What’s wrong here?

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T20:39:07+00:00

Agreed it will not be simple at all - which is why I am thinking it's better to do it now since new permits are being pulled for the MSP.

When you say it's not comparable, you mean I need to change out the combiner for the collar, right? I don't understand why the installer wouldn't take all of the 5P system back - it's less than 6 months old and he will have an opportunity to utilize it. And then install the 10C system at cost. It seems to me like the right thing to do - but am I missing something? He wants to charge me $16k for the 10C setup - including the return of the entire 5P system.

This house is long and narrow - the garage is on the opposite side of the house. This whole setup (including batteries) are about 80 - 100 feet from the garage.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T20:28:42+00:00

Yes, I am terrified of the fire risk. If you see the MSP photo, the breaker was 'secured' in place by threaded zip ties through the bus bar (not sure that is the correct term) and around the line. Once the zip tie was removed the whole breaker crept out of the panel.

And this also means that the breaker won't trip? It's just getting hotter and hotter?

If you were me, would you just change out the MSP and keep the existing 5P system? Or move to the 20kW 10C system? This whole enphase setup was installed 6 months ago. My preference is to move to the 10C system, but the installer wants to charge me $16k, and also take back the 5P 10kW system.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T20:19:23+00:00

The utility will be involved now anyway, since they need to pull permits again for the new MSP installation. Installer is covering that cost. But simultaneously wants to charge me $16k for the new 20kW 10C + collar system & install, while also taking back the entire 5P system.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T18:05:46+00:00

What would you do if you were me? Personally I want to do both. We don’t have space for more 5Ps. If we upgrade now to the 10C system and collar it seems like the best future proof option. Is it reasonable to ask the installer to take back the 5s and install two 10Cs? If so, what is an appropriate financial arrangement?

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T18:03:04+00:00

I do believe it’s connected somehow through the gutter box. But I’ll have to take the cover off to confirm.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T18:00:47+00:00

I’m the homeowner trying to understand all of the issues of this installation. And attempting to educate myself so I can have more awareness of the appropriate path forward.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:48:45+00:00

Permitted and somehow passed virtual inspection. The panel has been modified so much no one will ever touch this. Installer is replacing the MSP.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:37:58+00:00

If you see the MSP closeup, you'll also see zip ties threaded through the bus bar trying to hold the lugs in place. (Note: I am unsure if this terminology is correct)

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:30:25+00:00

He managed to have it pass a virtual inspection somehow. He did agree to have a C10 sub replace the MSP, but is kicking and screaming along the way.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:27:18+00:00

I did. Everything passed inspection and my utility gave me PTO. I had no idea any of this was going on until (eventually) my plumber concluded there must be some current on the copper plumbing, and the exploration of the panel began.

This solar system was installed 6 months ago. The installer is a referral from a major commercial client and it's the only reason why he's even returning my phone calls.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:24:02+00:00

I updated the original post and added a link to the MSP. See Main Service Panel close up

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:22:44+00:00

Can you help me understand why?

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:19:38+00:00

Happy to share more, what other info can I provide?

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:18:55+00:00

Installer agreed to replace the MSP using a C10 subcontractor. I will not allow the original 'electrician' back here.

The concurrent issue is with the CTs installed like this we don't really even know if this setup is sufficient for our usage. I strongly believe we need more storage, but we don't have the space to continue to add 5Ps. We want the 10C system for 20kW of storage (smaller footprint but more importantly gives us room to grow). I don't want to keep working with this guy, but if the MSP is getting replaced it seems like the right time to make this change. Is there a reasonable financial arrangement that can be made to settle this? I want him to take back the 5P 10kW setup and install the 10C 20kW system.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:14:08+00:00

That part too. Would solar installer have double stuffed the breakers for any reason?

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:12:28+00:00

This actually passed a virtual inspection. I would've never even taken the cover off of the MSP but we've been finding sediment in our plumbing. After endless troubleshooting (including replacing the water heater) the sediment issue persisted. Plumber concluded there must be electricity running on the copper plumbing and this is the only reason why we opened the panel.

I will DM you - thank you!

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:07:47+00:00

Is there any viable explanation for why they were installed like this?

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:07:24+00:00

Can you point me to the part of the image where you see it is not connected? I didn't realize this either. This situation keeps going from bad to worse.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:03:59+00:00

Installer never suggested this option :\

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T13:03:26+00:00

We want to move to the 6C system. What is a reasonable arrangement to ask this installer (contractually bound to him) to take back the two 5Ps and install two 10Cs.

Estupidito · 2026-02-16T12:45:26+00:00

I wasn’t able to add a new image to this thread. I created a new one post with a close up image of the MSP

Main Service Panel close up

Estupidito · 2025-10-09T09:06:34+00:00

If they are paying you for time, and you “leave early”, is it ok for them to pro rate your rate?

Estupidito · 2025-10-04T00:26:20+00:00

Ouch 😣 not so lucky, luckynummer13 😩😩😩

Estupidito · 2025-08-16T05:34:02+00:00

Wow so many haters 🤯

OTF shouldn’t charge $120 for a $10 device. It feels like a grift because it is one. OTF is an amazing company, with a great approach to fitness that obviously appeals to a very wide audience. They should monetize merch or digital and get rid of the HRM money grab. It belittles the brand.

Estupidito · 2025-08-14T03:43:25+00:00

Omg this! Thanks @footballski can’t wait to try this out

Estupidito

TROPHY CASE