Troubleshooting Solar Panels

Posted on: December 24th, 2018 by Ace No Comments

Troubleshoot solar panels Sydney

Check voltage at inverter if not right visually check panels for cracking or water damage

Run A Shading Test:

If the array configuration is in a parallel or series-parallel, you don’t need to disconnect any wires.
Cover or shade just a few cells with any large enough object and the module’s output will drop down a half.
Monitor the current as you shade a section of one module and see if the current should drop. On the other hand if the current does not drop, obviously the module you have covered is disconnected from the circuit.
Check for the wiring of that module to resolve the fault.

Burnt Terminals

troubleshoot solar panels Sydney
Temperature cycling could at times cause a metal resistance or loosen screws.
An oxidation or corrosion could cause electrical resistance.
Replace the oxidized metal parts or tighten a loose screw.
Avoid wiring too many panels to a terminal.
Add other terminals, if you had many panels.

Analyze For Heat Fading:

When the sun causes the solar panel system to overheat, this result in heat fade.
A simple detective way is, when the sun is at its highest peak, this will drop the system electricity output in your home.
The solution is to check the wire connection for inefficient wire or a short wire connection. And replace with a specified wire.

Diode Failures:

To prevent cells from overheating if there is a minor shade over them, some PV module uses bypass diode.
In most cases when it shorts out, this reduces the modules voltage to zero ohms in both directions.
Modules with a 12V array need no bypass diode. While a 24V array will rarely experience sustained minor shading, so you may not need to remove it. But of other cases, you need to replace with a silicon diode of an amp that is within or above the module’s maximum current, and of a voltage rating of 400V.

Do you need more information or help regarding your solar system issues? Then click HERE for further advice and solutions!

Or call us today on 1300 796 500 if you’re in Sydney!

Do you need help with your solar panels, watch our informative video

Latronics LS Series Inverter

Posted on: March 17th, 2017 by Ace No Comments

Latronics LS Series Inverter

Installer gone broke?

Out of manufacturer’s warranty by just a few months?

Fronius inverters are made in Austria but services Australia. Good quality inverter with a local service agent. Although considered more expensive than other inverter options, Fronius have a quality rating of 8.6/10 and a service rating of 9.0/10 (according to cleanenergyreviews.com Have a great reputation.

Hardware fault
Contact error on a ribbon cable, located inside the inverter

Latronics is an Australian owned company. Very easy to deal with. Great warranty, service, parts and replacement service. Latronics has a huge quality focus. The LS Series of inverters are powerful and reliable, and the wall mounted design allows for flexible and easy installation. Latronics offers a great warranty. warranty extensions are available. Repair or replacement is often very speedy given the headquarters is in Australia.

Trouble Shooting Tips

Below is the suggested solution for rebooting your Latronics Solar Inverter Model 500W to 700W to mitigate the problem of the two middle lights flashing:

1. Turn off the solar supply main switch located in your switchboard

2. Turn off the DC isolator located in the inverter itself

3. Wait 3 minutes

4. Turn on the DC isolator and the solar supply main switch

What we usually find is people trying these troubleshooting tips and if these fail, they give us a call and we can perform diagnostic tests and provide a solution.

50% of the time it’s a quick easy fix for any solar tech…

Error messages and fault codes that are due to an external fault elsewhere in the solar system.
The solar system is tricking the inverter into thinking it has that error or fault.
External faults are relatively easy to find and repair. Once fault is repaired, the inverter is back online.

Other 50% of the time

There is a fault, which requires more diagnostic type of testing to locate the fault. Out of these about 1 in 4 can be solved onsite. Things like a dodgy install or water damage somewhere.
The rest of the time it’s the inverter that’s the problem. 1 out of every 2 times the inverter can be sent away for repairs or we can organise those repairs under warranty with the manufacturer, and….
The rest of the time the inverter was of low quality and either not fixable of not good value to fix. If this is the case we would quote on an inverter with similar specs to replace it with. Getting your system back online fast with high quality parts.
In the worst case scenario, rare ground leakage faults are very difficult to find and fix but we have also had experience locating these as well.

Be careful some dodgy solar guys will just say you need a new inverter without performing any tests just so they can sell you a new inverter that you may not even need!

Nevertheless, we can help you with any solar problem you may have. Call us on 1300 796 500!

Client Case Study – Latronics LS Series 1200W Solar Inverter

Carl from Mascot

Carl noticed that his inverter was not working when he received his electricity bill, which had spiked since receiving his last bill.
We visually inspected the inverter’s AC and DC breakers and isolators. This test found no water damage or burning components. However, a further test indicated that the DC isolator of the inverter was faulty.
We reported to our solar engineer, who repaired the inverter offsite. Once returned to ACE, we installed the repaired inverter and fixed to a working state.
If your Latronics Solar Inverter is not working, then the inverter has developed one or a number of internal faults. Although fixing this problem usually results in the inverter having to be repaid or replaced, you can try rebooting your inverter.

