 1 Method A Connect the MagWeb to a router Check the MagWeb display for an IP address From a computer, smart phone or tablet, enter the IP address into a web browser Method B Directly connect the MagWeb to a computer with an Ethernet cable.this method requires that your computer settings be changed Step 2 Register System with Magnum Tech Service Activate account and specific URL 43

44 Home Screen 44

45 ID management physical 45

46 ID Management monitoring 46

47 Real Time Data 47

48 Battery based inverter and accessories monitoring 48

49 Commission the system 1. Turn on the AC circuit breaker on each micro-inverter AC branch circuit 2. Turn on the main utility-grid AC disconnect. NOTE: The system will start producing power after a fiveminute dwell time (required by UL 1741, anti-islanding). 49

50 Simple LED indicator Producing power and communicating with ECU Flashing Slow Green (10s gap) - Producing power but not communicating with ECU Flashing Fast Green (2s gap) Not producing power Flashing Red LED indicates the micro-inverter has detected a ground fault Solid Red 50

51 Summary of MicroGT-500 Safe meets all NEC requirements out of the box, protecting 1 st responders and homeowners alike Economical among the lowest cost per Watt offerings for sustainable energy today Simple to install 2 PV modules per inverter, no trunk cable NO diversion controller and loads required (MicroGT optimized to taper charge) in a battery based AC coupled application MLPE are more efficient in shading or cloud cover scenarios Storage Ready--combine the MS-PAE platform to backup later if it is not in the current budget Among the finest aftermarket customer support and warranty (25 yrs. std. on MicroGT) 51

52 Challenges and Considerations today The greatest challenge in an AC coupled design is regulating the charge to the battery bank during a power outage. A diversion control device and load dump, or black out relays are required to control battery charging during AC couple mode. Frequency shift should be enabled and only used as a redundant fail safe feature. The AC output of the MS-PAE battery based inverter should be 10% greater than the potential array AC output. 52

53 MAGNUM PV + STORAGE SOLUTION 1) Safety and NEC-compliance 2) Better care and maintenance of the battery 3) System components can be installed independently or combined at any points 4) designed for solar + storage needs, ready to install today 53

54 Frequently asked questions Q: With 500W of power conversion, aren t we leaving power on the roof? A:Handles up to 310W modules with negligible clipping, delivering 250W AC per module. 1 inverter per 2 modules. Q:What if a diversion load is wanted? A: Look at the Magnum Energy ACLD Q: How far can I mount the MagWeb GT away from the inverters AC connection A: 300ft Q: Can either be added to an existing system? A: The new product is designed to be used as system with frequency shift and power adjustment to protect batteries. Q: How much is having two systems? A: Magnum MicroGT is 5-10% less equipment cost that other micro inverter systems and battery equipment for 4kW system is essentially the same price. Just add batteries. 54

55 Support material MicroGT 500 Owners Manual (ME-MGT500) MicroGT 500 Data Sheet (ME-MGT500) MicroGT 500 Quick Start Guide (ME-MGT500) MagWeb GT Owners Manual (ME-MGT-MW) MagWeb GT Quick Reference Guide (ME-MGT-MW) Magnum Parts PDF (one page for accessories) images and descriptions MagWeb Adapter Instruction Sheet (ME-MGT-ADAPTER) 2 pages 55

56 In the press 2017 Renewable Energy Handbook Solar Published on Dec 20,

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