Introduction

Congratulations! You are about to install and use an equipment from the Studer NEXT range. You have chosen a high-tech converter that will play a central role in the energy production of your solar electrical installation. The next3 has been designed to work as a solar battery charger and hybrid inverter working in both modes “on-grid” and ”off-grid”. Its advanced and completely configurable functionalities will guarantee a perfect functioning of your energy system in any situations.

The NEXT range is a family of hybrid inverters, with or without included solar chargers. All models are designed with Swiss quality to have outstanding performances in offgrid and ongrid applications.

About the sections of this manual

This manual is a technical handbook containing different levels of information. With the ecological aim of reducing paper printouts, but above all to offer a manual that is always up to date for each user, the digital version was chosen. 

Different sections will provide all the information you need to know:

1. first steps and updates: a simplified start with your device through a quick guide
2. discover the next: gives more information about the possibilities of the next. These are aimed at end-users curious to discover the possibilities of their system as well as installers
3. application notes: an advanced section on specific topics, aimed primarily at installers.

All technical or commercial data brochures, as well as certificates, warranty conditions, marketing documents or lists of accessories for sale can be downloaded from the studer website. 

For more information or in case of problems, our support team will be happy to help you. 

How to translate your manual

In order to simplify the updating of the translations in the technical manual, we have decided to publish the technical manual in English only. However, there are possibilities to display the manual in the language of your choice, using the translation tools from the web browser. 

With a few exceptions, such as the translation of proper names (like next3), this procedure works relatively well. Here you will find short tutorials on how to translate your page or revert to the original language.

Translation tool for MS Edge

Translation tool for Google Chrome

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Translation tool for Opera

Quality and warranty

During the production and assembly of the next3, each unit undergoes several checks and tests which strictly comply with established procedures and device safety requirements. The manufacturing, assembling, and testing of each next3 are entirely carried out in our factory in Sion (CH). The warranty for this equipment depends upon the strict application of the instructions in this manual.  

The next3 inverter has a ten (10) year warranty period (starting from the date of purchase) against material and manufacturing defaults. The defective product will be either repaired or replaced at the discretion of Studer Innotec. A warranty extension up to 15 years (10+5)  is possible with the studer care+ program, which brings along other advantages as well.  

Exclusion of warranty

No warranty claims will be accepted for damages resulting from handling, use or treatment that are not explicitly mentioned in this manual. Damages arising from the following causes are excluded from the warranty: 

• Voltage higher than 900V across PV terminals.  
• Voltage higher than 70V across battery terminals.  
• Accidental presence of liquids in the equipment or oxidation due to condensation.  
• Damage resulting from falls or mechanical shocks.  
• Modifications carried out without the explicit authorisation of Studer Innotec.  
• Nuts or screws that have been too much or not enough tightened during the  
  installation or maintenance.  
• Damage due to atmospheric surge voltage (lightning).  
• Damage due to inappropriate transportation or packaging.  
• Damages due to improper installation  
• Disappearance of original identification marks. 

Never take off or damage the rating plate showing the serial number. It enables to check and follow-up the data specific to each equipment and is vital for any warranty claim.  

Exclusion of liability

The installation, commissioning, use, maintenance, and servicing of the next3 cannot be subject of monitoring by Studer Innotec. Therefore, we disclaim all responsibility and liability for damage, costs or losses resulting from an installation that does not comply with the instructions, a faulty operation or inadequate maintenance. The use of Studer Innotec equipment is in any case under the responsibility of the customer.  

This equipment is neither designed nor guaranteed to supply installations used for vital medical care nor any other critical installation entailing potential risks of important damage to people or to the environment. 

We assume no responsibility for the infringement of patent rights or other third parties’ rights resulting from the use of the inverter.  

Studer Innotec reserves the right to make any modifications to the product without prior notification. 

Studer Innotec is not liable for incidental, direct or indirect damages of any kind, including any profit loss, revenue loss or damages caused to equipment or goods due to defective equipment.  

Different sections will provide all the information you need to know:

1. first steps and updates: a simplified start with your device through a quick guide
2. discover the next: gives more information about the possibilities of the next. These are aimed at end-users curious to discover the possibilities of their system as well as installers
3. application notes: an advanced section on specific topics, aimed primarily at installers.

All technical or commercial data brochures, as well as certificates, warranty conditions, marketing documents or lists of accessories for sale can be downloaded from the studer website. 

For more information or in case of problems, our support team will be happy to help you. 

Safety

Important safety instructions

This manual contains important safety instructions. Please carefully read the safety and operation instructions before using a next3 device. Take into consideration all the warnings mentioned both on the equipment and in this manual, following all the instructions regarding the operation and use.

The installation and commissioning of the next3 must be entrusted to qualified personnel. The installation and use must comply with the local safety instructions, laws, and standards in force in the country.

 Do not excess the maximum rated characteristics of the equipment shown on the Type label and in the datasheet.

HIGH-VOLTAGE DC AND AC INSIDE THE DEVICE: DANGER OF DEATH

When the next3 is under operation, it generates voltages that can be potentially lethal (up to 900Vdc and 400Vac). Any work on or close to the installation must be carried out only by thoroughly trained and qualified personnel. Do not try to carry out ordinary maintenance on this product yourself.

The next3 is in overvoltage category III (OVCIII) on AC side, in accordance with the safety standard IEC/EN 62109-1.

While working on the electrical installation, it is important to make sure that the source of DC voltage coming from the battery as well as the source of DC voltage coming from the photovoltaic generator, have been disconnected from the electrical installation.

Be also certain the sources of AC voltage coming from a generator or network have been disconnected from the electrical installation.

Even when the next3 is disconnected from the power sources, a potentially dangerous voltage may remain at the terminals. To eliminate this, you must wait for at least 120 seconds to allow the electronics to discharge.

After disconnection, check all the terminals voltage with a multimeter in AC and DC modes. The connections compartment can then be opened, and the task carried out safely. All other cover parts of the device shall never be opened without written authorisation of Studer Innotec SA company.

The next3 can be installed at altitudes up to 3000m. For installations at higher altitudes, please contact Studer Innotec SA.

If the next3 is used in a manner not specified in this manual, the protection provided by the next3 may be impaired.

Nobody is authorized to proceed with any change, modification, or repair of the equipment without the prior written authorisation of Studer Innotec. Use only original parts for any authorised modification or replacement.