Solar inverter/battery problem

Lockerbielad

Hello everyone,

I'm hoping that someone on here will be able to point me in the right direction.

I have a solis inverter with 3 Dyness batteries. About a year ago the battery management system seemed to have failed and the batteries completely drained and stopped storing energy. The inverter started showing the error sign:

can_comm-FAIL.

I only know that this seems to suggest that the inverter is not communicating with the batteries or vica versa.

I've no idea how to fix this and the original installers don't know what to do and nor do they want to help. The system is still under warranty. They are not accepting that it's a BMS /inverter fault.

I've tried getting help from other installers but it seems that they only know how to basically install them and no idea about fixing faults.

Does anyone on this forum know of any repairers who may be able to diagnose and fix the problem.

Thanks for considering

debitcardmayhem

Have you looked at google , I found this

https://solis-service.solisinverters.com/en/support/solutions/articles/44002492938-solis-hybrid-inverter-can-comm-fail

and google also finds a lot of results using this as a search term for "can-comm fail error"

includiNG AI https://share.google/aimode/Yr3qRyGWPGsxDLJQ9

Heedtheadvice

I cannot comment as to why the failure occurred 1 year ago and the batteries seemed to have drained

Q. How did you know the batts drained?

After such a time with low batteries than there possibly is insufficient voltage to power the BMS and that would be one cause on can failure. The others obviously are inverter failure or cable failure or DIP switches incorrectly set ( check ).

Is there any sign of life on the master battery and if indicators are lit what are they?

Battery terminal voltage test would determine it's actual State of charge.

Your forum name suggests Lockerbie connection? Dm me if you wish and y.ou are there as I am in S Scotland and might be there this week

Lockerbielad

Hello heedtheadvice,

Thanks for your comments. Firstly, yes you're right I'm in Lockerbie.

The solar inverter and the batteries are in a small barn about thirty meters away from the house. The problem started after we had a particularly cold spell (about minus 8 degrees). The batteries kept turning off, bleeping sounds. The inverter panel showing 0% on the batteries image.

No life in the batteries, no lights. I don't really know anything about what's what with these things. Nothing was explained to me at the point of installation. In fact, I don't think the installer had much idea himself or he couldn't be bothered to explain.

I only noticed something was wrong when I saw the error message can_comm-FAIL on the inverter panel and the alarm light flashing.

I don't know what bits are what and wouldn't know where to look or what and how to test.

How do I direct message you on here. Not too clued up on this. I have some short videos I could send you to look at. And it would be great if you could have a look. Thank you

Lockerbielad

Hello debitcardmayhem.

Thank you for your response. I looked at your attachment. Yes, I tried to search a lot on line and I did see this video but, call me stupid if you like, but it all goes over my head with these things. After all my research I could only find out what can_comm-FAIL meant. Beyond that I'm clueless as to what to do.

I've tried getting installers to come and have a look, but when I explain what's happening, the honest ones admit they won't be able to help and the questionable ones say they'll come, but I never hear from them again.

Thank you again

Heedtheadvice

@Lockerbielad,

From what you write I suspect that the battery management system (BMS) has gone into protection mode or there us a faulty battery amongst other possible things.

I will DM you with info to see if we can do some basic tests.

Did you register your warranty with the manufacturer?

Lockerbielad

Sorry I'm late in reply but I've been busy outside on the lane filling pot holes.

No I did not because I was not told that I had to do it.

I did email the solis people but they wouldn't deal with me. They said I had to get the installers to contact them but the installers would not get involved because they said that the fault did not concern them.

I had a lot of trouble with the installers; They're more like cowboys and they even tried to get an extra £3000 out of me on top of what was initially agreed.

Anyhow, any help you can give us will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Lockerbielad

Thanks, you're right. Best to get rid of some info.

Magnitio

If the battery stopped being charged a year ago in very cold weather and has not been charged since, then it will need the cells to be resurrected which is not a straightforward job and will need the batteries to be dismantled.

You could try the Lockerbie Repair Cafe to see if they know anyone who is into electronics and batteries who could help. Often there are volunteers who like a little project.

Lockerbielad

Thank you magnitio,

I will try that. But a fellow forumite has offered to come over and have a look. He is a retired electronics and electrical engineer. He will have a look and check things out. However, I'm going to keep in mind what you say and go down your suggested path if required.

Having said that I will remember your suggestion anyway in case I need help with anything else.

Thank you very much again for taking the time and trouble for getting in touch.

Lockerbielad

Hi, is there anyone who knows of a battery charging service for LiFeP04 solar batteries.

I have 3 Dyness B4850 48v batteries that need charging up, hopefully. Following a very cold spell the batteries shut down about a year ago and were left dormant.

The batteries have been tested and are showing very low voltage in them. Somewhere south/south west Scotland to North west of England would be good for me to take the batteries to the workshop.

While we're on the topic, any recommendations for good reliable solar batteries please

Thank you