I'll throw in a vote for keeping the display on the SMA inverters with a
similar level of info provided by the -22's and the -40's. It's right
there, reliable, simple though adequate info for both monitoring and
troubleshooting, it would be a great loss. Not everybody wants to be
"connected".
I'll try Jerry's idea of the headlight restoration polish
for the yellowing display. Also keep them out of the sun and the
clarity stays much longer. I've been experimenting with a small piece
of UVA/UVB glass secured to the front of the display window with outdoor
rated 3M 2-sided tape, I'll report back in a decade!
For the manual I guess the best option is to goto:
http://files.sma.de/dl/27676/SB30-77-1SP-US-40-BA-en-11.pdf
and print the user manual for these inverters and add it to the binder
in the truck. Yes, its 68 pages but could save a trip out and many of
the pages need not be printed (warnings, etc).
Bill
Feather River Solar Electric
On 12/19/2016 8:24 AM, Matt Sherald wrote:
William,
I would ditto your comment about customers who are not adept at
computer/network/web being left out by a decision to remove the
built-in display. Wireless and networked systems always add a layer
of complexity to the installation and commissioning of a system.
Setting this stuff up is tedious and I'd argue that it provides
limited value to the owner.
Less emphasis on WIFI connectivity and more emphasis on a useful
built-in display would be my wish for not only SMA, but all inverter
manufacturers. As an installer I greatly appreciate having a display
that conveys information helpful to understanding the operation of the
system.
SMA dropped the ball by not providing a User Manual with their 40
series. Try troubleshooting an error without the User Manual. Having
all the info in hand and on a screen in front of you makes life in the
field a lot easier. You definitely don't want to have to call SMA -
that sucks up a lot of time.
I have a couple of customers with Xantrex SW series inverters. These
older inverters have a built-in display with buttons that allow the
installer or owner to check system information and to program
variables. I sure like visiting these jobs and I've found that
over-the-phone troubleshooting with customers is pretty smooth.
Anyway, I'd trade all the web connectivity and wifi capability for a
similar built-in display on today's inverters.
-Matt
On Thu, Dec 15, 2016 at 2:39 PM, William Miller
<will...@millersolar.com <mailto:will...@millersolar.com>> wrote:
Howie:
I have not tried the Wi-Fi capabilities, so I cannot comment on
that aspect. What is relevant, however, is the news I received
from a reliable source that the 40 series inverter will be the
last residential inverter manufactured by SMA that will have an
on-board display. As evidence of this, look in the manual for a
40 series or even a 22 series inverter- there is no description
at all of the display functions. Odd and disappointing.
SMA should have a representative on this list. It may still be
Steve Jefferson, who is a stand-up guy. SMA, what say you about
these communications and display questions?
Wrenches, if you think having an on-board display is important,
voice your opinion. If the Wi-Fi is problematic, this is not a
good direction. A lot of my clients are elderly and they are not
as adept at computer or device based operations. A display is
essential in my opinion. SMA, please don’t kill the display.
William Miller
Gradient Cap_mini
Lic 773985
millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/>
805-438-5600 <tel:%28805%29%20438-5600>
*From:*RE-wrenches
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>] *On Behalf Of
*Howie Michaelson
*Sent:* Thursday, December 15, 2016 6:16 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>>
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] SB -40 Wifi
I am looking for comments on the viability of the Wi-Fi option of
the new SB -40 inverters. I noticed some concern here about the
poor performance of this option and am trying to decide whether to
use it in the case of a long distance between the inverters and
the router.
I can place a repeater between the inverters and as well as
purchase the external antenna option from SMA for the inverters,
but would like to have an idea ahead of buying and installing the
2 antennas if this is likely to work. I do have the option of
running an Ethernet cable, but it is a long (500' +) and difficult
pull. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Howie
Howie Michaelson
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™
Sun Catcher
Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service
VT Solar Electric Incentive Partner
802-272-0004 <tel:%28802%29%20272-0004>
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Bill Battagin, Owner
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Taylorsville, CA 95983
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