SolarEdge optimizer hell!

[QuantumSlice]

I echo the concerns over SolarEdge HD system. I completed my home install in September 2018 here in Colorado, The inverter crapped out in early November. I installed the replacement inverter. The new inverter is showing power drops during the day that i can't explain. Using their diagnostic tool i see the optimizers are having trouble regulating to a smooth continuous shape. Voltage and current are sporadic. The string voltages are within limits at least. Calling support tomorrow, see what they say.

[SunEagle]

Neighbors that I speak of are the optimizers in series. If they read the voltage and current data between them. In case of solaredge, this is done by the central inverter. But, I do not know for other cases like solarmagic.

There might be a setup process that requires a serial number to be programmed into the inverter or some other unique link required to make the equipment "talk" to each other.

[paoman]

Sounds a little paranoid if you think an optimizer on your home pv system can read your neighbor's pv system data.

Neighbors that I speak of are the optimizers in series. If they read the voltage and current data between them. In case of solaredge, this is done by the central inverter. But, I do not know for other cases like solarmagic.

[SunEagle]

For the comments I think the optimizer is not so viable. I have questions about how it works, as SolarMagic, for example, can be used with any inverter. So how do you control these optimizers? Can they read the neighbor's voltage and current?

Sounds a little paranoid if you think an optimizer on your home pv system can read your neighbor's pv system data.

[paoman]

For the comments I think the optimizer is not so viable. I have questions about how it works, as SolarMagic, for example, can be used with any inverter. So how do you control these optimizers? Can they read the neighbor's voltage and current?

[SunEagle]

The Rapid Shutdown only applies to Roof Top installs. Pole and ground mounts do not require rapid shutdown as I recall, so string inverters are still well suited for them

I have to go read the NEC to see what is allowed but I am thinking about using my metal RV shelter to mount solar panels. It should be cheaper then a ground mount and the shelter faces due South.

[Mike90250]

The Rapid Shutdown only applies to Roof Top installs. Pole and ground mounts do not require rapid shutdown as I recall, so string inverters are still well suited for them

[vdirico]

If your installer is registered with SolaeEdge they do receive some labor dollars to replace an optomizer. We have installed 1000's of optomizers and had very few failures.

Also with the second phase of NEC2017 Rapid Shutdown coming into effect Jan 1 2019, your only real choices will be micros or optomisers (or some other type of panel shutdown device)

Aney

Thanks for the info!

Vinny

[J.P.M.]

The place I have with the most sunlight has a light pole that will shadow the panels. That is why I was considering optimizers.

Then, to do a thorough job, you might want to evaluate other locations for the array, or, if not done so already, and assuming one reason you're doing this is to pay less money to get your electricity needs met, recalc the economics at the planned location and to see if PV the reduced output due to reduced input and the extra cost of optimizers that will restore PART (but not all) of that lost production still meets your cost effectiveness criteria.

Usually, a sane economic analysis is one that's done with the goal of finding the most cost effective mix of POCO power and PV and not PV for its own and sole sake. Sometimes, a different location, even one that is somewhat space constrained may produce a better overall ROI even though that location winds up with less annual PV production.

[PVAndy]

This is my system (located in Massachusetts):

8.51 kWp system installed March 2016

SolarEdge SE7600 Inverter

26 - LG Neon2 315W panels
26 - SolarEdge P320 power optimizers


I recently paid $337 labor to replace 2 optimizers (on 7/13/2018; no issues up until then). Yesterday I reported a different optimizer appears to be out (panel 1.2.11 has been reporting 0 production for at least a week). I see the SolarEdge warranty says they won't cover labor cost BUT my research says they have covered it in about half the cases I found/read.

- I'm getting a really bad feeling on the reliability of the optimizers, are they likely to continue causing me pain?
- If you had an optimizer replaced (under warranty), were you able to get SolarEdge to cover labor?
- I'm guessing my wimp vendor (SunBug Solar) would need to push SolarEdge BUT they gladly take my money. If you've had an optimizer problem and success getting SolarEdge to pay your labor, would you please share some info, maybe even a contact name?

thanks

Vinny

If your installer is registered with SolaeEdge they do receive some labor dollars to replace an optomizer. We have installed 1000's of optomizers and had very few failures.

Also with the second phase of NEC2017 Rapid Shutdown coming into effect Jan 1 2019, your only real choices will be micros or optomisers (or some other type of panel shutdown device)

Aney

[magic8192]

One of the several advantages of ground mounting is some flexibility of location that might allow for minimizing or even eliminating shading. If possible, that may minimize or eliminate the biggest if not the only need for optimizers or micros. A sting inverter will result in fewer potential failure points.

The place I have with the most sunlight has a light pole that will shadow the panels. That is why I was considering optimizers.

[J.P.M.]

I was seriously considering this exact setup with Seraphim 320 watt panels. Mine will be ground mounted, so maybe not so bad?

One of the several advantages of ground mounting is some flexibility of location that might allow for minimizing or even eliminating shading. If possible, that may minimize or eliminate the biggest if not the only need for optimizers or micros. A sting inverter will result in fewer potential failure points.

[jflorey2]

I was seriously considering this exact setup with Seraphim 320 watt panels. Mine will be ground mounted, so maybe not so bad?

Ground mounted will generally be easier to service, so perhaps one strategy would be to order some spares to have on hand. It will also be easier (but expensive) to switch over to a string inverter later, if you are unshaded and the Solaredge issues become too onerous.

[vdirico]

I was seriously considering this exact setup with Seraphim 320 watt panels. Mine will be ground mounted, so maybe not so bad?

I'm not an expert on any of this. I love my system when it is 100% working. 4 optimizers (out of 26) over 2.5 years is not right. I'm not impressed with SolarEdge customer support. SolarEdge shared a list of vendors in my area, I may go to that list when optimizer 5 goes. I talked with another local owner (same vendor; SolarEdge setup; running 3 years) and they haven't had a single issue. I'll eventually figure it out

My first call to replace 2 optimizers was: $150 dispatch $150 labor, I bet the labor on a ground system would be less...

Good luck.

Vinny

[magic8192]

I was seriously considering this exact setup with Seraphim 320 watt panels. Mine will be ground mounted, so maybe not so bad?