The latest Clean Energy Council Approved Product List shows two solar inverters delisted due to their failure to shut down correctly in a blackout, which poses an unacceptable safety risk.
The inverters, both made by Shenzhen, have been removed from the CEC’s Approved Products List, having failed to pass safety and compliance testing.
Only solar panels and inverters which meet CEC standards are eligible to receive the Australian Government’s solar rebate, and Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) can only be issued if approved products are installed.
Installers are therefore advised to check existing stock and not install the models mentioned. Owners who have already installed these models should contact their supplier and seek further advice.
Homeowners should also check the CEC’s Approved Product List for solar inverters before getting a solar quote for home installation. This ensures selected products are eligible for a solar rebate.
Shenzhen Sofarsolar (Mass Energy) solar inverters delisted
Shenzhen’s Sofar 3000TL inverter failed CEC tests for compliance with AS 4777-2. This is a standard which specifies tests and requirements for low voltage inverters exporting electricity to the grid.
The Shenzhen Sofarsolar Co Ltd inverter model also failed two anti-islanding trials. These passive anti-islanding and active anti-islanding tests are an important safety element on solar inverters.
Anti-islanding Protection instantly detects loss of grid power and shuts the inverter down in event of a blackout. Without it, power worker electrocution and infrastructure damage may result.
Shenzhen JingFuYuan Tech (JFY) solar inverters delisted
The Shenzhen JingFuYuan Sunleaf 3000TL inverter has also failed compliance testing against the AS 4777-2 standard and both passive and active anti-islanding benchmarks.
Like the Sofar 3000TL, tests showed that the Sunleaf 3000TL may not shut down correctly in the event of grid failure. This is deemed to pose an unacceptable safety risk.
Because it isn’t practical to test all relevant Shenzhen inverters, the CEC has decided to de-list both models. This assumes all products may be unsafe until proven otherwise.
Choosing an installer with CEC accreditation will ensure your solar power system meets national standards for quality and safety.
Now is the right time to switch to Melbourne solar energy. We recommend seeking at least 3 solar quotes to ensure that you are getting the best deal and selecting the right solar installer in Melbourne whom you can trust. With this, you can guarantee a solar system in Melbourne that meets your energy needs.
