Yes with the SolarEdge system the optimizer give a regulated voltage to the inverter. There are some firmware issues with some older inverter sets that will throw this error. Until the inverter gets started the DC bus will be 18V though (1V per optimizer). This is both to keep the DC bus in the save voltage range and to be a diagnostic tool so you can see how many optimizers are on a string.
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Help diagnosing non-producing SolarEdge system (DC overvoltage)
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yes this is one advantage of optimizers but with SolarEdge when things are up and running the DC bus is highly regulated to the voltage the inverter is wanting.OutBack FP1 w/ CS6P-250P http://bit.ly/1Sg5VNHComment
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Yes with the SolarEdge system the optimizer give a regulated voltage to the inverter. There are some firmware issues with some older inverter sets that will throw this error. Until the inverter gets started the DC bus will be 18V though (1V per optimizer). This is both to keep the DC bus in the save voltage range and to be a diagnostic tool so you can see how many optimizers are on a string.
Is the operating theory that one (or more) of the optimizers has failed and is pushing too much voltage, which then causes the inverter to shut down?
If it were me, I would be tempted to try and reduce the string length to 12 or so - that would still be above the minimums. I am sympathetic to what one of the potential installers said however - without a map it would be hard to find a failed optimizer. But if I did shorten the strings I would note down which optimizers are still present, as this could start to give you an idea of where the optimizers are on the roof.Comment
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If you still have issues after SolarEdge checks/updates the firmware, I would then try splitting the sting in half. Try starting up with the first 9 panels and see if it works. Then try the other 9.
If one half works, and the other doesn't you may have a bad optimizer.
I believe the "DC Voltage too high" error is almost always either firmware or a faulty optimizer.Comment
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At this point I would be interested in hearing what SolarEdge support has to say.
Is the operating theory that one (or more) of the optimizers has failed and is pushing too much voltage, which then causes the inverter to shut down?
If it were me, I would be tempted to try and reduce the string length to 12 or so - that would still be above the minimums. I am sympathetic to what one of the potential installers said however - without a map it would be hard to find a failed optimizer. But if I did shorten the strings I would note down which optimizers are still present, as this could start to give you an idea of where the optimizers are on the roof.
I would get the inverter upgraded to latest firmware and have SE support take a look before monkeying with any connections.
When/IF any connections are changed, I would try only breaking the string in half and try one half at a time. But I wouldn't do this till after SolarEdge techs have checked things out. It is all under warranty and they should see OP as an installer with the original out of business.OutBack FP1 w/ CS6P-250P http://bit.ly/1Sg5VNHComment
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Well as been said theres only really 2 or 3 options as to what the issue. Either it's some kinda loose connection or improper installation, bad optimizes or a bad inverter. Common sense would say that its probably the inverter bc usually this is the part that fails. I'd go through SE see whatever hoops they want you to jump through to determine if the inverter is the problem. Then just go through their warranty claim process.
That being said I had called se to ask some basic questions about their products when I was shopping for inverters and I felt like I called some scam call center. They seemed to have no idea what was going on or what I was talking about. It didn't give me alot of confidence in them as a company. Plus the added cost of the optimizers wasn't for me. If I only needed 18 or 20 not that big of a deal but I needed 60....so I felt that 3 grand for optimizers was a little ridiculous.Last edited by Markyrocks69; 06-27-2019, 09:39 AM.Comment
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Well as been said theres only really 2 or 3 options as to what the issue. Either it's some kinda loose connection or improper installation, bad optimizes or a bad inverter. Common sense would say that its probably the inverter bc usually this is the part that fails. I'd go through SE see whatever hoops they want you to jump through to determine if the inverter is the problem. Then just go through their warranty claim process.
Also poor ground (though your improper installation could cover that
That being said I had called se to ask some basic questions about their products when I was shopping for inverters and I felt like I called some scam call center. They seemed to have no idea what was going on or what I was talking about. It didn't give me alot of confidence in them as a company. Plus the added cost of the optimizers wasn't for me. If I only needed 18 or 20 not that big of a deal but I needed 60....so I felt that 3 grand for optimizers was a little ridiculous.
In this case the OP has registered as an installer and should get answers. They can remotely diagnose and manipulate much of the inverter themselves without him jumping through many hoops.OutBack FP1 w/ CS6P-250P http://bit.ly/1Sg5VNHComment
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Appreciate all the inputs - I opened a support ticket on the portal with SolarEdge and am in their 30-40+ minute hold queue right now... would be great if its just firmware and they can push an update today.
For the country code discussion, the inverter is set to US 240V Code: 12Comment
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For the question earlier regarding the DC voltage chart, here is todays to provide visibility to the system starting up and shutting down the inverters.Attached FilesComment
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I'm just thinking that this system obviously was functional at one point so the settings in the inverter shouldn't be a problem, and that unless the thing updates automatically I'd assume that the firmware was what was on the unit when it came out the box unless the installer updated it. He didn't even connect it to the internet so I'd say that's doubtful. That's why I kinda ruled that stuff out. But by all means explore all possibilities.Comment
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Hah, the system at my old house had three optimizers fail within two years, all repaired by the original installer under warranty at least. However, they never sent alerts and had it not been for me monitoring the panel level outputs, would have not been caught and repaired (at least quickly).Comment
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Hah, the system at my old house had three optimizers fail within two years, all repaired by the original installer under warranty at least. However, they never sent alerts and had it not been for me monitoring the panel level outputs, would have not been caught and repaired (at least quickly).
As for the alerts not sent, Q.E.D.Comment
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And after chatting with SolarEdge - they skipped over firmware updates and went straight to RMA on the inverter.Comment
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