Martifer Solar SA

PVTRIN Training course

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

www.pvtrin.eu
 Soitec

CONTENTS
CONTENTS iii INDICATIVE REFERENCES 13

SUMMARY iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 15

1. COMMON MISTAKES AND FAILURES 1 PVTRIN PARTNERS 16

1.1. Introduction 1
1.1.1. Insulation failures 1
1.1.2. Inverter failures 1
1.1.3. Construction failures 1

1.2. Common mistakes 1

1.3. Troubleshooting 3

2. DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES 7

2.1. Visual inspection procedures 7

2.1.1. Array Inspection 7
2.1.2. Wire Inspection 7
2.1.3. Inverter Inspection 7
2.1.4. Inspection of Module and Array
Grounding 8

2.2. Performance monitoring 8

2.2.1. User feedback 8
2.2.2. Performance verification 8
2.2.3. Displays 8
2.2.4. Design Software 9
2.2.5. Data Acquisition Systems 9
2.2.6. Sensors 9

2.3. Calibration and Recalibration 10

2.4. Data Storage and Transmission 10

2.4.1. Data Analysis 10

ANNEX 11

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide iii

SUMMARY
The PVTRIN troubleshooting guide aims to present the actions should be taken in order to
ensure a proper performance of a PV system. The maintenance and troubleshooting
requirements are -in many cases- the same for stand-alone and grid connected PV systems,
however it may be different depending on the circumastances.
This document deals with operational issues that can reduce the performance of the PV
systems and provides the necessary documentation for operating and maintenance
procedures to minimise those losses.

The Guide is not intended to be either exhaustive or definitive and cannot guarantee to cover all possible
situations in depth. Technicians are advised to exercise their own professional judgment and to consult
all current building regulations, health and safety codes, standards and other applicable guidelines, as
well as the technical manual of the equipment used.

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide iv

 1
COMMON MISTAKES
AND FAILURES

1. COMMON MISTAKES AND

1.1.2. Inverter failures
FAILURES
The most frequently reported faults
1.1. Introduction according to a great many studies are
inverter faults (63%). However, there have
As PV systems have now been in operation been considerable improvements in this
for many years, a store of useful information sector over time. A common fault is incorrect
has been accumulated on their typical faults dimensioning and/or incorrect cable or
and problems. voltage matching with the PV array. Most PV
installation firms have now overcome this
1.1.1. Insulation failures problem, and simulation software programs
Over recent years, the quality of module and design tools from inverter manufacturers
connections has significantly improved since also provide support in this area. Other
the widespread introduction of plug sources of inverter trouble are voltage surge
connectors. The use of cable ties or wiring effects caused by electrical storms or grid
that is not UV or temperature resistant has switching, ageing and thermal overload.
proven highly problematic. Insulation also Further failures are simply due to device
needs to withstand mechanical loads. All faults (DGS, 2008).
insulation ages over the course of time. For 1.1.3. Construction failures
electrical power supplies, the physical
operating life of power cables is generally A common failure regarding PV mounting
specified as 45 years. Insulation can also be systems is the distortion of the PV modules
damaged by UV radiation, excessive voltage when they are installed on the roof, in order
and mechanically. Suitable protection for to form a flat array surface mechanically.
cables is readily available on the market. Any Under the influence of temperature and
insulation fault – whatever the cause - on the wind, or over the course of time, the module
DC side can result in arcing, which is a serious glass may shatter. Typical faults in PV
fire risk. In consequence, all wiring should be mounting systems are an absence of
periodically checked for any mechanical or expansion joints between modules or too few
thermal damage. The best way to do this is to roof hooks to take account of the wind load.
measure the insulation resistance. Moreover, the wrong choice of materials can
cause corrosion on the mounting frame and
Automatic insulation monitoring, as
compatible materials should be used at all
performed by many inverters, is therefore a
times (DGS, 2008).
very useful feature. It signals an insulation
fault and the inverter then isolates the
system from the grid. However, the
illuminated PV array will still supply direct 1.2. Common mistakes
current to feed the arc. Consequently the
Mistakes in a PV installation can be
fault cannot be isolated by the inverter. If an
minimized, by ensuring appropriate design,
insulation fault is indicated, the cause of the
installation and maintenance. Usually, most
fault should be traced as quickly as possible.
mistakes occur in PV installations during
In a system with one or two strings, wiring
installation. In this sub-section, the most
faults can be detected by checking the
frequent installation mistakes are listed
inverter.
(Brooks Engineering, 2010).

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 1

Common Installation Mistakes with Array • Using indoor-rated grounding lugs on PV
Modules and Configurations: modules and support structures.
• Changing the array wiring layout without • Assuming that simply bolting aluminium
changing the submitted electrical diagram. frames to support structures provides
• Changing the module type or effective grounding.
manufacturer as a result of supply issues. • Installing an undersized conductor for
• Exceeding the inverter or module voltage grounding
due to improper array design. • Not installing lightning protection properly
• Putting too few modules in series for
proper operation of the inverter during
Common Installation Mistakes with
high summer array temperatures.
Electrical Boxes, Conduit Bodies, and
• Installing PV modules without taking Disconnecting Means:
account of the Impp of each module
(grouping). • Installing disconnects rated for vertical
installation in a non-vertical application.
• Installing incorrectly rated fuses in source
Common Installation Mistakes with Wire
combiners and fused disconnects.
Management:
• Covering boxes or conduit bodies leaving
• Human mistakes regarding the wire them almost inaccessible for service.
connection during installation. • Not following manufacturer’s instructions
• Not enough supports to secure the cable for wiring disconnect on the DC side.
properly. • Installing dry wire nuts in wet locations
• Conductors touching roof or other and inside boxes that routinely get wet.
abrasive surfaces exposing them to • Using improper fittings to bring
physical damage. conductors into exterior boxes.
• Not supporting raceways at proper
intervals.
Common Installation Mistakes with
• Multiple cables entering a single
Mounting Systems:
conductor cable gland
• Not following support members with • Not using supplied or specified hardware
conductors. with the mounting systems.
• Pulling cable ties too tight or leaving them • Not installing flashings properly.
too loose. • Not using the correct roof adhesives for
• Not fully engaging plug connectors. the specific type of roof.
• Bending conductors too close to • Not attaching proper lag screws to roofing
connectors. members.
• Plug connectors on non-locking • Not drilling proper pilot holes for lag
connectors not fully engaged screws and missing or splitting roofing
members.
Common Installation Mistakes with Module
and Array Grounding:
• Not installing a grounding conductor on
the array at all.
• Not connecting the different parts of the
modules together to achieve equal
potential grounding

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 2

 1
COMMON MISTAKES
AND FAILURES

1.3. Troubleshooting present, switch off the DC switch or DC

switches. Then one module per string should
The fault correction method depends upon be completely darkened by covering it from
the type of fault and the type of PV system. sunlight. Now the strings can be separated
First, customers should be asked when and without the danger of arcing and
how the fault came to their attention. Circuit measurement can begin.
diagrams and a technical description of the
system are very helpful. Before taking Step 3: String fuses/diodes/modules
measurements, a visual check of the PV The voltage at the string fuses and diodes can
system should be carried out – in particular, be measured during operation by using a
of the PV array – to check for mechanical voltmeter in parallel. If excessive differences
damage and soiling. Wiring and electrical are present in the individual string voltages
connections should also be checked. and/or string short-circuit currents, this is
The measurements required to find faults in either an indication of excessively high
grid-connected systems are essentially the mismatching in the generator or an indication
same as those required for commissioning. of an electrical fault in one or more strings. It
Today, increasingly, remote diagnostics via a may therefore be necessary to take individual
modem and PC are also possible with more measurements at the modules of the
modern inverters. corresponding string. For longer strings,
The step-by-step troubleshooting procedure divide the string in half and find out which is
is described in the following paragraphs: the faulty half of the string. Then, use the
same method on the faulty half of the string
Step 1: Inverter and PV combiner/junction to identify the faulty module. The module
box connections and bypass diodes should also be
Firstly, the measurement check of the tested.
inverter and the PV combiner/junction box
should start with the respective connecting Step 4 Open-circuit voltage and short-circuit
wires. Test the inverter operating data, by current
checking the LED or error code, or by using Measurement of the open-circuit voltage and
remote software and a laptop. The inverter's the short-circuit current is very important for
operating data records can give useful monitoring the operation of the system but
information for the localization of the faults. the current irradiance of the area should also
For the measurement check, test the AC side be recorded.
and then the DC side at the inverter. Then, Some typical failures which are encountered
check the DC cable and the DC main in PV installations are listed in TABLE 1 below.
disconnect/isolator switch. When measuring On the right side column the possible reasons
the insulation resistance, the resistance to for these failures are reported alongside
the ground potential should be at least corrective measures in order to troubleshoot
2MOhm. the problem and put the system back in
operation (DGS, 2008).
Step 2: Ground and short-circuit faults
In the Annex, a troubleshooting tree (F.Y
Ground and short-circuit faults can be
Dadzie, 2008) is presented regarding a grid
detected by following the troubleshooting
connected PV system with backup system.
procedure, but the PV strings should first be
separated and measured individually. To do
this, first switch off the inverter and, if

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 3

 TABLE 1. TYPICAL FAILURES AND CORRECTIVE MEASURES AND TROUBLESHOOTING. (Principal source: Karamchetti M, 2011)

Typical failures Corrective measures and troubleshooting

Failure in any PV system Try to get as much information from the customer as possible
component Get as much information, such as prints, outputs and wiring diagrams, as possible
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding malfunction
Entire PV system is down Prior to getting on the roof, check and record the inverter’s input voltage and current level from the array

No current from array Switches, fuses, or circuit breakers open, blown, tripped, wiring broken or corroded

Array current is low Cloudy conditions, a defective blocking or bypass diode, a damaged module, one or more parallel connection between
modules in the string is broken, loose, or dirty. Replace a damaged module or one with internal parallel connection
problems. Replace defective diodes and clean and tighten all connections. Some of the array may be shaded, significantly
reducing the array’s current output. Remove the shade source to regain the string’s full current output.
Dirty modules also could cause reduced current output. Wash the modules to restore the array’s current output.
Output voltage is low Some modules in the series string are defective or disconnected and need to be replaced. Defective blocking or bypass
diodes in the modules may need to be replaced. Low voltage also could be caused by the wrong wiring connecting the
modules in the string to the junction box or combiner box or the inverter. The wiring could be either sized too small or the
wire run is too long for the string’s output current level. Upgrading the wire size for the current level should correct this
problem.
Battery is not charging Measure PV array open circuit voltage and confirm it is within normal limits. If voltage is low or zero, check the connections
at the PV array itself. Disconnect the PV from the controller when working on the PV system. Measure PV voltage and
(aytonomous systems)
battery voltage at charge controller terminals if voltage at the terminals is the same the PV array is charging the battery. If
PV voltage is close to open circuit voltage of the panels and the battery voltage is low, the controller is not charging the
batteries and may be damaged.
Battery is always at a low Reduce load size or increase system size. (Sandia National Laboratories, 1991)
state of charge
(autonomous systems)

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 1
COMMON MISTAKES
AND FAILURES
Typical failures Corrective measures and troubleshooting

Battery voltage loss Replace or add diode, or repair or replace series relay charge controller. (Sandia National Laboratories, 1991)
overnight even when no
loads are on (autonomous
systems)

Load not operating Check that no fuses are defective or circuit breakers have been tripped. Check the system’s voltage at the load’s
properly connection.
The load also could be too large for the wire size in the circuit. Reduce the load on the circuit or run larger wire that is sized
for the current load.( Pennsylvania Weatherization Providers)
Low voltage shutdown Shorten cables or use heavier cables, recharge battery, allow unit to cool, improve air circulation, locate unit to cooler environment.

Fault light on, AC load not AC products connected are rated at more than the inverters power rating, overload shutdown has occurred The AC products connected
working are rated at less than the inverters continuous power rating. The product exceeds the inverters surge capacity.

Reverse Polarity connection Check connection to battery, the inverter has likely been damaged and needs to be replaced.
on inverter (autonomous
systems)

Loads disconnecting Controller not receiving proper battery voltage, check battery connection. Adjustable low voltage disconnect is set too high. Reset
improperly adjustable low voltage disconnect using a variable power supply,
Array fuse blows Array short circuit test performed with battery connected. Disconnect battery to perform test. Array exceeds rating of controller, add
another controller in parallel if appropriate or replace with controller of higher capacity.
Loads disconnecting Controller not receiving proper battery voltage, check battery connection. Adjustable low voltage disconnect is set too high. Reset
improperly Adjustable low voltage disconnect using a variable power supply