ACE has a Youtube channel and we have various videos about solar panels. Watch a quick video on why your solar panel might not be working.

Learn more about inverter failure by clicking here.

Sharp Solar Inverter

Posted on: March 3rd, 2017 by Ace No Comments

Sharp Solar Inverter

Sharp is a household name for most electrical appliances. For Sharp solar inverter, they have have outsourced warranty claims and have little support for inverters out of warranty. We have been able to help with warranty claims and organise replacement parts from them but it is a difficult process that needs to be followed.

If your Sharp JH1600E Solar Inverter screen is blank, with nothing on the display screen and no lights on, then there is a problem with one or more of the following:

DC wiring on the roof or between the roof and the inverter
DC isolator on the roof or at the inverter
DC plugs underneath the inverter
Solar Panels or Solar Inverter

Trouble Shooting Tips

Below are some suggested solutions for Sharp Solar Inverter Model JH1600EInverter Blank Screen problem:

1. Ensure that the solar DC isolator, located beside the inverter, is turned on

Please note that these are general tips only and are based on our current and past experience and therefore, not specific to your solar inverter problem. What we usually find is people trying these troubleshooting tips and if these fail, they give us a call and we can perform diagnostic tests.What we usually find is people trying these troubleshooting tips and if these fail, they give us a call and we can perform diagnostic tests and provide a solution.

50% of the time it’s a quick easy fix for any solar tech…

Error messages and fault codes that are due to an external fault elsewhere in the solar system.
The solar system is tricking the inverter into thinking it has that error or fault.
External faults are relatively easy to find and repair. Once fault is repaired, the inverter is back online.

Other 50% of the time

There is a fault, which requires more diagnostic type of testing to locate the fault. Out of these about 1 in 4 can be solved onsite. Things like a dodgy install or water damage somewhere.
The rest of the time it’s the inverter that’s the problem. 1 out of every 2 times the inverter can be sent away for repairs or we can organise those repairs under warranty with the manufacturer, and…
The rest of the time the inverter was of low quality and either not fixable of not good value to fix. If this is the case we would quote on an inverter with similar specs to replace it with. Getting your system back online fast with high quality parts.
In the worst case scenario, rare ground leakage faults are very difficult to find and fix but we have also had experience locating these as well.

Be careful some dodgy solar guys will just say you need a new inverter without performing any tests just so they can sell you a new inverter that you may not even need!

Nevertheless, we can help you with any solar problem you may have. Call us on 1300 796 500!

Click here for more informaiton on how ACE can assist with your solar panel system.

A little bit of knowledge about your solar panel system can keep you safe. Watch our easy to follow guide on your Solar System Circuit Breaker.

Sharp Solar Inverter

Posted on: February 28th, 2017 by Ace No Comments

Sharp Solar Inverter

thumb thumb
Sharp is a household name for most electrical appliances. But for Sharp Solar Inverter the company have outsourced warranty claims and have little support for inverters out of warranty. ACE have been able to help with warranty claims and organise replacement parts from them but it is a difficult process that needs to be followed.

Trouble Shooting Tips

Below is a list of error and fault readings to help you better understand your solar inverter and aid the quick fix of a fault related to your Sharp JH1600 inverter:

Fault Readings – F: Caused By Power From the Grid
Reading	Description
F – 00	Utility over-voltage
F – 01	Utility under-voltage
F – 02	Utility over frequency
F – 03	Utility under frequency
F – 06	Frequency over
F – 07	Frequency under
Solar1 High	Modify the solar array setting and make the Voc less than 1000 Vdc
F – 08	Utility lock signal
F – 09	Frequency abnormality
Fault Readings – P: Caused By Voltage Coming From Solar Panels
P – 11	Solar panel voltage over 320 Volts

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Below are some suggested solutions for your SharpJH1600 Solar Inverter Error and Fault Readings problems:

Plugs and cables are connected, especially to the AC isolate and solar supply main switch on the switchboard
Turn off the inverter AC isolator, located in the main switch supply
Turn off the DC isolator, located on the inverter itself
Wait for 1 minute
Turn back on the AC isolator, followed by the DC isolator
Wait 3 minutes until inverter restarts

50% of the time it’s a quick easy fix for any solar tech…

Error messages and fault codes that are due to an external fault elsewhere in the solar system.
The solar system is tricking the inverter into thinking it has that error or fault.
External faults are relatively easy to find and repair. Once fault is repaired, the inverter is back online.

