It's been my experience that Solar Edge finds any edge to jab you with, by blaming something else for the problem. Scared the bejesus out of me watching you carrying the panel single handed down your ladder, Ben.
yea me too! not even a kid to hold the ladder steady ? bad habit finally caught up to me fell 14ft.!! metal rod in leg and a titanium clevis for an elbow was lucky there was a great surgeon in the ER that day. tie off the ladder , find a quick and easy system to do it and store those items next to ladder ? best of luck anyway.
I just noticed a non producing panel in my system. It's a 2015 install. The installing company replaced 2 (at the same time) last year... Cost 380 Canadian... For the service call I'd like to do order a replacement under warranty to replace myself. What does that process look like? Thanks so much!
i have 84 of these optimizers for my first solar system. first day we found a few DOAs. humming along for 9 months till the next summer, 2 went dead. it's been about 1 a year since. keeping my fingers crossed that the remaining are heat hardened enough to last 😅
Thanks for this video! I’m in VT also. My solar company wanted to charge $290 to replace my optimizer! Told them we are all set and to ship our part. Will be tackling this next week.
I'm curious as to who it was... we offer a 12 year workmanship warranty, which includes labor to replace parts covered under manufacturers warranties. Sometimes the manufacturer pays a truckroll fee, sometimes they don't.
I did the install but I can’t figure out how to add the new optimizer to my system. The inverter isn’t reading all my panels either. I have 29 but it’s only reading 28. Any advice?
I have changed out probably 5 or 6 optimizers since I have my 36 panels. Thanks God I have mine on the ground and not on Roof. Own my inverter just went out. All under warranty
Thanks for the video sharing real-world occurrence of the failure and fix. One thing - you should not power down the inverter as was done with the DC disconnect switch. This places a huge arc on the contacts, and if you do this a few times under load you risk damaging those contacts. The correct way to power down the system is to deactivate it, then wait for the voltage to bleed down, then switch the DC disconnect to off.
Thanks for watching, Bill. One could argue that the DC disconnect is rated to take that arc and deal with it efficiently. If shutting it off just a few times would damage it, there's no way it would be used for this application. Shutting off the toggle switch is a hard stop on the inverter components, similar to a water hammer in pipes (explained to be by a SolarEdge tech support person). Shutting off the AC breaker is similar but worse than the switch.
@@benssolarandbattery I'm sorry, but that is incorrect information. Disabling the inverter toggle switch causes a graceful shutdown of the power conversion electronics. Using the DC disconnect while passing 8kW does not. For inverters without a power switch, the AC disconnect also does the same thing (simulating grid down). Here is the proper power down procedure for SolarEdge inverters... th-cam.com/video/7GJCzi7fqEg/w-d-xo.html The DC disconnect is not meant to be used as a system on/off switch - it is meant for emergency only, or switching without load.
@@billjohnson3344 I guess you are right, thanks for the info. I was only referring to what the SolarEdge techs told me. There is no graceful shutdown with the older inverters. When you hit the toggle switch, there's a good relay bang inside it. I think they rectified that for the newer ones though.
@@benssolarandbattery Yes, that is correct. For models without a power on/off switch (older SolarEdge or other inverter brands - SMA, etc), the AC disconnect should be used as the first step - before the DC disconnect.
Hey Ben you should repost this video under different topic like "Testing Solar Edge Optimizer" or "Testing Optimizer" This is the only video I was able to track in over a year so,
Very good video thank you for your effort with this. Unfortunately, you stopped just short of my problem. I have replaced 12 low-powered panels and optimisers with 10 much higher-powered panels meaning 2 of the original optimisers are not required. How do I remove the unwanted optimisers from the monitoring platform?
Great video, pretty sure one of my optimizers is out. I will use your procedure to check it out. Would you recommend trying to re pare all of the optimizers before going forward with the diagnostic process? Once the new optimizer, if needed, is pared how do I communicate that to my solar edge account? Thanks in advance, my system is 5 years old and this is the first problem. The system was installed by a solar co they charge $200 just to show up. i need to learn to help myself. Thanks Bill
Ben, thank you for sharing and I appreciate your insight. The company that installed my SolarEdge system went out of business, sadly. My SolarEdge inverter has now died for a second time and the next replacement is on its way which must be installed by an electrician to be under warranty ($700 each time). Can you advise me on what data to ask solar edge for regarding my system's health so that I can better understand my inverter problems?
Hi Ben, Which error code does the grid isolation relay failure cause (maybe 2x1a)? I would be tempted to pull the board and swap relays if the warranty was past. In another video it appears as if you have gone into the setup to look at what is involved configuring the SE1000 to respond incrementally from your solark adjusting the frequency to throttle the solaredge (to limit battery charge current). I would like to know what is involved in turning this on so when the few hours a summer my solaredge inverter is making just a little too much power the solark can throttle instead of shutting down the solaredge (so I sell more power to the utility). what is your opinion of using a solaredge smi-35 or smi-100 to feed the solarark (s)? thanks for the fantastic videos.
That’s straight forward in the US. Not so in the U.K. our roof are much steeper pitch, normally slate or cement tile and mainly two story buildings. That make access a nightmare. I’ve a three year old installation and already three optimisers have failed. Never again would I use Solar Edge equipment, as in my opinion it too unreliable.
Hi Ben. Thanks for the video. How do I get into the website and register the new optimizer? I only have the owner monitoring app…. Is there a different website I should use? Or is this where an installer comes in?
I had 2 bad optimizers 3 years after I install my own system. I called Solar edge and they were able to diagnose the 2 optimizers and surprisingly they sent me 2 optimizers no question asked. Fast forward 2 years to today and I noticed one optimizers Not working I called solar edge and they said the optimizer is producing 1 volt and that I need to trouble shoot to make sure it’s not the panel or connection for them to send me a new one. My guess is that these optimizers made in China are failing left and right and they are making it harder on the home owner to get a replacement based on the 25 year warranty. I will jump through the hoops and hopefully get the optimizer replaced. The panel has no moving parts so I can’t see the panel being the problem. Maybe a connection but I doubt it. They are pretty easy to replace especially when it’s a panel on the outer parameter. Also I recommend getting an installer account on Solaredge monitoring platform so you can update the optimizer once your replace it. If your have solar edge optimizer you will probably be replaying optimizers 1 or 2 every couple of years. :(. Nice video by the way! One more thing if you are thinking about getting solar it is way cheaper to do it yourself. You can subcontract some electrical work and the plans. Everything else is pretty self explanatory and it will save you anywhere from 60%-70% after tax credits! That was about $20,000 in my case!
