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

Thu Dec 3 20:49:48 PST 2009

We have seen this error on the SMA 3000 and SMA4000 units, the 5,6,
and 7K do not seem to exhibit the problem.  The disconcerting thing to
me is that if you do nothing and just let the inverter stay ON, the
error will clear itself in about 20 - 40 minutes.  The error may clear
on the first day of service, reappear the following morning, but again
clear itself after 20 - 40 minutes.  After the initial glitch we have
had no issues with these inverters.  SMA tech support were forth right
in acknowledging the issue and dead on that no action or intervention
was required to clear it, just some burn in time.  Still a little
disconcerting, but only time will tell.

With Regards
Carl
SunRock Solar

On Thu, Dec 3, 2009 at 10:28 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
> Wayne at PureEnergySolar.com
> http://pureenergysolar.com
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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] 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
> Office - 740-448-7328
> Mobile - 740-856-9648
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