[RE-wrenches] SMA GFDI Err Tip was PV Powered vs SMA

Fri Dec 4 10:51:56 PST 2009

In my experience tightening the fuse holder and cleaning the contacts didn't
help but a 30 minute burn in did the trick. No problems since. SMA tech
support said this has be a common problem for them in humid environments.

Dana

Dana Brandt
Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC
www.ecotechenergy.com
dana at ecotechenergy.com
360.510.0433

On Thu, Dec 3, 2009 at 7:28 AM, Wayne Irwin <wayne at pureenergysolar.com>wrote:

>  We have had the same issue with the SMA GFDI err. To fix the problem,
> before commissioning we remove the fuse, squeeze the GFDI fuse holder a
> little tighter and clean the contact ends of the fuse. Fires right up.
>
> Wayne Irwin EE
> Pure Energy Solar International Inc.
> State Licensed Solar Contractor
> License # CVC56695
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> ------------------------------
> From: atruitt at gmail.com
> Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 21:17:54 -0500
> To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Powered vs SMA
>
>
>
> Last I used a PVP was in 2005 and we had multiple failures.  I've never had
> an SMA fail but there has been a disconcerting glitch on some units lately,
> where the inverter displays a GFDI fuse error for about a 1/2 hour after
> commissioning, and then kicks in.  Still the best dependabilty and fit and
> finish of any of the major inverters in my humble opinion.
>
> To me its Ford vs. BMW.  America makes some damn fine equipment but when it
> comes to precision engineering and lifetime performance I would argue that
> the Germans have an edge on the rest of the world right now.
>
>
> Andrew Truitt
> Standard Solar Inc.
>
>
>
> On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 9:29 AM, Drake Chamberlin <
> drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org> wrote:
>
>  In the past I have seen a lot of issues with PVP inverters.  There was a
> period, when I was subcontracting, where a half dozen or more of the units
> had to be replaced within a short time.  Although I like many features of
> PVP, I've avoided them since.  Have others found these units to be reliable
> or problematic?
>
>
>
> At 07:30 PM 12/1/2009, you wrote:
>
> Nice thread... inverter pros/cons is something I spend a fair amount of
> time
> pondering, since they are the weak link in the grid-direct installation.
>
> Overall, I like them both (PVP and SMA).
>
> Performance: On page 44 of the Dec/Jan issue of SolarPro, there is a list
> of
> specifications for grid-direct inverters. Current PVP and SMA inverters
> have
> similar CEC weighted efficiency ratings. Some of the older PVP inverter
> models (1100, 2000, 2800, 3000) have slightly lower efficiency.
>
> Reliability: I like that the PVP inverters have no moving parts, whereas
> the
> SMA inverters use a fan to assist with the cooling. PV Powered does a lot
> of
> marketing around their reliability efforts, for whatever that's worth.
>
> Customer Service: I have not needed to utilize PV Powered customer service.
> I've found SMA customer service techs to be easy to reach and
> knowledgeable.
>
> Other issues: I like that PV Powered inverters are made in the USA. I also
> find the hardware and manuals to be easier to work with, most likely
> because
> they're produced in the USA for our market. The PVP inverters ship with a
> full-size mounting template which comes in handy, especially when planning
> the rough-in wiring and support framing during new construction.
>
> I have a preference for the PVP inverters, and use SMA occasionally if it's
> a better design fit. I agree with Wayne Irwin's comment about the
> durability
> of the inverters with the heavy transformer designs, as opposed to the
> newer
> "light-weight" designs (including the newest SMA products). I just feel
> that
> in the long run, lower counts for electronic components is a good thing.
> I'm
> not an expert on component reliability, but I know from my somewhat limited
> experience that capacitors dry up and transistors are susceptible to a
> variety of failure modes. The fewer of these things, the better. Also from
> a
> reliability standpoint, I prefer to put inverters inside in a well
> ventilated area, if possible. My gut feeling is that over the long haul,
> any
> inverter will be better off in a location that is protected from moisture
> and large ambient temperature swings.
>
> -Hans
> ________________________________
>
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [ mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org<re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org>]
> On Behalf Of Keith Cronin
> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 1:04 PM
> To: RE-Wrenches
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV Powered vs SMA
>
>
> Hi colleagues
>
> Do any of you have a preference, PV Powered vs SMA in the residential
> space-
> 2k-5k grid tie inverter zone?
>
> Comments on performance/reliability/customer service etc?
>
> Any feedback on their monitoring vs SMA's webbox?
>
> Thanks
>
> Keith
>
>
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>  Drake Chamberlin
> Athens Electric
> OH License 44810
> CO License 3773
> NABCEP TM  Certified PV Installer
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