CMS inverter models repair guide
This repair guide for CMS solar energy system inverters aims to assist troubleshooting. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive user guide.
CMS stands for Carbon Management Solutions Pty Ltd. Some of the most popular inverters that they offer include the CMS1500 and CMS2000 models. Larger systems utilise the CMS5000 and CMS10000 models.
CMS Inverter Yield
If you want to have a good idea of the output produced by your unit, you can use the function button to scroll through “Energy={}kW”. All you need to do is to record this figure at the same time every day. You should notice that the reading should be increasing because if not, then there could be something wrong with your system. In this case, you may want to book a health check with trained experts.
On the contrary, if the number is increasing, but you deem that the figure is rather low, then it is still best to have your unit inspected. Otherwise, you can have a smart meter installed for you to be added to the data monitoring network of licensed electricians.
Common Issues of CMS Inverters
If your CMS inverter is working properly, its power light should be turned on while its fault light is powered off. In case the fault light is on, the screen of your inverter will display a particular error code which is related to the issue that it is encountering. Some of the most common error codes that you may encounter include an isolation fault, a grid fault, as well as a no utility fault.
- Isolation Fault. It is most likely for this error code to come up when water makes it way somewhere in the wiring of your system. In case water is not the cause of this issue, there is a great chance that your inverter already needs to be replaced.
- Grid Fault. Your inverter comes with a set of preferred operating parameters as part of its specifications. When the supply voltage of your inverter falls outside of the specified range, you can expect a grid fault to occur. However, if there seems to be no problem with the grid, then it is most likely that your inverter is already due for a replacement.
- No Utility Fault. If the solar supply main switch in the meter box of your system has tripped off, then you may encounter the no utility fault. Nevertheless, if this problem continues even if the isolators are powered on, then your inverter already needs to be replaced.
Repair Process
CMS may no longer honour the warranty of your inverter because they have already transitioned into receivership. In case you can reach the original installer of your unit, they will be in the best position to assist you in having your unit repaired as necessary. The repair process usually begins with a licensed electrician disconnecting your inverter. From there, they might return your inverter to a warehouse that can be located outside of your state. You will also need to cover the expense of the shipment.
On the other hand, the cost that you may need to shell out to have your unit repaired depends on the severity of the problem of your inverter. Once you have settled this amount, the unit will be shipped back to you, but you still need to pay for the freight charges required. Once the unit reaches you, you need the services of the licensed electrician to come and reconnect your inverter back to your system.
In this case, the accumulated expenses that you can incur in having your inverter repaired, in addition to the cost of your “solar downtime”, may prove to be more than the cost of getting a new inverter instead. Plus, in getting a new inverter, it is most likely that you will get to enjoy a five-year warranty.
Nevertheless, we can still help you isolate your CMS inverter troubles.
Need help with your CMS inverter? Call Solar Uptime
CMS inverters can sometimes be quite complicated. That’s why you must have them attended by CEC-accredited electricians from a trusted solar maintenance company. To ensure your inverter is repaired properly and quickly at a reasonable cost, call us at Solar Uptime any time.
Our team of trained technicians is always on standby to resolve all your solar inverter and solar panel problems as quickly as possible.
We will visit your property to inspect and assess your inverters. If necessary we will source any replacement parts and fix components that can still be salvaged.
Solar inverter expertise
Your solar inverter will undergo a number of performance and safety tests as recommended by qualified technicians before we return it to your home. We can also make a recommendation for a new solar inverter if this proves to be a more cost-effective solution.
Call us now at 1300 611 880 and talk to one of our friendly customer representatives to learn what we can do for you to get your CMS inverter back in good condition once again.
Solar inverter repairs FAQ
Yes, providing the damages are not exceptionally severe – here are some examples of solar inverter brands we have repaired:
- ABB / Aurora / Power One
- Aerosharp
- CMS / Carbon / Management Solutions
- Clenergy
- Delta
- Effekta
- Eversolar
- Five Star Energy
- Fronius
- Geoprotek
- Ginlong / Ningbo Ginlong / Eko
- Goodwe
- Growatt
- Imeon
- Ingeteam
- JFY
- JSI
- KACO
- KLNE
- Latronics
- Macsolar
- Oelmaier
- Omnik
- Orion
- Samil / Samil Power
- Solar River
- S.E.A.
- Sharp
- SMA
- SolarEdge
- Solar King
- SolarMax
- SolaX
- Solco
- Solis
- Sungrow
- Sunna
- Sunny Roo
- Sunteams
- Xantrex
- Zeversolar
- Zeus Apollo
The cost of the repair can be as low as $80 if it is simply a matter of replacing an external plug, switch or consumable part and it isn’t necessary to remove the inverter.
Standard workshop repair costs range from $195 to $495 – Please note there may be additional site visit fees applicable.
We provide a full range of solar inverter replacement options if repairs are not possible.
You will need to review your insurance policy details to determine if coverage is applicable for your solar system damages. If you’re not sure, contact your insurance company for clarification.
If required we can identify the cause of damage to the solar inverter by conducting a workshop-based electrical component forensic investigation and report.
To find out if your inverter is covered under warranty, first establish when the warranty period began. This is generally the date the system was installed.
The most common inverter warranty period we see is 5 years. However we recommend checking your paperwork as extended warranties are not uncommon and some manufacturers offer up to 10 years – we can assist you with the manufacturer warranty claim process.
Don’t worry. This information is available from your local electricity generator, which is Energex in South East Queensland, Ergon in North and regional Queensland and Essential energy for Northern New South Wales.
It looks like your options are limited and your inverter will need repairing or possibly replacing.
