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JuliusK

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Posts posted by JuliusK

  1. I can finally give an update to the status of my inverter after it go to Sunsynk last week Friday. Sunsynk got the inverter on their workbench on Monday morning and performed all their tests and check and found that both boards were damaged(top and bottom as they call it), the faulty boards were replaced and the unit tested. The unit was then booked for an over night courier this morning and it now on the way back to me.

    Overall I am extremely grateful and happy at the speed at which this repair was completed. My expectation were not very high by the other stories that I have read on this forum.

    I do have to say that getting hold of any of the repair team is extremely difficult. I would have to call several times a day to attempt to speak to someone, at times holding on for 30 mins.

    Overall I couldn't have asked for a better result in relation to the speed of the repair.

  2. 12 hours ago, markus_m2 said:

    Sunsynk has an excellent reputation locally, but recent support issues has that reputation (no longer so) slowly waning...

    As alluded to in a previous post, having a local support centre means F-all if this is the level of support we get!

    I'm really saddened by the level of service that I have received from Sunsynk. They portray a much better company than they actually deliver. 

  3. 8 hours ago, Moffat said:

    Why can they (Sunsynk) not just then give firmware to "Authorized Installers only", that way it is done with someone who is closer to the customer and can handle or arrange convenient times to either push the firmware remotely or do so "in person"?

    Your suggestion is not unreasonable. 

    But in our day and age where everyone including my mom has done a software update on their phone, we could manage these ourselves if the system was designed / programmed with that in mind. 

    My ideal scenario in a perfect world would be that you register your inverter with Sunsynk upon installation. Then Sunsynk emails you with an update stating that there is new firmware available for your version of inverter, or even a pop up comes up in your app? 

    Then you could walk over to the inverter and select the Update Software in the menu option on the inverter display. The inverter then checks in with home base, downloads the latest firmware and asks if you would like to proceed with the update now or later? 

    Reminding you that when you do the update it (the inverter) will disconnect all loads for the duration of the upgrade. Do you wish to proceed? 

    All of the above could also be handled within your app, following the exact same process.

    I don't think that this is an unreasonable expectation in our day and age and level of technology that we are exposed to on a daily basis.

    Why should firmware updates still be done manually in the factory in China? 

  4. 9 minutes ago, PowerUser said:

     

     

    There is no much point of arguing with me. The procedure is clearly stating - no load and no PV. And the procedure should be well known by any installer or any user who made the effort to do proper research upfront. 

    Could you provide any documentation that is publicly available on the Sunsynk website that will back up you statement "No load and no PV"?

  5. 47 minutes ago, PowerUser said:

    Yes, the PV must be off as well:

    For firmware updates, ensure that the inverter is on bypass mode and the PV is off. Failure to do this may damage your inverter.

    https://www.solar-shop.co.za/sunsynk-deye-hybrid-inverters/281-sunsynk-8kw-hybrid-inverter.html

    The procedure clearly states:

    Ensure you are not supplying loads with the inverter.

    Link: https://portal.segensolar.co.za/reseller/docs/Application Note – Sunsynk Deployments.pdf

    Can anyone join the Segen Support Group or is it for installers only? Just curious, would be great to get readily available info?

  6. 20 minutes ago, PowerUser said:

    Have you done a SunSynk installer course? I understand not all end users can do that, but then in such case, one must get himself familiar with the proper procedures or rely on an installer to do everything and not mess up the things. 

    I'm afraid, SunSynk are correct when they say most of their inverter repair issues are caused by end users and it's not the hardware fault.

    And I'm sorry to say, but it's extremely unethical when end users who don't understand the systems and correct procedures, come on public forums to rant about a company's "bad service" and even "demand" loan hardware when they they messed it up. SunSynk shouldn't honor any warranty claims in such cases.

    I've not done a Sunsynk installer course, I'm an end user. I have familiarized myself with most publicly available documentation from Sunsynk. Watched all of Keith's video's on setting it up. I've done alot of research on how the inverter works, making sure that I don't make any changes where I don't completely know exactly what will happen.

    I have previously done a software update, using the exact same channels with no one mentioning that no loads should be running.

    If this was such a critical requirement this should be publicized better and software updates should be then restricted to installers. I would totally support that, but Sunsynk sell's it's self as such a user friendly company.

    Considering the note you shared above was from an Application Note from Segen which I'm assuming is for resellers / installers, I don't think it's unethical for me to share my experience.

  7. 18 minutes ago, PowerUser said:

    Yes, the PV must be off as well:

    For firmware updates, ensure that the inverter is on bypass mode and the PV is off. Failure to do this may damage your inverter.

    https://www.solar-shop.co.za/sunsynk-deye-hybrid-inverters/281-sunsynk-8kw-hybrid-inverter.html

    The procedure clearly states:

    Ensure you are not supplying loads with the inverter.