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 5

 Typical failures Corrective measures and troubleshooting

Array fuse blows Array short circuit test performed with battery connected. Disconnect battery to perform test. Array exceeds rating of controller, add
another controller in parallel if appropriate or replace with controller of greater capacity.
No output from inverter Switch, fuse or circuit breaker open, blown or tripped. Wiring broken or corroded.
Low voltage disconnect on inverter or charge controller circuit is open,
High battery voltage. The load on the inverter may have too high of a current demand. Reduce the loads or replace the inverter with
one with a larger output.
Many PV inverters have LED displays as indicators. Check that the appropriate LEDs are lit up to indicate proper inverter operation.
With the power off, check for and repair any ground faults before starting the inverter again.
Corrosion of Structural Loose components or fasteners should be re-secured or tightened, and special attention paid to galvanic corrosion of fasteners.
components (NABCEP, 2009)
Repair or replace any bent, corroded, or otherwise damaged mounting components. Check and tighten all mounting system fasteners
(Architectural Energy Corporation, 1991)
Fire during the operation of Stay away from the PV system during and after a fire. Inform the fire brigade about the particular hazards from the PV system. After the
photovoltaic fire, have your installer bring the PV system in a safe mode. (Mitsubishi)

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 6

 2
DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES

on the front and the module must be

2. DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES replaced. Futhermore, under temperature
and wind influences, the PV modules may
2.1. Visual inspection procedures shatter. Additionally, an inspector may check
for any signs of corrosion on the mounting
The mechanical problems are generally frame. This can appear due to the wrong
evident by something being loose or bent or choice of material. Poor system conditions
broken or corroded, can generally be found may lead to losses in output power.
with a visual check. To perform an inspection (DTI,2006)
the weather should be good and all (The German Energy Society, 2008)
inspections must completed through a clear, (Brooks Engineering, 2010)
sunny day. (Rudkin E. & Thornycroft J., 2008) (Rudkin E. & Thornycroft J., 2008)
2.1.1. Array Inspection
2.1.2. Wire Inspection
The PV array is the first item that needs
inspection as PV arrays can influence the The inspector must get near the PV array and
performance of the PV system. This can be a inspect under the modules array. Conductors
difficult procedure if the array is placed on must not lie on the roof or come in contact
multiple roof faces of the building and the with sharp surfaces that may cause them
visual inspection of the array cannot be physical damage. Also the inspector should
carried out. Sometimes, the array inspection check if the connectors are fully engaged. The
cannot take place as the inspector is unable wiring should be checked often for any
to get on the roof. In such situations using a mechanical and termal damage. A simple way
lift or a secured ladder at the time of of doing this is to measure the insulation
inspection is recommended. resistance. Attention should be taken to
minimise cable lengths, and to ensure that all
Once the inspector has either gained access connections are made in the correct way and
to the roof or has a clear view of the roof, the are protected. A poor connection may reduce
number of PV modules of the system must be the performance of the system in the long
counted. It is important that the number of term. It is better to ensure the quality of the
modules matches that of the plans and a connections during the installation. This can
comparison should take place. save time at the inspection, as the inspector
will not have to identity and localize the poor
At the back of the modules, there is a label connections.
listing all the characteristics of the PV (DTI,2006)he German Energy Society,
module. During the visual inspection, the
2008)
label should be checked so as to confirm the
model number of a module. A photo of the (Brooks Engineering, 2010)
label is a good option if there is a difficulty to
view the back side. Otherwise, if possible the 2.1.3. Inverter Inspection
module should be moved, so as the
inspection is completed successfully. Output reductions are observed when the
inverter shows operational problems. The
Also, an inspection should include a check of
inverter may shut down, present a fault, or
the physical condition of the photovoltaic
failed to restart automatically due to a grid
array as some can become distorted or
fault. Faults with inverters may not be
settled under stress. This may crack the glass
noticed for a long period of time. So, it is

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 7

important to check system operation. A installer is responsible to provide this
display can be used. This should be placed in information to the user. (DTI,2006)
a visible and accessible position where the
user can find out and diagnose when the
system is operating. In addition to this, the 2.2.2. Performance verification
display may have an indication light that A system may have been financed on the
shows when the inverter is on and operates basis of its output through support schemes
correctly. (DTI,2006) (Feed-in Tariffs), and so the user is good to
measure the output and compare to the
claims for the system. The complexity and
2.1.4. Inspection of Module and Array
expense of such metering is determined by
Grounding the number and accuracy of the
measurements to be made. A display is the
PV module and array grounding is one of the
interface between the user and the system
most important safety issues in a PV
and is the main source of information on the
installation. For module grounding, an
electrical connection is created between the system performance. (DTI,2006)
module frame and the equipment grounding
conductor. This connection requires all the FIGURE 1.
MEASUREMENTS ON A ROOF GRID CONNECTED PV SYSTEM
modules array to have additional array (Source: Conercon Ltd)
grounding which is important for lightning
and surge grounding. (Brooks Engineering,
2010)

2.2. Performance monitoring

2.2.1. User feedback
User feedback is one of the most important
factors for ensuring good performance and
operation of the PV system. Users can check
the inverter operation, output power levels,
shading problems or obvious damage to the
system. This can range from a simple LED on
the inverter lid or a user display in a domestic 2.2.3. Displays
corridor, to a large interactive wall display in
the entrance hall of a corporate building. All Displays are the backbone of monitoring.
displays provide the users an indication that With a display unit, the user is able to see the
the system is functioning. A clear display output power of the PV system. Some
gives much added value to the system, displays, may also include information on the
especially if combined with some graphic or consumption of the building, giving an
text explaining the concepts. When a estimate of the amount of electricity
problem occurs, the users may call the generated. The displayed values must be
specialists to resolve and fix the problem. Is clear, easily understood and accessed. If the
important that the user understands how to display is to be effective it must be in a place
make the necessary checks- the system where it is visible and accessible in everyday
activities. In some cases, displays were

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 8

 2
DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES

installed in an open area (hallway), but either (DTI,2006)

too high or too low to be easily viewed, thus
difficult to read. It is also not recommended 2.2.4. Design Software
to place displays inside the meter cupboard,
as they are not readily viewed. All system design programmes have
assumptions embedded in program
Other kind of displays are remote displays calculations. Therefore, the accuracy of the
which are easier to site, and may be provided output depends on the accuracy of those
with data from the inverter itself, or by a assumptions that are appropriate for the case
meter in the cabling from inverter to being considered.
distribution board. A significant cost to
installing this is the routing of the cabling to The software is designed to be general. The
the display, but there are instruments on the user can modify the values of a number of
market that avoid this by utilizing short-range operating parameters and built the software
radio transmission. with the desired parameters.
Most of software packages have imported
The easiest to fit is a simple indication as part data from packages and provide
of the inverter. Most PV inverter meteorological information for many sites
manufacturers offer an optional display. around the world. System designers should
However this can place severe constraints on select a data site that is climatically matched
the placing of the inverter, which would to the installation site with similar latitude.
normally be in a roof void, electrical switch (DTI,2006)
room, or some other secluded place.

If the display is to be effective it must be in a 2.2.5. Data Acquisition Systems

place where it is visible in everyday activities.
The main system tends to fall into two types:
Remote displays are easier to site, and may
loggers and computers. The advantage of a
be provided with data from the inverter itself,
logger is its simplicity and robust
or by a meter in the cabling from inverter to
construction, but its disadvantage is its
distribution board. A significant cost to
inflexibility and cost. A computer system, in
installing this is the routing of the cabling to
contrast, may be slower to set up and
the display, but there are instruments on the
commission, but has the advantage of a
market that avoid this by utilizing short-range
wider choice of operational modes and
radio transmission.
custom settings, while the cost may be less
for a system based on a desktop PC. The
There are many different formats of data that
choice between the types may well be
can be displayed: the most popular are the
dictated by the type of monitoring strategy.
instantaneous power being generated, and
the total energy to date. However, large
displays often include derived values that 2.2.6. Sensors
mean more to the public, such as numbers of
lights that are being powered, or the amount There is no limit to the inputs that may be
of carbon production being offset. A monitored for a PV System, but most systems
computer-based monitoring system can often will need to measure input and output
embed that information within a touch energy, and some environmental and system
screen driven information point, or to have it variables.
displayed on the website for the building.

