[RE-wrenches] SolarBridge Inverters

[Davis Terrell]

We have had some problems with the SolarBridge inverters.  I have replaced 3, with another 3 just received in the mail, at one site of 22, 1 at a site of 27 and 4 at a site of 17.  They have been both ET and Mage make.  SunPower has been pretty good about replacing them, although who knows how long that will last, and SolarBridge was always good about warranty issues, but Mage NEVER was.  Contact me off-list for a good person to talk to at SunPower.  Thanks,

 
Davis Terrell
Project Manager
Green Earth Energy
davis at mckernongroup.com
office: (802) 247-1200
mobile: (802) 989-1661


Hi Rebecca,



My experience with ACPV is all SunPower but I imagine that the SolarBridge product is similar to what is used with BenQ. We have something in the range of 500 SunPower ACPV modules installed, almost all of the gen 1 SolarBridge variety. We?ve had several problems with the ACPV supervisor monitoring box but probably only a half dozen or so micro failures spread out on different sites. We definitely haven?t had a group of micros go down like you?re experiencing. Are you aware that the connectors are very finicky? The gen 1 connectors were very problematic and if not carefully and fully seated there can be connection issues.



I wonder if part of your pain is due to the SunPower acquisition of SolarBridge. Is BenQ still selling their ACPV product? Certainly we deal with SunPower RMAs on a daily basis and they are responsive.



Sorry I don?t have much more concrete ideas for you, but I thought I?d share my experience just so you have a reference point.



Best,



August

Luminalt





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Does anyone else have installations of the AUO/BenQ AC modules in the field? If not, do you have other brand installations of AC modules with SolarBridge microinverters? We have a site in MN that has modules installed in 2011, and a phase two in 2013. The overall performance is exceptional.
However, we have had many inverters (9 at most recent count) at this residential site fail, and it does not seem to be slowing down. Our customer is notably concerned about the long term scenario for his product, because we are doing the O and M on good will and we won't be doing this forever. I do not need a lecture on O and M and residential customer service, I choose highest quality products and understand the expected risk involved (we do not do battery systems). But this product is proving to be more challenging than any others, and the manufacturer (when they respond) says nobody else has any issues, we are an anomoly..



We are receiving RMA units but not a stipend for replacement (and the site is 45 minutes away). BenQ said they would replace the entire unit, but they are really sending a new microinverter and we have to replace that on the roof. The screws and attachments were not designed to be used more than once... BenQ says they have a stipend for replacement, but realistically we have not received it after years of this repair stuff and invoices being sent, etc. At first our BenQ rep was very responsive. Recently I send four or five emails and get no response. At one point the BenQ rep copied the SunPower tech support person in the response (because SolarBridge sold to
SunPower) but I have not heard a word from them either. Does anyone know how these companies are doing? We chose a product that appeared to have bankable companies behind them even if they were a bit new to solar, but right now BenQ, AUO, and SunPower have all been silent for many weeks. Most recently I replaced three microinveters at the site but a return label for the box was not included. I emailed and emailed and emailed and called, asking if they wanted the units back so they could test them and try to figure out what is going wrong, but have received NO response from anyone.
I was told that there are no problems on any other site but mine. Sure, maybe MN winter is different from CA, but there must be others experiencing something like this. I would welcome any input.