Enphase Solar PV System Support, Faults and Repairs
Established in 2006 in California, USA, Enphase launched the world's first solar PV system utilising microinverters in 2008. As of 2024 there were over 4 million Enphase systems installed worldwide with a fair number of these being installed in the UK.
Enphase solar PV systems employ microinverters which are installed underneath each solar panel. Communications between each microinverter and the central management Envoy (later replaced by an IQ Gateway) are carried out at 144kHz over the electrical circuit(s) that connect the microinverters to the grid/mains. System management and monitoring is carried out via the Envoy/IQ Gateway using Enphase's Enlighten app/web portal, an essential component of the Enphase system. We have listed and described common faults with Enphase solar PV systems and what action to take to resolve them below:
All Solar Inverter Fault Codes, Warnings and Troubleshooting
Enphase Envoy
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Enphase Envoy LCD Screen:Clicking the image of the envoy to the left will open up a larger image in a new window. On the LCD display you can see 1) The Envoy's IP address 2) Web+ - The Envoy is connected to the internet, Web- - The Envoy is not connected to the internet 3) The current power being generated in Watts 4) The cumulative total power the envoy has measured since installation in Watt hours 5) The number of microinverters reporting to the Envoy. Enphase Envoy not connected to the InternetIf the Enphase Envoy isn't connected to the internet ('Web-'), it won't be possible to identify faults in Enlighten or be notified when a fault occurs. If the system isn't generating as expected and or the display is missing micoinverters, the first thing to do is to get the Envoy back online and find out what's going on. The Envoy is connected to the internet via an ethernet cable connected directly to an internet router that automatically assigns IP addresses via DHCP. Login to the router and ensure that it assigns IP addresses automatically, remove and reinsert the ethernet cable at both ends and reboot the router, reboot the Envoy, check that the Envoy is now displaying Web+ and is displaying an IP address other than 169.254.120.1. After a short while you should be able to see your system in Enlighten, inspect the system, identify and locate the fault(s) using Enlighten and the table of Enphase fault codes below. Contact us if we can help with any faults, re-establising an internet connection, logging into or setting up an Enlighten account. |
 Enphase Envoy S / IQ Gateway |
Enphase Envoy S / Enphase IQ Gatway Buttons and LED Indicators:Clicking the image of the envoy to the left will open up a larger image in a new window. The Enphase Envoy S / Enphase IQ Gateway has two buttons and four LEDs located at the top right of the unit.
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Enphase Envoy S / IQ Gateway not connected to the Internet
If the Enphase Envoy S / IQ Gateway isn't connected to the internet, it won't be possible to identify faults in Enlighten or be notified when a fault occurs. If the system isn't generating as expected the first thing to do is to get the Envoy S / IQ Gateway back online and find out what's going on. The Envoy S / IQ Gateway can connect to the internet via an ethernet cable or via wifi.
Connect via Ethernet The cable needs to be connected directly to an internet router that automatically assigns IP addresses via DHCP. Login to the router and ensure that it assigns IP addresses automatically, remove and reinsert the ethernet cable at both ends and reboot the router, reboot the Envoy S / IQ Gateway, check that the Enlighten Communications LED (top LED on the right of the unit) is green.
After a short while you should be able to see your system in Enlighten, inspect the system, identify and locate the fault(s) using Enlighten and the table of Enphase fault codes below. Contact us if we can help with any faults, re-establising an internet connection, logging into or setting up an Enlighten account.
Connect via Wifi
Ensure that you are using the latest version of the Enphase Enlighten App.
- Whilst close to the Envoy S / IQ Gateway open the Enlighten app and navigate to Menu > Settings > Connectivity > Configure Wifi
- A prompt will appear asking if you'd like to connect to the gateway, click 'Connect'. If the connection fails press the top AP Mode button on the top right of the gateway and try again.
- A prompt will appear letting you know that Enlighten wants to join the Envoy's network, click 'Join'.
- Click 'Scan Wifi Network' find your wifi network and connect the gateway to it.
- Enter your wifi network's password and click 'Join.
- Once connected, the top Enlighten Communication LED light on the Envoy S / IQ Gateway will turn green and afer a short while you'll be able to see your system's information in the app and or a web browser.
