AC Line Overvoltage L2 at inverter

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Grid connected solar system has been in place for 4 years. During the last week I got frequent "L2 line overvoltage" errors from my inverters, which then shut down for a while before reconnecting. When the inverters are off (due to the overvoltage error), the line voltage indicated on the inverter display typically fluctuates between 257 and 259 V. When the inverters are online and feeding, line voltage indicated on the inverter display is typically 260-261 V. Sometimes it goes down to about 240 V. According to http://solarprofessional.com/articles/design-installation/voltage-rise-considerations-for-utility-interactive-pv-systems?v=disable_pagination , I conclude that the utility grid voltage is above it's upper design limit. Location is Los Angeles (LADWP). Can someone confirm this?

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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I'd concur with your diagnosis.  Call the utility and ask them to verify and maybe reset the transformer tap.
    And check the grid voltage late night, or pre dawn and see if it's still high without anybody's solar generation happening
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
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  • lelson
    lelson Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭✭
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    Similar situation in Nevada. utility acknowledges regulator failure that could "burn your house down"
  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,746 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
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    Nevada Energy said this?
     Inverters have protection built in to be UL listed.  How high of voltage do you have. Might burn up the inverter but not your house if installed correctly!
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
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