[RE-wrenches] Sunny Boy constant off line problem

[Steve Jefferson]

The sensitivity to AC voltage has not changed in any model of SMA inverter.
The parameters required by UL are still +10% & -12%, in relation to nominal AC Voltage (240, 208, 277)

The reason that some units may seem more sensitive is that every circuit board in each inverter is calibrated to the BFS (think motherboard) that is installed in that specific unit.
The tolerance of this calibration may differ from each unit be fractions of a volt. When multiple units are installed on a single site, typically the same unit/s will register AC errors. During the time that it registers the error and trips into error mode, the voltage on the service will sag enough that the other units will not be affected.
In a well designed system, the AC voltage will not increase by more than a volt, maybe two. Being that SMA inverters cannot create their own voltage, the VAC issue is typically a design issue, or a high grid issue.

Please do not hesitate to call Tech Support, I have seen countless hours wasted on trouble shooting. When a simple explanation of the issue is all that is needed.

Thanks 

SMA America, LLC
Steve Jefferson
Sr. Technical Service Specialist, Sunny Family
6020 West Oaks Blvd, Suite 300
Rocklin, CA 95765 - 3714
U.S.A.
Tel:  +1 916 625 0870
Fax: +1 916 624-2445
Service Line +1 877 697 6283 (Toll Free)
Email: steve.jefferson at sma-america.com
www.SMA-America.com

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of ntrei at 1scom.net
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 1:02 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Sunny Boy constant off line problem

We've also seen newer SBs be more sensitive to high line voltages than older ones on multiple array behind the same meter. Our experience is that response from utility crews to correct the problem is prompt when an "expert" solar installer reports the problem.
Check a neighboring service to confirm the high voltage is not just at your meter. Tech support is a last resort.
Jim Duncan
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry