ST problems [RE-wrenches]

[Bob Maynard, Energy Outfitters]

AMEN!
Bob Maynard
Energy Outfitters

Smitty wrote:

> 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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> > CAD: Microstation 95, DXF, Visio 4.1T
> > _____________________________________________________________
> > "I stand by all the misstatements that I've made." Dan Quayle
> > __________________________________________________________________
> >
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