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SolarEdge•Unknown

Analysis by Marcus & Team

SolarEdge Battery Discharging During Storm Watch

Troubleshoot SolarEdge battery discharging during Storm Watch. Diagnose hybrid inverter behavior, identify causes, and implement solutions for residential ESS.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What are the typical DC voltage ranges in a SolarEdge residential system?

Typical DC voltage ranges can vary based on the number of panels in a string, but often operate around 380-400V DC. Check the string configuration and panel specifications.

•How often should I perform a battery capacity test?

A battery capacity test should be performed annually or as recommended by SolarEdge, especially if you observe a noticeable decrease in backup time or capacity.

•Where can I find the latest SolarEdge firmware updates?

Firmware updates are typically available through the SolarEdge monitoring portal or from your installer. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully during the update process.

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Marcus leads the technical research department at Storage Faults. Together with a team of systems analysts, he specializes in translating complex solar storage error codes into actionable diagnostic steps for the US market.

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Safety Warning:

High DC voltage is present in the solar array and battery system. Never attempt to work on live circuits. Always disconnect the DC disconnect switch and follow NEC rapid shutdown procedures before performing any maintenance or repairs. Arc flash hazards exist. Only qualified electricians with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should perform electrical work.

Step-by-Step Fix:

1

Verify Storm Watch configuration settings in the SolarEdge monitoring portal to ensure correct parameters are set.
2

Check the inverter firmware version and update to the latest version, following the manufacturer's instructions. Download the firmware via the SolarEdge portal.
3

Monitor the inverter's power flow data during Storm Watch to identify any excessive loads drawing power from the battery using the SolarEdge monitoring app or installer portal.
4

Use a calibrated multimeter to measure the battery voltage at the terminals. Compare to the BMS reported SOC. Discrepancies indicate potential BMS calibration issues.
5

Conduct a battery capacity test following SolarEdge's recommended procedure, which often involves controlled discharge and charge cycles. Note ambient temperature.
6

Review the inverter's event logs for any error codes or warnings related to battery management or Storm Watch functionality.
7

If issues persist, contact a qualified SolarEdge installer or service technician for further diagnostics and repair. Ensure the electrician has proper PPE for working with DC voltages up to 600V.

Technical Overview:

The SolarEdge hybrid inverter manages power flow between solar panels, battery, grid, and home loads. Storm Watch is a feature designed to preemptively charge the battery to full capacity in anticipation of a potential grid outage, based on weather forecasts. The system monitors grid voltage and frequency. During Storm Watch, the expected behavior is to cease battery discharge except to supply critical loads if configured as such. DC power from the PV array is converted to AC power for grid export or AC loads. Battery charging and discharging are managed by a bidirectional DC/DC converter controlled by the Battery Management System (BMS). Anti-islanding protection is crucial during grid events, complying with IEEE 1547 standards. NEC 2017/2020 rapid shutdown compliance ensures safety during emergencies.

Pro Tip:

Access the inverter's service menu (refer to the SolarEdge system manual for the specific key combination) and check the real-time weather data being received by the inverter. Compare this data to a reliable weather source to verify its accuracy.

Common Causes:

Inverter firmware bug misinterpreting Storm Watch signal or incorrectly managing battery SOC.
Incorrect Storm Watch configuration settings within the SolarEdge monitoring portal.
High self-consumption loads exceeding the available PV power, leading to battery supplementing the power demand.
BMS malfunction causing inaccurate SOC readings or premature discharge cutoff.
Grid instability triggering false Storm Watch activation and subsequent discharge.
Communication error between the inverter and the weather service, resulting in incorrect forecast data.

Symptoms:

The SolarEdge battery is actively discharging while the Storm Watch feature is enabled, contrary to the expected behavior of preserving battery charge for anticipated grid outages.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly update the inverter firmware to benefit from bug fixes and performance improvements.
Periodically review and adjust Storm Watch settings in the SolarEdge monitoring portal.
Monitor battery SOC and SOH through the monitoring app to detect any degradation or anomalies.
Implement scheduled capacity tests as per SolarEdge recommendations.
Ensure the inverter and battery are installed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.