    Link: https://portal.segensolar.co.za/reseller/docs/Application Note – Sunsynk Deployments.pdf

    If this is their requirement, this should be publicized way better and not on 3rd party website and distributors.

    I wonder why they don't have a button on the inverter it's self that just says "UPDATE NOW"?

    Then a prompt stating "ARE YOU IN BYPASS MODE"?

    "OK"---- update completed.

  8. 37 minutes ago, PowerUser said:

    Did you switch the changeover switch to Eskom mode before the firmware upgrade? It is required not to have any load on the inverter during a firmware upgrade!

    There was no mention of this when I completed the form on Sunsynk's website. I then waited 3 days before I emailed and chased them for the software upgrade this would mean that I would have to be on bypass indefinitely until it's done.

    This doesn't sound like a workable solution. I am in agreement rather do it by giving us the firmware files and we can flash it our selves via RS232 cable or something.

  9. Hi all,

    So I though I would share my experience with Sunsynk software updates and their support team.

    In a nutshell it's not been great, I'm now going on a week without an inverter and only this morning has Sunsynk collected my inverter for over night to JHB for repairs.

    My story so far.

    Last week Monday I requested a software update for my 8 kw Inverter due to an intermittent issue it was having where approximately once a month or so the touch screen would freeze and it would become unresponsive. I logged this issue with my installer who went and spoke with the distributor (Segen Cape Town) who advised that a software update would remedy the issue.

    I completed the online form as needed to request a software update from Sunsynk, I wait 3 days and on Wednesday I chase their support desk with an email. Where a prompt reply comes back and says they will do it shortly and have sent the request to their factory.

    An hour or two later my whole house goes offline, I go an investigate and I find that the inverter is displaying an error F34 AC_Overload. I think nothing of it shut everything down and restart my whole system, where again the same error pops up and nothing comes back online.

    I then start to panic and call the Sunynk support desk where on this occasion I manage to speak to a gentleman by the name of Gerrie, we go through the entire system and check all settings and nothing is adding up. I then open my Solarman app and start browsing in the inverter info section and see that he inverter rated power is now 5KW, well this is odd because my inverter is an 8KW.

    I mention this to Gerrie who then ask me to confirm the firmware version that is currently on my device and it turns out to be e419 - MCU 3881 which is the firmware for the 5KW inverter and not the 8KW. At this point I'm proper panicking. Sunsynk has flashed the wrong firmware on my inverter! How does this happen? Are there no controls? Gerrie says we can flash the correct firmware and see how it goes, so I agree, lets do it, it can only get better right? So Gerrie sent the request to the factory in China to flash the right firmware.

    It didn't get better, the flashed the firmware for the 8KW but not the whole firmware so now I am on e424 MCU6022, I do factory reset, reconfigure my inverter try to power it up, nothing same error comes up. Try get hold of Sunsynk Support, can't get hold of anyone. They promise they will call me back, nothing.

    Call again the next day, get through to Gerrie he send another request to the factory, the factory is not responding today, call Gerrie again, he chases the factory. He manages to get a request through to do another complete firmware upgrade, I am now at version COMM:E42c - MCU6022-0717. Happy days I think, It's all fixed... nope not a chance. Factory reset, same error F34_AC_Overload.

    Support is not coming back to me, try to get hold of Gerrie he's on another call. This in now Thursday afternoon before easter weekend. I somehow manage to get transferred to Brendan in the Netherlands and he also looks at the issue remotely, he confirms to me that according to what he can see my unit is damaged due to the firmware update. He says that we need to get my unit RMA'd, he will send an email to all the relevant people and update me.

    Easter weekend goes by, no email, no call. Try call Brendan on Tuesday, not picking up my calls, try call Gerrie he's busy. Try again on Wednesday no one available. At this point I start googling managers of Sunsynk and find the support manager. I get no where, I call the helpdesk again, share my sob story with the receptionist and ask her to transfer me to a manager. I get put through to Gerrie, he has a vague recollection of who I am, says he will speak to his manager about my situation and get back to me.

    Brendan from the Netherlands Whatsapp's me, he is off sick but he says that he has emailed relevant people to get my case moving.

    Phone Gerrie again, inquire about the RMA and getting a replacement unit. He says that they don't do that, they will repair what ever is wrong with the inverter main board and ship the unit back. Even though this whole issue was caused by Sunsynyk human error flashing the wrong software version, they will not replace my unit. They will splash out for the courier, i need to prep the inverter for shipping.

    I scramble to get my electrician to come out and remove the inverter from the wall, thank goodness he was able to squeeze me in. I no longer have the box as the install was over 18 months ago. I go and buy blankets from Makro, wrap the whole thing so it's padded all over.

    Finally today on Thursday 13th April my inverter was collected by the courier to head up to JHB for repairs. Reading all the repair horror stories on this site I am not holding my breath to get my inverter back anytime soon. Hoping for the best though.


    Eskom... have some stage 6 buddy!

