Solaredge system keeps failing, help please!

[ButchDeal]

The reason why statements come from the installer is the simple fact the Solaredge doesn't want to deal directly with the end users.

And whi told you that? Check out the support page which has a link for system owners ( thats you) https://www.solaredge.com/us/service/support

have you checked the contract, permit documents, bith should list the model numbers.

[mark_from_denver]

Thank you for the link, but I have spoken to Solaredge about this issue when it first came up. They stated it was a warranty issue and to go through the installer.

[mark_from_denver]

Does anyone know what the claimed failure rate of these optimizers are? I cannot find any published data from Solaredge. From my installation there are 7 failures out of 18 within three years so a 40% failure rate, with extrapolation to 100% in 6 more years. I'd like to see published data if it's available.

[ButchDeal]

Thank you for the link, but I have spoken to Solaredge about this issue when it first came up. They stated it was a warranty issue and to go through the installer.

Did you explain that there were p250 optimizers with LG310 modules?

[ButchDeal]

Does anyone know what the claimed failure rate of these optimizers are? I cannot find any published data from Solaredge. From my installation there are 7 failures out of 18 within three years so a 40% failure rate, with extrapolation to 100% in 6 more years. I'd like to see published data if it's available.

You have personally seen more than double the number of failed optimizers than i have in three years out thousands of optimizers....

almost always the issue we have seen is with the pv module or the installer. We have had far more pv modules replaced

[JSchnee21]

Just FYI, assuming your installer entered it correctly. . . In the SE Monitoring Portal, go to Reports, Site Commissioning Report. It lists the Optimizer, Panel, and Inverter info.

Here's a snippet of mine

Account:	Green Power Energy, LLC
Installation Date:	09/22/2016
kWp DC:	12.2 kWp
kW AC:	0 kW
Performance
Period	kWh	kWh/kWp
Previous twelve months	12298.8	1007.3
Lifetime	13521.9
Equipment
Device	Model	Quantity
Modules	VBHN330SA	37
Optimizers	P400-5NC4ARM-NM1C	37
Inverters	SE11400	1
Export meter	WNC-3D-240-MB	1

[JSchnee21]

Here are some informational links. It looks like the 250's came as either "OP" or "PB". I'm not sure what the difference is. According to this document from SE on the OP series they claim to support +5% STC for each model.

E.G. -- 262.5W on the P250 model, and 315W on the P300 model

While I do not endorse putting a 310W panel on a P250 -- and it will void SE's warranty -- but according to the current and voltage specs of the Optimizer and Panel, it looks like it might just barely hang in there for a little while -- at least until it gets too hot (-:

Optimizers

http://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/se-power-optimizer-ao-datasheet.pdf

http://www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/application_note_intercompatibility_se_power_optimizers_na.pdf

Panels

https://www.lg.com/us/business/solar-panel/all-products/lg-LG310N1C-G4

[Kendalf]

If you do get another optimizer failure, ask the installer to show you the failed optimizer that they take down, as well as the new optimizer that they are replacing it with. Then you'll know what you actually have. Although as ButchDeal said it really should be listed in your contract. Establishing whether the right optimizer was installed should be primary in determining where the fault lies.

That said, this rate of failure at a single site strongly suggests a problem with the install, either mismatched components or perhaps the installer put in optimizers that were defective to begin with. Seems like you've been relying solely on the word of the installer, but the installer hasn't really given you any evidence that they've really had those conversations with SolarEdge. Because if they really did tell Solaredge that they used P250 optimizers with 310W modules, then SolarEdge can void the warranty and will no longer reimburse the installer for the work to replace the failed optimizers.

[Mike90250]

.... This is a pretty obviouse mistake, putting 310w pv modules on 250 watt optimizers.

The PV panels are not just a "bit" over spec for the 250W optimizers, they are way over.
In the hot summer, they might work, but in the cooler weather it is pretty obvious to me (I have no skin in this game) the 250w optimizers are over paneled and will be fried.

[ButchDeal]

Just FYI, assuming your installer entered it correctly. . . In the SE Monitoring Portal, go to Reports, Site Commissioning Report. It lists the Optimizer, Panel, and Inverter info.

This information other than the PV module type, is NOT put in by the installer. It comes directly from the system.

Here is one that has a replacement optimizer of a P320 with the rest P300

Site_Commissioning__1__pdf.jpg