Thanks for the comment Michael. I have seen plenty of panels fail. Usually its a diode or a bad solder joint on the cheaper ones. Most often you'll get 1/3 of the panel that stops working. In that case it will usually still show up and produce power. Over my years of installation and service work, 9 times out of 10 its a bad optimizer, even if it's showing 1 volt.
@@benssolarandbattery 1V output shows the basic DC-DC converter is working. But since the op needs a communications command to enable full power output, it must also show up during the initial power up system scan. That should cover 80% of the electronics functions. Missing would be electronics on the panel side input.
Much appreciate you creating this video. Hoping i can get some troubleshooting tip. I have one optimizer/panel that recently decreased power production to little under 1/4th of what the other panels are producing. System is about 6 years old, not being shaded by anything throughout the day. Would you suspect panel going bad or I may have another bad optimizer? Will probably try to get on the roof sometime in next couple of weeks to find this particular panel/optimizer sn and measure open voltage plus optimizer safety voltage.
Question for you, older video but maybe you get this. I have 40 panels, 4 strings, 2 inverters. Both inverters are identical size and have same number of panels on them (20 each). I had a Arc Fault code show up at the exact time/date that one of my inverters output dropped by half. A month later, one inverter is still only outputting HALF of the other one, and is showing 19 of 19 optimizers. (should be 20) So why does that inverters output drop 50% because one optimizer is out? (I had my system installed, they are taking a long time get get someone out to diagnose/repair it, its now been broken longer then it worked (2 months with no issues)
Hi. Have You tested the resistance from both lead pairs on a new and a claimed not working one? I am curious how to detect the poor one even if the 'not working one' in your case shows 1Vdc. We have a system where a whole string is showing low production, inverter shows 033/034 (34 is the right no. of panels).
Look like you got good experience with the system. I got an HD Wave and on my Pac[W] I'm getting ZERO watt. What do you think is going on? All 12 optimizers are recognized. But nada on Pac[W].
Beautiful day up there! Excellent day to pick to get out there and do stuff! Haven't really looked into them but I kind a feel like optimizers are just another moving part with added complexity that can go fail .... do you really see a benefit having the optimizers on the panels? I've got 31 panels at the moment but they all run directly to the two MPPT's on the SolArk. One of the arrays is shadowed by a tree in the morning would an optimizer help? I've spent this beautiful spring day in the basement wiring up an additional critical loads panel so that I can make good use of the extra 6KW I added at the beginning of the year.
These optimizers are specifically for the SolarEdge system. Optimizers over all definitely help with shading, but like you saw here, I'm replacing one of them every couple years. If I had a ground array or off grid system that didn't need rapid shutdown, I wouldn't use optimizers or micro inverters personally. There are panel level monitoring benefits as well, but for longevity, less is more.
@@benssolarandbattery Thanks, Ben. Ah, I was under the impression these things were generic and can be retrofitted to an existing system. I stand corrected. Agree that sometimes less is more. I wish some of the people I work with keep that simple axiom in mind.
I agree optimisers are great if reliable, but solar edge optimisers are very unreliable. In three years I’ve had to replace thee optimisers on a two storey building in the U.K. with a roof covered in cement tiles and a pitch of 38* that a real pain. Never again would I use Solar Edge equipment and never again on a roof.
Thanks for the info. Has anyone experienced 0 volts on panels that move around one panel 4 next day panel 7 i change optimizers but no help . What's the fix . Thanks
When I install those, the control box comes with the little tool to disconnect the wires. Its flimsy plastic and breaks if you keep it your pocket, but works like a key. Solar edge should of included it when they shipped the optimizer
Hello Ben. Great video, much appreciated. I am wondering which model of optimizer do you use? Here in Sweden we got a sale-ban on many of SolarEdge optimizers (P300, P350, P350I, P370, P4040, P405, P500, P505, P600, P650, P700, P730, P800p, P800s, P850, OPJ300-LV, M6240) due to them interfering with radio communications. Do you have any experience with this? I am curious if our installations using P300s and P700s should get rid of them or not..
If you make an RFI claim to solaredge they can send out new optimizers with filter attached to them. You need to braid all the cables with a continuous set of homeruns through the whole array. I've done this a couple times now. The first time a Solaredge rep came out. They may be able to send filters to add on as that's how the special optimizers appeared but there may be more to it on the inside of them
This one read 1v. SolarEdge says if it reads 1v its working. That is not the case about 50% of the time. I typically just lie and tell them it's reading 0v, otherwise they give you a hard time with RMS's.
well now I have my suspicions about lousy generation failed optimizers ?, but my inverter says 30/30 yet we r not seeing power over 3800 watts with a 9kw system ? solar edge inverter ,was installed 2018 march. on sunny day today 3600watts ?
Could be many things, but underperformance is not usually an optimizer. Check out the "power limit" on the last screen of the screened inverters or by scanning the qr code and logging into the screenless. I've seen the power limit set at the wrong number before. What size inverter do you have?
You should have a map of the optimizer serial numbers done at installation, which gets added to online monitoring. If not, a thermal camera or a light coat of snow in the morning should show which one it is. I've seen panels with bad optimizers show a little warmer than the others. Serial number map is preferable though.
@@benssolarandbattery thank you so much for your reply and I appreciate it The problem is that there is many strings Every string take from 15 optimizers We are talking about many strings and optimizers I check with meger electric test there is a lot of fualt There is no LCD on the inverter and I'm not the person that did the work before That's why I'm looking for fatest way to detect the detectives optimizers And thank you so much
In fact, it would not be necessary to come down with the solar panel. It is a risk, it could slip and break. Instead, you could get a cardboard card and provide accommodation right up there. Or a cotton blanket to avoid placing the panel on top of the other. Am I right or wrong?
I have a panel reading nothing today so thought it was the optimizer. Next day that panel is fine but another panel down instead. Does it hurt anything for me to run the pairing process as toon have shown without turning off inverter. Mine looks identical to yours (about 5 years old) so thinking I can just hold down button as you have?
If it's already paired, it most likely won't help anything. There is a possibility that if the optimizer is having issues, it won't re-pair. Probably best to leave it for a few days to see if it comes back online. If it doesn't, give pairing a try.
Thank you for the video. I bought an optimizer through ebay and suspect that it may be a counterfeit, as it has no stickers on it. I paired the inverter as you showed and it is not working. I tested it before installation and it was working. Do you have any tips on what to do to make it work?
Is it showing up on the inverter at all? For instance if you have 30 panels it would show P-OK 30. If not, try pairing again and make sure it's light outside when you do. Could be bad for sure, I'd be wary of optimizers on Ebay.
@@benssolarandbattery Yep, shows 36/36. Repaired and get 0, 0, 0 and 37.38 on the panel. I tested the optimizer on the ground and it was showing a 1 but I didn't look hard enough to see if it was a 1.0 or 10 or what. Everything else on the system is as should be and I had the panel off while I was waiting on the optimizers and it showed 35/36 on the screen while it was out.
The P505 would probably work. Check the spec sheet and compare to your panels. Be sure to take temperature into account for the max voltage if you live in an area that gets cold.
It is absolutely always the optimizer 🙄 Anyway, curious how you like that right angle impact compared to a typical cordless impact driver? Is it Milwaukee?
Always an optimizer. I like the Milwaukee power ratchet for the long reach. Gives you and extra 8" or so which can be helpful on a roof. We usually use Impacts for installs, but this comes in handy for service.
Hi Ben, thanks for the video. I swapped the faulty optimiser but the inverter (SE4000) is stuck in night mode. The inverter was working fine before I swapped the inverter. Any idea what the problem is?
@Oliver J Connolly stuck in night mode after the optimizer swap could mean that you didn't get the leads plugged in all the way. Did you do a pairing cycle on the inverter after you turned it on? Also, make sure you turn the DC disconnect knob on the front of the inverter on if you have one.
@@benssolarandbattery thank you for the prompt response. After switching the DC isolator on/off 5 times it finally kicked in. I think the DC isolator itself might be intermittently faulty. I did the pairing again and now it sees all optimisers including the new one. Thanks again.
Could be a Grounding problem. They are not going to allow full electrical flow from the panel without a proper ground. The rail bolts I got were painted and made for poor connections. I am glad I ohm pre tested prior installing the panels. Many were poor connections. I installed a grounding screw through the optimizer to the rail so I would never question the ground. Just saying!
Thanks, I didn't realize that could cause an issue! I don't believe that was the case here as I used all the proper hardware and it worked for 6 years prior, but good to know.
Are you considered an authorized installer? The installer I contacted wanted me pay $700 for them to come and install the optimizer. It’s not difficult to change it out and I’d like to do it myself if possible. Advice?
You could pretty easily just call up your installer and tell them that you had a bad optimizer and have already replaced it yourself but simply wanted to alert them and ask that they update the optimizer map for your system. I'm sure that they'll be glad they didn't have to send a guy out to swap it out for you. Also this makes me wonder what happens to all those SolarEdge systems out there under the control of now-defunct local solar installers. Do they just become inaccessible, or could a customer actually get help from Solaredge themselves in that case? Probably not but maybe...
@@erikajoystith4692 Exactly, my installer is no longer in business. I did reach out to SolarEdge and they did the map update for me --- AND they sent me replacements for the two bad optimizers. Great support from SolarEdge.
@@erikajoystith4692 I talked to SolarEdge about this, as a homeowner you can take control of your own system, but the installer would no longer have any access to it. Depending on how you financed a system could play into this, I paid outright, so own it all. My installer's terms say any work performed by non-(insert company name) would result in warranty void. So I would assume taking control of my system would make them not want to honer any warranty work needed.
Thanks for uploading the video. I just swapped out the 7600 StorEdge inverter. Tech support sent me a new one since the my original 1 was not producing power. After I initialized, updated and paired it, It does not find the optimizes, so it is not waking up. I don’t see 16 volts (for 16 panels and optimizers) on the vdc side or on my volt meter. Also at the solar array, checking the output from the main series MC4 cable\s, I am getting less than a volt. I’m guessing I’ll have to pull each panel and optimizer apart to see where the problem lies. SolarEdge does not see any issues on there end with the panels or optimizers. Anything stand out to you? Thanks
I've seen them short out a few times before. Solaredge was able to pinpoint the optimizer that shorted once, but other times they weren't able to. It's worth a call. If they can't find it, you'll have to either test each one, or break the string up and test sections. Once you locate a bad section, then test individuals.
Okay, so a long day of taking apart each of the 16 solar panels and checking each panels output (and connectors). I checked all the inputs and outputs on all 16 optimizers (with the panels disconnected) The only thing I found suspect was on the last optimizer’s outputs on the string before it gets to the inverter. While there was no OL (on the output side) on the optimizer, I got a reading of 38k on my meter. All the other outputs from the other optimizers output sides were under .5 mv (it floats on my auto range on the meter). I checked it like 3 separate times to verify it was suspect. Since that is the last one in the series, I’m wondering if this could be what is not allowing the wake up command on the inverter, after I successfully pair it, but it never sees the optimizers or wakes up. Lastly, I am not getting 16v for the 16 panels\ optimizers that I have. Original checked at the inverter, then verified at the panel array. Do you think that one is bad and the source of my troubles? Thanks (sorry about a book)
@@benssolarandbattery I checked maybe 4 optimizers with the panels connected and found they did not produce 1v maybe .5 mv or less. I just went out and checked that suspect optimizer and found a reading of around 4.38 mv. I then check the whole series and get maybe 38.4mv not a volt. I’m at a loss
That's a tough one. I have plenty of them installed in 2012-2013 that are still running today, but they've had a few bad batches with over a 4% failure rate in 3 years. I've had 3 out of 42 go out on my house in 6 years.
I made a map of the serial numbers when the system was installed. That gets put into the monitoring site and then you can see which one it is. If you don't have a map, a thermal imaging camera will work to identify the panel.
This was done with an older solaredge inverter, but the DC on that dropped with the on/off switch, DC disconnect, and AC disconnect. If you turn the DC disconnect off, it won't be done under load regardless.
I made a map of the optimizers on the Solaredge site. Showed me exactly where it was. If a map wasn't made, a thermal camera is your best bet for quickly locating it. Panels that have a bad optimizer will be warmer than the rest.
@@benssolarandbattery friend of mine is having issues. The inverter won't even enable because there are less than 8 panels working in each string. He has two strings of 11 and he has found 3 so far that don't put out 1 v. But then when he connected one string of all the ones that did put out 1 v he still gets a low insulation resistance error. Of 465k ohms. I'm taking my Megger over there tomorrow to check wires and looks like I can meg the optimizers directly too from what the instructions say.
@@electromechanicalstuff2602 if you go into I think the maintenance menu, it will sometimes show you where in the string the isolation issue is. Check it out. www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/application_note_isolation_fault_troubleshooting.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiZmrSilK73AhWxoXIEHVrZArUQFnoECAYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1mFLbe0N2ACnUbDlDiHbUV
Panel level monitoring is one reason along with allowing each panel to produce to its maximum power. There are also rapid shutdown requirements for roof mount systems in jurisdictions under the 2017 and later code here in the US.
individual monitoring makes sense.. rapid shutdown, isnt that handled by a disconnect and anti-islanding ? just trying to make sense of us regulations, as they seem mainly used to make solar life difficiult ;)
@@houseofancients from 2017 on, any roof mounted system technically needs to have panel level rapid shutdown devices that shut off each individual panel. This can be done with optimizers, tigo TS-4 or micro inverters. There are a number of other products that do it as well. Pain in the butt really.
@@houseofancients I'm using the AC coupling abilities of the Sol-Ark to allow it to work with the SolarEdge, but Tigo makes a system that is compatible and provides rapid shutdown as well.
Hi Ben, in your video you found a bad optimizer but once you had it off the roof it was still reading 1V so how exactly did you find the faulty optimizer? My inverter is stuck in night mode and of course after a little reading it will be time to look into this. So far SolarEdge customer service get a 0 rating from me. Lots of talk about nothing and the only thing they keep saying is to get the installer involved. Judging by all the negative rep. online its a shit company with a lot of issues.
I have my array mapped out online, so it was easy to pinpoint which optimizer was bad. If you tell solaredge that the optimizer is putting out 1v they will tell you that's its not bad... Inverter stuck in night mode could mean a bad inverter. What I do is turn the DC disconnect knob off, open the wiring compartment and check for DC voltage on the strings. This should line up with how many panels you have in the longest string. Then turn the DC disconnect on with a pair of pliers. If the DC voltage drops to near 0v, it's a bad inverter.
@@jasonschlegel4027 There is monitoring software that is provided. We cleared this problem up quite a long time ago. We had a hail storm and had to replace a bunch of panels. We found the bad optimizer after putting everything in logical order. I could screenshot what we used to see our panels
I just had my SolarEdge system installed June of 2021. It was producing 99 kWh daily. By checking the app every day, I was able to see it's production numbers. Then, it started to decline in production. On the app, half of my panels are producing less than the rest, I have 42: today some read around 1.61 kWh, others read 1.09/1.11 kWh, and four panels read 960 and 975. I've called the company but since the system is producing, they say everything is good. I know something is wrong but I don't know anything about this! Last time I called, they asked for my electric bills for comparison.... I was so angry, the app is telling us how much it's producing daily, monthly and yearly. And it's readings are definitely less than before on half my panels.
Is there any shading at all on any of your panels? Or snow? Sounds like it's working perfectly and the panels that are shaded (because it's winter) are producing less than the others. Without any location or shading info, I'm in the dark. I don't expect you to give that to me, but it's almost definitely the issue.
@@thezfamily989 Now that it's summer again, it's producing in the 90's range. Which is still pretty good. Just make sure the company installing them will take care of your problems swiftly after it's installed. It's not producing in the 98-99 range like at the beginning. But still, why the decline? Supposedly, the panels stop producing normally after 30 years.
@@prettybrowneyez3338 yea they loose % through out the years. Yeaa, hopefully they be good for many years.. so far there reviews been good satisfied customers.
Agreed. When we send guys out to do this stuff, we always send 2. This was on my own roof on the weekend, and I couldn't get my wife to climb up there with me... 🤣
Hello Ben, Qudos on your efforts and approach! can you tell me the make and model of the tool you used to unscrew the panel screws? We loved its long shape !
It's been my experience that Solar Edge finds any edge to jab you with, by blaming something else for the problem. Scared the bejesus out of me watching you carrying the panel single handed down your ladder, Ben.
yea me too! not even a kid to hold the ladder steady ? bad habit finally caught up to me fell 14ft.!! metal rod in leg and a titanium clevis for an elbow was lucky there was a great surgeon in the ER that day.
tie off the ladder , find a quick and easy system to do it and store those items next to ladder ?
best of luck anyway.
Same here. I was terrified with him going up and down that ladder. Especially, him tip toeing on the edge like that.
5:35 Best line ever! I loved it!
I just noticed a non producing panel in my system. It's a 2015 install. The installing company replaced 2 (at the same time) last year... Cost 380 Canadian... For the service call
I'd like to do order a replacement under warranty to replace myself. What does that process look like? Thanks so much!
Great instructions. Very helpful. Thank you very much.
Thank you for this. It's a task that I need to do.
i have 84 of these optimizers for my first solar system. first day we found a few DOAs. humming along for 9 months till the next summer, 2 went dead. it's been about 1 a year since. keeping my fingers crossed that the remaining are heat hardened enough to last 😅
Thanks for this video! I’m in VT also. My solar company wanted to charge $290 to replace my optimizer! Told them we are all set and to ship our part. Will be tackling this next week.
I'm curious as to who it was... we offer a 12 year workmanship warranty, which includes labor to replace parts covered under manufacturers warranties. Sometimes the manufacturer pays a truckroll fee, sometimes they don't.
@@benssolarandbattery Same Sun in Rutland. They offer a 5 year labor warranty which expired 9 months ago.
I did the install but I can’t figure out how to add the new optimizer to my system. The inverter isn’t reading all my panels either. I have 29 but it’s only reading 28. Any advice?
Nice video
I have changed out probably 5 or 6 optimizers since I have my 36 panels. Thanks God I have mine on the ground and not on Roof. Own my inverter just went out. All under warranty
Thanks for the video sharing real-world occurrence of the failure and fix. One thing - you should not power down the inverter as was done with the DC disconnect switch. This places a huge arc on the contacts, and if you do this a few times under load you risk damaging those contacts. The correct way to power down the system is to deactivate it, then wait for the voltage to bleed down, then switch the DC disconnect to off.
