Cut Solar PV cable

[topo77]

Hi,

A cable from my solar PV panel to the inverter was accidentally cut.

The PV panels had some safety mechanism installed and the guy who cut the cable did not get electrocuted.

I rang the original installer (***********) and they advised me that the entire system would have to be tested and certified again at a cost of 500 GBP.

Is this an acceptable price?

The warranty allows for any 'qualified electrician' to carry out the work.

Can anyone recommend a 'qualified electrician' to carry out the repair works (without voiding the warranty) and advise on cost?


regards,

tobias

 

[TJ Anderson]

Fit an MC4 male and female connector for £500 anyone? Nice work if you can get it ☺

 

[amlu]

solder/crimp and headshrink it. after dark. £2.

 

[SolarCity]

10 mins work. As TJ says, I'd join it with some MC4 connectors and carry out a couple of tests at the DC isolator. Job done.

If you were local, I'd come and sort it. Ring some local PV firms and get a price.

 

[topo77]

The cable was linked to 4 of the 14 panels on the roof. Yet the inverter shows that none of the panels are generating power at the moment. I guess somehow there is safety built into the system that all panels are shut off when a shortcut happens.

Fixing the cable with some MC4 sounds the right way forward.

But how to I get the system/inverter to produce power from the panels again (e.g. how to 'clear' or 'restart' the system?).

Can anyone recommend a local PV company in SW London?

regards,

tobias

 

[marc8]

Hi Topo77

could you tell us the location of your original installer (not the name), this may give some idea of how far the installer may have to travel to fix the system that someone else has damaged in the course of their works & not the original installer.
must admit I would want to check the system after a repair was carried out on it.
I would also say that your warranty may even be void should the works be carried out by others. The system in itself may already have been compromised by way of the Warranty as it has been damaged by an accident.
this could be perfectly acceptable rate for the repair to carried out by the original installer, maybe 1 hours work total but maybe a 4 - 5 hour journey on top of it.
I would certainly charge £320 + vat for the works just judging the distance I would have to travel & the specialist work involved.
all the best

 

[mache]

Just as a matter of interest was the cable damaged by yourself or someone you contracted to do other work for you. If your self have you talked to your insurers. If it was by a third patty then make a claim on them.