Ground Fault error on Classic 200

Wbuffetjr1
Wbuffetjr1 Registered Users Posts: 92 ✭✭
Monitoring my Classic on My Midnite and it is showing a ground fault error message. System is showing normal "PV volts" but no "power".  After running flawlessly since last July this has just popped up. My system is 1,800 miles away. The error occurred one afternoon that there was some really ferocious winds, but no rain or lightning. 

 I have a buddy going up to check on it tomorrow. Any tips on the first things to look for that would cause this? 

48V bank with 3 strings of GC batteries. 

Comments

  • Wbuffetjr1
    Wbuffetjr1 Registered Users Posts: 92 ✭✭
    Here is one cause of a Ground Fault error


  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    That's nasty!
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • Horsefly
    Horsefly Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭✭✭
    Ah man!  That really stinks!
    Off-grid cabin: 6 x Canadian Solar CSK-280M PV panels, Schneider XW-MPPT60-150 Charge Controller, Schneider CSW4024 Inverter/Charger, Schneider SCP, 8S (25.6V), 230Ah Eve LiFePO4 battery in a custom insulated and heated case.
  • cow_rancher
    cow_rancher Solar Expert Posts: 117 ✭✭✭✭
    But it's insured... right?

    Rancher
  • Wbuffetjr1
    Wbuffetjr1 Registered Users Posts: 92 ✭✭
    Ha! No insurance. 
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Personally, I probably wouldn't claim it anyway. Between the deductible and a claims free "discount" (ie they jack up your rates after a claim), it's likely better not to claim unless part of a larger loss IMHO. Hopefully, the rack can be straightened and doesn't need to be replaced.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    How many panels were lost? Could have been worse, if that's any consolation, looks like 2 for sure.
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • Wbuffetjr1
    Wbuffetjr1 Registered Users Posts: 92 ✭✭
    yes two panels lost, but thinking I will have to buy three panels to replace (started another thread about it - those EXACT panels aren't available anymore). I wouldn't claim it either. MT Solar told me they will sell me the individual parts to replace the bent pieces. Very impressed with MT Solar all around. 

    Could have been a lot worse! I have been very lucky over the years with dodging things like this. I can't complain when it does happen. 
  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    You and a lot of us face that potential issue daily, every time the wind blows... Looks like Alaska ?? Canadian Shield? or just outside my door.... waiting for those warm southern breezes to come up the valley and finish the melt, lake not open yet either...
     
    KID #51B  4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
    CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM 
    Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
    2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
    Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
    West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
  • Horsefly
    Horsefly Registered Users Posts: 470 ✭✭✭✭
    If the third panel of that string is still functional, you really only need to replace the two that were wrecked. Mixing the panels you were considering in the other thread is no problem.
    Off-grid cabin: 6 x Canadian Solar CSK-280M PV panels, Schneider XW-MPPT60-150 Charge Controller, Schneider CSW4024 Inverter/Charger, Schneider SCP, 8S (25.6V), 230Ah Eve LiFePO4 battery in a custom insulated and heated case.