SMA SC 500CP-US - Manual (Page 21)

SMA America, LLC 3 Product Description
Installation Manual SCCP-US-IA-US_en-41 21
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
MV transformer fitted downstream feeds the alternating current generated into the utility grid.
An AC Disconnect 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. Both devices are
designed to be used with a lockout device to secure the inverter against reconnection during service. 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 DC Switch, the inverter can be disconnected from the PV array. If the inverter does not have an integrated DC
Switch, an external DC Disconnect must be installed in accordance with NEC ANSI/NFPA 70 and CEC, in order to be
able to disconnect the inverter from the PV array. This allows you to easily and safely disconnect the inverter as needed.
In some jurisdictions, additional external disconnecting means may be required for servicing of the DC input fuses. SMA
recommends an early review with the AHJ to identify their requirements for the PV System.
Sunny Central Inverter with Integrated AC Disconnect and Integrated DC Switch
Figure 3: Principle of a grid-tie PV plant with a Sunny Central Inverter with integrated AC Disconnect and DC Switch
Position Description
A PV array
B String Combiner Box
C Inverter with integrated AC Disconnect and DC Switch
E External transformer
F Utility grid