SolarMax inverter models repair guide
This repair guide for SolarMax solar energy system inverters aims to assist troubleshooting. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive user guide.
SolarMax inverters generally come in two types, namely the string inverter, as well as the central inverter.
String Inverters
String inverters support multiple strings of solar panels, hence their name. SolarMax came up with four main models of string inverters.
SHT-Series 50-60kW and 17-30kW
The SHT-series 50-60kW is a line of three-phase inverters perfect for large commercial and ground-mounted structures. Their quad MPP trackers pave the way for an optimum energy yield. The string fuses of the inverters are integrated, which brings forth a high efficiency. The models under the SHT-Series are also able to accommodate a wide input voltage range. Because of an integrated WLAN and an RS485 interface, data communication is made more effortless.
There are also inverter models in this series with a rated power of 17-30kW. These are perfect for medium-sized commercial structures. The dual tracker of the models in this series brings forth an optimum energy yield and they have a protection class IP65, which makes them suitable for outdoor use.
SMT-Series 6-15kW
The SMS-Series are specifically designed for high-power residential usage. The nominal power that the inverters yield ranges anywhere from one to five kilowatts. The models in this series are designed to have a 98% efficiency with two independent MPP trackers and an additional input voltage range. They also have an integrated wireless LAN with either a GPRS or an RS485 interface. For an even more seamless data communication, the models under this series are incorporated with an LED status light. The great thing about the inverters in this series is their compact size and high power-to-weight ratio.
TP-Series 5-7kW
The TP-series of SolarMax is perfect for residential purposes. The inverter models in this series can easily be installed because of their simple connection concept, which encompasses the communication connections, external interfaces, as well as the grid connection.
Central Inverters
Central inverters are designed for the use of large commercial solar power systems. It can be comparable to a string inverter, only that it is capable of handling more power and offers greater efficiencies. For this reason, you won’t be able to find central inverters used in residential solar power systems.
TS-SV series 330-1440 kW
The TS-SV series can be considered as the ultimate solution for large-scale PV installations. The models of inverters in this series are durable and dependable because of their consistent use of film capacitors and power semiconductors. They can maintain a Euro efficiency of 97% and an MPP efficiency of 99.9%.
TS-SV inverters have a central control and operation unit where important data and other settings are easily readable. They also come with an integrated data logger that saves the inverter’s output and performance, including its yield, peak output, and operating hours. For easy data communication, the inverters can readily be connected to a communication system using an RS485 or Ethernet interface.
MaxConnect PLUS
The MaxConnect PLUS central inverter of SolarMax is designed to accommodate 900V through its high-quality components. This means that this inverter model has an integrated string fuse monitoring and overvoltage conductor that serves as its protection against extreme operating conditions. It also allows for the individual strings bundled in the PV generator to be disconnected and metered for maintenance as necessary.
Common Issues with SolarMax Inverters
You are most likely to possess a SolarMax string inverter for your household. In this case, some of the most common issues that you may encounter may stem from a faulty installation. Otherwise, you can also experience overheating, isolation fault, as well as a grid fault.
In most cases, the issues that you encounter with your solar power system cannot be attributed to your inverter alone. Rather, it can be caused by a wide variety of other factors. However, when the cause of the fault is within your inverter, there is a great chance that your unit needs to be replaced.
Need help with your SolarMax inverter? Call Solar Uptime
SolarMax 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 SolarMax 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.
