Solar PV "Power failure"? Technicians in North East? Help!

Telegraph_Sam

So my readings are
Generated: 42,130
Total Annual Exported: 9,940
Total Annual Imported: 11,505
So my self consumption is 11,505 less 9,940 = 1,565.  My export figure = 42,130 less 1,565 = 40,565?
Something tells me that I wouldn't get a pass with that answer 

SimonSeys

I have the same inverter and they are rubbish.  Not your problem you know but I had multiple relays fail with an E031 error. Fortymatrky if you (or à friend)  can solder there is a cheaper fix but if it’s more than that I’d get a new inverter 

https://hembrow.eu/electronics/abbpoweroneaurorainverter.html

Telegraph_Sam

Easy, tks. I can't complain after having had c. 13 years' use without any quibbles up to now. But if to progress further would take me + soldering iron ***ing about with electronics, then it's a job for my electrician, if necessary with a new inverter. Is replacing the inverter something that the average skilled electrician can do or am going to need a "PV Specialist Engineer"?

QrizB

Telegraph_Sam said:

So my readings are
Generated: 42,130
Total Annual Exported: 9,940
Total Annual Imported: 11,505
So my self consumption is 11,505 less 9,940 = 1,565.  My export figure = 42,130 less 1,565 = 40,565?
Something tells me that I wouldn't get a pass with that answer 

No, for a couple of reasons.

The "generated" value is the total for the life of your generation meter while the other two are for the life of your smart meter. I suspect you've had your generation meter for 13 years (since the system was installed) and your smart meter for 3-5 years.

And you've done the wrong calculation. If we pretend that both meters were installed on the same date, exactly 13 years ago:

Total generation: 42130 kWh, 3240/yr

Total import: 11505 kWh, 885/yr

Total export: 9940 kWh, 765/yr

Self: consumption: 42130-9940= 32190 kWh, 2476/yr

Total household consumption: 11505+32190= 43695 kWh, 3361/yr.

But all these figures are nonsense as your smart meter isn't 13 years old. If you know the date that your smart meter was installed and have a record of the generation meter from that date, you can make some more meaningful calculations.

QrizB

Telegraph_Sam said:

 Is replacing the inverter something that the average skilled electrician can do or am going to need a "PV Specialist Engineer"?

We answered that question back on page 3 of this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81549544/#Comment_81549544

A skilled electrician is technically capable of the replacement but might not be able to issue the paperwork that your FIT supplier needs. A MCS accredited solar installer will know what's required.

Magnitio

Telegraph_Sam said:

Easy, tks. I can't complain after having had c. 13 years' use without any quibbles up to now. But if to progress further would take me + soldering iron ***ing about with electronics, then it's a job for my electrician, if necessary with a new inverter. Is replacing the inverter something that the average skilled electrician can do or am going to need a "PV Specialist Engineer"?

Did you try www.susenergy.co.uk as recommended 9 pages ago?

Telegraph_Sam

They are most likely my first port of call if my local electrician is not up to it

paul991

If you get a inverter with the same connections its a easy job but if I was you I would bite the bullet and google for a nearby company to swap the inverter before you waste more time and money.Eco 7 offer this for £600 ish 

Telegraph_Sam

My thoughts entirely. Assuming that it's the inverter itself and not the power supply/ circuit protectors that is faulty. Tks for the eco tip. I'd probably look at getting an Aurora first if there's a local installer. "Familarity makes perfect" (?).

Telegraph_Sam

Perhaps I could ask for comments on the following “Diagnosis”

It appears to be the case that the only reason for the system not to perform normally is when the MCD has tripped. It is possible (with current weather conditions) to get several hours generation before the trip actuates, for no obvious reason. My interpretation is that this points to some external source as the cause of the trips, not the inverter itself.

The house voltage is fairly constant at around 240 v.

The spec sheet displayed next to the inverter says

Over-Voltage = 259.2 v

Under-Voltage = 211.6 v

Over-Frequency = 50.45 Hz

Under-Frequency = 47.05 Hz

My meter is showing the frequency as between 61 Hz and 93 Hz

Logical query: Might it be the frequency that is causing the problem?

Further thought: So far no mention of amps.

On the spec drawing next to the inverter there is mention of 16 A and 25 A at different places on the diagram. My meter is showing 0.019 A just now. This does not change when I turn the kettle on.

This might all point to a deterioration in the operation of the MCD, too sensitive. Hopefully a case for a simple replacement

EDIT: Disregard above comments on amps. These would be relevant if / when I plug in a (kettle) to the removeable calculator. Otherwise like now there are no amps being consumed at this particular socket.