[RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

[William Miller]

Put it in conduit. 



> On Jul 24, 2015, at 8:14 PM, Glenn Burt <glenn.burt at glbcc.com> wrote:
> 
> How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a TL inverter on the existing array?
> 
> Sincerely,
> Glenn Burt
> Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.
> From: jerrysgarage01
> Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
> 
> SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input. If you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for the tax credit (I did say might)
> Good luck
> Jerry
> 
> 
> Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
> 
> 
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Jason Szumlanski
> Date:07/24/2015 4:25 AM (GMT-10:00)
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power
> 
> Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty SMA repairs:
> 
> http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm
> 
> Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they are willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix minor problems for a flat rate.
> 
> One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few "tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes much more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter when the labor is basically the same as a 2kW.
> 
> Jason Szumlanski
> 
> 
>> On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims <sky at ecologicalsystems.biz> wrote:
>> This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that have had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's I've seen it happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but isn't putting out power. 
>> The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program, where they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year warranty for under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that I hope they bring back someday.
>> The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters, they said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported it. Only option they gave was to buy a new unit. 
>> 
>> Sky Sims
>> Ecological Systems
>> 
>> 
>>> On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski <jason at floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode,  but Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good.  No other indication of problems. I saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times,  but that's it. It's just not delivering AC power.
>>> 
>>> Any thoughts?
>>> 
>>> Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it with a current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to recover with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field repair option.
>>> 
>>> Jason Szumlanski
>>> 
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