FAQ

INSTALLATION

According to regulations, connecting an inverter to the grid is mandatory, regardless of whether it feeds power into the grid or not. That said, all ZCS inverters can be set to zero feed-in upon request, using specific accessories like a CT or meter.

ZCS provides an online configurator for free. By registering with a valid email address, you can customise your system by choosing the type of panels, orientation, inverter and batteries. This tool provides an estimate of how much energy your system will produce.

https://www.insun.cloud/ZCS/Account/Login

Yes, you can use any optimiser model that is not specifically dedicated to a particular inverter.

ZCS offers technical support but does not provide legal advice on incentive-related matters.

ZCS is committed to offering clarification and advice about its products. However, the responsibility for sizing the system lies with the system engineer, who, based on training, experience and calculations, determines the appropriate devices to be used. For these reasons, ZCS does not provide verifications for designs created by others.

For a two-phase utility with a voltage of 220Vac, single-phase inverters can be used without any special measures.

However, in the case of a three-phase utility with a phase-to-phase voltage of  220Vac, it is necessary to install a transformer between our inverter and the grid.

Yes, by installing the Connext device. This device communicates with both the inverter and wallbox to manage the charging based on the settings defined by the user via the Azzurro Systems App.

This option is also available for 22K wallboxes (three-phase).

OPERATION

No, the maximum input current of the MPPT indicates the threshold at which the inverter operates to extract power from the panels. If they are designed to deliver a higher current, the inverter will simply "cut" the power by stopping at its limit value, which in this case is 13A, without ever reaching 13.7A.

No, a 6KW inverter is designed to handle a maximum output of 6KW and not more.

9000W represents the limit value recommended by ZCS for oversizing that specific inverter. Oversizing on the panel side allows the inverter's power to be optimally utilised, especially in conditions of reduced production due to factors like weather, poor exposure, shading and panel ageing. The extent of oversizing depends on many factors, such as sunlight exposure, shadows and irradiation. It doesn't denote an insurmountable technical limit beyond which the inverter will be damaged, but it is only a recommendation.

No, the inverter operates within specific limits mandated by grid standards governed by law. Generators do not meet these limits.

STORAGE

There are several ways to do this. The easiest option is to use our 3000SP retrofit system. When integrated into an existing system, this device allows surplus solar energy to be stored and then returned when consumers need it.

Alternatively, you can opt for a hybrid inverter from the HP range in a retrofit configuration, i.e. connected to the grid-side system and without photovoltaic panels. This setup operates similarly to a 3000SP but with the added benefit of being able to take over in case the old inverter fails. Moreover, it can accommodate additional modules to upgrade the system if needed.

There are several ways to do this. The easiest option is to use our 3000SP retrofit system. When integrated into an existing system, this device allows surplus solar energy to be stored and then returned when consumers need it.

Alternatively, you can opt for a three-phase hybrid inverter in a retrofit configuration, i.e. connected to the grid-side system and without photovoltaic panels. This setup operates similarly to a 3000SP but with the added benefit of being able to take over in case the old inverter fails. Moreover, it can accommodate additional modules to upgrade the system if needed.

Systems that operate independently from the grid are referred to as 'off-grid' setups and supply power to a completely independent load.

The EPS mode in hybrid inverters is designed to power priority loads that you wish to keep powered during power outages, such as lights, refrigerators, etc. However, it's important to note that hybrid inverters constantly monitor the battery status and occasionally, especially in winter, may draw power from the grid to maintain a minimum charge level. Completely disconnecting from the grid (indefinitely) by creating an "island system" can potentially harm the batteries. Therefore, ZCS does not recommend this setup.

Certainly, you can integrate a hybrid inverter into your existing system, which will manage any surplus energy produced, including that from your original PV system, storing it in the battery. The only requirement is to install a meter on the hybrid inverter to measure the production of the existing inverter. Inverters compatible with this setup include HP single-phase and three-phase hybrid systems.

You can add new batteries without additional verifications if they are of the same model and have the same firmware as the existing ones. However, if the models differ, it's recommended to contact our pre-sales service centre for advice. Bear in mind that new batteries, when added to a system with previously used batteries, might operate at a lower performance level. This decline is proportional to the years, cycles and conditions of use of the previous storage system.

Our inverters are sold and verified by ZCS to function correctly with the storage systems we supply. While alternative batteries supplied by third parties might work, using them doesn't extend the warranty on our inverter. It can also pose challenges if compatibility issues arise and we can't provide support.

CONFIGURATION AND MONITORING

The configurator sets a limit on the installed photovoltaic power, and if this limit is surpassed, the program issues a yellow warning. The limit is set by default, however, as it is a generic value, it is advisable to set it yourself based on the value specified in the datasheet of the chosen inverter.

The same rule applies if the MMPT current of an individual channel is exceeded, although this particular value cannot be set on the configurator.

The Azzurro Systems App and ZCS portal are two databases that operate separately, thus necessitating separate user credentials for access to each platform.

The Wi-Fi antenna under the inverter must be configured to connect to your home internet network.

You can do this by following the instructions provided in the video tutorial on our website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KDFhK3Rh6o

If you have followed the procedure correctly and still can't get the antenna to communicate with the Wi-Fi network, you may have either made an error in the steps or your telephone provider may have blocked the router's communication ports. In the case of the latter, ensure that port 10000 is open for IP addresses 47.88.8.200/47.254.74.158 using TCP protocol.

ACCESSORIES

ZCS has developed the Connext device for this purpose. It communicates with the inverter and, when surplus power is being fed into the grid, it closes one or more dry contacts suitable for activating devices like boilers or heat pumps. Users can program Connext via the Azzurro Systems App, which allows you to select which "intelligent contact" to activate and define the rules for its use.

Certainly, this can be done by using the ComBox device. More information can be found in the section dedicated to accessories.

BUYING GUIDE

ZCS exclusively operates through a network of distributors across Italy and does not directly sell to private individuals or installers.

This is a frequent request, and we appreciate your interest. Due to our logistical limitations, we are unable to fulfil individual requests, even for large orders. We kindly recommend reaching out to our network of distributors across Italy and Europe. If you need additional further information, please feel free to contact our sales department.