How Many Years Does Your Solar Panel System Last?

Unacceptable on 16/10/2024 - 11:58
Last edited 16/10/2024 - 12:54 by 2 other users

I have had this Fronius Primo + Qcell 6kw solar system since June 2018 and it’s been working great until last week that I received some random error messages from the inverter through my email.

The error message says “Isolation error - Status code 475”. Reading on Google search it seems it happens when it is foggy or raining days and once sun is out the inverter is up and running. But the problem is it happens quite often now and I’m afraid it’ll cause any damage or risk to the inverter or house if I do nothing (when the error is on the inverter seems to shut down)

Having the system for 6 years I already recouped the expenses I paid (total $4.8k) but I expected the solar system would last over 20 years?

1. So anyone had the similar issue with this?

2. Should I call a solar expert or electrician for inspection? (The installer has gone bust a couple of years ago I found out)

3. Or I should buy a new system?

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  tunzafun001 on 29/10/2024 - 22:10

  It's your Qcell panels.

  The membrane underneath cracks.

  Grab your phone and take some photos from underneath facing up. If you can see cracks of light… there's your problem.

  Will create shorts in fog, misty rain and high humidity.

  Qcell are well aware of it. It's a warranty item.

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    Unacceptable on 30/10/2024 - 08:57

    Possibly. It’s really hard to tell where the problem is. I have contacted Fronius tech service and they remotely reduced the Riso value to 900k ohm in my inverter and it wirks now (though the morning reading at my inverter is 600k ohm).
    Not sure why my isolation value is so low where I don’t see any visible water damage, panel damage, isolators, etc. possibly some damage in cable conduits which is hard to see under the panels.
    Or possibly fault with inverter with low Riso reading.

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      tunzafun001 on 30/10/2024 - 09:05

      Interesting. I just know I had mine replaced, and the installer had a truck full of failed Qcell panels and said they all failed. Membrane doesn't have the proper UV protection. Qcell knew all about it as well.
      But my panels were more 2014.

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        Unacceptable on 30/10/2024 - 11:26

        Do you have an image of the Qcell cracked membrane? Can’t imagine how it’d look like.

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          tunzafun001 on 30/10/2024 - 16:20

          +1

          @Unacceptable: Its on an old phone, id have to dig them up.

          Basically, if you can see any sunlight cracks coming through the white bits, they are shot. I literally put my hand under the panel facing up, and took a photo. Sent it to q cell.. yep, they are shot.

          From the top you might notice a few 'snail trails' or hot spot shorts.

          Should be plenty of info around if you google it (crap solar on FB has a few).

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