Thanks for watching, Bill. One could argue that the DC disconnect is rated to take that arc and deal with it efficiently. If shutting it off just a few times would damage it, there's no way it would be used for this application. Shutting off the toggle switch is a hard stop on the inverter components, similar to a water hammer in pipes (explained to be by a SolarEdge tech support person). Shutting off the AC breaker is similar but worse than the switch.
@@benssolarandbattery I'm sorry, but that is incorrect information. Disabling the inverter toggle switch causes a graceful shutdown of the power conversion electronics. Using the DC disconnect while passing 8kW does not. For inverters without a power switch, the AC disconnect also does the same thing (simulating grid down). Here is the proper power down procedure for SolarEdge inverters...
th-cam.com/video/7GJCzi7fqEg/w-d-xo.html
The DC disconnect is not meant to be used as a system on/off switch - it is meant for emergency only, or switching without load.
@@billjohnson3344 I guess you are right, thanks for the info. I was only referring to what the SolarEdge techs told me. There is no graceful shutdown with the older inverters. When you hit the toggle switch, there's a good relay bang inside it. I think they rectified that for the newer ones though.
@@benssolarandbattery Yes, that is correct. For models without a power on/off switch (older SolarEdge or other inverter brands - SMA, etc), the AC disconnect should be used as the first step - before the DC disconnect.
Hey Ben you should repost this video under different topic like "Testing Solar Edge Optimizer" or "Testing Optimizer" This is the only video I was able to track in over a year so,
Very good video thank you for your effort with this. Unfortunately, you stopped just short of my problem. I have replaced 12 low-powered panels and optimisers with 10 much higher-powered panels meaning 2 of the original optimisers are not required. How do I remove the unwanted optimisers from the monitoring platform?
Great video, pretty sure one of my optimizers is out. I will use your procedure to check it out. Would you recommend trying to re pare all of the optimizers before going forward with the diagnostic process? Once the new optimizer, if needed, is pared how do I communicate that to my solar edge account? Thanks in advance, my system is 5 years old and this is the first problem. The system was installed by a solar co they charge $200 just to show up. i need to learn to help myself. Thanks Bill
Ben, thank you for sharing and I appreciate your insight. The company that installed my SolarEdge system went out of business, sadly. My SolarEdge inverter has now died for a second time and the next replacement is on its way which must be installed by an electrician to be under warranty ($700 each time). Can you advise me on what data to ask solar edge for regarding my system's health so that I can better understand my inverter problems?
Solaredge, so difficult to get help when you have warranty problems. Never again. Tesla inverters are so popular now.
My fucking hero!
Hi Ben, Which error code does the grid isolation relay failure cause (maybe 2x1a)? I would be tempted to pull the board and swap relays if the warranty was past. In another video it appears as if you have gone into the setup to look at what is involved configuring the SE1000 to respond incrementally from your solark adjusting the frequency to throttle the solaredge (to limit battery charge current). I would like to know what is involved in turning this on so when the few hours a summer my solaredge inverter is making just a little too much power the solark can throttle instead of shutting down the solaredge (so I sell more power to the utility). what is your opinion of using a solaredge smi-35 or smi-100 to feed the solarark (s)? thanks for the fantastic videos.
That’s straight forward in the US. Not so in the U.K. our roof are much steeper pitch, normally slate or cement tile and mainly two story buildings. That make access a nightmare. I’ve a three year old installation and already three optimisers have failed. Never again would I use Solar Edge equipment, as in my opinion it too unreliable.
Hi Ben. Thanks for the video. How do I get into the website and register the new optimizer? I only have the owner monitoring app…. Is there a different website I should use? Or is this where an installer comes in?
I had 2 bad optimizers 3 years after I install my own system. I called Solar edge and they were able to diagnose the 2 optimizers and surprisingly they sent me 2 optimizers no question asked. Fast forward 2 years to today and I noticed one optimizers Not working I called solar edge and they said the optimizer is producing 1 volt and that I need to trouble shoot to make sure it’s not the panel or connection for them to send me a new one. My guess is that these optimizers made in China are failing left and right and they are making it harder on the home owner to get a replacement based on the 25 year warranty. I will jump through the hoops and hopefully get the optimizer replaced. The panel has no moving parts so I can’t see the panel being the problem. Maybe a connection but I doubt it. They are pretty easy to replace especially when it’s a panel on the outer parameter. Also I recommend getting an installer account on Solaredge monitoring platform so you can update the optimizer once your replace it. If your have solar edge optimizer you will probably be replaying optimizers 1 or 2 every couple of years. :(. Nice video by the way!
One more thing if you are thinking about getting solar it is way cheaper to do it yourself. You can subcontract some electrical work and the plans. Everything else is pretty self explanatory and it will save you anywhere from 60%-70% after tax credits! That was about $20,000 in my case!
Thanks for the comment Michael. I have seen plenty of panels fail. Usually its a diode or a bad solder joint on the cheaper ones. Most often you'll get 1/3 of the panel that stops working. In that case it will usually still show up and produce power. Over my years of installation and service work, 9 times out of 10 its a bad optimizer, even if it's showing 1 volt.
@@benssolarandbattery 1V output shows the basic DC-DC converter is working. But since the op needs a communications command to enable full power output, it must also show up during the initial power up system scan. That should cover 80% of the electronics functions. Missing would be electronics on the panel side input.
Great video man ! Great info good explanation . How long did it take you ?
Thanks! I'd say all in all it was about 20 minutes. It was an easy panel to get to.
Much appreciate you creating this video. Hoping i can get some troubleshooting tip. I have one optimizer/panel that recently decreased power production to little under 1/4th of what the other panels are producing. System is about 6 years old, not being shaded by anything throughout the day. Would you suspect panel going bad or I may have another bad optimizer? Will probably try to get on the roof sometime in next couple of weeks to find this particular panel/optimizer sn and measure open voltage plus optimizer safety voltage.
