I find they drop out over time due to networking issues and eventually
will reconnect and catch up on data. Right now, about 20% of my systems
installed in the past 5 years are having some issue with a microinverter
or network. In a couple of days, they probably will reconnect and the
emails will end. I do think that it is a good idea to put in a $100
meter/enclosure so that you have a visual on power production,
especially where the network is weak. Our little coop here has "smart
meters" that are supposed to show power flow.Having the customer create
an account and give you the password is another check if you have such
meters. My problem has been getting the utility here to make sure the
software is set up for us the owners to be able to determine power flow.
Chris
On 1/10/2022 1:12 PM, Nick A Lucchese wrote:
Greetings Wrenches,
Two of the Enphase systems I installed 3-4 years ago about a year apart of one
another are all of a sudden indicating a micro inverters not reporting and
Envoy not reporting diagnosis on Enlighten and Installer Toolkit. This was
initially diagnosed a few weeks ago before the weather hit the west coast so is
unrelated in that regard. The first site with micro’s not reporting had not had
any equipment or network changes to justify why it wasn’t connecting to the
client’s router. After multiple attempts to get it to reconnect and the client
even replacing his older router with something more powerful it still will not
connect. I’m using the new Installer Toolkit as well and even with that when
I’m at the point of “Connect Envoy to internet via Wifi” with network name and
password fields populated it still will not enable satisfaction when pressing
“CONNECT”. I’ve been to the site multiple times now and also went through
Enphase’s live chat (while not on site) and still no success. No matter what
I’ve tried so far, no joy. I also have a second site doing the same thing
however I’ve been instructing the competent homeowner remotely on this one
before I make the effort to get on site. Also, even though now it is saying
micro’s not reporting I believe this one initially just said Envoy not
reporting. I’ve confirmed myself on the first site that the system is still
producing and definitely nothing wrong with the array or micros and had the
client confirm power production on the second site by observing the utility
meter.
Has anyone else had this type of problem with the Envoy after years of
successful operation and no site changes? Do they actually just fail every once
in awhile or have the newest generations of the Envoys over the last few years
been solid for everyone? It would be problematic to run ethernet cables on both
sites so other than perhaps testing purposes a hardwired connection isn’t an
option. At the moment I’m planning a second “live chat” support call but
thinking they’re not going to take me anywhere beyond the support documentation
they already have. Last time the support specialist ended with “don’t worry it
will work”. If this was an off grid job I’d have all kinds of loaner equipment
I could implement to help eliminate possibilities but I’d rather not purchase
an extra Envoy just yet.
I wish they still had a piece of hardware for simple monitoring of power
production. I know the original Envoy had some limitations as well but at least
it gave quick at glance confidence for the homeowner to the large contingent
of my clients that don't want to be troubled with searching for their system in
a web portal or app. This move of going to all online monitoring by many
manufacturers burns up many hours of my time each year troubleshooting wi-fi
and networking bu*****t. I love Enphase and am blown away by what they’re doing
but sure wish they still offered a simple monitor other than a phone or
computer to observe production on site.
Thanks for any insights if you have it, Nick
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Christopher Warfel
ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
401-466-8978
<http://entech-engineering.com>
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