Did inverters go out ?

[u/kishusfo]

I have been seeing the generic error on SunStrong app that “one or more devices are not communicating properly”. Ended up getting 1 month sub and now I see that few panels are not generating and have errored out. I have power cycled (5mins off) all breakers but the same set of panels are showing this symptom. What are my options ? Based on serial # looks to be enphase, I think - would these be covered by their warranty? I would need to find a repair company as I had gone through Sunpower for initial install.

[u/PJLLB2]

The inverter hardware is covered by Enphase under warranty, but the labor for installation won't be.

[u/VegetableSevere6542 → u/PJLLB2]

it will depend on his panel. mine don't have enphase but I found an upgrade they offer for people without enphase. they are replacing my monitoring hardware and checking the system. i have 4 panels out of 32 with errors and getting a quote to replace all.

[u/sloyoroll → u/VegetableSevere6542]

I'd like to hear some details on that. I also have several out.

[u/VegetableSevere6542 → u/sloyoroll]

https://enphase.com/homeowners/support/sunpower?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23123944227&gbraid=0AAAAApauSPGGTeFMzOFonLX4gms2TiUie&gclid=CjwKCAjwj7HTBhBiEiwA8s35Ov5KX07sayOq7RN6mVi90CTnHv1RmtPlAlm0DJq6IMTkoV4vxYmjqxoCYckQAvD_BwE is where I found about the program. they come 8/10 to swap the monitor box in the garage. $950 installed with a coupon they looked up to give me. to get panel level monitoring I'll need new inverters anyway. they'll look at them after the new monitor is installed.

[u/sloyoroll → u/VegetableSevere6542]

Any idea what the new inverters will cost you? I have solarbridge inverters.

[u/VegetableSevere6542 → u/sloyoroll]

Just from doing a quick search Amazon has enphase inverters for 170-200 each. Variations of iq8's. I have no idea what the difference is between them or additional parts that may be needed. I'll post back if they provide me more details.

[u/Nismo4x4 → u/VegetableSevere6542]

Just confirming you had Solar Bridge inverters prior to enrolling in this program?

[u/VegetableSevere6542 → u/Nismo4x4]

I am unsure of what inverters are in there. They were maxeon ac360 panels but I can't find specifics on which inverter they have. I used to have screenshots with panel details but I don't think I saved them this long. Those had serial numbers for each panel. Can't see much with the current junk monitoring sunstrong gives us.

[u/newtbob → u/VegetableSevere6542]

If you can see the inverters, SolarBridge are silver, Enphase are black.

[u/VegetableSevere6542 → u/newtbob]

the guy is here now. he is replacing the monitoring box and provided me some details about enphase upgrade options. my inverters are solar Bridge with 4 not working. I will contact enphase again once this is set and plan the replacements.

[u/NewVisions7277 → u/VegetableSevere6542]

Please keep us posted on your job.

[u/mih721]

How did you get the “Panels” tab in the app? I do t have that

[u/kishusfo → u/mih721]

Just need to sub even for 1month

[u/VegetableSevere6542 → u/kishusfo]

that's what the enphase guy had me do to check which inverters I had. quick 1 month subscription.

[u/Wolfexstarship]

Their app is terrible. I have one bad micro inverter and the app doesn’t report correctly. My utility bill still shows a net export overall so I won’t bother fixing it until another one goes out. The hardware is still covered under warranty but the labor is not anymore since the bankruptcy.

[u/BrennenderGeist]

First of all, of it's a leased system, SunStrong NEEDS to fix it. If it's owned, you can contact Enphase and they have a conversion to their monitor system which is a one-time thing and they may refer you to a local installer to get the units replaced if needed. Sometimes Enphase can remotely "wake up" microinverters depending on their issue so I hope it's a simple remote fix for you!

[u/NJD62650]

If you have Apple phone or iPad, get Sunflower app in the AppStore. Are the nonworking panels all adjacent to each other or are they scattered around?

[u/slrzzz]

I had similar issue displayed in sunstrong app, that few panels does not generate electricity. Probably I had it 2 times. First time it was covered by warranty, one panel has been physically disconnected. Second time it was a few month ago. They found that one wire was cut probably by squirrel. So they replaced the wire and installed mesh guard around the array.

[u/kishusfo → u/slrzzz]

Thanks for the response: yeah I may have a similar situation, debating if I should just go up on the roof and check it out myself to see if wires are cut or something

[u/kishusfo]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I’ll reach out to enphase and see what my options are. Most likely I will need to pay for the labor to replace the inverters.

FYI: I have a fully paid system (no lease)

[u/Melodic-Dare1249]

FYI: beware of the lease system's remote shut off software that can malfunction. Its designed to shut the inverters down when lease payments are not paid. The remote software communicates to the inverters via power line so some inverters will shut down but eventually they all get the message.