My Solar Exploits
Well.... I'm kinda very disappointed and discouraged at this point.
I had another Under Voltage Error that shutdown/switched the system to Grid. This is the second one of those.
Checking the 5 batteries directly on their displays I find numerous Under Voltage and Over Voltage errors many of which must have been momentarily and not enough or brief enough to not shut down the entire system.
But my take-away from this is that "The System is only as Strong as it's Weakest Link" which is in this/all? cases a single Lithium-ion cell!
One cell not performing properly can shut down the whole system. We Need Much More Robust Error Management!
The system/battery should have the ability to bypass a single bad cell or lock out the battery from the system without completely stopping/switching/blocking system operation.
Beyond that the support and assistance from SunGold Power has been abominable. This is mostly due to language barrier and their lack of serious customer support (even worse than American Companies!! which is saying something!!) they will do just about anything to avoid replacing or warranting their products unless you threaten to Charge-Back via your credit card company. (not my direct experience but an acquaintance in the Solar Community with this same Inverter as mine). And they've stonewalled/ignored me since last week on the battery issues I'm having - #2 Undervoltage Error and #5 not charging/discharging in the same manner as the other four batteries.
Bottom line is Cannot recomment Sungold products by an stretch, but beyond that I'm feeling that this whole industry of DIY Solar (possibly barring the extreme highend systems) is just NOT READY FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION.
No where near plug and play. So far I've had to almost constantly babysit this system to keep it running. Very Disappointed.
There is good news though....I just got my latest Xcel Power Bill and I actually saved approximately 50% on my electric bill compared to last year's same bill. The average temp was slightly higher so that resulted in a lower Natural Gas bill but that is not factored into the 50% savings which is electric only.
Given this that "only a 16 year payback" term! LOL! Sheesh is this even worth it? Dunno.. Having fun but ...taking too much of my time, and I'm expecting knock on my door any minute from the City Code Enforcement people saying I have to stop. :)
We'll see. Onward and Upward. Two additional solar panels due to arrive at the end of the month ... that will complete my collection I believe. :)
Enjoy!
Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!
