ST problems [RE-wrenches]

[Smitty]

William, here is my .02, Reader's Digest version. I 've learned a long time ago when
to sip my beer and sit on the 50 yard line and watch the game unfold, and that is
what we are doing in this case. The stuff I've read on this list about the ST, and
even some SW, scares me to death. We have no buy down or rebate programs here in NM,
but amazingly enough we do get our share of inquiries about grid tie. Sorry Trace,
but we have shot straight with all of them and informed them of the various problems
and have told them to wait. If the customer persists, we tell them we can order one
for them, but make it very clear they are on their own. Hence, no sales. As Jim
states in his post, I'd rather do no business, than bad business. Smitty.

William Miller wrote:

> Friends:
>
> I will continue to report on progress with all RE equipment I am exposed to
> as that is one of the prime functions of a group such as this.  Below is an
> e-mail message indicative of my experience working with ST inverters.  I'm
> sure you are all aware what a drag it is to continue to travel to a
> client's location after the job is done for repeated equipment problems.
> The engineers at Trace are great folks and dedicated, but in spite of their
> efforts, the problems continue.
>
> Here is the score card:  Of the 8 ST inverters installed so far:
>
> 2 are working consistently, albeit with a lower efficiency than I might
> have expected.
> 1 has been replaced with a Sunny Boy at the clients insistence
> 1 is showing reduced output after replacing the firmware
> 1 produces a reduced power output before the required time out
> 1 was purchased by the customer over the internet and is now his problem,
> but it was shutting down consistently.
> 2 have "died" as per the message below after other problems (displays
> blanking, shutting down)
>
> I have enjoyed working with the SW equipment in spite of shortcomings.  I
> hope Trace improves reliability with the ST line.  I am willing to assist
> where I can, but the process is costing me time, money, and customer
> confidence.
>
> I have heard little from others on the ST performance, good or bad.  I
> would speculate that: not many are using them and/or others are not
> comfortable publishing their negative experiences for fear of straining
> relations with Trace.  I guess the latter may be an advantage to an
> installer not being a dealer.  I can't say I enjoy being the only one
> complaining about a product, but I feel compelled to assist my colleagues
> by providing accurate reports from the field.
>
> Stay tuned.
>
> ---Text of client message:
>
> Hi William,
>
> Sorry to say that both inverters "died" this afternoon.... R. called
> (supplier) earlier after we got your phone message since the right one
> was cycling way down again, and he asked that both of them be replaced since
> the      left one had started making a louder buzzing noise also. When I went to
> check on them later today, both were making a repeating zap sound and the
> displays were blinking on and off in unison with the sound. As soon as
> they're reinstalled, I'll test as you asked.
>
> G.
>
> __________________________________________________________________
> William Miller
> SLO Communications: Communications and Power Systems Consulting
> PO Box 50, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
> Voice :805-438-5600             Fax: 805-438-4607       VMail: 805-546-4875
> email: wrmiller at slonet.org
> License No. C-10-773985
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