More than likely optimizer. Panels do go bad but optimizers fail often
Question for you, older video but maybe you get this. I have 40 panels, 4 strings, 2 inverters. Both inverters are identical size and have same number of panels on them (20 each). I had a Arc Fault code show up at the exact time/date that one of my inverters output dropped by half. A month later, one inverter is still only outputting HALF of the other one, and is showing 19 of 19 optimizers. (should be 20) So why does that inverters output drop 50% because one optimizer is out? (I had my system installed, they are taking a long time get get someone out to diagnose/repair it, its now been broken longer then it worked (2 months with no issues)
Sounds like an entire string is down, and the arc fault code was likely thrown by a bad connection burning up.
Hi. Have You tested the resistance from both lead pairs on a new and a claimed not working one? I am curious how to detect the poor one even if the 'not working one' in your case shows 1Vdc.
We have a system where a whole string is showing low production, inverter shows 033/034 (34 is the right no. of panels).
I have in the past but don't remember the values. I'd start with the optimizer that's out. That could be messing things up for the rest of the string.
Look like you got good experience with the system. I got an HD Wave and on my Pac[W] I'm getting ZERO watt. What do you think is going on? All 12 optimizers are recognized. But nada on Pac[W].
Beautiful day up there! Excellent day to pick to get out there and do stuff!
Haven't really looked into them but I kind a feel like optimizers are just another moving part with added complexity that can go fail .... do you really see a benefit having the optimizers on the panels? I've got 31 panels at the moment but they all run directly to the two MPPT's on the SolArk. One of the arrays is shadowed by a tree in the morning would an optimizer help?
I've spent this beautiful spring day in the basement wiring up an additional critical loads panel so that I can make good use of the extra 6KW I added at the beginning of the year.
These optimizers are specifically for the SolarEdge system. Optimizers over all definitely help with shading, but like you saw here, I'm replacing one of them every couple years. If I had a ground array or off grid system that didn't need rapid shutdown, I wouldn't use optimizers or micro inverters personally. There are panel level monitoring benefits as well, but for longevity, less is more.
@@benssolarandbattery Thanks, Ben. Ah, I was under the impression these things were generic and can be retrofitted to an existing system. I stand corrected. Agree that sometimes less is more. I wish some of the people I work with keep that simple axiom in mind.
I agree optimisers are great if reliable, but solar edge optimisers are very unreliable. In three years I’ve had to replace thee optimisers on a two storey building in the U.K. with a roof covered in cement tiles and a pitch of 38* that a real pain. Never again would I use Solar Edge equipment and never again on a roof.
Thanks for the info. Has anyone experienced 0 volts on panels that move around one panel 4 next day panel 7 i change optimizers but no help . What's the fix . Thanks
How do you add the new optimizer to the website? I have a solar company that wants to charge an exorbitant amount of money to replace two optimizers.
Panels produce way more then rating in the cold. Us guys in the north take big advance of it
Mr. Safety
That's me!
NICE brother. How did you know it was that one? Looking at the computer or the app ? God Bless.
Thanks Bobby! I noticed it when I was looking at the inverter and it said 41/42 optimizers. Then verified which one it was with the app.
When I install those, the control box comes with the little tool to disconnect the wires. Its flimsy plastic and breaks if you keep it your pocket, but works like a key. Solar edge should of included it when they shipped the optimizer
Hello Ben. Great video, much appreciated. I am wondering which model of optimizer do you use? Here in Sweden we got a sale-ban on many of SolarEdge optimizers (P300, P350, P350I, P370, P4040, P405, P500, P505, P600, P650, P700, P730, P800p, P800s, P850, OPJ300-LV, M6240) due to them interfering with radio communications. Do you have any experience with this? I am curious if our installations using P300s and P700s should get rid of them or not..
I have not heard anything about the recall. I'll have to look into it!! That looks like pretty much all of them. I have P300 on my house.
If you make an RFI claim to solaredge they can send out new optimizers with filter attached to them. You need to braid all the cables with a continuous set of homeruns through the whole array. I've done this a couple times now. The first time a Solaredge rep came out. They may be able to send filters to add on as that's how the special optimizers appeared but there may be more to it on the inside of them
Hi Ben - what should the safety voltage have read coming out of the optimizer when you tested it?
This one read 1v. SolarEdge says if it reads 1v its working. That is not the case about 50% of the time. I typically just lie and tell them it's reading 0v, otherwise they give you a hard time with RMS's.
@@benssolarandbattery I do the same thing lmao
well now I have my suspicions about lousy generation failed optimizers ?, but my inverter says 30/30 yet we r not seeing power over 3800 watts with a 9kw system ? solar edge inverter ,was installed 2018 march. on sunny day today 3600watts ?
Could be many things, but underperformance is not usually an optimizer. Check out the "power limit" on the last screen of the screened inverters or by scanning the qr code and logging into the screenless. I've seen the power limit set at the wrong number before. What size inverter do you have?
Thanks for the video
How did you know that specific optimizer is defect and not the other one ?
Thanks
You should have a map of the optimizer serial numbers done at installation, which gets added to online monitoring. If not, a thermal camera or a light coat of snow in the morning should show which one it is. I've seen panels with bad optimizers show a little warmer than the others. Serial number map is preferable though.
@@benssolarandbattery thank you so much for your reply and I appreciate it
The problem is that there is many strings
Every string take from 15 optimizers
We are talking about many strings and optimizers I check with meger electric test there is a lot of fualt
There is no LCD on the inverter and I'm not the person that did the work before
That's why I'm looking for fatest way to detect the detectives optimizers
And thank you so much
In fact, it would not be necessary to come down with the solar panel. It is a risk, it could slip and break.
Instead, you could get a cardboard card and provide accommodation right up there. Or a cotton blanket to avoid placing the panel on top of the other.
Am I right or wrong?
Possibly on a lower pitch roof, but even on my roof (22 degree) I fear it would slide off.
I have a panel reading nothing today so thought it was the optimizer. Next day that panel is fine but another panel down instead. Does it hurt anything for me to run the pairing process as toon have shown without turning off inverter. Mine looks identical to yours (about 5 years old) so thinking I can just hold down button as you have?
If it's already paired, it most likely won't help anything. There is a possibility that if the optimizer is having issues, it won't re-pair. Probably best to leave it for a few days to see if it comes back online. If it doesn't, give pairing a try.
@@benssolarandbattery Thanks for the reply. Ok fingers crossed it just comes back on its own :)
Thank you for the video. I bought an optimizer through ebay and suspect that it may be a counterfeit, as it has no stickers on it. I paired the inverter as you showed and it is not working. I tested it before installation and it was working. Do you have any tips on what to do to make it work?
