Hi Glenn and All –
Most of these old systems have module cables made out of USE-2. So, just changing out the array USE-2 home runs won’t technically cut it. Something should be written into the code to allow old systems to use TL inverters for upgrades, especially since TL inverters are safer than their transformer based (isolated) counterparts. For now I guess we either make a decision to source transformer based inverters for replacements or install TL inverters despite the code violation. It is definitely a bummer that SMA isn’t doing the refurbished program anymore with their old units. Best, August *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Glenn Burt *Sent:* Friday, July 24, 2015 11:14 AM *To:* RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power How do you get around the code requirement for the use of PV wire with a TL inverter on the existing array? Sincerely, Glenn Burt Sent from my 'smart' phone so please excuse grammar and typos. ------------------------------ *From: *jerrysgarage01 <jerrysgarag...@gmail.com> *Sent: *7/24/2015 12:57 *To: *RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> *Subject: *Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power SMA used to to do repairs but last I heard they no longer have replacement parts. I have used the new SMA TL-22 because of the low voltage dc input. If you added some additional modules to the "B" input it might qualify for the tax credit (I did say might) Good luck Jerry Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S™ III, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Jason Szumlanski Date:07/24/2015 4:25 AM (GMT-10:00) To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 1800u not generating power Someone contacted me off list and said this company does out of warranty SMA repairs: http://www.shop.solarcowboyzoutlet.com/Inverter-Repair-Service-Inverter-Repair-Service.htm Looks like there is a risk in how big the repair is, but apparently they are willing to talk about the diagnostics before you send it in, and fix minor problems for a flat rate. One bad part about these small systems is that labor to repair or replace failed units can easily turn into a cost equivalent to years of energy production, not to mention the hardware cost itself... I've only sold a few "tiny" systems over the years, and never really considered this. It makes much more financial sense for an owner to replace a failed 5kW inverter when the labor is basically the same as a 2kW. Jason Szumlanski On Fri, Jul 24, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Sky Sims <s...@ecologicalsystems.biz> wrote: This is a known issue. I've come across a bunch of their inverters that have had this problem. In addition to seeing this issue on their 1800's I've seen it happen on their 2500's as well. Shows a solid green light but isn't putting out power. The first time I came across this issue they had a refurbishment program, where they would rebuild the inverter and send it back with a one year warranty for under $400. The refurbishment program was a great program that I hope they bring back someday. The last few times I contacted SMA about one of these defective inverters, they said the product was not under warranty and they no longer supported it. Only option they gave was to buy a new unit. Sky Sims Ecological Systems On Jul 24, 2015, at 5:49 AM, Jason Szumlanski < ja...@floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote: I am looking at a 1800u from 2004 that has a green light and in mpp mode, but Pac is zero. Grid and DC voltage are good. No other indication of problems. I saw Pac tick up to 2W a couple of times, but that's it. It's just not delivering AC power. Any thoughts? Sadly, it doesn't make much financial sense for the owner to replace it with a current model, as the replacement cost would take almost 10 years to recover with the small BIPV array connected to it. I'm hoping for a field repair option. Jason Szumlanski _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
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