[RE-wrenches] Sola-ark cold morning

[Howie Michaelson]

Dana,
Sounds like potentially the same issue I've been dealing with in a new
Sol-Ark 15 paired with Fortress eVault Maxs. Apparently, Sol-Ark did a
recent firmware update that caused erratic closed loop communication
between the inverter and batteries. I don't know if the Sol-Ark firmware
update effected other inverter sizes. This Sol-Ark update resulted in weird
charging behavior and odd generator run times. Apparently, Fortress was
unaware of this communication issue until I and a few other installers
started reporting the odd behaviors. Fortress sent me a "beta" firmware
update which appears to have solved the problem. We're still waiting to
update a larger system to make sure the new firmware is stable and fully
effective.  In any case, this may or may not be the issue in your case, but
it may be worth raising the issue with AES and Sol-Ark.
Howie


On Sun, Dec 4, 2022, 8:22 AM Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hey Now All Wise ones!
>
>
>
> An of gird client emailed yesterday that his Solark had been accepting
> only 350 watts of a 4KW input from the array. The modules are Q-cell 325
> watt 2 strings of 7 modules.
>
>
>
> Sunrise, full sun, no clouds so no edge of cloud effect, negative temps @
> -6˚F, he waited all day with no improvement or change in the charge rate
> consistent 350watts input & then same thing next morning. Negative temps &
> full sun & 350watts solar input.
>
>
>
> He turned the Solark off for 10 minutes & then turned it back on & 4KW
> charge input returned. The Solark did not turn off or deliver any alarm or
> warning.
>
>
>
> My initial thought was over-voltage spike, we designed for a -25˚F
> scenario & 110 PSF snow load. Beefy!
>
>
>
> I did not ask if it was windy additionally. Could this contribute to a
> colder array temp? I have always been of the impression that wind chill did
> not affect metal or glass that it has to do with moisture being driven off.
>
>
>
> Thoughts & suggestions?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Dana Orzel                              Great Solar Works, Inc.
>
> *C - 208.721.7003                       dana at solarwork.com
> <dana at solarwork.com>*
>
> Idaho Contractor - # 028765         Idaho PV # 028374
>
> www.greatsolarworks.com            www.solarwor.com
>
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