PV Fires - Installer Error??? [RE-wrenches]

[Graham Owen]

I recently had a combiner board burn inside a GC-1000.  The location on 
the board that got burned was located after the PV connection terminal 
block, fuses and GFP; it was the terminal block that connected the 
combined DC power up to the motherboard.  Upon removing the damaged 
board I noticed that there was no solder on the rear on the terminal 
block positive connection.  This loose connection became so hot it 
actually fried the terminal block, burned the 10 AWG MTW in half, 
opening the circuit and preventing a more serious fire.

Now I am convinced that the potential for PV related fires is not just 
installer error.  I also took the time to go back to my last six 
installations with GC-1000’s and removed the combiner boards for 
inspection.  I did not find any manufacturing defects in these units, 
thank god, but it did take a many hours of my time, but I sleep better 
now.

I shipped the damaged board back to AE about 3 hours before reading on 
the Wrenches list that AE filed for bankruptcy.  This really had me 
worried since I used the combiner board in my spare GC-1000 as a quick 
replacement.  About 1 week later a new combiner board arrived and is now 
inside my spare inverter.  I have to say that I like the GC-1000’s and 
hope that AE survives, for a number of reasons. 

Graham Owen
GO Solar Company

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