Sunny Boy SB1200 config

[Dillsue]

Just bought a used SB1200 for a demo rig and cant get the inverter to generate. It powers up ok but sits there with the display showing "waiting". From what I can see it cant start because the start up voltage is lower than the set start voltage which is 120vdc by default. The  DC PV voltage is around 150vdc so I guess a previous owner has raised the start voltage??

 

Anyone familiar with the Sunny Boy and know how to check and adjust the start voltage? Are there any other reasons it would sit there "waiting"??

[joth]

To check, you've plugged the AC outlet into the grid mains via a death plug or something?

 

Edited June 9, 2023 by joth

[SteamyTea]

Some Sunnyboys needed a special installer code to set them up.

You ask SMA for it, they do some checks, then send you a code.

Also, some SMAs can't be Sunnyboys, or Windyboys, quite different configurations, though the same inverter.

You can usually plug a laptop into them and configure them, I think the connection software is on the SMA website.

Finally, is it set up for the UK, they usually are set up for Germany, the SB TL4000 (may be renamed now) had a small dial that you had to set from 11 to 9 I think. Failure to do that caused all sorts of problems.

There was also a problem with DC voltage on some if the smaller ones, usually got round it by oversizing the array by 20‰ to get a more consistent higher voltage.

 

It is over a decade since I played with them, so much may have changed, but I doubt it.

Edited June 9, 2023 by SteamyTea

[Dillsue]

It's connected to the grid and comes up with a fault if I unplug it, so its seeing the grid ok.

 

It's set up for the UK and not showing any faults but just wont come out of the "waiting" state. If theres a known problem with DC input on smaller units then that's a bit worrying. I'm limited on array size for demo purposes and bought this piddly inverter cos it's spec says 150vdc is enough to get it generating.

 

 

 

 

[Dillsue]

Hooked the inverter up to a few panels and had another go at getting it going. It seems it takes an age to come out of a "waiting" state and start generating. Left it 20 mins and when I came back it was working. I'm used to Solaredge kit which gets itself up and running in 20 seconds!!

 

Thanks for comments/suggestions.