Solar & Electrical | Services & Systems

Sofar Solar Energy Storage Inverter Faults and Repairs

Established in 2013 Sofar Solar launched the ME3000SP Energy Storage Inverter in the UK in 2015. The ME3000SP proved to be a very succesful add on for new systems but proved to be particularly popular with those looking to add energy storage to existing solar PV systems. The Sofar Solar system is AC coupled and works with any type of Solar PV system or when used purely for it's energy storage functionality with no solar at all.

As a result of their popularity we have become familiar with repairing, servicing and diagnosing faults with Sofar Solar Energy Storage Inverters. The ME3000SP inverter has an LCD display on the front of the chassis. Identifying error codes shown on the display (assuming the display is working) is usually the best place to start in diagnosing the fault and getting systems using Sofar Solar Energy Storage inverters up and running again.

All Solar Inverter Fault Codes, Warnings and Troubleshooting

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How to restart a Sofar Solar ME30000 Inverter

• Turn 'Off' any solar PV generation by isolating the solar PV inverter, you can do this either at the circuit breaker or the AC isolator.
• Turn 'Off' the AC mains connection to the Sofar Solar inverter either at the breaker or by switching 'Off' an AC isolator installed between the Sofar Solar inverter and the mains (if available).
• Switch 'Off' the batteries and any DC isolators/circuit breakers/fused disconnectors installed between the batteries and the Sofar Solar Inverter
• To ensure that the CT clamp orientates itself correctly, ensure that 200 Watts or more AC load is being drawn before you restart.
• Turn 'On' the batteries and any DC isolators/circuit breakers/fused disconnectors and wait a few minutes. The Sofar Solar inverter needs to communicate with the batteries first.
• Turn on the AC isolator/circuit breaker between the mains and the Sofar Solar inverter.
• Turn 'On' the solar PV generation.

If the restart is succesful one of the green lights will come on and confirm it's current status (charging or discharging). The LCD display will show how much power the solar PV system is generating, the AC loads, the amount being imported/exported from/to the grid and the battery status.

Sofar Solar ME3000SP Energy Storage Inverter Fault Codes and Explanations:

• ID01 - GridOVP - The inverter is measuring a grid (mains) voltage that is too high in relation to the parameters that the inverter has been set to safely operate within. If this fault persists contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the inverter or with the grid.


• ID02 - Grid UVP - The inverter is measuring a grid (mains) voltage that is too low in relation to the parameters that the inverter has been set to safely operate within. If this fault persists and mains power is available to other local circuits then check that all isolators, MCBs and RCDs on the AC side of the solar PV system are 'On'. If automatic safety devices such as MCBs or RCDs have switched 'Off' then leave them 'Off' and contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the inverter, the supply circuit or with the grid.


• ID03 - GridOFP - The inverter is measuring a grid (mains) frequency that is too high in relation to the parameters that the inverter has been set to safely operate within. If this fault persists contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the inverter or with the grid.


• ID04 - Grid UFP - The inverter is measuring a grid (mains) frequency that is too low in relation to the parameters that the inverter has been set to safely operate within. If this fault persists and mains power is available to other local circuits then check that all isolators, MCBs and RCDs on the AC side of the solar PV system are 'On'. If automatic safety devices such as MCBs or RCDs have switched 'Off' then leave them 'Off' and contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the inverter, the supply circuit or with the grid.


• ID05 - Batt OVP - The inverter is measuring too much voltage from the batteries. Assuming that this is an existing installation that has been specified correctly, hasn't recently been changed or added to and has operated before without problems. This could mean either a problem with the batteries or with the inverter. We would advise that you book a solar repair engineer to test the DC side of the system including and excluding the inverter.


• ID09 - HW_LLCBus_OVP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID10 - HW_Boost_OVP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID11 - HwBuckBoostOCP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID12 - HwBatOCP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID15 - HwAcOCP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID17 - HwADFaultIGrid - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID18 - HwADFaultDCI - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID19 - HwADFaultVGrid - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID21 - MChip_Fault - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID22 - HwAuxPowerFault - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID25 - LLCBusOVP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID26 - SwBusOVP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID27 - BatOCP - The inverter is measuring too much current from the batteries. Assuming that this is an existing installation that has been specified correctly, hasn't recently been changed or added to and has operated before without problems. This could mean either a problem with the batteries or with the inverter. We would advise that you book a solar repair engineer to test the DC side of the system including and excluding the inverter.


• ID28 - DciOCP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID29 - SwOCPInstan - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID30 - BuckOCP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID31 - AcRmsOCP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID49 - ConsistentFault_VGrid - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID50 - ConsistentFault_FGrid - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID51 - ConsistentFault_DCI - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID53 - SpiCommLose - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID54 - SciCommLose - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID55 - RecoverRelayFail - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID57 - OverTempFault_BAT - The temperature of the battery is too high, this could be due to a number of factors, for example 1) If the batteries are exposed to direct sunlight 2) If the batteries have been installed without adequate ventilation around them. 3) The battery components are getting too hot due to an internal component fault. If the units aren't running hot you could try reducing the maximumum charge/discharge current in the settings. If this condition persists then contact us


• ID58 - OverTempFault_HeatSink - The temperature of the inverter is too high, this could be due to a number of factors, for example 1) If the inverter is exposed to direct sunlight 2) If the inverter has been installed without adequate ventilation around them. 3) The inverter components are getting too hot due to an internal component fault. If the units aren't running hot you could try reducing the maximumum charge/discharge current in the settings. If this condition persists then contact us


