[RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

Fri Jul 24 16:07:10 PDT 2015

Glenn,

While the installation may not claim exact compliance with the current NEC (debatable), you can easily show that the TL inverter is much safer than the older 1800U. The TL has arc-fault detection and much better ground-fault detection. Conduit is not the answer since it breaks several other code requirements like the module manufacturer’s instructions (110.3(B)).

Bill Brooks.

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Glenn Burt
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 2:14 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

All the way back to the module jboxes? Sounds pricey.
That is assuming the module jboxes accept conduit.

Indeed it I not only the home runs that need to be concerned with the PV rating, but the module conductors as well, as there is no distinction made in the code between them.

Sincerely,
Glenn Burt
Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos.

  _____  

From: William Miller <mailto:william at millersolar.com> 
Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 16:59
To: RE-wrenches <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> 
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power

Put it in conduit. 

On Jul 24, 2015, at 8:14 PM, Glenn Burt <glenn.burt at glbcc.com <mailto: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 <mailto:jerrysgarage01 at gmail.com> 
Sent: ‎7/‎24/‎2015 12:57
To: RE-wrenches <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> 
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 <mailto: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 <mailto: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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