Solaredge problem?

[solarsavings]

I was asked to look at a poorly performing 4KWp system in Essex last week. It was in installed in January 2013 and has generated 1700kWhr, the mcs cert says it should generate 3008kWh's. The installation company although mcs registered is refusing to go and look at it because they have relocated to Bedford.

For some reason the system comprises:

1 x sunny boy + 6 x Scheuten P6-60i30 250w on a heavily shaded south east facing roof.

1 x solaredge se3000 + 10 x Scheuten P6-60i30 250w shaded north west facing roof

Why would you do that?

I've not installed a solaredge system before but from what I had read on here I was under the impression that it shows up the number of attached optimisers. This system doesn't show any, could it have been installed as a string inverter?

 

[TedM]

Have you re-calculated the predicted energy figures? Hard to see that could ever be a 3000kWh/yr system given the split panels, trees, chimneys and TV aerial although you never get the full picture from photos.

 

[solarsavings]

Hi Ted, Yes I have:

The sunnyboy + 6 modules 775KWh/year. Pretty close to what it should be.
The solaredge + 10 modules 987KWh/year. Something is amiss with the solaredge part of the system.

I'm going back on Wednesday with the solaredge mi's.

 

[whinmoor]

Why use a SE3000 with a 2.5kWp shaded north-west facing system?

Poor system design. Bad match. The SE2200 would surely be a better choice?

 

[solarsavings]

There's no arguing with it being a poor design that's for sure.

Why isn't the module communication light lit?

 

[whinmoor]

Is it connected to the internet? Is there a Cat5 cable coming out the bottom to either a Homeplug or running directly to the router?

 

[solarsavings]

No. 1 pair of dc and the ac cable.

 

[whinmoor]

Suggest you power down the system. Test the MC4s connecting into the bottom of the inverter.

You should get 10vDC as each optimiser is designed to produce 1v when there's no inverter and AC supply.

If you get 10vDC, that means that the panels and optimisers are working fine.

 

[infinity]

Connect it to the internet and call solaredge if you have never done one, they will check that it is communicating and can reset it there end to save you trying if your unsure.

I've always found them very helpful

 

[solarsavings]

How in the web connection made?

 

[Worcester]

Cat 5 cable from the Inverter to the router..

 

[infinity]

Or use power line adaptors or a netgear wireless device to pick up the internet, you may need to remove front cover to access buttons to change settings!

 

[solarsavings]

So I go back as planned and do as whinmoor said, get 300 odd volts. Go up on the roof to prove what I had suspected, there are no optomisers fitted


And what's with the clamps and clamping position.

 

[infinity]

Haha that's a new one on me! So the inverter works without the optimisers? Unbelievably what some people get up to!

 

[Gavin A]

classic

 

[solarsavings]

I don't know what to do next. The couple are well pizzed off now and the installation company are not answering their calls. Looks like I have to get involved with making a complaint to recc etc

 

[infinity]

I doubt RECC will do a thing, what can they do?

I suppose it's half day labour to remove panels add 10 optimisers and recommission.

Plus scaffold if required

 

[whinmoor]

How would a regular 2kW ish inverter perform? Might be easier and cheaper to simply change inverters rather than add optimisers. Can maybe pick something up on eBay and sell the Solar Edge inverter on eBay as well. Might break even on the swap as the current inverter is oversized.

Can't imagine MCS, RECC and others will be interested.

 

[TedM]

Trading Standards should certainly be interested if the customer has been quoted and billed for non-existent optimisers.

 

[solarsavings]

I'm going to contact the company (Green Living) myself this week to see if I can get them to go back. If they refuse, I will do the work and charge their customer for it and help them pursue Green Living through the small claims court for lost generation and any work we do.

I have my annual inspection this Friday and know my paperwork is going to get trashed
We have sleepless nights over paperwork while the dodge pots don't give a damn about the customer or the install :mad2:

 

[TedM]

Does the customer have GLs refusal to visit and sort it out in writing?

 

[solarsavings]

I don't know the answer to that question Ted. I will ask them tomorrow.

 

[SolarCity]

We have sleepless nights over paperwork while the dodge pots don't give a damn about the customer or the install :mad2:

Likewise. ****es you off, don't it?