[RE-wrenches] SolarBridge microinverter troubleshooting and path ahead for stranded customers

[Al Frishman]

Hey Dave,
I am curious.   You note that the non working module will be warmer than the rest.   I would think that if a micro is not working then that module will be cooler than the rest.

Al Frishman
EvolvedSolar
(917) 699-6641

> On Jul 29, 2020, at 8:57 PM, Dave Tedeyan <dtedeyan at taitem.com> wrote:
> 
> Scott, 
> The best way to find a faulty MI (at least one that is not working at all) would be to scan the array with an IR camera. When done properly, the not working module will pop right out because it is warmer than the rest. Flir One makes a pretty cheap attachment for a smartphone. I haven't used this specific one before, but I did order one today :)
> Cheers, 
> Dave
> 
> Dave Tedeyan, PE
> Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC
> 
> 110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
> o. 607.277.1118 x121  f. 607.277.2119
> www.taitem.com <http://www.taitem.com/>
> 
> Solar • Sustainability • Energy • Design
> Certified B-Corporation since 2013
> 
> 
> On Wed, Jul 29, 2020 at 3:53 PM <scot.arey at solarcentex.com <mailto:scot.arey at solarcentex.com>> wrote:
> Good day,
> 
>  
> 
> We used to install SolarBridge microinverters when we first started. You know the deal…”we’ve improved what Enphase started”…and they were great – up until Sunpower bought it to meet market demand for an AC-module, then a reemergent Enphase bought it from a cash-strapped Sunpower, and promptly threw the whole kit and caboodle into the trash heap never to be seen again.
> 
>  
> 
> But now we have some 25-year warrantied MIs not working, and the associated “Home Power Manager” monitoring device failed which means by-module monitoring is gone. These were AC-modules from ET Solar and that seemingly went bankrupt at some point, too and reemerged as a new ET Solar.
> 
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> 
> A coupled of questions:
> 
>  
> 
> Other than the seemingly infinite permutation of module strings it would take to narrow down inop MIs, does anyone have techniques or tips on how to identify individual faulty MIs?
> 
>  
> 
> Did anybody else install SolarBridge and if so, any feedback on warranty support?
> 
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