Here is how my problem went.
Stepped into solar thing last Spring 2022 but had issues getting the project started (20 panel and 2 EX6500). I’ll start after the error 61 was resolved. The initial response times via email and phone with SigSolar techs was good. We did all the troubleshooting tests, FW updates and multimeter videos throughout to get to the RMA process.
12/21/22: Contacted SigSolar for issues (listed below this timeline) and given the standard request for data and information.
1/4/23: Waited until after holidays to send data to tech.
2/6/23: Went through several weeks of requesting ticket status, none given.
2/13/23: Passed to another tech, installed latest FW update, informed tech it did not resolve anything.
2/17/23: After trying several things and tired of waiting for another FW update, I requested RMA and was passed to Resolution Dept.
2/23/23: Was told I had to ship old inverters before new inverters would be shipped. If I wanted to keep my system operating, I would have to purchase two more units which could be installed when I took down the old units to return. So, I did.
3/2/23: On the day when the first set of new inverters were to arrive, I prep'd by taking down the old inverters. I had assumed Sigsolar would ensure new inverters were sent; however, I was inadvertently sent what they called Garage Sale units. They looked used around mounting holes, other scratches, something metal rattling around inside one. Two more were sent.
3/10/23: Second set of inverters arrived. One inverter had something rattling around inside but didn’t sound metallic. The other was dented/scratched. A tech asked me to take the cover off the one that rattled. The plastic rivets had come out of the plastic cover over the internal components and the rivet holes in the cover were torn. Two more inverters were sent.
3/18/23: First inverter of third shipment arrived. FedEx had dropped something heavy on it. Components inside were broke loose and case was bowed.
3/20/23: Second inverter of third shipment arrived. Plastic rivets were inside the lower part of the inverter, I took apart the inverter and reinstalled them. Another inverter was shipped to replace the crushed inverter.
3/24/23: The fourth shipment arrived. This inverter also had a loose rivet but I didn’t replace it.
Things happen but I will say that the shipping process was not sped up to my satisfaction after the initial shipment failure and compensation for my inconvenience was given at token level rather than a level befitting such a series of unfortunate events. All inverters were tagged 10/2022.
ORIGINAL INVERTER ISSUES: (NOTES: I do not run inverters with Grid Power on – the breaker for AC input is always off. The inverters are in “USE”. The old inverters were tagged 05/2022. I did not change anything when removing the old inverters and installing the new inverters.)
1 Random Power Outages in EG4 but not in USE.
2 Error 61 in EG4 but not in USE, resolved in FW update.
3 Arcing noises from main panel when AC input to inverters is turned on.
4 One inverter drops the date and time when turned off for several hours. New FW fixed this.
5 MPPT voltages significantly change when being placed from standby to on and from on to standby.
6 PV voltage hangs at 90V unless PV breaker turn off and on.
7 AC output voltage fluctuations:
7a Inverter’s display report incorrect fluctuating voltages (117-122V) while PV charging battery but actual voltage is 119.9-120.2V using voltmeter.
7b Inverter’s display report incorrect fluctuating voltages (115-137V) after PV charging has reached 100% SOC but actual voltage is 120.6-121.9V using voltmeter.
8 Flickering lights:
8a Flickers while PV is charging battery. The microwave light strobes after SOC reaches 100%.
8b During hours of darkness some lights randomly flicker, haven’t found a cause.
8c Lights on dimmers flicker unless turned up 100%.
8d Some lights flash when well pump or boiler pump turn on.
AFTER RMA: The main issues #3, #7 and #8a were resolved with the new inverters; #6 was resolved with later FW update. I have not checked #5. Issue #1, no idea staying in USE. (Using FW 79.67)
Flickering Lights: I haven’t spent time on this issue, because I really don’t care and can wait until someone else fingers it out. Closing your eyes makes it stop.
Lights on dimmers flicker unless turned up 100%. Microwave light on low setting flickers but when on full it doesn’t. Some lights flash(dim) when well pump or boiler pump turn on.
Some observations since RMA:
1. Dessmonitor: It works but it SUCKS! The inverters post data points every 5 minutes and at different intervals for each inverter. The program does not combine data from multiple inverters. In order to determine power to and from battery, you must do the volt*amp math for each data point. Why does SigSolar require this data in its exported excel format, because.
2. I use Solar Assistant which can provide 10 second data points.
3. Switched from “USE” to “EG4” setting to try an EG4 hub. Terrible light flickering began and 2P2 started fluctuating voltage between 114-130V. I removed the EG4 hub, but the voltage fluctuation and light show was still happening, so I switched back to “USE” and voltage fluctuation and flickering stopped. Maybe my fault, I may try again when it is convenient. The hub did work as advertised.
4. The battery/load data reported by the inverters is not very accurate when compared to shunts or other monitoring devices. The reported SOC for EG4 LP4s somehow seems to be accurate.
5. The system works now, and I am satisfied with it but, knowing what I know now, if I could go back to March 2023, I would have taken the cash back and thrown another $2,500 at SigSolar for the EG4 18Kpv.
I would say everyone involved wanted to help and I did not have a problem (within reason) getting a hold of someone to help. Richard, Aaron, Daniel, Hannah, Ty, Travis, Royce, Jarrett (is that really your last name), Ben. The SigSolar reps on this forum did prove invaluable, I recommend engaging them when appropriate.
