Hi All

*Please note I am not a solar expert but have a solar system of my own so I know a thing or two

I am posting on behalf of my neighbour, who just had his Solar system installed today and is experiencing an issue.

The system consists of the following:

• SUNGROW 8KW 1P HYBRID

• SUNGROW 12.8KWH BATTERY

• 8x CANADIAN SOLAR 144 CELL 590 N TYPE MONOCRYSTALINE

https://imgur.com/a/Zre2TwX

The problem is when the inverter tries to connect to the grid, it immediately causes the prepaid meter to trip and does not connect to the grid.

The system is essentially running permanently in back up mode.

The prepaid meter is a "Conlog BEC23"

The potential problem I noticed is that it looks like the CT is installed in the wrong place see below:

https://imgur.com/ozH1UaA

https://imgur.com/aicrGuM

The installer installed the CT clamp around the "220V INV SUPPLY 1 breaker" Live wire.

My First question is should this CT clamp not be installed on the live wire coming from the prepaid meter which is located in the kitchen? The clamp is currently installed in this breaker box next to the inverter.

My 2nd question is what even is 220V INV SUPPLY 1 breaker for? We tried turning it on and off and nothing happens, the only breakers that do something is the "utility supply breaker" which is Eskom power and "220V Inv Return 1" which is power supplied from the inverter

We have not spoke to the installer about the CT clamp since I noticed this late, however the installer insisted that the prepaid meter must be replaced with a new meter to fix the tripping problem.

Thanks appreciate any info anyone has on this.

I agree that the correct place for the CT is downstream from the meter. However, the meter tripping can be caused by the inverter settings allowing it to export or the CT being installed the wrong way around.

@frivan thanks for reply, so we can try and flip the CT maybe that can work? I know my Deye inverter can be switched to zero export to load instead of CT. I am not sure if the Sungrow inverter has this option but we can check.

9 hours ago, Ulwaysultra said:

@frivan thanks for reply, so we can try and flip the CT maybe that can work? I know my Deye inverter can be switched to zero export to load instead of CT. I am not sure if the Sungrow inverter has this option but we can check.

First confirm zero export settings are active. Perhaps even try zero export before zero export to CT. If zero export to CT trips the meter immediately, flip the CT.

10 hours ago, Ulwaysultra said:

The prepaid meter is a "Conlog BEC23"

Prepaid meters and any sort of inverter are often a problem. When the tripping is sorted out your neighbour may find they have another problem. They may not be able to load more units.

There is always the actual meter and a CIU (customer interface unit) which the customer uses to track the balance & to load units. Usually the CIU and the meter communicate over the wiring of the house. There needs to be a direct connection between the two.

So if there is an inverter between the CIU and the meter, that direct connection is broken.

So if your neighbour can't use the CIU they will need to plug it into a wall socket thst is not backed up.

Many folks have a socket installed that is connected directly to the incoming grid power. The CIU is then plugged into that

@frivan @Bobster. , Thanks all for the input, we will bring these to the installers attention

2 hours ago, Bobster. said:

Many folks have a socket installed that is connected directly to the incoming grid power. The CIU is then plugged into that

I have sockets that are not backed up and so can be used, in the outbuildings. But you have to go out there, plug in the CIU and then hold it in one hand whilst you try to read that long number and punch it in - which is really a three-handed job. All the sockets inside the house are backed up and thus pre-paid unfriendly. My wife has mobility issues and so I had that extra socket put in.