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

Solovoltaic provides information about the exchange of the 600W “Plug & Play” balcony solar systems SP 175/350WP, which were advertised on 01.06.2023 and 03.07.2023 at Aldi-Nord and contain the MMI600 inverter. The manufacturer of the inverter announces that some devices may have a missing mechanical relay (coupling switch) in accordance with the VDE-AR-N4105 certification. If the relay is missing, the inverters could not meet the requirements and should be taken out of operation. Solovoltaic offers a free exchange of the inverter, and customers can request it on the Solovoltaik.net website by providing their contact details and a copy of the purchase receipt. For inquiries, customers can contact the service hotline at +49 (0) 201-20181200. The manufacturer guarantees comprehensive and unconditional information for end users about the affected product.

The “Plug & Play” balcony solar systems SP 175/350WP from Aldi-Nord with the MMI600 inverter have proven to be a popular choice for home solar power solutions. However, the manufacturer of the inverter found that some devices could have a critical problem. It was announced that certain units may not have a mechanical relay that is required for VDE-AR-N4105 certification. This certification ensures that the inverters correspond to the applicable security standards and function perfectly.

Impact on performance

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

Free inverter replacement promotion

Solovoltaik responded immediately to resolve this issue and ensure customer safety. They offer a free inverter replacement promotion to ensure that all affected inverters are equipped with the required mechanical relay. Customers who have purchased one of the affected solar systems are asked to have the inverter replaced immediately to minimize possible risks.

How to request the exchange

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

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

In recent weeks, a scandal has emerged surrounding mini solar systems for home use at various German supermarkets such as Aldi, Edeka and Kaufland. It turned out that the mini solar systems of some manufacturers of balcony solar or balcony power plants do not meet German safety standards. This is about the inverters that lack a mechanical relay. This means they do not meet the VDE safety standard. As a result, various manufacturers such as Anker, Deye and Solovoltaik (which sells products at Aldi Nord) have launched recalls for their balcony solar systems due to non-compliant components, particularly the inverter.

Aldi customers who have acquired the Solovoltaik model “600 W 'Plug & Play' Balcon power plant SP 175/350WP with the MMI600 inverter” between June 1st and July 3, 2023, should contact Solovoltaik free of charge.

Background and discovery of the scandal

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

However, the recent revelation of a scandal has raised doubts about the safety and quality of some of these mini solar systems. Investigations have shown that some manufacturers have not taken the necessary measures to adapt their products to German safety standards. This created a potential danger for consumers who purchased such systems.

Recalls and affected models

In response to the discovered security deficiencies, several manufacturers of mini solar systems started recalls. Among the affected models is the product “600 W 'Plug & Play' Balcon power plant SP 175/350WP with the MMI600 inverter”, which was sold by Solovoltaik and sold at Aldi Nord. It was found that the inverter does not correspond to the necessary safety standards in these systems and represents a potential risk.

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

Procedure for affected customers

If you have acquired the affected MMI600 or another provider between June 1 and July 3, 2023, if you have acquired the affected “600 W 'Plug & Play' Balcon power plant SP 175/350WP with the MMI600 MMI600 inverter”, you should immediately take the following steps:

• Check your system: Make sure you have the affected model. To do this, check the product name and compare it with the information provided by the manufacturer.
• Contact Solovoltaik: Use the contact form provided on the company website to request a free inverter replacement. Please provide your contact details and product information.
• Always keep the proof of purchase (especially for technical devices and systems): For the exchange to run smoothly, it is important that you keep the proof of purchase and be able to present it if necessary.
• Safety measures: Until the inverter is replaced, you should temporarily take your mini solar system out of operation 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 conflict

The current recall campaign for mini solar systems at various German supermarkets is an important issue that affects consumer safety. Manufacturers, retailers and consumers must assume their responsibility to ensure the safety and quality of such products. With the recall, the affected manufacturers have taken an important step to regain customer trust and ensure the safety of these systems.

By promptly requesting inverter replacement and taking appropriate safety measures, affected customers can help minimize the risk of potential damage. The use of clean energy through mini solar systems should remain an attractive and safe option to make our contribution to climate protection.