Poor Solar PV Installation ??? Expert Help Needed

[powervan]

senior members interesting read!ive got the message now (no 30ma) rcd on TL invertas!so have i got a call back coming? we installed a TL 4000 via 4mm swa and put it into existing 4 way board with(wait for it) 30ma protection! all tested ok ! no call backs and its been in over 2months? its an easy change so would rather go back now as i always tell clients we call back when passing to give system a visual check over!!

 

[edexlab]

I know of a couple of jobs done by other installers which were 4000TLs on 30mA rcds and there were no issues until the summer months when the output started to increase ,so if you can I 'd advise you to do it sooner rather than later

Also the installation manual does state that 4mm conductors is not permissable ,this needs changing to at least 6mm depending on length of run may be a larger csa

 

[Bucks]

@BiggsSolar, we had one recently looking just like that on closer inspection it turned out to be a really old TN-S so it meant bonding back to the cnsumer earthing terminal so it may be worthwhile just double checking.

@Bucks, it should say PME or similar somewhere near it (hopefully) - I couldn;t quite see from the photo. In a TNS system - the 'Earth' is connected to the metal braiding / sheathing around the main incoming cable.

On the cover for the earth terminals it says MLNS, another photo attached, don't know if that gives any clues.

 

[grandfortune]

Its a TN-S, looks like you have your neighbours there aswell

 

[JohnBoyZ]

I know of a couple of jobs done by other installers which were 4000TLs on 30mA rcds and there were no issues until the summer months when the output started to increase ,so if you can I 'd advise you to do it sooner rather than later

Also the installation manual does state that 4mm conductors is not permissable ,this needs changing to at least 6mm depending on length of run may be a larger csa

Just out of interest, what were the issues? Were there problems with the RCD or the inverter?

 

[SolarCity]

Having seen that second picture, it does look more like a TN-S system now.

 

[tonypaulhill]

Hi All
I am new to Solar PV Installation and have only carried out a few installations. I am like most people getting increasingly annoyed with cowboys in the trade (Electrical or Renewables). I only hope that when accreditation review time comes around the cowboys will get their just deserts. I would advise anybody who is not completely satisfied with their installation to speak to the installer's accrediting body and request an inspection.

I am using Solar Edge equipment on my installations as this system, complete with power boxes, minimises problems with shading bringing down the whole string, as the panels all operate independently and string length can be up to 25 panels on single phase installations and 50 panels on 3 phase installations.

This system is 100% safe on installation as power boxes reduce dc voltage to 1v per panel until system is paired with the inverter.

Thanks for reading my waffle - Tony

 

[Bucks]

Having seen that second picture, it does look more like a TN-S system now.

Would we still need a ground spike then, or could the panels be earthed into the earth point shown as I think that would be easier for us.

 

[Bucks]

Seem to have stopped getting email notifications even though I'm subscribed to the tread!

 

[GaryM]

Seem to have stopped getting email notifications even though I'm subscribed to the tread!

I think it's a common problem as I get non for any of the threads I'm subscribed to. Used to though.

 

[SolarCity]

If it's TNS like it appears to be then the earth could be taken straight back to the earth terminal shown in your photo.