Remote Enphase Support
If you'd like us to take a look at your system and help diagnose faults and potentially resolve them remotely, you can grant us access to your Enlighten account as a user or as a solar PV system maintainer. A user will be able to see what you can see, a solar PV system maintainer will be able to make changes including making firmware updates, instigating power line scans and rebooting equipment.
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Granting remote access using the Enlighten app or a web browser Login to Enlighten and navigate to Menu > Account > My Access Control. Scoll to the companies section, here you will be able to add, see and manage the companies that have access to your account. Enter our email 'info@inbalance-energy.co.uk' in the 'add another' box and click ,Grant Access'. To also select us as your current maintainer, select our company name 'In Balance Energy' from the system maintainer drop down list and click 'Save'. Enlighten will send us an email informing us that we have been added to your account. If we're not already in contact, we will then use the contact details in your Enlighten account to contact you to discuss the next steps. We won't make any changes or carry out any updates without having discussed everything and gained your permission first. |
Enphase Solar PV System Fault Codes and Explanations:
* ACFOOR - AC Frequency out of Range - The microinverter(s) are measuring a grid (mains) frequency that is either too high or too low in relation to the parameters that they've been set to safely operate within. If this fault persists and mains power is available to other local circuits, check that all isolators, MCBs and RCDs on the AC side of the solar PV system are 'On'. If all microinverters are affected there is likely an issue with the mains/grid, if one or a few microinverters are reporting this fault then there is more likley to be a problem with the microinverter(s) or the local wiring. Contact us if we can help with this fault.
* ACVOOR - AC Voltage out of Range - The microinverter(s) are measuring a grid (mains) voltage that is either too high or too low in relation to the parameters that they've been set to safely operate within. If this fault persists and mains power is available to other local circuits, check that all isolators, MCBs and RCDs on the AC side of the solar PV system are 'On'. If all microinverters are affected there could be an issue with the mains/grid or the local wiring. If one or a few microinverters are reporting this fault then there is more likley to be a problem with the microinverter(s) although depending on the way the system's been connected, it could also be a problem with the local wiring. Contact us if we can help with this fault.
* Critical Temperature - This is an internal temperature measurement inside a microinverter that is running too hot, not a measurement of ambient temperature. The microinverter will attempt to derate it's power output to see if this will reduce the temperature. Once the temperature has reduced to an acceptable level full power will resume. If this condition persists then contact us.
* DC Resistance low - Power Off - The microinverter has measured a resistance to Earth/Ground from either the positive or negative DC input that is lower than an acceptable threshold and has shutdown power production. These faults could be due to damaged cabling, a damaged panel or moisture entering the circuit. These faults can also be temporary, if this is the case, a manual reset via a 'clear-dc-resistance-low' command instigated via the Envoy / Gateway can clear the fault and reactivate the microinverter.
To try and clear a temporary DC resistance low fault, login to Enlighten and navigate to the events tab. Click on the fault code and then click on the serial number of the affected microinverter. Click 'Reset DC Resistance Low - Power Off Sensor'. If the fault persists Contact us to discuss the next steps. You can read more about persistant DC Resistance Low faults and how to resolve them here: Ground Faults, Isolation (ISO) Faults, RISO Low Faults and Insulation Resistance Faults with Solar PV Systems
* DC Too Low - The microinverter is measuring a DC voltage that is too low. This could be due to low irradiance, low irradiance (sunlight) is to be expected in the mornings and evenings, if solar panels are in shade and on very cloudy days, if the fault passes on it's own relatively quickly the microinverter might simply be responding to external conditions.
However should there be plenty of sunlight and assuming that this is an existing installation that has been specified correctly, no changes near the installation area have been made that might have caused damage or induced shading, and the system has operated before without problems. This could indicate either a problem with the solar panel, the microinverter or the cabling. If the fault doesn't clear itself contact us to discuss the next steps.
* DC Too High - The microinverter is measuring a DC voltage that is too high. Assuming this is an existing installation that has been specified correctly and matched with compatible solar panels, this could indicate a problem with the micoinverter. If the problem persists contact us to discuss the next steps.
