SMA SC 500CP-US Maintenance Manual - Manual (Page 16)

3 Product Description SMA America, LLC
16 SCCP-US-WH-US_en-30 Maintenance Manual
3 Product Description
This section will give you an overview of the inverter and its components.
3.1 Plant Overview
The inverter converts the direct current generated in the PV modules into grid-compliant alternating current.
An external transformer fitted downstream feeds the alternating current generated into the utility grid.
The inverter is equipped with a touch display.
An AC and DC Disconnect must be installed in accordance with NEC ANSI/NFPA 70 and CEC.
The inverter can be optionally ordered with an integrated AC Disconnect and an Integrated DC Switch. With the AC
Disconnect, the inverter can be disconnected from the utility grid simply and safely. This option does not require an
additional AC Disconnect Unit on the AC side.
With the Integrated DC Switch, the inverter can be disconnected from the PV array. If the inverter does not have an
Integrated DC Switch, a Disconnect Unit must be installed between the inverter and the PV array. This allows you to easily
and safely disconnect the inverter as needed. Complete inverter isolation is required for DC fuse replacement and other
tasks. The DC disconnect switches in each string-combiner box must be opened to achieve complete inverter isolation.
Inverter with Integrated AC Disconnect and Integrated DC Switch
Figure 1: Principle of a grid-tie PV plant with an inverter with integrated AC Disconnect and Integrated DC switch
Inverter with Integrated AC Disconnect and External DC Disconnect
Figure 2: Principle of a grid-tie PV plant with an inverter with integrated AC Disconnect
Position Designation
A PV modules
B String-Combiner (with DC disconnect)
C Inverter with integrated AC Disconnect and integrated DC switch
D DC Disconnect Unit
E External transformer
F Utility grid