[RE-wrenches] Exploding RSD unit

[Jeff Irish]

What modules were you using?  Any chance their current or voltage exceeded
the device rating?

On Thu, Aug 26, 2021 at 12:38 PM Carl Adams <cadams at sunrocksolar.com> wrote:

> Jeremy,
> We have seen this with the APSmart devices.  One melted and did not cause
> damage to the panel. The other destroyed the panel.
>
> With Kind Regards
> SunRock Solar
> Carl Adams
>
>
>
> On Thu, Aug 26, 2021 at 11:40 AM Jeremy Coxon <jcoxon at sunwindpowerinc.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Has anyone else had an APsmart RSD unit explode in the first few weeks of
>> service?  See attached pictures (hopefully you’ll be able to see them).
>>
>> This was a newly installed array with SMA 7.6.  System started up fine,
>> then the next morning would not operate unless inverter was power cycled.
>> It would then start up and run fine until the next morning when the same
>> thing would happen.  We went over the array with fine tooth comb and
>> verified 'turn on' signal at each unit using RSD Eye tool - no signs of
>> anything wrong. Spent ~4 hrs on tech support with SMA who then sent
>> replacement inverter.  Upon install of new inverter same result.  Then AP
>> said we needed to install their 'outdoor unit' (external signal injector)
>> which took weeks to arrive, further inflaming the customer.  Upon
>> installation of the outdoor unit the problem persisted.  Then things got
>> really weird - inverter would attempt to start up and went into “unstable
>> operation mode” and then it finally threw an arc fault code (turned out to
>> be a real one for a change).  Went back up on roof and found charcoal on
>> roof deck under a panel.  Luckily this was on a brand new metal roof and
>> not an asphalt shingle roof with leaves or squirrel nests under it!  We
>> spent a LOT of time on this problem, got both manufacturers on an email
>> thread to help us diagnose and inform them etc, before finding the actual
>> cause and received zero compensation from AP for our time, instead just
>> lots of excuses and finger pointing.
>>
>> We also lost the potential of a LOT of referral business due to total
>> loss of confidence in our industry by this architect client.  I have waited
>> a few weeks before sending this note to let my blood stop boiling.  A piece
>> of SAFETY equipment intended for fire fighter safety should NOT be an
>> ignition source.  I have contacted Bill Brooks with this info in hopes that
>> he can inform the Code making panel and that someone will end this
>> madness.  Module level RSD via external components that are essentially
>> undiagnosable black boxes that double the number of connections in an array
>> results in the opposite outcome of the problem that they are intended to
>> solve - IMO.  We will be opposing any AHJ who requires us to use these
>> devices going forward.  I welcome your comments and am interested to know
>> if anyone else has had any similar experiences?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Best Regards,
>> Jeremy Coxon NABCEP # 091308-21
>> MWBE Certified
>>
>>
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-- 
*Jeff Irish* <https://www.mypronouns.org/> | PE, Vice President
SunCommon.com <https://suncommon.com/> | *Main: *845-876-3767
13 Hook Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
<https://suncommon.com/work-at-suncommon/>
SunCommon believes that everyone has the right to a healthy environment and
brighter future—and renewable energy is where it starts. Energy from the
sun can power our lives and build vibrant communities. Our mission is to
tear down barriers to clean energy and use our business as a force for
good.
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