* Device Produced No Power - The microinverter hasn't generated any power within the last 24 hours. Check that all isolators, MCBs and RCDs related to the solar PV system are 'On'. If all microinverters are affected there could be an issue with the mains/grid, the envoy / gateway or the local wiring. If one or a few microinverters are reporting this fault then there is likley to be a problem with the microinverter(s) although depending on the way the system's been connected, it could also be a problem with the local wiring. Check the event logs in Enlighten for further information, contact us if we can help with this fault.
* Envoy Not Reporting - If the envoy isn't reporting first confirm that interet access is available to other devices. If the problem isn't with the internet in general, reboot the internet router and reboot the envoy / gateway.
If you've recently changed the internet router or the wifi password, use the steps for an ethernet or a wifi connection as outlined above to reconnect the envoy / gateway to the internet. Contact us if we can help further.
* Gateway Failure - There's been an internal failure within the Envoy / Gateway. Restart the unit by either switching it off at the plug, if hard-wired, switch it off via the circuit breaker. Leave it off for 30 seconds, then re-introduce the power. If the problem doesn't clear contact us to discuss the next steps.
* GFI Tripped - This error is generated when during normal operation of the microinverter, a leakage current to ground/earth is detected. It's is also possible that the microinverter generates this alarm message due to AC leakage currents connected to the capacitive nature of the solar panels compared to ground/earth or there could be a problem with the microinverter itself.
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For as long as the situation persists then the microinverter will not startup. Earth / Ground Faults (also called Insulation or Isolation Faults) often present themselves when it is raining or at times of high humidity when moisture can enter the solar PV system through damaged solar panels, connectors or cabling. These faults often clear when weather conditions improve but they will not get better by themselves, most often degrading and becoming more dangerous over time. You can try and clear this fault via a manual reset using a 'clear-gfi-message' command instigated via the Envoy / Gateway. Login to Enlighten and navigate to the events tab. Click on the fault code and then click on the serial number of the affected microinverter. Click 'Reset GFI Sensor'. If the fault persists Contact us to discuss the next steps. You can read more about persistant GFI Tripped faults and how to resolve them here: Ground Faults, Isolation (ISO) Faults, RISO Low Faults and Insulation Resistance Faults with Solar PV Systems |
* Grid Gone - The microinverter has disconnected from the grid/mains power supply, it is possible that this is a temporary fault if the grid supply is unstable or parameters out of range, but if the situation persists and the fault is only applicable to one microinverter, it's likely to be an internal component failure within the microinverter.
If the fault doesn't clear or if the fault is seen on all microinverters, check fuses, isolators, Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and Residual Current Devices (RCDs) in and around consumer units, around the solar generation and mains/grid supply meters and see if anything marked 'solar PV' or you can see is related to the solar PV system is switched 'off'. The solar generation meter draws it's power from the mains so if this isn't on, this would be a strong indication that something heading toward the incoming grid/mains power supply has tripped off.
 RCD
 MCB |
An RCD has a test button and is twice the width or a circuit breaker. An RCD that's switched itself 'off' is an indication that it has picked up an earth fault somewhere on the circuit that it protects, this fault could be anywhere on the circuit and might have been temporary. - If an RCD has switched itself 'off' it's ok to try to turn it back 'on' again. If you meet with instant and strong resistance to closing the switch, leave it 'off'. If it stays on for a short while and switches off when the solar PV system has warmed up and begun to feed in power, there's most likely a problem with the solar PV system somewhere, leave the RCD turned 'off' and contact us to discuss the next steps. If the RCD remains on for a few hours, weeks or days and then switches itself off, faults like these are often weather related. Damp cables and wet or windy conditions will often expose faults both physical and in design, with AC and DC cabling, connectors, solar panels and RCDs. Contact us to discuss the next steps. - If a circuit breaker has switched 'off' this is an indication of a short circuit, most likely a serious failure either with a microinverter or with the supply cable. Or for some other reason the circuit breaker has picked up a fault and isolated the circuit to prevent the solar inverter supply cable from becoming overloaded. Turn on circuit breakers at your own risk, there is the potential to cause damage and only do so when you are able to access and inspect the solar inverter and all isolation equipment whilst it's in operation. If you meet with instant and strong resistance, leave the circuit breaker 'off' and turn everything to do with the solar PV system 'off'. If the circuit breakers stays on and then switches itself off after a few minutes, this is reasonably strong indication that a microinverter has a serious internal fault. Turn off everything to do with the solar PV system and contact us to discuss the next steps. |
Everything's 'on' but the error remains and the microinverter won't start. If everything on the grid/mains power supply side including the solar generation meter is switched 'on', this would be an indication that there is an internal fault with the microinverter. Contact us to discuss the next steps.
