[RE-wrenches] Sunny Island Failure and various related issues

Thu Feb 12 07:53:59 PST 2015

Mac


> On Feb 12, 2015, at 4:45 AM, Mac Lewis <maclewis1 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi William,
> 
> I want to talk directly to your problem at hand.  I think installing the shunt and properly calibrating it, will fix this system .  In a DC coupled system with a Sunny Island, it is imperative that you use a shunt, unless you are using the Midnite charge controllers with the communications to accurately report all charging (or the non-UL listed SMA charge controllers).  There are so many functions and calculations that the Sunny Island performs that needs accurate SOC calculations.  All of the shutdowns that you are seeing are resulting from faulty SOC measurements.  I wouldn't believe the reported state of health either, because it is using the faulty SOC measurements.  Don't believe state of health until you have a couple of months of operation with the shunt.
> 
> Right now, with the system as is, it isn't accounting for the charge coming from the charge controller(s).  It is shutting down because its only accounting for AC power processed through the Sunny Island.  I once had a Sunny Island system with an improperly calibrated shunt and it acted just as you describe, strange shutdowns, bad SOC output etc.  After I got it calibrated, it has worked flawlessly.
> 
> Take your time when you are calibrating the shunt.  Follow the (odd) directions perfectly and it should work.  Verify Sunny Island readings match your DC clamp meter and you should be good.
> 
> As far as SMA not having a BOS solution, its true, and you can tell that it is not in their expertise.  I like the Midnite cabinets that are made for the Sunny Island.  They are pricey but look sharp and are functional.
> 
> And yes, the Sunny Island documentation is very strange and incomplete and could use a serious revision.  Some of the information must be lost in translation.
> 
> Good Luck!
> 
>> On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 9:40 PM, Ray Walters <ray at solarray.com> wrote:
>> Hi William;
>> 
>> Yes I'm getting too old to let manufacturers off the hook anymore.  They just don't pay me enough (wink, maybe if I ever was compensated for service calls?)  
>> Unfortunately I have had the exact same experience with SMA's phone tech support.  I was having setup issues that were not covered in the manual and they acted like I was an idiot.  They walked me through it and I got it working , and then after I asked "where does it say that in the manual?"  I then recited several verses from their manual that bolstered my faulty reasoning. He finally mellowed out a bit, realized I was somewhat knowledgable, and admitted it wasn't in the manual, and that they needed to update it.  (hmmm...)   
>> Ultimately, I can deal with the attitude as long as they answer the phone and can fix the problem; it's better than someone being super nice but just wasting your time.  Of course both fixing the problem and being friendly would be even better.
>> 
>> Attention SMA tech support:  William, I, and many on this list were installing off grid systems when you were still fudging in your diapers.    We read the manual first, and only call when we still can't figure it out. We're the ones out there in the woods trying to make SMA equipment work while the nervous customer looks over our shoulder. 
>> Respect.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> R.Ray Walters
>> CTO, Solarray, Inc
>> Nabcep Certified PV Installer, 
>> Licensed Master Electrician
>> Solar Design Engineer
>> 303 505-8760
>> On 2/11/2015 5:44 PM, william at millersolar.com wrote:
>>> Friends:
>>> 
>>> 6.    I have had a difficult time working with most of the phone support technicians at SMA.  From the very beginning most of them have presented an attitude of arrogance and condescension.  I have had the quality of my work called into question without any evidence to support that position.  I have experienced long delays in receiving replies.  I have seen technicians present incomplete diagnoses.  Fortunately Scoey Wildey of SMA was in town while we were rebuilding a commercial Sunny Boy system and he came and inspected our work and could vouch for it.  I have found one highly professional, competent person at SMA who used to be in tech support who will take my calls.  I’d like to give him credit but I don’t want to share him.  Also, Steve Jefferson and Scoey Wildey have intervened on my behalf on a few occasions and I am grateful to them.
>>> 
>>> 7.    I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience with SMA tech support.  If it is not just me, maybe several of us could contact SMA management and ask that they augment the training of the phone support crew.  I am sure they are capable of improving on their skills, both technical and interpersonal.  We all know people in the industry that stand above the rest in professional demeanor,  Rick Cullen, for example. I try to emulate his always-available, always-helpful, open-minded approach to dealing with people and challenges.  We should expect this of all manufacturer’s representatives.
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> Thanks to any of you who are willing to review my many questions and offer suggestions or comments.
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> Sincerely,
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> William Miller
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
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> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> 
> 
> Mac Lewis
> 
> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
> 
> _______________________________________________
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