3.0
Installation and Commissioning
24
GenStar MPPT
25
3.4.10
To Power-down
WARNING:
Equipment Damage
ONLY disconnect the battery from the GenStar MPPT
AFTER
the solar input has been
disconnected. Damage to the controller may result if the battery is removed while the GenStar MPPT
is charging.
3.5 Commissioning / Initial Configuration
Commissioning requires the user to enter and confirm important settings required for basic
operation. See commissioning sections below. For all other settings, see Configuration Section -4-
for complete details on LiveView and programming. These settings beyond commissioning can be
made using LiveView, or the local meter (with some limitations).
3.5.1 Methodology
Commissioning can only be done via the local meter.
3.5.2 Commissioning Menu
The commissioning menu - see Figure 3-6 below - only appears on first start-up from the factory, and
after a, “Factory Reset", of the GenStar MPPT. The directional arrows are used to navigate vertically
and horizontally through the meter display map. In the commissioning menu, the right arrow is used
to move to a screen to adjust the setting.
3.5.3 Stand-alone Commissioning Settings
The current GenStar operates only as a stand-alone controller, and must be programmed with preset
or custom settings. The GenStar cannot currently be programmed to operate in a syncronized mode
with other controllers in the system.
3.4.8 Final Connections
WARNING: Equipment Damage
Connecting the battery cables with reverse polarity will permanently damage the
GenStar.
STEP 1:
Confirm that the battery wire polarity is correct, and that the battery disconnect switch or
breaker is in the OPEN position. Connect the system battery (-) cable to the battery (-) terminal. If the
system is to be grounded at the battery, make the GEC connection at the battery (-) post also.
STEP 2:
Confirm that the PV array wire polarity is correct, and that the PV disconnect switch or
breaker is in the OPEN position. Connect the PV array (-) negative wire(s) to negative combiner box
connection or PV(-) disconnect.
STEP 3:
With all disconnects and breakers of the system in the OPEN/OFF position, insert battery,
PV and load fuses - where applicable - into the fuse holders.
STEP 4A:
. Test the voltage between the battery side of the battery breaker or switch and the
GenStar (-) terminal to verify correct battery wiring voltage and polarity.
STEP 4B:
Test the voltage between the array side of the PV (+) disconnect or breaker, and the
GenStar (+) terminal, to verify correct solar wiring voltage and polarity.
3.4.9
Power-Up and Verify System Operation
NOTE:
Carefully observe the LEDs after each connection. The LEDs will indicate proper
polarity and good connections.
CLOSE the battery breaker to power on the controller. Watch the charging status, and then the three
battery state-of-charge (SOC) LEDs blink in sequence (G-Y-R), confirming proper start-up. If they do
not light, check the battery polarity (+/–) and battery voltage.
Next, the green, yellow or red LED will light depending on the battery state-of-charge (SOC).
Confirm that one of these LEDs is on before going to the next step.
CLOSE the solar disconnect. If the solar input is connected while in sunlight, the charging LED
indicator will light.
Confirm proper connection by observing the charging LED.
CLOSE the load disconnect, and turn the load on to verify a proper connection.
If the load does not turn on, it could be for various reasons:
• the GenStar MPPT is in LVD (red LED on)
• there is a short circuit in the load (LEDs blinking R/G – Y)
• there is an overload condition (LEDs blinking R/Y - G)
• the load is not connected, not working, or turned off
After all connections have been completed, observe the LEDs to make sure the controller is
operating normally for system conditions.