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 9

2.3. Calibration and Recalibration chance to 'upload' any changes to the logging
schedule. The more sophisticated loggers can
The system should be set up and calibrated initiate a call to a fax or PC to report any
preferably in situ. The need for recalibration faults or out of range signals immediately
should be determined whilst considering the they are detected. The advent of the internet
length of time for the monitoring, and the has allowed PCs to connect to a local portal
accuracy required of the system. The via a local phone line, thus making
reference cell is particularly critical, but often downloading less expensive anywhere in the
the most difficult item to access. If annual world. If a telephone line is not available at a
recalibration is not practical back in the remote site, a cellular phone connection can
laboratory, an on-site comparison with a provide an equivalent facility.
reference device nearby may be adequate.
The entire monitoring system can also benefit 2.4.1. Data Analysis
from a comparative calibration using hand-
After collecting the PV system data, a
held reference devices (ambient temperature
detailed analysis should be conducted. In this
sensors, voltage and current meters, etc.).
way, the stored data can be a useful tool for
system monitoring and evaluation. Monthly
performance ratio values, array yields, etc.
2.4. Data Storage and have become the normal way of defining the
Transmission performance of a PV system and continued
use of this method will make it easier to
The data is generally stored in situ using RAM compare existing systems. Bar graphs can
for a logger, or using a hard drive for a also be embellished with sub-categories of
computer system. Loggers often include capture losses, system losses, etc. For
removable RAM cards, discs, or other example, keeping a bar graph record of daily
magnetic media, as a form of and monthly energy output is a simple way to
storage/retrieval. PCs may use multiple guarantee PV system performance and to
drives, or daily downloads, as a backup analyze possible system failures (Source:
storage method. Rudkin E. & Thornycroft J. 2008).
FIGURE 2.
Having recorded the data, it may be EXAMPLE OF A BAR GRAPH OF A 1KW PV SYSTEM
transmitted back to the monitoring
organization by many means. The simplest
logging systems may have to be physically
carried back to the laboratory and plugged
into a special reader device, or a PC serial
port.
Removable media allow the swapping of the
storage medium on site allowing monitoring
to continue uninterrupted. The only
disadvantages are that the new media may
not be inserted correctly, or the logger may
not be restarted, and the loss of data will not
be noticed until the next visit. Telephonic
transmission is often used, as it allows
frequent downloading of data (reducing the
length of any 'lost' periods), and also the

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 10

 ANNEX

ANNEX
Troubleshooting process tree - Grid connected PV system with backup system (F.Y Dadzie, 2008)

System is not supplying power

Are all fuses and circuit breakers

working?

Replace all failed fuses and No Yes Is there a voltage output at the
circuit breakers inlet to the service panel?

Is there an output from the AC No Yes Check service panel connections or

disconnect? replace service panel

No Yes Check cabling and tighten

Is power disconnected at AC
connections
disconnect?

Reconnect power at the AC Yes No Check output from Inverter. Is

disconnect switch there output from inverter?

Check output connections and Yes No Is there D.C. output from

continuity of cable battery bank?

Check Battery bank Check wire connection to

Yes No
1. Check that the battery bank fuse is intact inverter and if not still working
2. Check that all terminal connections are tight and clean. then Inverter has failed
3. Measure the battery voltage for the whole bank at the
output terminals with no load or inverter connected to it.
4. If the battery terminal voltage is as expected then the fault Check Solar Array
only appears under load. 1. Check for shading of the modules
5. The voltage of each battery is checked with a heavy load 2. Check for dirt on modules
connected. If the battery voltage drops significantly on 3. Check for any loose wires
connections then it means one or more battery cells might 4. Check current output for each string and check if any of the
have a short circuit which only appears under load. strings give an unrealistic low figure.
Is system working? 5. If an under performing string is identified, identify the particular
module by shading each module successively and checking the
relative changes in the ammeter reading. The module that when
Yes No shaded does not result in any change in ammeter reading is faulty.
End of troubleshooting

