Legal obligations to fix a failed system

[solarfred]

Can anyone with some experience advise of my legal obligations to fix a system that was installed over 4 years ago?
I retired from installations and moved to Ireland 2 years ago. This was one of my last installs using Aquion batts in an Off grid situation. All been running fine for 4 years until the Victron CCGX went awry which I replaced by post under warranty end of last year. The client is clueless and only after my repeated advices did he finally buy a basic multimeter! His attempts to update software led to issues. His system is now not charging the batteries and his generator is not feeding the house. (I suggested a local electrician could by pass the system and connect genny to house no problem).
I clearly cannot visit the site. I have contacted Victron but they are not helping so far. Local solar company says batteries have failed and must be replaced (they havn't failed). I just want someone with Victron experience to go and reset the system. In meantime he is theatening me with legal action as I am a Victron agent. What legal responsibility do I have as not sure I have any? There is no service contract in force. I have spent time and money trying to assist him but he has not a clue how any of his systems work which living off grid is surprising. He is based in Ashford, Kent if anyone can assist.
I am in official lockdown here so not going anywhere.
Thanks all...

 

[PEG]

Hi,i can not offer help on your specific issue,only to say,i have a hundred+ stories,regarding "post green-arrangements..."

My thoughts on this,are well aired,on here,but i know of so many situations,as you have described,i don't feel like you will be arrested at midnight

I commented during the mass roll-out of cavity injection,that the following "tidy-up",would be troublesome and expensive.....it took a lot of years,but eventually,arrangements had to be made to pay out and rip out....the PV job,will be the same.

As on every occasion,i comment on this subject,i have to state my caveat,that i am not an "eco-hater",having been involved in bio-filters,PV,water-harvesting,and many other sensible ideas,all my life. My first water harvesting installation,was at age 15...i'm 55,now

You can google the cash-for-ash scandal,if you need a documentary,on an accident waiting to happen...all you can do in your present position,is the best by phone.

Be honest to your (ex) client...it is maybe,all you can do

 

[marconi]

Just an idea - could you arrange a zoom session with him to reset the system under your supervision?

 

[solarfred]

Thanks guys bit he is not going to be able to work any technology based solution. I have done my very best to fix it remotely and tried to get someone local to take it on. He has since had a local electrician in to check the system and low and behold the batteries are at 49v so no problem there as I have said. However he did not get the electrician to speak to me so other diagnostic tests which could have been carried out were not. I am only bothered because it is in my nature to sort problems out usually free but in this case I am unable to do anything else. He still insists I need to go there and fix it!! I have left it in the hands of the UK Victron rep but informed him that he should contact the "qualified" outfit that said the batteries were dead using remote connection and tell them they need to revisit as the batteries are fine. We will have to see if it develops.......

 

[marconi]

I have used Victron for some off grid but by no means as swish as this chap's set up. I had a quick flick through the CCGX manual and there is clearly a great deal of functionality to bend one's mind around. No wonder he is lost.

What I did spot is the is the 'deadlock' problem at para 1.3 of:

Color Control GX manual [Victron Energy] - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start

It's not this preventing the system functioning is it? - No doubt you thought of that.

Is there any way you can obtain fault codes, error messages a full description of what the system does and does not do? It takes patience but if the client can step back from being angry to co-operating with you that must be better than sitting in the dark (- is he in the dark?)

The other thought is there some way to ask him or for you to remotely turn off some functionality to run the system in a simpler configuration for the time being; with some instructions on what to do say when the sun goes down like start the generator and press button A to charge the battery for a few hours? For the systems I have designed and set up there is some much logic and data setting that one simple error can upset everything - this could have happened with the software updates or by finger trouble.

Which leads me on to asking for some photos of the settings page and status displays.

Forgive me if you have thought of and done most/all of this already. I have time on my hands like most at the moment.

 

[baldelectrician]

You have a get out of jail card here
'His attempts to update software led to issues'
He has interfered with a working system and it has developed functionality issues- HE caused the problem, he is liable.
You need to make him aware of this- this is a reason I record calls- when a customer details what happened they often drop themselves in the poo.

He cannot expect you to warrant a system for 5 years.

Did you offer a maintenance contract- did he decline

Have other parties interfered with the system?
There are warranty issues there, many people may see this as voiding your warranty.

I would politely say you have reached the end of the line as no extended warranty was offered and you can assist no further.

After this period you will have almost no liability- did you install as a sole trader or a limited company.

If you are retired I would cease all communications and let him take any further action- you are either still working or you are not.

By 'helping' you could leave yourself open to legal problems (he could argue you have accepted liability by assisting.

 

[solarfred]

I just wanted to close out this thread as really annoying leaving them hanging.
I took no further action as he cut off my installer access to his CCGX controller.
Nothing happened since. I am about to help a friend set up a 10kw ground mount over here so need to brush up on my design and install skills!!