[RE-wrenches] AC modules O & M challenges

[August Goers]

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





*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Rebecca Lundberg
*Sent:* Thursday, July 02, 2015 4:20 PM
*To:* re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] AC modules O & M challenges



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.



Sincerely,

Rebecca Lundberg

CEO, Powerfully Green (MN)





-- 

Rebecca Lundberg
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ®
Owner/President
*Powerfully Green*®
763.438.1976 | Rebecca.Lundberg at PowerfullyGreen.com

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