Checking the PV System for Ground Faults

If the LED Inverter on the Sunny Multigate is glowing red, this may indicate a ground fault in the PV system. The electrical insulation between the PV system and ground is defective.

WARNING

Danger to life due to electric shock

In the event of a ground fault, high voltages can be present.

  1. No terminal of the PV module must be grounded.
  2. Only touch the cables of the PV modules on their insulation.
  3. Do not touch any parts of the framework or supports of the PV modules.
  4. Do not connect PV modules with ground faults to the inverter.

If the Sunny Multigate indicates a ground fault in the PV array, proceed as follows:

Procedure:

  1. Make sure that no terminal of the PV module is grounded.
  2. Use Sunny Portal or Sunny Explorer to determine which of the connected inverters has a ground fault (see user manual of the communication product at www.SMA-Solar.com).

  3. DANGER

    Risk of electric shock due to high voltages

    1. Disconnect the affected inverter from all voltage sources ( > Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources).
  4. Measure voltages with a suitable measuring device.

    • Measure the voltages between the positive terminal and the ground potential.

    • Measure the voltages between the negative terminal and the ground potential.

    • Measure the voltages between the positive and negative terminals.

      If the following results are present at the same time, there is a ground fault in the PV system:

      • All measured voltages are stable.

      • The sum of the two voltages to ground potential is approximately equal to the voltage between the positive and negative terminals.

  5. In case of a ground fault, solve the problem and recommission the inverter ( > Recommissioning the Inverter).
  6. If there is no ground fault and the error persists, contact the SMA Service Line.
    <  Error Messages
    >  Recommissioning the Inverter