Compromised/void warranty on panels if original connectors replaced/cut off

[valet]

SolarCity I am totally agree with you!!!
Maybe this point needed to be addressed with Panasonic? "each end of the string of panels is plugged straight into a connector made off by the contractor himself"

With regards to the claims under installers liability insurance or in case of fire "if installers still around": maybe installers should of contacted Sanyo /Panasonic and clarified connectors issue rather just replace/cut them off for sake of one call or email? It would save installers a lot of time and money! How many customers ended up with Sanyo panels without warranty?
I don’t think you would want any expensive product with out warranty, especially long performance warranty 25 years, for sake bringing to the job right tool and MC3 connectors.

 

[Gavin A]

Alternatively, Sanyo / Panasonic should have very clearly specified this on the installation instructions eg by including it in the list of 'do not' items that we're expressly not allowed to do.

As far as I'm concerned, if it's not specifically given in that list of things you must not do, then it shouldn't void the warranty if you do it, unless it's something obviously wrong like smashing the panel then installing it.

Use these MC TM plugs or SMK plugs for electrical connections.

this is the only mention of it, and reads more like guidance that something that you absolutely must do otherwise you will void the warranty.

Sanyo would soon have got annoyed if they'd had to field calls from several thousand installers to ask whether it was allowed to replace the connectors. FWIW, they also had nothing on their installation instructions regarding the orientation of their bypass diodes / strings of cells until very recently, and I'm sure they barely had any UK presence or contact info for installers until they set up this premium installer scheme late last year, so I don't even know who they expected us to call before then.

 

[moggy1968]

maybe we should all arrange to ring them one day to have the conversation, and argue the ----!!
I haven't cleared it with Sanyo before because it never crossed my mind it would be an issue because it wouldn't be an issue to any sane and rational person!!
maybe I should ring them for every install to give them the exact location, rail mounting type, clamp positions, bracket width etc etc to ensure I don't void some obscure part of the warranty!!

 

[SolarCity]

In the incredibly unlikely event that one of these panels does fail (we're talking lottery odds) then what is the process of making a claim on the warranty? I'm guessing that Sanyo won't visit the installation site. So they send you a replacement panel and you install it and send the other one back. Are they really going to argue that someone has fitted an MC4 connector to their panel? And even if they do, what are they likely to do about it?

 

[valet]

"And even if they do, what are they likely to do about it?" Panasonic not going to replace them if connectors been replaced that’s what I been told.

It is no point taking that risk as a customer best way just ask Installation company to replace them.
And then they should argue the point with Sanyo what’s right and what’s wrong. Main concern for the customer is a warranty with manufactures.
Bottom line installer cut them off, panels was fine until then that what they are saying.
I believe a lot of council houses and other properties in UK, Europe and rest of the world have panels original connectors replaced and not just Sanyo panels. I think is a bigger issue than just a few panels that’s why Sanyo protecting them self with this statement.

​

 

[SolarCity]

"And even if they do, what are they likely to do about it?" Panasonic not going to replace them if connectors been replaced that’s what I been told.​

Maybe. But how would they know until you've sent the faulty panel back?

It is no point taking that risk as a customer best way just ask Installation company to replace them.

I think that would be unreasonable. For a contractor to do so he would need to buy new panels, erect a scaffold and spend a few hours replacing them. The panels are not going to fail.

My point is that Panasonic's stance is unreasonable. The contractor's actions are neither dangerous nor shoddy and it is unfair to lumber this high expense to a contractor that has performed a perfectly acceptable installation.


​

 

[Earthstore]

Things change in this industry, well almost daily.
When installers were changing connectors it was not a problem, Sanyo were not Panasonic at the time either.
Now this point has been highlighted, maybe the installers who are aware of it will use a different arrangement, spend more money to buy adapters, or just not use Panasonic maybe.

My advice would be, do not worry about it unless you have a problem, there are thousands of panels fitted worldwide that have had connectors changed, if changed correctly they will be fine, if they have not been changed correctly then you chose the wrong installer in the first place.

 

[valet]

Try to tell that customer "don’t worry it will be fine" is not very professional. They need to see on black and white that they have warranty. Especially now it had been highlighted with Panasonic they will scrutinize every panel with replaced connectors if they fail. If that’s was you, would want have warranty? I am sure panels are fine but with out warranty.

 

[valet]

“Maybe. But how would they know until you've sent the faulty panel back?” You would have to send faulty one back as they require them back under warranty condition. In event that’s they already send replacement then they going to charge for the panel they send you if they found out that’s warranty was compromised “connectors”, is quiet obvious that’s cable will be shorter, even if you replace back to MC3.

 

[moggy1968]

I think your creating a problem where none exists, and stiring up things completely unnecessarilly.
Yes, this may be Panasonics stance.
Is that a probem? no.
Is it reasonable or in the customers best interests to bankrupt a company over a problem that doesn't exist? No
If a panel fails, the company will deal with it, otherwise, leave it alone, it's a non issue.

 

[valet]

moggy1968 Thankx for your help and understanding

 

[moggy1968]

I'm having some difficulty understanding what your trying to do here, although I have my suspicions. This is a non issue.

The customer doesn't have a concern, what we have is, for some reason, a non UK registrant on a UK forum trying to create a concern for UK customers where non exists, nor needs to exist.


Changing the connectors is well within the competence of any UK Solar qualified electrician.
The fact it may be beyond the competence of those in other countries is neither my concern nor my business.

suggesting companies replace entire systems because of a couple of connectors is madness, and if it did happen would bankrupt some installers, although I am having some difficulty understanding the meaning of your paragraph where you quote my sentence on this.

If you don't like the way we do business over here. don't do business over here.


It does not invalidate your BMW warranty if you change the tyres.

added10:13 17.06.12.
interested that you (Valet) have deleted most of the post this response was to, any particular reason?

 

[valet]

This concern about replaced connectors not just UK issue I am sure it’s happened in other countries as well. For your info moggy I am UK customer.

 

[SolarCity]

“Maybe. But how would they know until you've sent the faulty panel back?” You would have to send faulty one back as they require them back under warranty condition. In event that’s they already send replacement then they going to charge for the panel they send you if they found out that’s warranty was compromised “connectors”, is quiet obvious that’s cable will be shorter, even if you replace back to MC3.

And at the point that they decide to charge for the panel, it would be down to the installer. At which point I would loudly tell Panasonic to whistle long and hard out of their backsides.

 

[Earthstore]

Ok Valet, just to put the record straight here.
I have never personally cut a connector off of a Sanyo or Panasonic panel.
My post on here was to try and help, nothing more.
Since you feel that my input is unprofessional I will take a bow and leave this stage.