NaturalWatt Solar PV System- inverter problem

uschib

I wonder if anyone can help me, I have had a 22 panel NaturalWatt Solar PV System for nearly two years now without any problems. However for the last 8 days the inverter (fronius) has been showing error code 104 - which is "the mains frequency is not within admissible range"- my monitoring company alerted me to this.

I have restarted the system and the error remains. I have contacted the grid and they say they are unaware of any local problems that would cause this. I 'think' Naturalwatt have gone into administration- their phoneline rings dead... So- please- does anyone have an idea as to what to try next? I would be so grateful as i am out of ideas!

Thank you

rogerblack

uschib wrote: »

However for the last 8 days the inverter (fronius) has been showing error code 104 - which is "the mains frequency is not within admissible range"- my monitoring company alerted me to this.

http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Electricity/Data/Realtime/Frequency/Freq60.htm - the grid is now at almost exactly 50Hz - so this isn't the case.

Firstly - read the inverter manual and see if there are any suggestions.

Then read all your paperwork, and see if there are any insurances for the case that the company folds.

Lastly - contact Fronius.
It's unlikely they will be able to come out and fix, but they should be able to repair - I'm unsure of the warranty period - if you remove the inverter and post it to them.
(Do this when it's dark, and only if you understand how to safely isolate the mains)

penrhyn

Contact the manufacturer of the inverter??

uschib

Thank you for your help so far I have checked manual and therefore isolated and restarted DC and AC power, have also tripped switch in consumer unit and then reset... The error code however remains!

I will contact fronuis the manufacturer in the morning. I spoke to an ex employee of NaturalWatt and he said that that error code normally was due to local power fluctuation as the invertor operates in narrow tollerances (+/- 0.2 I think). This is not a change in range that would affect other household goods etc..

If anyone has had any similar experiences or any further advice I would be really grateful to hear from you, the sun is shining and I miss seeing my meter ticking up generated energy units!

The_Green_Hornet

If you go to the following web site you will find a "Troubleshooting State 104" PowerPoint presentation which may assist however I suggest you contact a qualified electrician.

http://www.fronius.com/cps/rde/xchg/SID-8DEBDCAE-E3498006/fronius_usa/hs.xsl/2714_7013.htm