Replacing a string inverter

[JOE90]

Hello.
I wonder if anyone has experience of replacing dead string inverters. Mine is a 4kw Sunpower inverter installed 11 years ago on the outside wall of my house. We have a feed in tariff fro EDF that I don't want to lose.
It has stopped working. Maybe a lightening strike. The error code is E031 which I think means it's kaput.

How easy are they to replace? I'm OK at DIY . I only need a string inverter.

Thanks for your help

Welcome to the forum Joe, you'll be looking for an mcs registered installer to preserve your fit integrity? Have you made any local calls?

[Joeboy]

Hello.
I wonder if anyone has experience of replacing dead string inverters. Mine is a 4kw Sunpower inverter installed 11 years ago on the outside wall of my house. We have a feed in tariff fro EDF that I don't want to lose.
It has stopped working. Maybe a lightening strike. The error code is E031 which I think means it's kaput.

How easy are they to replace? I'm OK at DIY . I only need a string inverter.

Thanks for your help

Welcome to the forum Joe, you'll be looking for an mcs registered installer to preserve your fit integrity? Have you made any local calls?

Welcome to the forum Joe, you'll be looking for an mcs registered installer to preserve your fit integrity? Have you made any local calls?

[Fueltheburn]

This topic crosses over with the other one we were having about the OFGEM regs released on September 7th this year.

My interpretation of those regs is it comes under the repair category.
Repair with the same output inverter i.e 4kv and your FIT remains unaffected. No need for MCS installer.

My inverter was replaced from the original inverter which popped and a more efficient one went in (just because). It has not affected my FIT.

[Joeboy]

This topic crosses over with the other one we were having about the OFGEM regs released on September 7th this year.

My interpretation of those regs is it comes under the repair category.
Repair with the same output inverter i.e 4kv and your FIT remains unaffected. No need for MCS installer.

My inverter was replaced from the original inverter which popped and a more efficient one went in (just because). It has not affected my FIT.

[JOE90]

Thanks for the FIT reassurance.
Has any DIYer replaced a standard string inverter? ...It's been difficult to get local suppliers interested in the Totnes area! I think they are all too busy.

[nowty]

Thanks for the FIT reassurance.
Has any DIYer replaced a standard string inverter? ...It's been difficult to get local suppliers interested in the Totnes area! I think they are all too busy.

Of course, several on here have replaced their own inverter, either they have failed like yours or have upgraded and sold the old one on. What is your current model number ?

Do you know the configuration, of your current system ?, i.e. what panels ?, how many ?, how many strings ?

You can buy them from places like,

https://www.itstechnologies.shop/collec ... r-Inverter

https://www.tradesparky.com/solarsparky/inverters

https://www.bimblesolar.com/ongrid/gridinverters

[drjim]

Not forgetting

https://www.cityplumbing.co.uk/c/produc ... c/1870008/

For easy collection from a depot near you or free delivery if you want!

[Thebeeman]

I've recently purchased a 5Kw Pylon battery from this company in Newton Abbot. I could collect from Okehampton, you're nearer, and the price was very good. I would suggest a call or visit.
https://callidus.co.uk/

Added: No connection, just a happy customer.

[JOE90]

Many thanks for your helpful
replies. Ill check on model number when I get home.

[sharpener]

How easy are they to replace? I'm OK at DIY . I only need a string inverter.

Easy. Have changed my Steca master inverter twice under return-to-base warranty.

For a like-for-like or reasonable equivalent no need to bother with MCS or trouble your FIT supplier or the DNO as you are not changing the declared capacity which in all likelihood is set by the panels.

In addition to others' suggestions there is an outfit based in the SW (?near Honiton) which offers tested 2nd hand inverters on ebay, worth a look, they might have an exact replacement so no problem with connections or fixings.