SolarEdge Inverter Failure -> Warranty Claim/ Actual Experience

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For those considering PV, it doesn't take much to learn your options for an inverter are quite varied. In my humble view, SolarEdge has always been a pragmatic middle ground. Not quite as expensive as Enphase/ Tesla and not poor quality as many of the Chinese brands.
Much to my surprise, the SE inverter at a family member's recent installation failed on commissioning (technically 1 hour after commissioning). Nothing unusual about the spec installation - 10X400W Sharp Panels/ 10X SE Optimizers/ 1 SE 3680 HD Inverter. No battery as the consumption didn't justify the spend.
The installer (Light Renewables) returned to the location after following SolarEdge warranty claim protocol, and were asked to check each panel and inverter on video call with SE before the inverter was deemed "in need of replacement under warranty" (Credit to the installer for remaining patient through the investigation while SolarEdge insisted on a variety of checks while on the roof).
It took 2.5 weeks for the replacement to arrive, due to the fact that they are severely backordered. The CS rep shared that over ~500 3680 inverters were pending delivery in the UK, which is a number never before seen. The replacement unit is now up and running flawlessly and their system consistently outperforms my own, as I am regularly reminded.
Thought I'd share an actual example of a successful warranty claim with SolarEdge on these forums as one doesn't appear to exist!
Much to my surprise, the SE inverter at a family member's recent installation failed on commissioning (technically 1 hour after commissioning). Nothing unusual about the spec installation - 10X400W Sharp Panels/ 10X SE Optimizers/ 1 SE 3680 HD Inverter. No battery as the consumption didn't justify the spend.
The installer (Light Renewables) returned to the location after following SolarEdge warranty claim protocol, and were asked to check each panel and inverter on video call with SE before the inverter was deemed "in need of replacement under warranty" (Credit to the installer for remaining patient through the investigation while SolarEdge insisted on a variety of checks while on the roof).
It took 2.5 weeks for the replacement to arrive, due to the fact that they are severely backordered. The CS rep shared that over ~500 3680 inverters were pending delivery in the UK, which is a number never before seen. The replacement unit is now up and running flawlessly and their system consistently outperforms my own, as I am regularly reminded.
Thought I'd share an actual example of a successful warranty claim with SolarEdge on these forums as one doesn't appear to exist!
- 10 x 400w LG BiFacial Panels + SE P505 Optimizers + SE 3680 HD Wave Inverter. SE London (Zone 2).
- 40% of panels in an East/ West rooftop orientation.
- Viessmann 200-W on Advanced Weather Comp. (the most efficient gas boiler sold)
- 40% of panels in an East/ West rooftop orientation.
- Viessmann 200-W on Advanced Weather Comp. (the most efficient gas boiler sold)
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The real challenge is getting the inverter manufacturer to dispatch a replacement unit under warranty. If your installer is a SolarEdge supplier, the expectation from SE is if they were paid to install it, they will need to replace it. (This applies to optimizers too)
- 40% of panels in an East/ West rooftop orientation.
- Viessmann 200-W on Advanced Weather Comp. (the most efficient gas boiler sold)
Inverters in accessible areas/roofs are going to be a pain to replace, the cost of scaffolding itself will put off most unless there are multiple unit failures.
System 1 - 14 x 250W SunModule SW + Enphase ME215 microinverters (July 2015)
System 2 - 20 x 330W Jinko Panels + Enphase IQ7+ microinverters (Jan 2022) + Givenergy AC Coupled inverter + 2 * 8.2KWh Battery (May 2022) + Mitsubishi 7.1 KW and 2* Daikin 2.5 KW A2A Heat Pump
For general PV advice please see the PV FAQ thread on the Green & Ethical Board.
Install 2: Sept 19, 600W SSE
Solax 6.3kWh battery
Cheaper to buy to use in long run
https://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/acatalog/Home-Master-DIY-Scaffold-Towers.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAveebBhD_ARIsAFaAvrELmW3eUowsEx2ffHXJwFYbZm2svqcByjM3Zl-Ai4vzmxYJkptszv0aAuD1EALw_wcB
Always a concern on brand new equipment, you wonder what their factory quality control is like...
The installer is liable for the warranty rather than the manufacturer in the first year, and its then up to them to liase with the manufacturer to get their money/unit.
Or I suppose more correctly the installer is who you bought it from, so you are their customer, not the manufacturers.
A manufacturer can if they wish, replace any warranty unit with a refurbished, it's usually in their contract (certainly is with any manufacturer I've worked for).
My aurora/power one/ abb inverter failed with only a couple of months warranty left of a 5 year warranty (though the installer told me it was 10)
The installer had obviously gone out of business by then, but abb arranged a local installer to come and replace mine with no hassles around 3 years ago.
Abb definitely represent the cheaper end of the market.
Solar Edge do have a decent name, but then, so do Sony, and I'd never buy a Sony.
4kw sse since 2014 and 6.6kw wsw / ene split since 2019
24kwh leaf, 75Kwh Tesla and Lux 3600 with 20Kwh useable storage