End of troubleshooting

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 11

 Scheuten Solar

INDICATIVE REFERENCES
- Architectural Energy Corporation, Maintenance and operation of standalone photovoltaic systems.
December 1991 http://www.scribd.com/doc/2994273/Maintenance-and-Operation-of-
StandAlone-Photovoltaic-Systems
- Black&Decker, Fully automatic battery charger instruction manual
http://www.baccusglobal.com/bd/manuals/BATTERY%20CHARGERS/BCS10B%20MANUAL.pdf
- Brooks Engineering, Field Inspection Guideline for PV systems, June 2010 (Version 1.1)
- Contractors Institute: http://www.contractorsinstitute.com
- DGS, German Energy Society (Deutsche Gesellshaft fur Sonnenenergie), Planning and Installing
Photovoltaic Systems. A guide for installers, architects and engineers second edition, Earthscan,
UK, 2008. Autor:LV Berlin BRB
- DTI, PV domestic field trial good practice guide: Good Practice Guide: Part I Project management
and installation issues (S/P2/00409,URN 06/795 ), 2006.
http://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/pdf/rpts/PVDFT_Good_Practice_Guide_Part_1.pdf
- DTI, PV domestic field trial good practice guide, Good Practice Guide: Part II System Performance
Issues (S/P2/00409,URN 06/2219),2006. Autors: Munzinger M, Crick F, Daya EJ., N Pearsall
N.(NPAC), Martin C.(EMC)
http://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/pdf/rpts/DFT_GoodPracticeGuidePart2_DTI.pdf
- James P. Dunlop, P.E. Batteries and Charge Control in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems
Fundamentals and Application, January 15, 1997
- Karamchetti J N., Maintenance of Solar Photovoltaic & Renewable Energy Installations.
Presentation, 2011
- Mitsubishi, Transistorized inverter, FR-F500 Instruction manual
http://www.westmillindustries.com/files/F500%20Manual%20Arrow.pdf
- NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), NABCEP study guide for
photovoltaic system installers, USA 2009. http://www.nabcep.org/wp-
content/uploads/2008/11/nabcepstudyguidev4-2april2009.pdf
- Pennsylvania Weatherization Providers, Solar Retrofits for Weatherization and Remodels.
http://www.pasolar.ncat.org/lesson08.php
- Rudkin E. & Thornycroft J., Good practice guide “Managing Installation of PV systems” 2008, BERR
- Sandia National Laboratories, Maintenance and operation of stand-alone photovoltaic systems,
December 1991.
- Frank Yeboah Dadzie, Design of a grid connected photovoltaic system for knust and economic and
environmental analysis of the designed system, Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 2008
- http://ecmweb.com/contractor/troubleshooting-photovoltaic-systems

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 13

 Tecnalia

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This Installers handbook was published within the framework of the PVTRIN project, supported by the Intelligent
Energy - Europe (IEE) programme.
The project steering committee members are:
Dr. Theocharis Tsoutsos (TUC/ENV, GR), Dr. Eduardo Román (TECNALIA, ES), Dave Richardson (BRE, UK), Gaetan
Masson (EPIA, EU-BE), Goran Granić (EIHP, HR), Christos Maxoulis (ETEK, CY), Ing. Camelia Rata (ABMEE, RO),
Antonis Pittaridakis (TEE, GR) and Violetta Groseva (SEC, BU).

The authors and the whole project consortium are deeply grateful to all those who have contributed with their
work in preparing, writing and reviewing this publication. Furthermore, we would like to express our thanks to the
Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) for their support.

AUTHORS: Mr. Christos Maxouli and Ms. Anthi Charalambous (ETEK), Ms. Ana Huidobro and Dr. Eduardo Román
(TECNALIA), Dr. Theocharis Tsoutsos, Ms. Stavroula Tournaki, Mr. Zacharias Gkouskos (ENV/TUC).

COLLABORATORS: Special thanks for their cooperation and contribution for the preparation of this document to
Mr Savvas Costa, SavCo Solar Ltd, Dr Andreas Ioannides, Johnsun Ltd, Mr Pambos Stavrinides, SolarWatt Ltd, Mr
Tassos Roussos, Enfoton Ltd,.Mr Cristos Pharconides, Ergo Home Energy Ltd, Mr Petros Christou, Conergy Cyprus
Ltd, Luis Davila and Julio Amador. Politechnical University of Madrid (Spain).

PHOTOGRAPHS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS to Conercon Ltd; Soitec, Scheuten Solar; Tecnalia;

A great deal of additional information on the PVTRIN project is available on the web at: www.pvtrin.eu.
We would welcome feedback on this publication, if you have comments or questions please contact the project
coordinator.

Legal Notice:
The sole responsibility for the content of this document lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the
European Union. Neither the EACI nor European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information
contained therein

PVTRIN Training course - Troubleshooting Guide 15

C E R T I F I E D I N S T A L L E R

PVTRIN PARTNERS
Partner Country Website

Technical University of Crete Greece www.resel.tuc.gr

Environmental Engineering Dpt.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems Lab
PROJECT COORDINATOR

Agency of Brasov for the Management Romania www.abmee.ro

of Energy and Environment

Building Research Establishment Ltd UK www.bre.co.uk

Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar Croatia www.eihp.hr

European Photovoltaic Industry Association EU/ Belgium www.epia.org

Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus Cyprus www.etek.org.cy

Sofia Energy Centre Bulgaria www.sec.bg

Tecnalia Spain www.tecnalia.com

Technical Chamber of Greece Greece www.teetdk.gr

Branch of Western Crete

www.pvtrin.eu