From: Richard van Dijk
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2019 1:26 PM
To: Michael Behr
Cc: ‘Jordan Weisman’
Subject: Inverter Monitoring
Mike,
Following our conversations over the last month, it is my expectation that Eltek/Delta provide an inverter that, at a minimum, has the same inverter monitoring capabilities as the recalled Theia inverters.
Please provide me with an action plan with time line that resolves this issue.
Best,
Richard van Dijk
From: Michael Behr
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2019 10:54 AM
To: Richard van Dijk
Cc: ‘Jordan Weisman’
Subject: RE: Inverter Monitoring
Richard,
As we have discussed, the Delta Solar Inverters do not currently have a model with the identical monitoring capabilities as the recalled unit. The available models have changed over time and the exact same unit is no longer available. We have provided you with a replacement model that provides all of the core functionality of the recalled unit, along with a new 10 year warranty. In addition, we reiterate our offer to provide third party remote monitoring, which will provide you with some of the monitoring capability you seek. We also are continuing to investigate other alternatives that may provide additional monitoring capability, but have not yet identified a feasible alternative. If we are able to identify a feasible alternative, we will be happy to provide it to you.
Regards
Michael Behr
V. P. Quality, Eltek
Information & Communication Technology BG
Delta Electronics (USA) Inc.
From: Richard van Dijk
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 10:45 AM
To: ‘Michael Behr’
Subject: RE: Inverter Monitoring
Michael,
The word “same” really caught your attention…… Try the word “similar” or “comparable” instead.
That then pretty much negates most comments in your last email.
That brings us back full circle….. You took away something I had for close to four years and used on a regular basis – remote PC based system monitoring.
You replaced it with something that has remote monitoring capabilities far beyond that of the Theia but by not enabling the remote monitoring features it was completely crippled and became nothing more than a black box.
I recall you saying one needed a WiFi card but you could only order 50 from Delta. Suggested you request a sample and now all of the sudden the WiFi no longer works and is no more an option.
Feature refresher
From Rev 4 Delta data Sheet
• Smart app integration
• Bluetooth® & Wi-Fi® enabled, supporting cloud-based data collection, monitoring, software updates and control via a web portal
From Rev 5 Delta data sheet dated April 2018 – the latest downloadable from Delta website.
Supporting bi-directional cloud communication & monitoring
Option: Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, 3G/4G cellular communication
From eltek data sheet 2012
Monitoring and Communication Introducing a new level of user friendliness, the THEIA HE-t range has an integrated web server, thus eliminating the need for any external web server. A color screen with touch sense buttons provides an intuitive user interface, while displaying operating conditions in clearly arranged graphs and diagrams. For sites with multiple THEIA HE-t inverters installed, a single inverter can act as a central monitoring hub, collecting data from all invert-ers linked on the site network to provide a single point of access, allowing a quick site performance check – either remotely or on-site – at any time
For the European market Delta apparently thinks it very important for you to monitor your system
Excerpt from: http://www.solar-inverter.com/en-GB/757.htm
You can never be too attentive: system monitoring via computer, tablet or smartphone
Professional system monitoring systems are often unaffordable for homeowners’ personal use. To meet this need, Delta developed SOLIVIA monitor, an optimized solution for small systems that refuses to compromise on
ease of operation and functionality.
The SOLIVIA Monitor internet portal allows you to always keep an eye on your system. No additional, expensive hardware displays are required; you access your system simply by using your existing computer, tablet or smartphone. Show your friends and acquaintances your energy yield statistics or post them directly on Facebook or Twitter using the SOLIVIA LIVE App available for Apple iOS and Android versions.
Excerpt from: http://www.solar-inverter.com/en-GB/261.htm
Comfortable management of PV plants and customers
After registration all users can set up an unlimited number of PV plants.
Manage your PV plants by analysing statistics and operation status, upload nice images to the portal or check weather conditions at the installation location.
Registered installers can additionally administer customers and set up the PV plants in the portal for them.
European Web Portal
https://login.solar-inverter.com/
For the American/ROW market Delta also thinks it is important to monitor systems as there is a worldwide cloud infrastructure that can monitor just about every inverter Delta makes.
https://mydeltasolar.deltaww.com/
While surfing the web to research Delta I came across a multitude of inverters that compete in the residential solar segment . All the top brands not only advertize remote system monitoring but actually offer it for free as an added selling point. They all provide system monitoring capabilities comparable to the Theia. SMA, Fronius, Solaredge and Huawei are some examples. Many of these companies rely on cloud computing as does Delta and Eltek.
Your comment about the replacement providing all the core functionality of the recalled unit is not accurate. Inverters in the residential solar segment including Delta’s have had integrated/plug in communications and monitoring capabilities for years and is a definitely a core part of the inverter.
Thank you again for your offer to install a third party monitoring system but they are not an option. They cannot provide system status which Delta sells as being is important.
I doubt that no amount of logic or common sense will change the marching orders you have been given about remote monitoring. The tell was when you said -“my hands are tied” and “we are getting out of the business”.
The Delta M8 as currently configured is featureless and a far lesser product than the Theia it replaced.
As there appears to be no hope of enabling the features that come with remote monitoring, I suggest that in order to make me whole, you replace the Delta M8 with one of the inverters mentioned above.
Regards,
Richard van Dijk