• ID59 - OverTempFault_Env - The temperature of the environment is too high, this could be due to a number of factors, for example 1) If the equipment is exposed to direct sunlight 2) If the equipment has been installed without adequate ventilation. 3) There is an internal component fault. If the units aren't running hot you could try reducing the maximum charge/discharge current in the settings. If this condition persists then contact us


• ID65 - unrecoverHwAcOCP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID66 - unrecoverBusOVP - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID70 - unrecoverOCPInstant - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID75 - unrecoverEEPROM_W - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID76 - unrecoverEEPROM_R - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID77 - unrecoverRelayFail - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID81 - Over temperature - The ambient temperature around the inverter is too hot. This could be due to a number of factors, for example 1) If the inverter is exposed to direct sunlight 2) If the inverter has been installed without adequate ventilation around the chassis which would allow excess heat to dissipate 3) The inverters components are getting too hot due to an internal component fault. If the unit isn't running hot and if after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID82 - Over frequency - The inverter is measuring a grid (mains) frequency that is too high in relation to the parameters that the inverter has been set to safely operate within. A fault such as this, will try to correct itself, the inverter will monitor the grid and reconnect when the frequency is within range. If this fault persists contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the inverter or with the grid.


• ID83 - Long dist Load Sheddng - The inverter has received a remote command to decrease it's power.


• ID84 - Long dist Off - The inverter has received a remote command to turn off.


• ID85 - SOC is greater or equal to DOD or Battery voltage is low - The inverter has stopped discharging because either the user set depth of discharge limit has been reached or the battery voltage is too low.


• ID86 - Bat Voltage Low Shut - The inverter has shutdown to protect the batteries as the battery voltage is too low.


• ID94 - Software Version Is Not Consistent - The software version of the inverter needs to be updated. Contact us.


• ID95 - CommEEPROMFault - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID96 - RTCFault - This is an internal error within the inverter. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID97 - InValidCountry - The inverter's country code and grid connection settings need to be reset. Assuming that this is an existing installation that has been specified correctly, hasn't recently been changed or added to and has operated before without problems. This could mean a problem with the inverter, contact us for assistance wih this.


• ID98 - SDfault - The SC card needs to be replaced, contact us to arrange this.


• ID100 - BatOCD - There is a battery fault related to overcurrent whilst discharging. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID101 - BatSCD - There is a battery fault related to overcurrent whilst charging. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID102 - BatOV - There is a battery fault related to overvoltage. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID103 - BatUV - There is a battery fault related to undervoltage. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.


• ID104 - BatOTD - The temperature of the battery is too high whilst discharging, this could be due to a number of factors, for example 1) If the batteries are exposed to direct sunlight 2) If the batteries have been installed without adequate ventilation around them. 3) The battery components are getting too hot due to an internal component fault. If the units aren't running hot you could try reducing the maximumum charge/discharge current in the settings. If this condition persists then contact us


• ID105 - BatOTC - The temperature of the battery is too high whilst charging, this could be due to a number of factors, for example 1) If the batteries are exposed to direct sunlight 2) If the batteries have been installed without adequate ventilation around them. 3) The battery components are getting too hot due to an internal component fault. If the units aren't running hot you could try reducing the maximumum charge/discharge current in the settings. If this condition persists then contact us


• ID106 - BatUTD - The temperature of the battery is too low whilst discharging, this is most likely due to low environmental temperatures around the batteries. If the operating temperatures are within range and after a safe shutdown and restart the condition persists then contact us


• ID107 - BatUTC - The temperature of the battery is too low whilst charging, this is most likely due to low environmental temperatures around the batteries. If the operating temperatures are within range and after a safe shutdown and restart the condition persists then contact us

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Sofar Solar Energy Storage Inverter Manual

Sofar Solar Energy Storage Inverter Manual v1.6

Solar Inverter Recycling: - Recycling Sofar Solar Inverters

Sofar Solar inverters contain valuable materials such as copper and aluminium, these materials are in high demand and recycling them is significantly less energy intensive than extracting them from ore.

If you find yourself with a damaged or faulty Sofar Solar inverter, we will be pleased to help you recycle it.

• There is no charge for this service but all costs involved with decommissioning and transportation are covered by you.
• If you're delivering an inverter to us in person, although it's usually no trouble to arrange other days, the most convenient time for us is between 9am and 2pm on a Saturday, please let us know of your visit with an approximate time in advance.
• We do not buy or sell used solar inverters or used inverter parts. For UK buyers and sellers, we've found ebay to be the best place for buying used solar inverters and inverter parts.
• We can accept deliveries by courier at all times throughout the week but please contact us before you arrange this.
• We can also help to recycle solar panels, solar batteries and solar mounting equipment.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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

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.

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Mains/Grid Isolation and Surge Protection

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.

Mains/Grid Isolation and Surge Protection

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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.

How to provide backup power to a house using a portable generator In 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. BSI - PAS 63100:2024 - Protection Against Fire of Battery Energy Storage Systems for use in Dwellings This 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. Solar PV, Safety & The Building Regulations Residential PV systems notifiable under Part P. Special consideration needed for Part A. A combination of serious risks for solar PV installers. Ground Faults, Isolation (ISO) Faults, RISO Low Faults and Insulation Resistance Faults with Solar PV Systems After 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.

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What Our Customers Say:

"Very decent with a helpful attitude and expert in the technical side and reliable too. Had to integrate with our roofers to use their scaffolding before and after their work to take down and reinstall our PV panels. Helpful scheduling. Up and running again to our satisfaction at a decent price." David Ballard, Ramsbury

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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.

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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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