Wrong standard set on Sunnyboy inverter

[PVowner]

Hi,
a google search brought me here. I've just had a solar pv system installed with a SB5000TL-21. I 've bought a sunny webbox with it so that I can keep a log of the output etc.
I noticed the Country standard is set to AS4777.3, a search revealed that it is an Australian standard. So the numpties who installed it, chose Oz standard.

My questions is, will it be a problem in the UK ? I know they have 230V 50Hz ac, so it is sort of compatible. In fact is worked fine today, just over 10KWh of power from the array.

I've tried setting it to G83/1-1 using the webbox, but it doesn't seem to take. I believe it has something to do with grid guard.

Cheers

 

[Gavin A]

you need to be an installer to get a grid guard code from SMA.

I have to wonder why you need to ask here rather than emailing your installer, or haven't they been able to answer the question?

 

[PVowner]

Hi Gavin,
thanks for your reply.
I'm asking here because I like to get a second opinion - plus I'm not a PV expert, though I do have a reasonable tech background. Perhaps you can comment on the suitability of AS4777.3 in the UK? May be they're interchangeable and I'm fussing over nothing?

My main concerns are :
1) that is isn't dangerous
2) not annoy the DNO
3) cause any long term issues with the equipment, inverter etc
4) for it to trip out during cold & sunny conditions ?

 

[BruceB]

The standards are not interchangeable.
The Aus standard is close to our G83/1 and G83/2 standards, but not identical.
(in terms of over/under voltage and over/under frequency)
It is nowhere near the over voltage setting for G59/2.

With a 5kW inverter there is a good chance you are connecting to the G59 standard as you are outside the normal G83 limits

Your installer should have signed a form to the DNO saying that he was connecting to G83/1 or G83/2 or G59/2. We would give a copy of this to the customer. In our area the DNO then writes back giving permission to operate the generator. You are in breach of this agreement if you have different settings in place.

Arguably, you may find warranty issues if there is a problem downstream and the inverter is not installed to UK standards.

The installation has not been installed to MCS standards if it has not got UK protection settings. A pedantic FIT supplier could remove you from the FIT register and stop the FIT if they suspect something dodgy going on that they pick up in an audit, for instance they form the opinion that you are using dodgily sourced or second hand australian equipment.

I would recommend you get it sorted. If all that needs doing is the grid protection settings altered then it is a trivial job for an installer.

 

[PVowner]

Thank you Bruce - exactly what I need to know.
The installer asked my local DNO to connect a 5.5KWp array and 5KW inverter.
It was brand new out of the box.
I'll get them to sort it.

 

[Gavin A]

I'm asking here because I like to get a second opinion

I was asking as I was intrigued to know what the installer themselves had said.

This is pretty basic, all inverters have to be set to either G83 or G59 standards, no ifs, no buts, all of them, so when you reported this issue to them it should have been a straightforward answer along the lines of 'oh, sorry that was a mistake, we'll arrange to get that sorted out as soon as possible.'

 

[PVowner]

Gavin,
It was commissioned last Friday - They were in a hurry to get back home. The office haven't had a chance to respond yet.

I've looked in the manual, Australia isn't even mentioned in there. The scaffolding is still in place, I'm tempted to go up to check the work on the roof ... but I don't like heights :-(

There a few other snagging items that only came to light after they left, but I'll give them a chance to make good.

 

[PVowner]

The other aspect of this, is that I'm quite tech savvy - not everyone would go and check the status screen ... I wonder how many other inverters are set incorrectly ? Oh and the checkbox for G83 /G59 has been ticked on the docs they gave me. So it must be ok then ??

 

[Worcester]

There a few other snagging items that only came to light after they left

PV is not difficult to install correctly, there shouldn't be any snagging items at all by the time they leave and have given you the certificate........

 

[PVowner]

Worcester you are right. The ops manager contacted me today to tell me not to worry and that they will sort it out. I'm away on business so have arranged for one of their guys to sort it out.I'll report back next week.

 

[PVowner]

Ok - an update is in order. They came to reset the inverter. Told the guy it wasn't going to work without the guard code. I let him set the rotary switches. Inverter gave an error. Was told it'll need to be operational before it the change was accepted, so had to wait till the next day <face..palm>. I did let on that I had researched the subject already. Any how, it didn't work and I called them in the morning to let them know the good news.

They came back a few days with the unlock code, but the guy had a problem with his bluetooth on his laptop. I offered the use of my PC and showed him the interface via the sunny webbox. Long story short - the code was submitted and it set itseld to the rotary switch settings, now it is set to G83/2. I was under the impression it was supposed to be G59 .... but at least it is to UK specs now and the thing hasn't produced more than 4.8KWp.

I am concerned that it took a punter to point out fundamental issues.

Also on a different subject, but still this pv installation. The earthing was upgraded at the same time to 10mm earth bonding on the water and gas pipes. On the gas pipe I noticed it is clamped on the incoming iron pipe before the meter. Is this correct?

 

[SolarCity]

No, the bonding should be clamped to the consumers side of the gas meter.

Regarding the G59/G83-2 question, this is really up to the DNO. The installer will have required prior permission from the DNO to install anyway.

 

[BruceB]

Regarding the G59/G83-2 question, this is really up to the DNO. The installer will have required prior permission from the DNO to install anyway.

Whether the installer did get permission is a another question. You would be wise as the customer to have and keep a copy of the DNO prior permission and DNO notification post commissioning.

 

[PVowner]

They haven't passed that to me yet ... got a electrical cert, mcs and final invoice.
I've paid them in full now, wanted to register for FIT before its lowered again.

Is there much practical difference between G83-2 and and G59 ?

I presume I can just move the earth clamp, probably need to scrape the paint off first, or do they cut through to metal ? It has 2 semi circular jaws.

 

[PVowner]

Very quick response by installers - ask them this morning, rectified by 2pm. I've asked them about the G59 too, they have permission from DNO and have just informed them that it's in. Paperwork from DNO is pending.
Quite impressed with their reaction, better that I didn't have to ask though.