Product warning about the Aldi balcony solar or balcony power plant from Solovoltaik

Solovoltaik is issuing a recall notice for the 600W “Plug&Play” balcony solar systems SP 175/350Wp, which were advertised at Aldi-Nord on June 1, 2023, and July 3, 2023, and contain the MMI600 inverter. The inverter manufacturer states that some units may be missing a mechanical relay (coupling switch) as required by the VDE-AR-N4105 certification. If the relay is missing, the inverters may not meet the requirements and should be taken out of service. Solovoltaik is offering a free replacement of the inverter, and customers can request this on the website solovoltaik.net by providing their contact details and a copy of the proof of purchase. For inquiries, customers can contact the service hotline at +49 (0)201-20181200. The manufacturer guarantees comprehensive and unconditional information for end users regarding the affected product.

The “Plug & Play” SP 175/350Wp balcony solar systems from Aldi-Nord, equipped with the MMI600 inverter, have proven to be a popular choice for home solar power solutions. However, the inverter manufacturer has identified a potential critical issue with some units. It has been announced that certain units may lack a mechanical relay required for VDE-AR-N4105 certification. This certification ensures that the inverters meet applicable safety standards and function correctly.

Impact on performance

The absence of the mechanical relay can potentially affect the performance of the solar power system. The relay is crucial for the safe operation of the inverter. Without the relay, problems could arise that impair the proper functioning of the solar power system or, in the worst case, lead to damage. It is therefore of utmost importance that all owners of affected solar power systems take this issue seriously and take the necessary steps.

Free inverter exchange program

Solovoltaik has reacted immediately to resolve this issue and ensure customer safety. They are offering a free inverter replacement program to ensure that all affected inverters are equipped with the necessary mechanical relay. Customers who have purchased one of the affected solar systems are asked to have their inverter replaced immediately to minimize any potential risks.

How to request the exchange

The replacement process is extremely simple. Customers who own one of the affected solar systems can easily request an inverter replacement on the official Solovoltaik website. All they need to do is provide their contact details and a copy of their proof of purchase. The Solovoltaik customer service team will then contact the affected customers to coordinate the replacement process.

Alternatively, customers can also contact Solovoltaik's service hotline. Questions about the exchange and further information can be obtained by calling +49 (0)201-20181200.

In recent weeks, a scandal has erupted concerning mini solar power systems for home use sold at various German supermarkets, including Aldi, Edeka, and Kaufland. It has emerged that some manufacturers of these balcony solar systems do not meet German safety standards. The issue lies with the inverters, which lack a mechanical relay. Consequently, they fail to comply with the VDE safety standard. As a result, several manufacturers, including Anker, Deye, and Solovoltaik (which sells its products at Aldi Nord), have initiated recalls of their balcony solar systems due to non-compliant components, particularly the inverters.

Aldi customers who purchased the affected Solovoltaik model “600 W 'Plug & Play' Balkonkraftwerk SP 175/350Wp with the inverter MMI600” between June 1st and July 3rd, 2023, should contact Solovoltaik to receive a free replacement inverter.

Background and discovery of the scandal

The use of mini solar power systems for generating electricity on balconies and in gardens is very popular in Germany. Such systems are an environmentally friendly way to generate clean energy and reduce one's own electricity consumption. Given rising electricity prices and growing awareness of climate change, many consumers have viewed this technology as an attractive investment in a sustainable future.

However, the recent revelation of a scandal has cast doubt on the safety and quality of some of these mini solar power systems. Investigations have revealed that some manufacturers failed to take the necessary steps to bring their products into compliance with German safety standards. This has created a potential risk for consumers who purchased such systems.

Recall campaigns and affected models

In response to the discovered safety defects, several manufacturers of mini solar power systems have initiated recalls. Among the affected models is the "600 W 'Plug & Play' Balcony Power Plant SP 175/350Wp with the MMI600 Inverter," distributed by Solovoltaik and sold at Aldi Nord. It was determined that the inverter in these systems does not meet the required safety standards and poses a potential risk.

Affected customers should act immediately to minimize the risk. By requesting a free inverter replacement from Solovoltaik, they can ensure that their mini solar system meets the required safety standards.

Procedure for affected customers

If you purchased the affected model “600 W 'Plug & Play' Balcony Power Plant SP 175/350Wp with the inverter MMI600” from Aldi Nord or another supplier between June 1 and July 3, 2023, you should take the following steps immediately:

• Check your system: Make sure you own the affected model. To do this, check the product name and compare it with the manufacturer's specifications.
• Contact Solovoltaik: Use the contact form provided on the company website to request a free inverter replacement. Please include your contact details and product information.
• Always keep your receipt (especially for technical devices and equipment): For the exchange process to run smoothly, it is important that you keep the receipt and can present it if necessary.
• Safety precautions: Until the inverter is replaced, you should temporarily take your mini solar system out of service to avoid potential safety risks.
• Inform other affected users:** Share this information with friends, family and others who may have purchased the affected model to make them aware of the recall.

Cheap and quality often clash

The current recall of mini solar panels at various German supermarkets is an important issue concerning consumer safety. Manufacturers, retailers, and consumers must all fulfill their responsibilities to ensure the safety and quality of such products. The manufacturers involved have taken a significant step with this recall to regain customer trust and guarantee the safety of these systems.

By promptly requesting a replacement inverter and taking appropriate safety precautions, affected customers can all contribute to minimizing the risk of potential damage. Using clean energy through mini solar systems should remain an attractive and safe option for contributing to climate protection.