Is it showing up on the inverter at all? For instance if you have 30 panels it would show P-OK 30. If not, try pairing again and make sure it's light outside when you do. Could be bad for sure, I'd be wary of optimizers on Ebay.
@@benssolarandbattery Yep, shows 36/36. Repaired and get 0, 0, 0 and 37.38 on the panel. I tested the optimizer on the ground and it was showing a 1 but I didn't look hard enough to see if it was a 1.0 or 10 or what. Everything else on the system is as should be and I had the panel off while I was waiting on the optimizers and it showed 35/36 on the screen while it was out.
@@benssolarandbattery Also, they do have Solar Edge cast into the bodies but there are no stickers of any kind on them. Only on the outer box.
I have 128 cell 435watt panels soler edge will not tell me what optimizer I need with the hd wave please help because I’m not an installer
The P505 would probably work. Check the spec sheet and compare to your panels. Be sure to take temperature into account for the max voltage if you live in an area that gets cold.
It is absolutely always the optimizer 🙄 Anyway, curious how you like that right angle impact compared to a typical cordless impact driver? Is it Milwaukee?
Always an optimizer. I like the Milwaukee power ratchet for the long reach. Gives you and extra 8" or so which can be helpful on a roof. We usually use Impacts for installs, but this comes in handy for service.
Nice, thanks Ben! I'll have to get one of those. The extra reach will absolutely be helpful
@@benssolarandbattery Hi Ben, what’s the name of this tool? Thank you so much
Hi Ben, thanks for the video. I swapped the faulty optimiser but the inverter (SE4000) is stuck in night mode. The inverter was working fine before I swapped the inverter. Any idea what the problem is?
sorry I meant before I swapped the optimiser
@Oliver J Connolly stuck in night mode after the optimizer swap could mean that you didn't get the leads plugged in all the way. Did you do a pairing cycle on the inverter after you turned it on? Also, make sure you turn the DC disconnect knob on the front of the inverter on if you have one.
@@benssolarandbattery thank you for the prompt response. After switching the DC isolator on/off 5 times it finally kicked in. I think the DC isolator itself might be intermittently faulty. I did the pairing again and now it sees all optimisers including the new one. Thanks again.
If you replace an optimizer, will it be automatically recognized and update itself ?
No, you have to do a pairing cycle first.
Nice sharing. Could you claim Optimizer to SolarEdge?
Yes, they sent me a new one.
Could be a Grounding problem. They are not going to allow full electrical flow from the panel without a proper ground. The rail bolts I got were painted and made for poor connections. I am glad I ohm pre tested prior installing the panels. Many were poor connections. I installed a grounding screw through the optimizer to the rail so I would never question the ground. Just saying!
Thanks, I didn't realize that could cause an issue! I don't believe that was the case here as I used all the proper hardware and it worked for 6 years prior, but good to know.
Are you considered an authorized installer? The installer I contacted wanted me pay $700 for them to come and install the optimizer. It’s not difficult to change it out and I’d like to do it myself if possible. Advice?
I am. You should call solaredge. They should do it for you.
Thanks to your video I just swapped out a failed optimizer but the SolarEdge map is only editable by installers.
You could pretty easily just call up your installer and tell them that you had a bad optimizer and have already replaced it yourself but simply wanted to alert them and ask that they update the optimizer map for your system. I'm sure that they'll be glad they didn't have to send a guy out to swap it out for you.
Also this makes me wonder what happens to all those SolarEdge systems out there under the control of now-defunct local solar installers. Do they just become inaccessible, or could a customer actually get help from Solaredge themselves in that case? Probably not but maybe...
@@erikajoystith4692 Exactly, my installer is no longer in business. I did reach out to SolarEdge and they did the map update for me --- AND they sent me replacements for the two bad optimizers. Great support from SolarEdge.
@@erikajoystith4692 I talked to SolarEdge about this, as a homeowner you can take control of your own system, but the installer would no longer have any access to it. Depending on how you financed a system could play into this, I paid outright, so own it all. My installer's terms say any work performed by non-(insert company name) would result in warranty void. So I would assume taking control of my system would make them not want to honer any warranty work needed.
Thanks for uploading the video. I just swapped out the 7600 StorEdge inverter. Tech support sent me a new one since the my original 1 was not producing power. After I initialized, updated and paired it, It does not find the optimizes, so it is not waking up. I don’t see 16 volts (for 16 panels and optimizers) on the vdc side or on my volt meter. Also at the solar array, checking the output from the main series MC4 cable\s, I am getting less than a volt. I’m guessing I’ll have to pull each panel and optimizer apart to see where the problem lies. SolarEdge does not see any issues on there end with the panels or optimizers. Anything stand out to you? Thanks
I've seen them short out a few times before. Solaredge was able to pinpoint the optimizer that shorted once, but other times they weren't able to. It's worth a call. If they can't find it, you'll have to either test each one, or break the string up and test sections. Once you locate a bad section, then test individuals.
@@benssolarandbattery Thanks again.
Okay, so a long day of taking apart each of the 16 solar panels and checking each panels output (and connectors).
I checked all the inputs and outputs on all 16 optimizers (with the panels disconnected)
The only thing I found suspect was on the last optimizer’s outputs on the string before it gets to the inverter.
While there was no OL (on the output side) on the optimizer, I got a reading of 38k on my meter. All the other outputs from the other optimizers output sides were under .5 mv (it floats on my auto range on the meter).
I checked it like 3 separate times to verify it was suspect.
Since that is the last one in the series, I’m wondering if this could be what is not allowing the wake up command on the inverter, after I successfully pair it, but it never sees the optimizers or wakes up.
Lastly, I am not getting 16v for the 16 panels\ optimizers that I have.
Original checked at the inverter, then verified at the panel array.
Do you think that one is bad and the source of my troubles?
Thanks (sorry about a book)
@@psxcancer did you check the output of each optimizer with a panel hooked up? It should be 1v each.
@@benssolarandbattery I checked maybe 4 optimizers with the panels connected and found they did not produce 1v maybe .5 mv or less. I just went out and checked that suspect optimizer and found a reading of around 4.38 mv. I then check the whole series and get maybe 38.4mv not a volt. I’m at a loss
How many years do optimizers last on average
That's a tough one. I have plenty of them installed in 2012-2013 that are still running today, but they've had a few bad batches with over a 4% failure rate in 3 years. I've had 3 out of 42 go out on my house in 6 years.
hello man. good video but how did you know it was that optimizer put 42
I have it mapped
How did you know the one to change?