Other 50% of the time

There is a fault, which requires more diagnostic type of testing to locate the fault. Out of these about 1 in 4 can be solved onsite. Things like a dodgy install or water damage somewhere.
The rest of the time it’s the inverter that’s the problem. 1 out of every 2 times the inverter can be sent away for repairs or we can organise those repairs under warranty with the manufacturer, and…
The rest of the time the inverter was of low quality and either not fixable of not good value to fix. If this is the case we would quote on an inverter with similar specs to replace it with. Getting your system back online fast with high quality parts.
In the worst case scenario, rare ground leakage faults are very difficult to find and fix but we have also had experience locating these as well.

Be careful some dodgy solar guys will just say you need a new inverter without performing any tests just so they can sell you a new inverter that you may not even need!

Nevertheless, we can help you with any solar problem you may have. Call us on 1300 796 500!

A little knowledge of your solar system will help to you keep safe – watch our easy to follow video on Solar System Circuit Breaker DC Isolators.

Click here to find out exactly how ACE can assist with your solar system.

Delta Solivia Inverter

Posted on: February 24th, 2017 by Ace No Comments

Delta Solivia Inverter

Energy bill higher than usual?

Installer gone broke?

Out of manufacturer’s warranty by just a few months?

Delta are an average quality type of inverter. The company is still operational here in Australia, with a service department. However warranty issues can be time consuming if your installer has gone broke. ACE have had success in proving that the delta inverter is faulty and organising replacement parts. If you have any issues with your inverter, Delta does offers support but Delta has a quality rating of 6.1/10 and service rating of 7.0/10 (according to cleanenergyreviews.com).

Trouble Shooting Tips

If your Delta Solivia 3.3kW Solar Inverter screen is blank, with nothing on the display screen and no lights on, then there is a problem with one or more of the following:

DC wiring on the roof or between the roof and the inverter
DC isolator on the roof or at the inverter
DC plugs underneath the inverter
Solar Panels or Solar Inverter

Below are some suggested solutions to your Delta Solivia3.3 kW Inverter Model 3.3APG3Solar Inverter Blank Screen problem:

Ensure that the solar DC isolator, located beside the inverter, is turned on
Ensure that the DC plugs, located underneath the inverter, are connected
Ensure that the DC plugs are not damaged

Please note that these are general tips only and are based on our current and past experience and therefore, not specific to your solar problem.What we usually find is people trying these troubleshooting tips and if these fail, they give us a call and we can perform diagnostic tests and provide a solution.

50% of the time it’s a quick easy fix for any solar tech…

Error messages and fault codes that are due to an external fault elsewhere in the solar system.
The solar system is tricking the inverter into thinking it has that error or fault.
External faults are relatively easy to find and repair. Once fault is repaired, the inverter is back online.

Other 50% of the time

There is a fault, which requires more diagnostic type of testing to locate the fault. Out of these about 1 in 4 can be solved onsite. Things like a dodgy install or water damage somewhere.
The rest of the time it’s the inverter that’s the problem. 1 out of every 2 times the inverter can be sent away for repairs or we can organise those repairs under warranty with the manufacturer, and…
The rest of the time the inverter was of low quality and either not fixable of not good value to fix. If this is the case we would quote on an inverter with similar specs to replace it with. Getting your system back online fast with high quality parts.
In the worst case scenario, rare ground leakage faults are very difficult to find and fix but we have also had experience locating these aswell.

Be careful some dodgy solar guys will just say you need a new inverter without performing any tests just so they can sell you a new inverter that you may not even need!

Nevertheless, we can help you with any solar problem you may have. Call us on 1300 796 500!

Watch our video to understand how to shut down and restart a solar inverter.

Learn how ACE can help you with your inverter repairs.

Call Us Now!

1300 796 500

Posts Tagged ‘inverter repair’

Troubleshooting Solar Panels

Troubleshoot solar panels Sydney

Burnt Terminals

Latronics LS Series Inverter

Latronics LS Series Inverter

Trouble Shooting Tips

50% of the time it’s a quick easy fix for any solar tech…

Other 50% of the time

Client Case Study – Latronics LS Series 1200W Solar Inverter

Carl from Mascot

Sharp Solar Inverter

Sharp Solar Inverter

Trouble Shooting Tips

Below are some suggested solutions for Sharp Solar Inverter Model JH1600EInverter Blank Screen problem:

1. Ensure that the solar DC isolator, located beside the inverter, is turned on

50% of the time it’s a quick easy fix for any solar tech…

Other 50% of the time

Sharp Solar Inverter

Sharp Solar Inverter

Trouble Shooting Tips

Below is a list of error and fault readings to help you better understand your solar inverter and aid the quick fix of a fault related to your Sharp JH1600 inverter:

50% of the time it’s a quick easy fix for any solar tech…

Other 50% of the time

Delta Solivia Inverter

Delta Solivia Inverter

Trouble Shooting Tips

50% of the time it’s a quick easy fix for any solar tech…

Other 50% of the time

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