[RE-wrenches] Cell damage leading to ground fault?

[Jason Szumlanski]

Is this a single series string? Can you make a jumper and skip over the
panel to test the string without the bad panel in series? If the error does
not return, that could be the answer you are looking for.

If there are parallel strings, jumper over one panel in each string.

I'm not sure about damaged individual cells, but I am learning very quickly
that solar panels that are submerged by hurricane storm surge are very
likely to result in a PV Insulation Resistance fault. Yep, I have to deal
with panels that have been swimming. Fun stuff.



Jason Szumlanski
Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208

On Thu, May 8, 2025, 3:23 PM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Hello,
>
> There is an installation that I am servicing with the Q.Peak G4 modules,
> where one cell has some visible damage. I am wondering whether this type
> damage can lead to a ground fault? The Fronius inverter on site is
> picking up an "Insulation Resist" error. I am wondering whether this could
> be the cause, or whether I should look elsewhere in the array. A photo is
> attached. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
> Dave
>
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