Not necessarily. There are two different kinds of power ratings for PV panels. One is the STC (Standard Test Conditions) rating, and the other is the PTC (Practical Test Conditions) rating. The PTC output rating for any given panel is usually 80% or less of the STC rating of the panel. The inverter can only produce AC power from the DC power that it is receiving. Therefore if the PV array is producing less that it's maximum output, the inverter will also produce less. For a more detailed analysis of this issue please see the STC PTC discussion.
It is also possible that there may be any number of problems with the installation. Many installation-related conditions will have dramatic effects on system performance. Some of these include: damaged wiring and panels, poor quality wire connections, mixed panel orientation, sub-optimal array orientation, panel shading, high panel temperature and poor inverter placement, to name a few. The system design discussion contains information related to system design considerations. Have your installer check the system to verify that the system performance is normal for your installation.
Call your installer or distributor to see if they have any suggestions about the error message. If they cannot determine the cause of the message, either you or your installer should contact us at techinfo@sma-america.com or you can call us at (530) 273-4895.
First of all, measure the voltage on the AC terminal block inside the inverter and ensure that the AC breaker has not opened or failed. Next, check the fuse inside the inverter on the AC (right) side. This fuse is near the AC terminal block and is slightly above and to the left of the green terminal block. It is in a black holder that is about two inches long and ½ and inch high. The holder is a small fuse holder with a handle on it. Remove the cover and fuse and check it for continuity with a DMM. If this fuse has blown, the replacement fuse is a 250V, 15A fuse for the SB2500 and a 250V, 20A fuse for the SB1800. If neither of these two solutions fixes the problem please contact Tech Support at techinfo@sma-america.com or call us at (916) 625 0870.
No your inverter is not broken. The inverter is probably still producing power. To verify the inverter is working, look at the three LED lights on the front of the inverter and ensure that the green light (the top one) is illuminated. If the green light is illuminated, the inverter is on-line and producing power. If the display is still malfunctioning, you can try the following procedures:
Power cycle the inverter by following this procedure:
1. Remove AC power by placing the AC circuit breaker in the OFF position.
2. Remove DC power by placing the DC Disconnect switch in the OFF position.
3. Wait AT LEAST 5 minutes for power stored in the capacitors to bleed down.
4. Reapply AC power by moving the circuit breaker to the ON position
5. Reapply DC power by placing the DC Disconnect in the ON position
Reseat the display on it's control board by following this procedure:
Remove AC power by placing the AC circuit breaker in the OFF position.
Remove DC power by placing the DC Disconnect switch in the OFF position.
Wait AT LEAST 5 minutes for power stored in the capacitors to bleed down.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FOLLOW ADEQUATE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. ENSURE THAT POWER CANNOT BE ACCIDENTLY APPLIED TO THE INVERTER WHEN THE COVER IS REMOVED. Lockout tags are recommended on the AC and DC switches to prevent inadvertent re-energizing of the inverter.
Remove the 4 screws which secure the front cover to the inverter and remove the cover.
GENTLY remove the display board from the control board by pulling on it and rocking it back and forth slightly.
GENTLY reinstall the display board. You can use the three LEDs as an indicator that the display board is properly lined up. Make sure all of the square pins engage in their sockets. Do not stress the control board when re-installing the display board. Press the two boards together by squeezing the control board and the display board together between your fingers.
Replace the front cover and the four screws
Reapply AC power by moving the circuit breaker to the ON position
Reapply DC power by placing the DC Disconnect in the ON position
If you have more than one inverter... you can swap displays between two inverters. If the problem reoccurs, note whether it occurs on the same display, or on the same inverter. If the problem persists after trying the above remedies, then please contact SMA Technical Support at techinfo@sma-america.com or call us at (916) 625 0870.
Vac-SRR errors are usually caused by the grid voltage being too high, typically over 258 Vac. Please read Vac - SRR discussion of the issue written by John Berdner, SMA America's President, for more information.
