Troubleshooting Your Solar Inverter

If you've ever dreamed of living off-grid or thought about making your home self-sustaining, you might want to consider solar panels. Solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into an electrical current using a solar inverter. This electrical current operates your lights, appliances and anything else in your home that relies on power. While solar systems are extremely reliable, these inverters can sometimes fail.

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Solar Inverter Troubleshooting

Solar inverters are the brains of your solar panel system. When inverters malfunction, it can affect your entire system and cause it to shut down. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems can help save you money and keep you from needing to schedule a service call. However, if you're uncomfortable working with electrical components or unsure of what you’re doing, contact a professional or the company that installed your solar panels.

What Are Common Solar Inverter Problems — and What Do They Mean?

The following are some of the most common solar inverter issues and how to diagnose them.

• Reduced power output. When solar panels aren’t producing as much power, inverter problems could be the issue. Check to ensure your panels aren’t in a shaded area. Other problems could be an accumulation of dust or aging parts. Regular cleaning and inspection can help prevent these problems.

• Overheating. Solar inverters must operate within a safe temperature range. Poor ventilation or a malfunctioning cooling system can cause overheating. Make sure your panels are well ventilated, and inspect the cooling system to prevent overheating.

• Ground faults. Ground faults can lead to electrical safety issues that will shut down your system. The cause is usually damaged or loose wiring. Inspect your panels regularly, including all connections, and address any moisture issues that can cause corrosion.

• Inverter error codes. Most inverters have a display panel that notifies you of specific issues. Look up the error code in your owner’s manual for detailed solar inverter troubleshooting instructions.

• Sync issues with the grid. When the inverter fails to sync with the grid, energy production stops. This is due to mismatched grid voltage settings. Adjust the settings using the owner’s manual or contact a professional to fix the problem.

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How Do I Know If My Solar Inverter Is Bad?

Address inverter problems as soon as possible to prevent more costly repairs. The following are signs your inverter may need repairs or a replacement:

• Malfunctioning display. Irregular or nonexistent messages on your inverter display might indicate internal damage. Check the connections for loose or rusted wires.

• Persistent error messages. Recurrent or regular error codes indicate a problem with your inverter. Keep a log of these errors to diagnose them correctly and provide a detailed list of issues if you must contact a repairman.

• Unusual noises. Solar inverters operate quietly. A buzzing or clicking sound might indicate component failure. This requires an immediate diagnosis and repair.

• Reduced energy output. Monitor the power output of your solar energy system. Changes in power output could be a sign of inverter or panel issues that require a service call.

• Unexpected shutdowns. Frequent or sudden system shutdowns usually indicate internal failures or connection problems. Address these problems as soon as possible to prevent a total loss of power.

How Do I Reset My Solar Inverter?

Resetting your solar inverter can resolve many issues. Check your owner’s manual for the exact steps for your system. The following is a general guide to performing a system reset.

• Safety first. Turn off the main switch to your system. It’s usually located on the main switchboard or in the breaker box. Look for a switch labeled “Solar supply main switch” or “Inverter box isolator.”

• Disconnect the inverter. Unplug the inverter from the system.

• Wait for the system to discharge. Keep the inverter unplugged for at least 5 to 10 minutes before restoring power.

• Reconnect the inverter. Plug the inverter back into its power source and turn on the circuit breakers. Some models may require you to press a restart button.

• Wait for system start-up. Check the inverter panel and monitor the system for normal operations. Make notes of any error messages or abnormal indicator lights. If the reset fails to fix the problem, contact your solar panel company for further information and solar inverter troubleshooting tips.