9 out of 11 Samsung LPC247 panels junction boxes failed

[ktech]

Hi, we are trying to help a customer out that has an issue with some Samsung panels. The customers system was under performing. The company that fitted it has gone out of business so we took a look. The system looks to have been installed fine but 9 out of the 11 panels have issues with the junction boxes. The bus bars that enter the junction box have burnt out and they have signs of heat damage in the JB, from the reduced surface area of the bus bar as its slowly disappeared. System has only been installed 2.5 yrs so is within the 5 year factory warranty Samsung offered.

Trying to get any warranty details from Samsung UK is impossible nobody can provide any help, they are a complete joke. I spoke with SunDog energy and they don't do Samsung anymore due to a number of reasons and did imply issues with the junction box do exist.

Has anybody had dealings the a Samsung warranty claim or any ideas of how to start?

Thanks

 

[whinmoor]

I suspect this is going to be difficult to get sorted. You might be spending a good few hours on the admin for this so should make any charges clear upfront.

Could the customer go through his warranty insurance? Or did the original installer not bother with setting up such a policy?

I've not seen Samsung panels on sale for a couple of years and have never used them. I guess you start with an email (and photos) to the address given on their website: [email protected]

I had a quick look for the MCS certificate on the MCS website but without success. Do you have the datasheet? Any contact details?

The warranty conditions might be similar to these: http://pdf.wholesalesolar.com/module pdf folder/SAMSUNGlimitedwarranty.pdf

 

[Worcester]

Could the customer go through his warranty insurance?

Unfortunately that won't help with this anyway; as even if they did set it up, it would only relate to their workmanship and not the materials. -- Would you like to take on liability for the materials you have used on your installations? - Nope and nor will your insurer. This whole area is starting to become a minefield as manufacturers stops supplying and pull out of the UK with no contact details.

 

[ktech]

I agree, insurance will not help. Even companies that had a UK presence went they are purchased will more than likely not have further down the line. I think the vast majority of panel warranties are going to prove worthless in the end.

 

[ktech]

Only root seems to be issuing a ccj on Samgsung UK Ltd which has been done - ill let you know what happens.

 

[TedM]

There is a copy of the Samsung Warranty here: http://www.greenagesolutions.co.uk/uploads/samsung-limited-warranty.pdf

Plenty of exclusion clauses to allow them to wriggle out of it.

 

[Gavin A]

Has Samsung been contacted?

Address: Solar Business Team, 65760 Kölner Str. 12, 656760 Eschborn
Telephone: 01805-726 7864
Fax: 06196-66 31 99
E-Mail: [email protected]

that's from the warranty ted posted.

 

[ktech]

Yes, no response to emails. Telephone and they just send you around in circles.

 

[whinmoor]

Probably a long shot, but Segen sell Samsung heat pumps. I guess there's not much connection but it might be worth contacting them to see if they have any info:

Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd Samsung House, 1000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0PS
Tel: 01932 455000

 

[ktech]

Pictures attached of failed JB. Also a picture of a new version of the 247W panel with a completely different JB.

 

[The Solar King]

Do you know if this is all Samsung panels or just these 247w units? We fitted a 4kw array of 250s back in March 2013. Panels came from Sundog, and appeared to be a good deal at the time. They are in the same series as the last photo shown with the different JB (PV-MBA1CG250).

Fortunately/unfortunately, they are on my Electrician's house.

Feel the need to go and test them.......

 

[ktech]

The JB on the last picture is from a newer version of the 247W and looks to be ok. The JB is well sealed. The LPC247 JB (first pictures) is not that well sealed and the cable entry strain relief which is moulded onto the JB has cracked loose, I expect from freezing moisture possible letting moisture in. If yours is like the last picture I expect it is ok.
Surprisingly (not) MCS are no interested - I thought they may show some interest as they are an MCS accredited product.