Is my solar working? 5kw Growwatt

[a turner]

A cry for help please. I had a 5KW solar system installed at the beginning of December and I don't think it's working correctly. The Growatt inverter has an error message 401 lack of communication. Scrolling through the settings this morning I have power 59W, E today .1Kw, E total 37.4, PV1 201V 7W, PV2 439V 56W, PM 0.0W
We have tried to work with the installers but they are slow to respond and I hoped to find a quick friendly response here.

[megaphone]

Lack of communication likely means the inverter has no Internet connection. Does it have a wired or wifi network connection? Do you have an app for logging into the inverter or 'cloud' service?

[a turner]

Thanks for getting back. No the inverter has no internet connection although I do see on Ebay that it is possible to buy a blue tooth transmitter to plug in. The inverter has a communication connection to an Eastron SDM 230 DR but as far as I can see no connection to the smart meter.

[megaphone]

That looks like your export meter, pretty irrelevant these days if you have a smart meter. What tariff are you on? Do you have an export tariff? Is the installation 'your's' or is it on a scheme or grant?

The smart meter is 'smart' enough to work out if your system is exporting, it doesn't always need a communication connection to the inverter.

[a turner]

more pics

[OutInTheShed]

There are many GroWatt products, it would help to get the exact model number and download the manual.

The comms error could be related to an RS485 or similar link to the smart meter rather than wifi/web monitoring?

The big difference in string voltages looks odd.

[a turner]

Thank you again. I bought the system supplied and fitted, when the electrician had finished he said 'that's it it's working'. My main concern is the error message and flashing green light and the seeming lack of power generated. We are awaiting a DNO certificate, we are on Octupus agile.

[miniman]

a turner said:

more pics

Is that outdoors?

[a turner]

Yes outdoors

[megaphone]

Can't understand why an internet connection or wifi data logger was not installed, that would give you and the installer access to the online portal.

[megaphone]

Also is the sun shinning? You'll get little power generation if it's cloudy.

[a turner]

As I write we are in full sun, I have PV1 192.4V 11.6W PV2 420.5 V 51.5W

[megaphone]

Have you tried power cycling the inverter? Turn off the DC isolator (I'm assuming the red rotor switch which really should be labelled) And turn off the AC breaker. Then power up. Might fix the comms error.

[megaphone]

For reference at looking at my Solis App, at 10.30am my 1.5kw system is generating 138V DC and 775w. 750w AC

Edited by megaphone on Sunday 2nd March 10:39

[a turner]

Thanks everyone, I will check again at mid day for max result.

[OutInTheShed]

Has the maximum export been set to zero until the paperwork comes through?

[a turner]

Good point out of the shed, I would like to pin my hopes to this. It would still be useful to know if our solar panels are actually working as intended. I will post some readings later.

[OutInTheShed]

What happens if you switch on a load like a fan heater?
So you could generate 2kW without exporting?

Really, you need to get the exact model number and download the manual, there are menus you can pip through and it should tell you stuff.

[a turner]

midday pv1 191volts 8watts pv2 418volts 55watts

[a turner]

our smart meter[ the one indoors ] shows normal consumpsion it never gos negative charging the car etc at this moment