Reliability of SolarEdge Inverters

I installed a grid-tie solar panel system in 2017. It consists of 32 Solarworld 285 panels (7600w @220v AC; 10,260w DC) connected to a SolarEdge SE10000A-US inverter. Earlier this month (Sept 2023), my inverter suddenly stopped working -- again, no error codes, no lights, just complete failure. My system has several surge protectors in line, and they are still active and working properly, so the failure was not due to something like a lightning strike or grid surge.

This inverter is the 3rd SolarEdge inverter since I purchased the first one for about $5k in 2017. SolarEdge is now sending me the 4th replacement inverter under warranty (good through 2041). So, I've had 4 inverters in 6 years of operation. At this failure rate, I will replace the inverter another dozen times by 2041, assuming SolarEdge is even in business then, which seems dubious to me given the unreliability of its inverters.

SolarEdge keeps sending me a refurbished inverter to replace the ones that failed, since it no longer makes the SE10000A inverter. This time, however, SolarEdge is sending me a newer inverter, but I'm skeptical that it will work any better than the last 4 have worked.

Under SolarEdge's warranty, there is no reimbursement for labor when I have to schedule my installer to inspect the failed inverter and re-install a replacement inverter. So I end up paying $250 or so with each re-installation. The replacement process usually requires my installer to come out, open up the inverter and verify that the failure is not due to a lightning strike, report that to SolarEdge, who then sends a new inverter after waiting 2+ weeks for SolarEdge's bureaucracy to ship the replacement. Then, my installer has to schedule me into his work queue. My system is typically down for a 4-6 weeks to make the replacement.

Has anyone else had similar reliability/quality problems with SolarEdge's inverters? An inverter that's warrantied for 25 years should not have to be replaced 4 times in 6 years.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a reliable replacement inverter that is not SolarEdge?

Anectdotally I have had two Solaredge inverters fail. Those were the only two I had ever had installed and they failed within five years at two different locations.

I have a SE10000A-US here in Kona, Hawaii, that's been running since August 2016. No issues other than 2 (out of 26) optimizers that finally died this year. Maybe I've just been lucky... as having to replace the inverter 4 times in 6 years would really suck, and I agree that's outrageous. Any idea what the mode of failure was the previous 3 times? When a piece of equipment fails, there's always a reason. Sometimes it's faulty components, faulty assembly/QC, mistakes made by installer, or something environmental where it's installed. I'd be curious what your installer has to say about the situation.

As you probably understand, switching from SolarEdge to any other inverter is going to be a considerable amount of work requiring removing the optimizer modules from every panel and rewiring. Whichever brand you choose just make sure you have a plan for how many strings, panels per string, max Voc and kW per string, etc, that the new inverter will be able to handle.

I like SMA inverters. For RSD, I think you'd have to replace SolarEdge optimizers with SMA/SunSpec RSD, although there may be something about single string of SolarEdge working with other brands, not sure. Make sure you comply with Voc limits of inverter (SolarEdge optimizer reduces open circuit voltage, the others do not.)

You can pick up previous model Sunny Boy (the -41 has support for RSD built in), or come January the Sunny Boy Smart Energy will be available. Either model is 7.7kW (11.5kW coming fall of next year.)

Fronius is supposed to be good.

Yes, many people have had issues with Solar Edge. Others have had good results. Maybe some models, and may be some geographical/climate or grid differences.

Another data point. Installed 10k HD Wave inverter in Dec 2018. Just went out, with 18xB7 error code.

The good news. My system has the wifi connector and all power production is on the web. A quick online chat with SolarEdge support confirmed the error being an internal error. An RMA was approved immediately and a new inverter is on the way. Anticipated ship time 5-7 days.

26 optimizers installed since 2018, no failures.

Can't really complain. The system has been up and running 24x7 for 5 years. First issue and SolarEdge immediately resolves. What's not to like?

I will update this post if there are any other issues that develop.

UPDATE: Received new inverter in about one week. New inverter was style without screen. Plus it did not include shut off / disconnect which is mounted under the inverter. I had to take off the disconnect portion from existing install and attach this to the new inverter. No too hard, but the attachment clips can be a little difficult to remove.

Mounting bracket for new inverter is different. Solaredge sent out a new Zigbee comm module which I installed in new inverter. This came in a separate box a day after the inverter arrived.

Using the SolarEdge Setup app, I followed on screen instructions and got everything up and running.

Keep in mind that I am a DIY'er. This is the only SolarEdge system or any system I have installed. Overall install when pretty easy. Software was easy to use. Zigbee communication is back up and running apps are reporting.

What maybe made it easier is that SolarEdge sees me as the installer. So I have complete access to the site system. The site as you have defined it, does require you to update the Serial Number.

Other than the system going down in the first place. I can't imagine it being any easier.

I'm on my 3rd SE inverter in 6-7 years. I had the 7600 model with a screen for the first two, now the 3rd has no screen and has lasted longer than the other two combined.

All replaced under warranty.

There has been quite a lot of the small micro-inverters going bad.
The bigger boxes I haven't heard much about.

I have a SE7600A that’s been working without a hiccup for over 8 years. It’s mounted in my garage but I never liked the convection cooling efficiency. Heat is electronics worst enemy. Running at 100%, it got up to and sometimes over 135 degrees according to the internal temperature displayed in the status screen. I made a bracket holding 4 small fans and attached it to the wall under the bottom of the inverter with the airflow blowing up through the cooling fins on the back. Using a small PWM fan speed controller with the sensor attached to the outside of the heat sink, the internal temperature never goes above 110 degrees, and is usually in the 105 degree range depending on how warm it is in the garage. I have no doubt keeping it cool will make the inverter last much longer.

Are those temps on C or F?

400bird said:

Are those temps on C or F?

Click to expand...

F°

Oh, good! Ever time I've touched the heat sink on mine it's been only "warm"
I realize that's relative, but 135f is believable for the hot end of what I touched, where I would have burned myself if it was 135c