Chilicon Power Residential Design and Installation Guide
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2)
For each CP-MTC-JBOX cable needed for the branch circuit, insert a cordgrip into one of the holes in the
junction box and secure using the locknut.
3)
Thread the CP-MTC-JBOX cable through the cordgrip.
4)
Attach the L1, L2, neutral and ground wires to their counterparts inside the J-box and secure using wire nuts.
Chilicon Power recommends then back filling the wire nuts with a waterproof sealant.
5)
Tighten the cordgrips using the open ended wrench until secure and then close the junction box.
Step 8: Connect the System to the Main Service Panel
Each branch circuit is supported by a maximum of a 30A breaker. A system with one single branch circuit can
therefore be connected directly into the main service panel using a single 30A dual pole breaker. For systems with
multiple branch circuits, the branches may first be aggregated into a subpanel. Refer to Chilicon Power’s
“
Technical Bulletin: Chilicon Power Microinverters on a 40A Backfeed”
in the appendix for guidance on how to
maximize system size when connecting to a 200A service panel. Certain AHJs will also require the use of an
external blade-type disconnect box prior to the main service panel. Check to see if this is required for your project.
For protection against voltage spikes, Chilicon Power recommends inclusion of a surge protector in the system.
Refer to “
Technical Bulletin: Surge Protection for Microinverter Systems
” for a list of suitable devices. After proper
connection to the AC service, the microinverters will issue a blink every 8 seconds.
Only qualified personnel should connect the Chilicon Power microinverter branch circuits to the
service panel. Installation includes risk of electric shock.
Step 9: Install the Communication Gateway and Commission the System
Install the CP-GWY-100 gateway by either plugging into an indoor electrical outlet or by directly wiring using 12
AWG romex cable into the wall. A single gateway will support up to 255 microinverters. Next follow the
commissioning instruction as detailed in the
“Commissioning Quick Guide
” included in the Appendix. A socket
survey routine in the gateway will indicate if the device is on the same split-phase line as the PLC signal from the
microinverters. The device will still receive signal even if one the opposite phase. However, if an issue with
signal strength is indicated, it is advisable to switch L1 and L2 from the array on the main PV breaker in the
service panel. Once the microinverters are properly bound to the gateway, their LED will blink once every 16
seconds. While some of the initial array configuration steps can be accomplished through the gateway, the
complete process is currently only available online.
Step 10: Finish the Registration On-line
After receiving a confirmation email, finish the site registration process by visiting the Chilicon Power monitoring
site at