* Microinverter Failed to Report - A Microinverter has failed to report over the power lines. This error may clear itself but if the problem persists and or if more than one or all of the microinverters are failing to report, there could be a problem with a microinverter, the envoy / gateway, the AC supply circuit or this could be an indication of weak or inteference with the comms.
The first step is to ensure that power is getting to and from the microinverters. Ensure that all circuit breakers and RCDs related to the solar PV system as well as the generation meter are 'On'. If a circuit breaker or RCD has tripped, follow the steps outlined in 'No Grid' above.
To rule out external interference or weak comms, switch off the power circuits to neighbouring loads (all circuits and loads except the PV array, the internet router and the Envoy/Gateway) and see if the situation improves. If the envoy is powered from a socket outlet try powering the envoy from a different outlet. The microinverters are set to report to the envoy / gateway every five minutes. If the fault clears when the solar circuits are operating alone, locate the source of the inteference by re-introducing the other circuits/loads one at a time.
If the AC supply and the comms are ok, and the fault is limited to one microinverter, this would suggest that the problem is with that microinverter. If the fault is shared with all microinverters this would suggest a problem with either the AC supply circuit or the Envoy / Gateway. Restart the Envoy / Gateway and restart the microinverters by switching 'Off' the AC supplies, wait 30 seconds and switch back on again. If the fault reappears, contact us to discuss the next steps.
* Over Temperature - This is an internal temperature measurement inside a microinverter that is running too hot, not a measurement of ambient temperature. The microinverter will attempt to derate it's power output to see if this will reduce the temperature. Once the temperature has reduced to an acceptable level full power will resume. If this condition persists then contact us.
Solar Power System Testing, Servicing & Maintenance
Regular solar PV system testing, servicing and maintenance will extend the life of a solar PV system and ensure that solar panels are always operating safely and at their best, whilst maximising yields.
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We offer complete safety and performance testing for solar PV power systems of any size. Includes solar panels, cables, solar inverters, isolators and mains connections.
We provide solar power system testing and maintenance services for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural clients across Southern, South West England and the West Midlands, with specialist experience working with farmers, developers and commercial and industrial buildings owners. |
Solar PV Inverter Replacement
If you have a faulty solar inverter, we offer an efficient, value for money, hassle free solar inverter replacement service. We offer good advice and install quality equipment with comprehensive warranty and support options. We will test the rest of the system as part of the service, take care of all hardware deliveries, record the new unit's serial number and confirm the warranty details with the manufacturer.
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Our solar electricians work cleanly and will dispose of any unwanted boxes, faulty equipment and packaging.
Many modern solar inverters can now use wireless home networks to transmit solar generation data to PCs, tablets and smartphones, so if you would like something like this, let us know and we will be happy to set it up as part of the installation. |
Solar PV Systems & Equipment, including Electrical & Roofing Systems
Grid-tie inverters, Hybrid Inverters, AC Coupled Inverters, Battery Storage Inverters, Off-Grid Inverters, Charge Controllers, Transfer Switches, Hot Water Controllers, Optimisers, Lithium Batteries, Lead Acid Batteries, Solar Panels, Mounting Systems, Test Equipment, Earthing Equipment, Electrical Distribution Equipment, Cable and Accessories
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Deliveries to anywhere in the UK are quick, tracked and accurate, technical support (by phone and on site if needed) and design/product advice is available before, during and after installation. The recording and collating of serial numbers, factory and other test results, manuals any other information required for equipment warranties, add ons and extensions is included. Trade, DIY and Retail Clients Welcome. |
Bespoke system design, equipment testing and integration support as well as on-site technical support and job/equipment specific training is available for off-grid, hybrid, larger and or more complex systems.
