Yes it 'bugs' me that JB 
Can solar panels make a clock radio run fast?
(45 posts) (23 voices)-
Jeffbloggs
MemberThe new thread page generation likes doing double posts, doesn't it? It's a weird forum bug.
I agree that grid powered clocks should be banned, or at least efficiency regulated.Posted Tuesday 3 May 2011 @ 5:49:12 am from IP # -
Angelalkaaby
MemberI've got the same problem with two out of three digital clocks, since having solar panels installed 2+ weeks ago, but my solar is not connected to the grid as yet. Will this problem rectify once the solar is fed back into the grid?
Posted Friday 5 Aug 2011 @ 4:52:06 am from IP # -
peter69_56
MemberI have the opposite problem (or solution perhaps). I have 2 sanyo digital clocks that have always been fast over a period. Both very similar in time. Added my PV system and now they keep perfect time. Wow a win for a change
Posted Sunday 4 Sep 2011 @ 1:15:37 am from IP # -
John H
MemberHi everybody it appears from this forum there is a definite problem with some inverters.
I am now adding to that list with a bedroom clock radio gaining time of 5-7 minutes per day whilst the system is working. I have turned the system off during the day and clock kept perfect time. 14 suntech 190 watt panels were installed in June 2011 with a xantrex GT2.8au inverter and was finally working in September when the import/export meter was installed by ETSA.I have contacted several Govt. departments but to no avail and also Cipsal who are now owned by Schneider who are now responsible for xantrex inverters. I have had contradictory comments from them. The installer hasn't been any help either.
With enormous amounts of money invested by the public including rebates from the Government, I think its scandalous the matter hasn't been rectified seeing many manufacturers are aware, but still selling the units. As a result I have now lodged a complaint with the Adelaide office of Consumer & Business Affairs and will keep members posted.
Posted Friday 2 Dec 2011 @ 2:52:32 am from IP # -
The federal govt is paying the subsidy so maybe a complaint to the regulator would be the way to go. If the equipment is not up to the standard then they may act on your problem. Send a cc to the supplier of your product.
Posted Friday 2 Dec 2011 @ 3:16:56 am from IP # -
Did you write or phone them? If you only phoned they are unable, and usually unwilling, to act. Ensure your letter is cc'd to the Minister for Climate Change Greg Combet. The ORER is his department.
http://www.climatechange.gov.au/
That usually gets their attention.
Posted Saturday 3 Dec 2011 @ 9:08:48 am from IP # -
Inspector
MemberI have only seen this thread now so some of my reply will be responding to older posts...
In NSW a couple of years ago, Oelmaier inverters were being installed prior to being included on the CEC approved products list. I believe most of them were either changed to Aurora inverters by the time the meter was installed or they were inspected by the DNSP's.
My recent communication with a solar company MD has indicated that most inverters don't have C-tick compliance. Since then I've yet to notice the logo on any inverter apart from one or two. bThis could be the cause of the clock speed. It is correct the inverter does not "generate" the grid frequency - it merely "locks onto" it. It doesn't have the power to modify the frequency of the grid (although modifying frequency (frequency drift) is usually one of the anti-islanding features). I believe CEC are aware of and looking into the C-tick issue.
Posted Friday 9 Dec 2011 @ 11:24:35 pm from IP # -
IrishPete
MemberMe too! Clock radio that has run perfectly for years is now gaining time daily! I didn't click that it might be related to the very recently grid-connected inverter and panels! Anyway, I rely for waking on an old digital watch, so it's irritating but not the end of the world!
Pete
Posted Saturday 10 Dec 2011 @ 12:29:20 am from IP # -
molly_chick
MemberHi, I know this is a pretty old post but thought I would still write saying that I too have had problems with powered clock radios gaining at least 10 minutes of time since having solar panels installed (3 mnths ago). When it first started happening, I threw out our clock radio (which wasn’t a cheap one but was about 5 yrs old) thinking it was just getting old and purchased a new $25 one. After 2 weeks the problem was happening again which then made me start to think is it getting too much power or something silly like that, as I thought it was just too much of a coincidence that 2 clock radios start gaining 10 minutes of time within 3 days of adjusting it to the right time. I then thought my idea of "something connected to the power" was being silly so took the clock back to the store and due to not being able to get a refund I had to get a replacement and sure enough, it’s happening again. I have it plugged in another room instead of the original place where I kept the previous two just to test it but it is gaining time regardless. I just thought on an off chance that I would google the problem, really half expecting not to find any answer to this and luckily came across this forum which clearly tells me that there is a problem going on that is connecting my $7000 solar panels to time running fast on my electric clocks : ). I am now wondering if anything else may be a problem but I just haven’t come across it "yet". Thank you so much fozzy for first bringing this up regardless how stupid you thought the question was to begin with. Like me, when I first mentioned to my husband that I have a feeling it is something to do with the power somehow, he laughed and said don’t be silly, it’s just the clock is faulty (even on the second clock, he said it was just a coincidence and the new clock is faulty too) so I am relieved that I have an answer now. Thanks also to everyone’s feedback as there is quite a few useful tips in all these posts.
Jackie.Posted Thursday 10 May 2012 @ 10:11:08 am from IP # -
ClrSkyRF
MemberHa! before solar power installation Grid power fluctuates from 210vac to 260vac random intervals.
A quality inverter provides clean steady power 220-240V/50-60Hz range.
SMA Sunny Boy, Latronics PV Edge, Fronius, and others
DON'T be conned by cheap imports saving a few short term $$Monitor your inverter output for exact output.
There is NO problem with mine (1)Pure-One (2) Boston Acoustic
Posted Thursday 31 May 2012 @ 11:46:48 pm from IP # -
caign
Member+1 for issue with clock running fast during PV generation hours.
I also have an issue with a master/slave powerboard constantly cycling slave power on and off during PV generation hours. Works normally at night and when I turn PV system off.
Baz, did you check your potential voltage difference explanation?
> "there may be a voltage difference between the earth and neutral"Posted Tuesday 18 Jun 2013 @ 12:21:53 am from IP #
