[RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

[Glenn Burt]

August,

 

I am currently chasing down unexplained AFCI faults with old SX 160 modules on a metal roof and having replaced two SMA SWR-2500U’s with a SB 5000TL-US-22. So far I have been swapping input strings to see if there is a pattern, however no joy. 

Next visit is up on the roof (steep pitch) to see if there is anything obvious. 

I hate to simply disable the AFCI functionality without a serious effort, however I am approaching that point. 

It is a T&M job for a system installed by others back in 2004, about an hour trip 1 way and I am afraid the customer will soon believe I am stringing out the work.

 

Looking forward to hearing more of your experience as it develops!

 

-Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2016 10:23 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

 

Glen,

 

It’s interesting you mention that you’re having AFCI issues with new TL inverters and old modules. We are too. We have a particular system with BP modules where we’re trying to figure out if we have a warranty claim situation. We’ve cleaned up all the DC-side wiring and still the Sunny Boy is tripping with AFCI errors. We think it is either corroded traces in the modules or perhaps bypass diode issues in the module j-boxes. More to come.

 

August

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Glenn Burt
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2016 5:08 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

 

If you read some of the proposed changes for the 2017 NEC, it is looking life there will be no problem replacing isolated inverters with non-isolated versions. In fact the proposed wording seems to allow either USE, or PV wire to be used with non-isolated inverters explicitly going forward.
It made me feel better about doing recent replacements.
I'm having more trouble with the TL inverters and AFCI issues on older systems, however.

  _____  

From: Gary at Santa Ynez Valley Solar <mailto:Gary at SYVSolar.com> 
Sent: ‎7/‎21/‎2016 21:43
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Replacing grounded inverters

We are all facing having to replace the old transformer based inverters when they run out. Really difficult to find replacements. Against code to replace with transformer less ones. I wonder if a DC/DC transformer could be installed just ahead of the transformer less inverter for isolation purposes? Not clear on the concept.

 

 

Gary

 

 

Gary Gordon

 

   cid:image001.jpg at 01D06621.23813A90

    <http://www.syvsolar.com/> www.SYVSolar.com

   PO Box 688 

   Santa Ynez, CA  93460

   805 688-1213

   NABCEP Certified Installer

   CA Licensed Solar Contractor

 

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