I am a new PV householder - advice please. Unbalanced strings and wrong inverter

[provr6]

I just had a chat with one of the inspectors from Building Control. He didn't seem too concerned about the risk of water ingress from the brackets lifting the tiles, or brackets or untied cables. Certainly didn't think a visit was necessary, though also suggested that if the installer is in a "compentent persons scheme" they could self certify for structure and weather proofing, and he had no jurisdiction. No idea whether my installer is in such a scheme, though they are quite a large firm, so maybe they are.

I think I am on the verge of giving up the fight and getting on with my life...

I know how you feel. TBH all you've got to do now that's important is get your fit application acknowledgement - then you can get forget about it and get on with your life and wait for the cheques to come in :25:

 

[Robinwood]

cbw, i think we should go for another company!!

 

[juniperz]

Internal Shots, Startup Voltage, todays peak output.
https://picasaweb.google.com/106757...719SolarInternal?authkey=Gv1sRgCKaD3c-WrL6eDw#
So should I fiddle with the startup voltage for string 1?? I.E reduce to 185V from the 199V it is set to.

 

[babba]

Internal Shots, Startup Voltage, todays peak output.
https://picasaweb.google.com/106757129624294668901/20120719SolarInternal#
So should I fiddle with the startup voltage for string 1?? I.e reduce to 185V.

Do you want an answer to this or should I stay in my can ?

 

[MickF]

I got a "sorry that page not found" on the link..

 

[juniperz]

I got a "sorry that page not found" on the link..

Whoops - I forgot to make the page public - should work now:
https://picasaweb.google.com/106757...719SolarInternal?authkey=Gv1sRgCKaD3c-WrL6eDw#

 

[juniperz]

Do you want an answer to this or should I stay in my can ?

Oh, go for it...

 

[SibertSolar]

I find it interesting that this whole business about "reducing the start-up voltage" is seen as a positive function. Out of curiosity, what are people's opinions on how this is achieved, the impact of doing it, and any consequences/trade-off by doing so? The old chestnut that always springs to my mind is "you get nowt for nowt in this world".....

I also find it interesting that some inverter manufacturers talk about "low voltage start-up" but they don't talk about "low power start-up".....

 

[Noshocks]

I was at a power one training day recently, they dont advise reducing the startup voltage as it has been set to achieve optimal output from the MPPT, not to say it wont still work, just not as efficiently. It must be said that any installer that new there stuff would have sorted this at design stage, reducing voltages to inputs is not going to achieve the kwh's estimated in my opinion.

 

[Earthstore]

My opinion here, for what it is worth, some are being harsh on the OP, and some of the information he has been given is not correct.
I am sure that some posters mean well, but do you not think that it would be fair to let the installers complete the install and get it registered, from what I have seen in the photos, although not perfect it is a reasonable install.
Do not start messing with the inverter, if it is not booting up (which it appears to be) then get the installer to "fiddle" with it.

I have posted before about building regs, the installer does not instruct them to visit, some installers can issue a certificate, and some can not, but you do not need building regs, just structural calculations, wind loading, and a part P certificate, and the lack of structural calculations may only cause a problem if you decide to sell the property.
Should you choose to get building regs, in my area the cost is £112, so it may be worth it for piece of mind, but it is not mandatory.

 

[jason121]

i always thought POWERONE boasted a low start up of 130volts

 

[wstevew]

There's not much point lowering the start up voltage too low because you will just wear out the inverter producing next to nothing, or the inverter consuming as much as it generates.

It is probably best the installer adjust the start up voltage of the six panel string so that it does start and ideally at the same time as the larger string does at the higher start up voltage.

 

[babba]

I have seen in the photos, although not perfect it is a install.
Do not start messing with the inverter, if it is not booting up (which it appears to be) then get the installer to "fiddle" with it.

I have posted before about building regs, the installer does not instruct them to visit, some installers can issue a certificate, and some can not, but you do not need building regs, just structural calculations, wind loading, and a part P certificate, and the lack of structural calculations may only cause a problem if you decide to sell the property.
Should you choose to get building regs, in my area the cost is £112, so it may be worth it for piece of mind, but it is not mandatory.

Agree 99% with earthstore and dont go messing as noshocks said its not your job and should have been picked up on design and Im not being mean just honest the installers are ( )

Plus if you go messing you have no come back...when ... if ... the inverter goes pop. 14v is NOT an issue.

GOOD LUCK

 

[babba]

i always thought POWERONE boasted a low start up of 130volts

120v to 200v

 

[juniperz]

Thanks for the recent comments - I have been too busy enjoying the sun to go near the forum
I will not be touching the startup voltage.

I did get myself a cheap 2nd hand Samsung netbook on eBay and I have got the monitoring working via the USB port on the right hand side. Pretty straight-forward with the drivers and Aurora Communicator software from Power One and the integration servce from PVOutput. I can drive the netbook in the attic using LogMeIn remotely, or with UVNC if I am at home, without needing to go up there.
juniperzPV 3.920kW | Live Output
I can even see the data on my Android phone.

And I have spoken to Good Energy and our application for FIT was all in order.

One question - the peak inverter temperature today was 70degC - that seems high (though what do I know?) - is that normal?