[RE-wrenches] Intermittent

[Hilton Dier]

Hello Wrenches

Here’s a classic problem for you. I installed an array of 11 Trina 380s on a ground mount, commissioned January 6 of this year. It worked fine for a while, but in the last week it has had an intermittent power problem. 

For example, this morning it was putting out zero watts at the inverter. I measured voltage at the disconnect at the array and got zero volts. I checked all the connections and wires and it all seemed solid. I had to leave so I couldn’t start isolating modules. I came back this afternoon and it was producing an appropriate amount of power for the light conditions. 

What’s the most obvious thing that could be going on? Some kind of micro crack and thermal expansion?

Thanks,

Hilton Dier III
Renewable Energy Design
Missisquoi River Hydro LLC