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Solar panel not working on 3yr old House ? Warranty?

  • 01-01-2018 6:32pm
    #1
    kodirl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 173 ✭✭


    Hi, all as title says our house is now 3yrs old and the solar panel has recently stopped working. We have a small solar panel board in our utility which is no longer receiving power from the solar panel. It seems to have stopped working in the past month or so. Is there a warranty on the house for items like these ( does the builder have a duty to repair it?)or will I have to suck it up and pay for someone to come out and check the solar panel and fix it? Any advice welcome.


Comments

  • #2
    quentingargan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    How many panels do you have, and is there an inverter in the loft or somewhere else in the house? Is there any RCBO or RCD that has tripped, either on that panel you have, or in your main consumer unit? If there is an inverter in the house, does it come on during the daytime? (but not send power)

    Sometimes each panel has its own micro-inverter and if that's the case it is an expensive job getting someone qualified onto the roof.

    Usually there are warranties on components, so replacement would be free, but in relation to labour you would have to track down the builder.


  • #3
    kodirl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 173 ✭✭kodirl


    quentingargan wrote: »
    How many panels do you have, and is there an inverter in the loft or somewhere else in the house? Is there any RCBO or RCD that has tripped, either on that panel you have, or in your main consumer unit? If there is an inverter in the house, does it come on during the daytime? (but not send power)

    Sometimes each panel has its own micro-inverter and if that's the case it is an expensive job getting someone qualified onto the roof.

    Usually there are warranties on components, so replacement would be free, but in relation to labour you would have to track down the builder.

    The problem is at the solar panel itself. I checked all connections up to a junction box inside the attic and there is no power at that junction box where cables go out to solar panel.


  • #4
    TheBully
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 876 ✭✭✭TheBully


    kodirl wrote: »
    The problem is at the solar panel itself. I checked all connections up to a junction box inside the attic and there is no power at that junction box where cables go out to solar panel.

    Maybe shine a torch on it, I haven’t seen sun in days


  • #5
    kodirl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 173 ✭✭kodirl


    TheBully wrote: »
    Maybe shine a torch on it, I haven’t seen sun in days

    Ha , if only that would work!


  • #6
    quentingargan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    The most common problem on solar panel installations in Ireland is badly crimped connectors. The panels come with MC4 connectors, which are great, but if badly crimped, they will arc and burn out. It is most likely that this has happened to the connectors going into the panel connections on the roof.

    If you open the DC isolator, you should see 30 to 40V per panel DC on the connections. If it ain't there, probably the connection is broken.

    An MC connection set is €1.50. A proper crimping pliers about €30. Scaffolding €400?


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