Earth Fault On Solar Panels

It s a frustrating situation but it can often be quickly and easily resolved.

Earth fault on solar panels.

Oftentimes the problem that prevents your solar panels from performing to the fullest is faulty wiring. Replace the battery fuses. Measure the voltage on the solar cables. Cover the solar panel and reconnect the cables paying special attention to polarity unless proceeding to step 3 below.

Inspect the module for any damage. If a ground fault occurs parts of the system may still be live. Dc isolators are not the only cause of earth faults but it seems clear that they re the main culprit. It s also possible that one solar panel in your pv array failed.

Some of the things that can interfere with the production of electricity are loose connections as well as corrosion and oxidation. Modules with defective module isolation unshielded wires defective power optimizers or an inverter internal fault can cause dc current leakage to ground pe protective earth. This should be between 18 and 25 volts. Introduction in photovoltaic systems with a transformer less inverter the dc is isolated from ground.

This makes pv ground fault troubleshooting difficult. Such a fault is also called an isolation fault. Fault finding on solar pv panel systems. As mark williamson of the clean energy regulator noted at energy storage australia 2015 over 80 of serious electrical safety issues with home solar systems in australia have to do with dc isolators.

Typically moisture in the morning will provoke solar system ground faults and strings are down until the fault dries up in the sun. In some cases solar panel earth faults are periodic which means they are only present at certain times. Disconnect the product from voltage sources and make sure it cannot be reconnected before working on the device. As the pv modules are connected in series one failing pv module will shut down the entire system.

The fault reading indicates that the third module counting up from the negative conductor side of the string is where the fault has occurred. Look for cracks on the glass or cells below. Fortunately to date none of the fires or failures associated with the isolators have resulted in human injury. Also don t forget to check the module s backsheet for any gouges or scratches.

Now unless you are a licensed electrician you should not tamper with the wiring yourself. Zero output is a common problem and in nine out of ten cases it is due to a faulty inverter or charge controller. Touch the cables of the pv array on the insulation only. We ve put together this guide to help you save time and money.