I've had a bit of a headache with my solar setup lately. A squirrel wreaked havoc by gnawing through the wires in my entire panel array. I've managed to replace the damaged wires with new MC4 connectors and some butt connectors for any extensions needed. After getting all the panels back in place, I tested for voltage (though I don't have a DC current tester) and turned the system on. Surprisingly, only 16 out of my panels are showing up on the SolarEdge inverter. I've tried checking a few panels that aren't powering the optimizers and while I'm getting a full open circuit voltage of 41V, I see zero DC amps. I've also done a continuity test on the panel, and it checks out fine. I'm at a loss for what might be the problem.
2 Answers
If your inverter isn't detecting the optimizers, each panel will only produce around 2 volts. You mentioned having two strings with panels arranged randomly. Check the panels connected to the optimizers; they should be reading between 1.5 to 2 volts if everything is working. If those aren't producing, the issue might be in your wiring between the panels and the optimizers. Try posting a layout of your setup with the panels that aren't working. Also, did you inspect your optimizers to see if they're functioning again?
Can you check if there’s voltage on the input side of the optimizers? That might help figure out what’s going wrong with your panels.
I have voltage coming from the solar panel, so wouldn’t that mean there’s voltage on the optimizers' input too?
Yeah, there are two strings, but it's a mix of panels down. When I test the panel, I'm seeing 40V but not any amps, and the optimizer output is showing 0V when connected.