I have a problem in that during a recent lightning storm our inverter died an irrepairable death. My problem is that I think the Installer should replace the inverter. Am I being fair? The inverter(CMS-2000) has a five year limited warranty and we are only 1 year into the warranty.
My reasoning is that we were not told that lightning could destroy the inverter and it would cost $2000 a pop. In addition, shouldn't the surge protection deal with this routine threat anyway?
I want to ring the supplier/installer tomorrow and request they replace it for free, as per the warranty. I want to be sure of my ground before this conversation. Any thoughts would be appreciated thanks.
Blown Inverter from lightning
(8 posts) (4 voices)-
Bearamundi
MemberPosted Monday 28 Feb 2011 @ 8:27:03 am from IP # -
Lightning is not covered by warranty under any circumstances that I am aware of. No manufacturer can possibly make electronic devices lightning proof, they are millions of volts. Surge protectors can assist but nothing will stop a close strike.
As a tech with 35 years experience I have seen many things destroyed by lightning. Unfortunately it is a common problem and often damages products plugged in to the grid as lightning often strikes power lines. Your only hope is that your insurance may cover it.
Posted Monday 28 Feb 2011 @ 9:06:37 am from IP # -
Bearamundi
MemberOuch Rockabye. Thanks for the info though as they seem a pretty nice company from past dealings. My computer modem blew up a few years back and now I just turn it off if there is a storm approaching. Could I isolate the inverter from the grid in future by turning it off? Would that help likewise?
Posted Monday 28 Feb 2011 @ 9:19:18 am from IP # -
It's most likely the damage occurred via the power lines unless you had a very close strike near your roof which I think you would have noticed if you were home. Disconnecting the inverter from the modules and the grid is your only real protection but assumes you will be around every time a storm is nearby. I suspect it would become a pain to do it regularly.
I know it's tough but check with your insurance company as your policy might cover it.
Posted Monday 28 Feb 2011 @ 9:49:16 am from IP # -
Inspector
MemberSimply turning off appliances is no guarantee against protection from lightning strikes. Think of how big the lightning "spark" is - do you think a 2 or 3mm gap inside a switch is going to stop it?
CMS do have an "exchange" repair service (or at least they used to) which was about $350. Perhaps contact them directly, or get your installer to contact them to find out more details, and probably alot cheaper than your insurance excess...
Posted Monday 28 Feb 2011 @ 10:03:48 am from IP # -
Bearamundi
MemberThanks so much guys. Just two more things please. One is that when the roof is wet you can get a small shock off it. I noticed this as I was climbing off the roof after painting it white this summer. It happened twice, both times the roof was wet after I washed it down. I touched the ladder while on the roof and got an undulating kind of shock that waxed and waned quickly. Is this normal? In addition, when the electrician took out the inverter he observed that it wasn't earthed and that it should be.
I am very appreciative for your advice and I'd buy you a beer if I could.Posted Monday 28 Feb 2011 @ 10:30:04 am from IP # -
swanning_it
MemberAny shock you recieve, small as it was, needs to be checked. It may well not relate at all to the solar setup and a full electrical installation test is needed.
Earthing with regard to solar panels is in the process of change. I'm also aware of a DC device similar to an RCD, that will provide leakage protection for string arrays and individually. The device is still in testing, however it appears that all the recently highlighted potential problems with electrocution and or fire as a result of shorting panel arrays will have an easy (though not necessarily cheap) fix shortly.
Posted Tuesday 1 Mar 2011 @ 9:10:48 am from IP # -
Bearamundi
MemberThamks for the practical advice swanning
Posted Wednesday 2 Mar 2011 @ 10:46:05 am from IP #