I made a map of the serial numbers when the system was installed. That gets put into the monitoring site and then you can see which one it is. If you don't have a map, a thermal imaging camera will work to identify the panel.
The dc doesn't drop until you flip the on/off switch, then it gives you a count down on the dc voltage
Yeah and without turning that off and swapping an optimizer you risk swapping it under load which could fry out the string
This was done with an older solaredge inverter, but the DC on that dropped with the on/off switch, DC disconnect, and AC disconnect. If you turn the DC disconnect off, it won't be done under load regardless.
heya opitomizer don't break easily so that is someting new for me lol
How did u know it was That ONE? what led u to suspect that one
I made a map of the optimizers on the Solaredge site. Showed me exactly where it was. If a map wasn't made, a thermal camera is your best bet for quickly locating it. Panels that have a bad optimizer will be warmer than the rest.
@@benssolarandbattery friend of mine is having issues. The inverter won't even enable because there are less than 8 panels working in each string. He has two strings of 11 and he has found 3 so far that don't put out 1 v. But then when he connected one string of all the ones that did put out 1 v he still gets a low insulation resistance error. Of 465k ohms. I'm taking my Megger over there tomorrow to check wires and looks like I can meg the optimizers directly too from what the instructions say.
@@electromechanicalstuff2602 if you go into I think the maintenance menu, it will sometimes show you where in the string the isolation issue is.
Check it out. www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.solaredge.com/sites/default/files/application_note_isolation_fault_troubleshooting.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiZmrSilK73AhWxoXIEHVrZArUQFnoECAYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1mFLbe0N2ACnUbDlDiHbUV
is there any point using optimizers when there's no shade ?
Panel level monitoring is one reason along with allowing each panel to produce to its maximum power. There are also rapid shutdown requirements for roof mount systems in jurisdictions under the 2017 and later code here in the US.
individual monitoring makes sense..
rapid shutdown, isnt that handled by a disconnect and anti-islanding ?
just trying to make sense of us regulations, as they seem mainly used to make solar life difficiult ;)
@@houseofancients from 2017 on, any roof mounted system technically needs to have panel level rapid shutdown devices that shut off each individual panel. This can be done with optimizers, tigo TS-4 or micro inverters. There are a number of other products that do it as well. Pain in the butt really.
so how would this work with a sol-ark/deye/sunsynk in hybrid mode ?
are they using a contacter ?
@@houseofancients I'm using the AC coupling abilities of the Sol-Ark to allow it to work with the SolarEdge, but Tigo makes a system that is compatible and provides rapid shutdown as well.
Hi Ben,
in your video you found a bad optimizer but once you had it off the roof it was still reading 1V so how exactly did you find the faulty optimizer? My inverter is stuck in night mode and of course after a little reading it will be time to look into this. So far SolarEdge customer service get a 0 rating from me. Lots of talk about nothing and the only thing they keep saying is to get the installer involved. Judging by all the negative rep. online its a shit company with a lot of issues.
I have my array mapped out online, so it was easy to pinpoint which optimizer was bad. If you tell solaredge that the optimizer is putting out 1v they will tell you that's its not bad...
Inverter stuck in night mode could mean a bad inverter. What I do is turn the DC disconnect knob off, open the wiring compartment and check for DC voltage on the strings. This should line up with how many panels you have in the longest string. Then turn the DC disconnect on with a pair of pliers. If the DC voltage drops to near 0v, it's a bad inverter.
How did you find out what optimizer was bad. I’m showing 39 of 40, but all my optimizers show up on the list in the logical view.
Greg- is solaredge able to provide you a report of which optimizers are working/not working?
@@jasonschlegel4027 I’m not sure what you’re talking about buddy.
@@nmfireman Sorry - I"m just wondering how you know 39 of 40 (previous post). Is this something SolarEdge provides?
@@jasonschlegel4027 There is monitoring software that is provided. We cleared this problem up quite a long time ago. We had a hail storm and had to replace a bunch of panels. We found the bad optimizer after putting everything in logical order. I could screenshot what we used to see our panels
@@jasonschlegel4027 I’m trying to figure out how to post a screenshot here so you could see my monitoring software
I just had my SolarEdge system installed June of 2021. It was producing 99 kWh daily. By checking the app every day, I was able to see it's production numbers. Then, it started to decline in production. On the app, half of my panels are producing less than the rest, I have 42: today some read around 1.61 kWh, others read 1.09/1.11 kWh, and four panels read 960 and 975. I've called the company but since the system is producing, they say everything is good. I know something is wrong but I don't know anything about this! Last time I called, they asked for my electric bills for comparison.... I was so angry, the app is telling us how much it's producing daily, monthly and yearly. And it's readings are definitely less than before on half my panels.
Is there any shading at all on any of your panels? Or snow? Sounds like it's working perfectly and the panels that are shaded (because it's winter) are producing less than the others. Without any location or shading info, I'm in the dark. I don't expect you to give that to me, but it's almost definitely the issue.
@@benssolarandbattery No. No trees. I'm in Texas so it's very hot.
Dammm, im getting solaredge hd wave-optimizer install. Im just worried about the product going out like that.
@@thezfamily989 Now that it's summer again, it's producing in the 90's range. Which is still pretty good. Just make sure the company installing them will take care of your problems swiftly after it's installed. It's not producing in the 98-99 range like at the beginning. But still, why the decline? Supposedly, the panels stop producing normally after 30 years.
@@prettybrowneyez3338 yea they loose % through out the years. Yeaa, hopefully they be good for many years.. so far there reviews been good satisfied customers.
Optimizers are just more unnesesary E-waste!
No 2nd man to help is not good
Agreed. When we send guys out to do this stuff, we always send 2. This was on my own roof on the weekend, and I couldn't get my wife to climb up there with me... 🤣
@@benssolarandbattery ... excellent video thanks,
Poor self diagnostics design by Solar Edge.
Hello Ben,
Qudos on your efforts and approach!
can you tell me the make and model of the tool you used to unscrew the panel screws? We loved its long shape !
It's a Milwaukee M12 cordless ratchet. Comes in very handy!