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Thread: Inverter failure!

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    Default Inverter failure!

    Hello, I was keeping an eye on my solar generation
    since installation last mid feb. had reached about
    1.6 MW then just before new year when I checked
    The inverter was displaying all black squares on its
    LCD display. Naturally the company I got it through
    Was on a Xmas/ny break.

    But, credit to them, once I managed to contact them
    They were right onto it and I got a replacement inverter
    Installed yesterday. All back up and running, missed out
    On some pretty impressive solar days over the ny period
    But that's life hey.

    Pity my KW generated has reverted back to zero
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    What brand was the inverter?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Learjet View Post
    What brand was the inverter?
    it was a CMS 1500

    Replaced with same model. but at least a further 12 months warrantee
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    Junior Member Crootie's Avatar
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    we have had the same kind of problem at my mums house. So far 2x sunteams inverters have died and have now got a Evasolar inverter.

    Unfortunately company won't start the warranty on the inverter from new again.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Crootie View Post
    Unfortunately company won't start the warranty on the inverter from new again.
    I think you will find that they have no choice. The warrantee ahould cover the replacement parts as they should be NEW.

    Ask consumer affairs
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    The new invertor should have a manufacturers warranty at least and thats where I would be going if it has any problems during the next 12 months contrary to what the installer says.
    But as porkop says, go to Consumer affairs if any problems arise.
    I stand unequivicably behind everything I say , I just dont ever remember saying it !!

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    Abnormal early failure aside, what is the usual life span of a grid tie inverter?

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    Junior Member Bluedog's Avatar
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    Hi Learjet, standalone inverters last ages as the only real problems occur from close lightning and massive overload, whilst grid-tied inverters are directly exposed to the mains and all its problems.

    Every time there is a storm or a surge or a possum across the wires they have to deal with the spikes and undervolts.

    Hence the usable life of grid-tie devices vary from area to area depending on storm activity,underground or aboveground wires and distance from substations etc.

    They are robust, (sunnyboys) as they survive many a storm along our road out here. the mains often goes out due to lightning hits.

    I am off grid as you know and havent killed an inverter here yet, but i deal with many places that are gridtied with work
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    Thanks Bluedog. So I guess it depends how stable the supply is in any given location. Places like Darwin that have frequent storms might give them a bit of a rough time then.

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