Commissioning SunPower SunVault

SunPower SunVault Off-Grid Commissioning Guide

This is for off grid where you will connect load output to a breaker panel that is not already being powered via the grid or a generator!

Phase 1: Pre-Battery Installation Wiring & Preparation

– Move AC1 Wires to Load Output:
– Action: Relocate the wires from the AC1 position to the load output terminals.
– Note: This action will leave the 120V connections for the cabinet’s cooling fan orphaned.
– Resolution: Extend these cooling fan wires to a small breaker in your main breaker panel for independent power.
– Disconnect RJ11 Cable:
– Action: Disconnect the short grey RJ11 cable that runs from the SunPower Multi I/O to the BTS port of the inverter.
– Note: This cable is not required for operating without the Hub+.

Phase 2: Battery Installation & Initial Power-Up

– Install Battery 1 First:
– Connect 48V Cables:
– Action: Connect the pre-installed 48V cables with Amphenol connectors from the cabinet into their corresponding color receptacles on the batteries.
– Connect Multi I/O to Battery 1:
– Action: Plug the orange cord coming off the Multi I/O into the “PCS/Host” port of the first battery.
– Install Terminator Plugs & Daisy Chain:
– Battery 1: Insert a terminator plug into the “Link-In” port of the first battery.
– Subsequent Batteries: Connect the “Link-Out” of the current battery to the “Link-In” of the next battery in the chain.
– Last Battery: Insert a terminator plug into the “Link-Out” port of the very last battery in the bank.
– Power On a Battery:
– Action: Press the power button on any one of the installed batteries.
– Observation: All batteries should begin flashing as they initiate their startup sequence.
– Confirmation: The top light on each battery should settle into a solid green. The other lights will indicate the State of Charge (SOC).
– Inverter Status: The inverter display should show “STB” (Standby).

Phase 3: Schneider Insight Gateway Configuration

– Factory Reset Gateway:

Video on resetting gateway in case it helps, this is a Conext unit but it acts just the same as the Insight Facility: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nNF3ovoS6F0
– Action: Press and hold the power button on the Schneider Insight Gateway until you hear four consecutive beeps.
– Release: Release the button. The gateway will reboot into a factory reset state.
– Access Gateway Wi-Fi:
– Action: Gently push the gateway to the side to dislodge it from its DIN rail.
– Locate Credentials: On the bottom of the gateway, locate the SSID and password for its wireless network.
– Connect: Connect your device (laptop/phone) to this Wi-Fi network.
– Access Gateway Web Interface:
– Action: Open a web browser and navigate to 192.168.100.1.
– Login: Use the default credentials:
– Username: Admin
– Password: Admin123
– Change Password: Immediately change the admin password to something secure and unique.
– Configure Battery Device Association:
– Navigation: Go to the “Devices” page.
– Select Battery: Click on the listed “BMS/Battery” instance (one per cabinet).
– Configuration: Navigate to Configuration > BMS_DEV.
– Set Device Association: Ensure “Device Association” is set to “House Battery Bank 1” (for a single vault). For multiple vaults, carefully assign the correct battery bank to each inverter.
– Apply: Click “Apply.”
– Factory Reset Inverter Settings:
– Navigation: Return to the “Devices” page.
– Select Inverter: Click on the “XW Pro inverter.”
– Configuration: Navigate to Configuration > Controls.
– Reset Settings: Under “Reset,” select “reset all settings to factory.”
– Apply: Click “Apply” and allow the inverter to complete its reset process.

Phase 4: Inverter Configuration & Online Operation

– Configure Inverter Battery Settings:
– Navigation: After the inverter reset, return to the “Devices” page.
– Select Inverter: Click on the “XW Pro inverter.”
– Configuration: Navigate to Configuration > Battery Settings.
– Set Battery Type: Set “Battery Make” to Li-Ion.
– Set BMS Type: Set “BMS Type” to External BMS.
– Enable SOC Control: Enable SOC Control Enable.
– Apply: Click “Apply.”
– Important Note: At this point, the inverter will prioritize battery SOC data over voltage settings. Any settings with both voltage and SOC options will now ignore the voltage setting.
– Set Inverter Operating Mode:
– Navigation: Scroll back up to Controls within the inverter’s configuration.
– Change Mode: Change the “Operating Mode” to Operating.
– Apply: Click “Apply.”
– Confirmation: You should now hear the Schneider inverter power up and begin its normal operation.
– Further Tweaks (Optional):
– Note: The system is now operating in a basic state. There are many additional settings within the inverter and gateway to fine-tune performance, charging parameters, and load management based on your specific off-grid needs. Below you’ll find a screenshot of something I’d start with so that you can use State Of Charge when configuring settings