Where coming across this issue regularly now where the solar inverter is installed without the recommended manufacturers clearance requirements.
During the inverter operation, it changes the DC power from the panel to AC that is sent back to your switchboard. During this process, the inverter creates heat which is why most inverters have a heatsink on the back each manufacturer states a different clearance requirement for the inverter it’s important during the installation that the inverter clearances are maintained this is to allow the inverter to cool from the ambient air allowing it to operate to its full potential.
If your inverter is installed without the required requirements for clearance it will automatically void the manufacturer’s warranty, it can also lead to the inverter overheating or dropping system performance. We recommend when possible to install the inverter inside the garage this enables the inverter to be out of the sun and weather and also have the required manufacturers clearances to ensure the warranty is kept intact.
Often if the inverter is installed without the required clearance it won’t last as long as it should most inverters come with a five-year manufacturers warranty and in some cases, it can be extended to 10 years however this warranty is pointless if it becomes void due today inadequate clearance from the installation.
If you need any further help get in touch with our team and we can give you advice on your inverter installation.
Need solar inverter advice, give us a call?
If you’re unsure what clearance your inverter requires you can check inside your inverter manual or do a quick search online with your inverter model number and it should show a diagram showing the clearance requirements above below and to the sides.
People often call and ask for a quote on a new solar inverter, unfortunately, it’s not always the inverter that failed. Check out this example!
It’s easy to assume your solar inverter has stopped working when the fault light pop’s up. After testing hundreds of solar systems we can tell you it’s not always just the inverter! In this video, we show you a solar system with a “ground fault” error and it’s actually caused by the solar panels (failing).
The solar modules on this property are low quality, the owner was told they are a German product. After doing some investigations, we have been able to determine the panels are designed in Germany and made in China. Not all Chinese solar panels are bad! However if your misleading people it’s a biota red flag!
What’s the issue with the solar panels?
These panels have moisture ingress (under the glass) this means the cells inside the glass are rusting and corroding causing the DC power from the panels to short to the frame of the module (earth) this is bringing up an error code “ground fault” and shutting the inverter down. Unfortunately, like many solar companies, this manufacturer has left Australia and a warranty isn’t possible.
Is this fault dangerous?
The short answer is yes, the corrosion can get so bad that the panel cell can burn out. It’s recommended your system be shut down if you have this fault.
Need solar inverter advice, give us a call?
Give our team a call if you need advice or help with your solar inverter or system. We are family-owned and operated and will give you honest expert advice from a SAA qualified solar electrician. Find out more here.
Every week we are seeing more and more poorly installed solar systems!
It’s scary to think that solar panel installers are wiring the solar DC cabling directly across the hot tin on the roof of homes.
We are often asked why does this happen? How can companies be doing such dodgy work? The short answer is a lot of solar companies are marketing or sales companies and often they don’t even have their own installers!
So how does this work? Well, the solar sales company will sell the system to a client and subcontract the installation works to an electrician with a solar license. This sounds fair enough, however, there’s a catch! Most solar companies aren’t paying the installers enough to do the works to the industry standard. Often installers get a flat rate fee for all homes no matter the difficulty and guess what! If your install is difficult well it’s likely some corners might be cut to get the job done faster.
How to avoid a dodgy solar company!
You feel pressured, have been given a one time only offer, the salesperson has never installed a solar system and if your house was door knocked!
Need solar advice, give us a call?
Give our team a call if you need advice or help. We are family-owned and operated and will give you honest expert advice from a SAA qualified solar electrician. Find out more here.
It’s amazing how many installers can’t get the installation of the DC rooftop isolators correct!
From our solar inspections, we are seeing approximately half of all rooftop DC isolators installed incorrectly or unsafely. Many installers are unaware of the installation requirements from the DC switch manufactures and are unknowingly installing the DC switch incorrectly.
Just over the last month, we have seen more than 4 DC isolators fires from incorrectly install solar rooftop isolators. These fires were only minor, but never the less could have been very serious. Often people are completely unaware these been any issue with there system and have called us because their solar inverter is showing a fault.
Why are solar DC isolators unsafe on roofs
DC solar isolators are plastic switch. On a new solar system its a requirement that the solar isolators be installed on the system. We personally feel these are a terrible idea as the switch can deteriorate in the weather and lead to potential moisture ingress. Most homeowners are unaware they should be having theses checked every 12 months at a minimum or after a significant storm.
What happens when water enter the DC isolators?
The solar DC power can’t be shut down, if there’s UV the panels will produce power! So in the event, the isolators have water ingress the switch will likely melt with the potential to catch on fire!
Need help with your solar DC isolators?
Give our team a call if you need advice or help. We can do a detailed check on your system and make sure it’s working safely. Check out more details about our repair service here. Solar Repairs
Solar inverter showing “isolation fault”? Here’s a common cause of inverter isolation fault alarm!
We are seeing more and more often, solar power inverters showing the error code isolation fault. This customer’s solar panels are in poor condition due to moisture ingress into the panels.
Signs your solar system has an “isolation fault”.
If you’re noticing your solar inverter is showing the error code “low PV isolation, ground fault or isolation fault” in the morning or just after rain. Its likely your solar panels are starting to fail. The moisture from the dew in the morning or rain causes the DC of the solar panels to leak to the earth on the array frame. The inverter then senses the fault and shuts the system down for safety. Once the moisture has burnt away (evaporated) from the sun the system will then start to work again.
What can be done to stop the issue?
Unfortunately “isolation fault” is generally non-repairable and will require the panels to be replaced. If your lucky the manufacture may still be in business and you may be able to source a warranty.
Need help with your solar system?
Give our team a call if you need advice or help. We can do a detailed check on your system and make sure its working safely. Check out more details about our repair service here.
Solar Inverter repairs.