Mains/Grid Isolation and Surge Protection
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A whole house surge protector is installed to provide protection from transient overvoltages originating from the mains/grid. A whole house surge protector is installed directly inline and as close as possible to the incoming mains/grid supply meter, this allows for surge protection for all circuits and equipment including solar inverters, routers, stereos and other sensitive electrical equipment within the network. The addition of a 100Amp lockable isolator also allows for safe and convenient isolation of all electrical equipment within the network including consumer units, solar inverters, battery storage units and EV chargers from the mains/grid in one place. Surge protectors are in compliance with the recently updated 18th edition amendment 2 of BS7671. |
Articles: Further Information, Calculators & Solar Inverter Fault Codes
Lots of articles, calculators and technical information including links for further reading. Covering a range of topics related to the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic and electrical systems in the UK.
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How to provide backup power to a house using a portable generatorIn this article we show you how to provide backup power to your home using a portable diesel, petrol or LPG backup generator. We look at changeover switches, the importance of earthing, backup generator loadings, how to isolate non essential loads. We ask where to locate the backup generator when it's in operation, how best to safely isolate the grid/mains power supply and switch to a backup generator supply. Solar PV, Safety & The Building RegulationsResidential PV systems notifiable under Part P. Special consideration needed for Part A. A combination of serious risks for solar PV installers. BSI - PAS 63100:2024 - Protection Against Fire of Battery Energy Storage Systems for use in DwellingsThis Publically Available Specification (PAS) from the British Standards Institution (BSI) was sponsored by The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Although not yet a British Standard, this guidance was developed in response to an urgent demand for clarity as to good practice across the industry including product, service and process standards. Ground Faults, Isolation (ISO) Faults, RISO low Faults and Insulation Resistance Faults with Solar PV SystemsAfter a number of years exposed to wind, rain, snow, ice and sometimes animals; solar panel systems can start to develop faults. The most common faults we find related to exposure are ground faults, isolation (ISO) faults, RISO low faults and insulation resistance faults. In this article we take a look at what these faults are, the possible causes and what steps are taken to identify and resolve them. |
What Our Customers Say:
"I spoke to Glen as my inverter was coming to its end of life (10 years). Glen quickly appraised me of the many different inverters that I could use. I selected a similar SMA type. The next week Alex replaced it with a new inverter with WiFi connectivity. Everything is working perfectly (thanks Alex) in-addition I can now view my information through the Sunny Portal. A BIG thanks to Glen and Alex, superb service, highly recommended!!!!!" - David Powell, Worcester
Case Studies
We've carried out Solar PV System design, installation, testing, repair and maintenance work on solar PV systems of all shapes and sizes all across the UK.
Areas Served:
We are located in Wanborough, very close to Swindon in Wiltshire, Southern England, UK. From here we service clients within a 90 minute driving radius including the towns, cities and regions below:
Swindon: Abingdon, Aldbourne, Amesbury, Andover, Banbury, Basingstoke, Bath, Berkshire, Bicester, Blunsdon, Box, Bracknell, Bradford on Avon, Bridgwater, Bristol, Buckingham, Burford, Burnham on Sea, Calne, Camberley, Cardiff, Carterton, Cheltenham, Chippenham, Chipping Norton, Chipping Sodbury, Cirencester, Corsham, Cricklade, Devizes, Didcot, Evesham, Eynsham, Faringdon, Frome, Fleet, Glastonbury, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Henley-on-Thames, Highclere, Highworth, Hook, Hungerford, Keynsham, Kingsclere, Lambourn, Lechlade, Ledbury, Ludgershall, Lyneham, Maidenhead, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Marshfield, Melksham, Minety, Newbury, Newport, Oxford, Oxfordshire, Pewsey, Purton, Ramsbury, Reading, Ross on Wye, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Shaftesbury, Shalbourne, Slough, Southampton, Stow, Stratford upon Avon, Stroud, Swindon, Tewkesbury, Thatcham, Tidworth, Trowbridge, Wanborough, Wantage, Warminster, Weston Super Mare, Wiltshire, Winchester, Windsor, Witney, Wokingham, Worcester, Wroughton and Yate.
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