  10. 11 minutes ago, Antonio de Sa said:

    @JuliusK   According to what I read on top there is no grid supply to the premises. So, no need for N/E bonding regardless of what type of inverter.

    Yes, would be nice to have an earth rod, but he does not have one, the solution I propose will work in the interim time, also suggest getting it tested. My friend I've lived in places in Africa where you have to do with what is available. I know what I'm talking about it, it worked for me, even using old car radiators. but I have to add, I had the necessary instrumentation to measure it. 

    Apologies not trying to start a fight. Just quoting from my experience. 

     

    I also had a chat to my dad who's an electrical eng about the earthing. To properly create an earth you would need at least 3 earthing rods but depending on what kind of material you have on the ground. If it's sand you may need up to 10 earthing rods. 

    So at a pinch your design may work but as you said you need to get it tested. The earthing should be below 10ohms (best case scenario). 

    Good luck! Exciting build! 

  11. I needed to have an additional earthing rod installed for my inverter installation.

    The specifications of the earthing rod is as follows, 1.5m in length, M15 thickness. Peg into the ground about 10meters away from the inverter or db board) as deep as it goes, so there is enough threading left to attach the earthing cable. Example of earthing rod (https://www.acdc.co.za/products/1-5m-x-m16-earth-rod-150-microns-copper?variant=30477844364)

     

    The N/E bond relay is also dependent on your inverter, the inverter will need to signal the relay to engage to create the bond. The Sunsynk has a control terminal for this and I also needed to have this installed. If you do not have grid power the odds are that you will need to bond the N/E permanently as the relay is only needed on my inverter when the grid is offline.

  12. Morning all, 

    Has anyone else experienced where their inverter touchscreen becomes completely unresponsive. It was showing no DC input either, even though the sun was out full blast. The inverter time was showing just after midnight even though it was around 7h30 (have a raspberry pi monitoring software, rebooted several times).

    The only way I was able to resolve it was to shut everything down and power on from scratch.

    First time this has happened since installation of 18 months ago.

    Any thoughts appreciated.

    Regards,
    Julius

  13. Hi all,

    Is there a way to upgrade the Sunsynk inverter that is not connected to the internet?

    I do not use one of the Sunsynk monitoring dongles, I use Solar Assistant running on a Raspberry Pi for my monitoring as I prefer everything to be local.

    Has anyone been able to upgrade their software offline?

    Thanks,

    Julius

  14. Howdy,

    I can whole heartedly say that you wont go wrong with a Hybrid inverter. I've been running a Sunsynk 8kw for the last 18months now and have had no issues with it. When it's hot and the sun is out my aircon actually runs off the solar, so depending on your solar array you may be able to do the same. Even if your aircon is on the unprotected circuit it will still benefit from the solar.

    Battery wise, I can only give you my experience with Pylontech. It has been great, they are really great batteries. I've heard good things about Hubble. I didn't have a chance to use the Sunsynk batteries as I installed my system before they were on the market. But since they are the manufacturers preferred battery probably can't go wrong with those.

    If you shop around you will see that most batteries are at a very similar price point per kwh. It's somewhere in the region of R7k per KWH.

    Good luck with your install!

    Regards,

    Julius

  15. 10 minutes ago, wolfandy said:

    That's also the way I am running things.

    But am using Sonoff POW Origin316 (16A). There are also 20A and 25A options for even larger loads.

    For the pool pump, you can probably even get away with a 10A

    I change my On/Off times for the devices between summer and winter to match my solar production profile. And if there are any odd days (e.g. strong overcast in summer) or you need to pay special care to loadshedding, then it's just a press of the button on your phone to switch things off.

    Appreciate the info and additional switch options.

  16. 1 hour ago, p_i said:

    How much power do your geyser and pool take? I've got my 3kw geyser on a Shelly 1PM which means I can control when I want it enabled as well as monitor its power usage. If the pool doesn't take more than 16A, this is another option for you. This way you can put your geyser and pool on essential and simply schedule (time based) or turn them on/off whenever you want when you don't have any other loads.

    Pool is just over 1kw and geyser is 3kw. Thanks, that is a good idea. I'll look into that.

  17. 23 minutes ago, WannabeSolarSparky said:

    I use one of these and it works great, moves the non-essentials onto the essentials side when there is loadshedding.

    https://e-glow.co.za/collections/battery-accessories/products/copy-of-ats-toq5-63a-ac-2p-230vac-tomzn

     

    Thanks for the suggestions. 

    In which wiring configuration should the inputs and outputs be? As on the diagram on the ats or an alternative? 

  18. Hi all, 

    I've been running an 8kw Sunsynk system happily for over a year now. 

    But what is annoying is when there is load shedding and more than enough solar for the pool and geyser to run but they can't operate because they are on the unprotected circuit. 

    Is there a way to setup some kind of transfer switch so that I could move all loads to protected circuit when needed? 

    Thanks in advance, 

    Julius 

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